The _mise en scene_ was therefore lugubrious and had its effect upon the merry visitors.

The jokes died away, they spoke in whispers, and however much some tried to appear indifferent, their lips framed no smiles.

All felt as if they had entered a house where there was a corpse, an illusion accentuated by an odor of wax and incense.

Don Custodio and Padre Salvi consulted in whispers over the expediency of prohibiting such shows.
Ben-Zayb, in order to cheer the dispirited group and embarrass Mr.Leeds, said to him in a familiar tone: "Eh, Mister, since there are none but ourselves here and we aren't Indians who can be fooled, won't you let us see the trick?
We know of course that it's purely a question of optics, but as Padre Camorra won't be convinced--" Here he started to jump over the rail, instead of going through the proper opening, while Padre Camorra broke out into protests, fearing that Ben-Zayb might be right.
"And why not, sir ?" rejoined the American.

"But don't break anything, will you ?" The journalist was already on the platform.