His young friend's attitude irritated even more than it amused him.

But he said nothing for the moment, waiting while the traditional three knocks on the floor of the stage proclaimed the rise of the curtain.

The growing impatience of the audience subsided as if by magic at the welcome call; everybody settled down again comfortably in their seats, they gave up the contemplation of the fathers of the people, and turned their full attention to the actors on the boards..