A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 28: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

24 A GENTLEMAN FROM GASCONY. The foremost of the Tzigani, a swarthy man, with brilliant black eyes, took a flying leap to the top of the short flight of steps in front of the canvas doer, and fac- ing the tumultuous throng, raised his hand in mute appeal. As soon as silence was partially restored, he struck an attitude, and harangued the people as follows: “Messieurs and mesdames, lords and noble ladies. The Signor Pharos here present, the director of this in- comparable troupe, thanks you. Have patience, he beseeches you, and this evening you will be well re- warded for your courtesy. A wonderful performance, unparalleled juggling, dancing such as the Bacchantes never equalled, singing to give you a foretaste of Para- dise, and the marvellous comedy, ‘The Chevalier who Sold his Wife to the Devil!’” A roar of laughter greeted this, and after it had sub- sided the gypsy continued: “We hope that your enlightened taste will accord us a greeting like to that we have received throughout all Italy, where we had the distinguished honor to appear before princes.”’ With sweeping reverences to right and left, amidst vociferous applause, the celebrated director of the Gelosi troupe descended from his perch. As the rabble gradually melted away, he turned to one of the Tzigani near him, a strikingly handsome girl with the midnight eyes and raven hair of her race, and said: “ Mirza, I don’t see the comrade which chance cast in our company.” _ “The poor fellow we picked up half-dead on the high- way?” “ Exactly.” (E(@) Eomicbooks