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A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six

inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His

dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked

upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed

across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while

the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined

with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch

which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended

halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with

rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence

which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a

broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper

part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black

vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment,

for his hand was still raised to it as he entered.