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are represented with in old French pictures. In this ludicrous equipment the Abbé proceeded to the theatre, and took his place in the boxes.
No sooner had he entered the house than the oddity of his appearance struck every spectator. All eyes were directed to the extraordinary figure, and every tongue was set in motion by it.
Armand, who performed the part of harlequin, spied the old lady of a former century. He went to the boxes to obtain a nearer view of her, and perceived, to his astonishment, that the matron had a masculine beard, which had been shaved by some unskilful barber. He had no doubt that a man was disguised in this old-fashioned female costume. He went up to the Abbé, and whispered, "Sir, you are discovered. Your extraordinary dress attracts the notice of the pit to such a degree that there is reason to apprehend some disturbance. I would advise you to retire."
The affrighted Abbé sprung from his seat, and requested the actor to show him the way out. "Follow me," replied Armand, quickly turning back, as he had to appear in the next scene. The Abbé followed as fast as he could; but such was the haste of his monitor, that he lost sight of him among the crowd of spectators just as he was leaving the boxes. A loud hiss from the pit accompanied his exit. This in-