Onstage, Pierrot’s face was distorted into a mask of madness and he fell onto his face, apparently dead of his broken heart. The audience sighed.
‘Quickly,’ Harlequin hissed from just behind Mina. ‘We must have them leave happy. Sing, my players, sing! Lead them back to the feasting.’
The troupe flooded onto the stage in front of Pierrot, following the lead of the loving couple who sang a joyous ballad about love in spring. Lisette had taught several songs to Mina during their long journey, and this was one of them. But as she went to join the others, Harlequin seized her elbow.
‘Not you,’ he said.
The players trouped from the stage and into the audience, beckoning them to stand and dance. Harlequin closed the curtain as the last player stepped off the stage. He didn’t remove his mask.
