Page:The German Novelists (Volume 3).djvu/88

 like case, to make a virtue of necessity, and quietly permit oneself to be strangled. Frank obeyed; threw off the bed-clothes, rose, put on his dressing-gown, and took his seat.

The spectral barber tied the napkin round his trembling customer’s neck, took his scissars, and slashed off Frank’s hair and beard. He next lathered his chin, and even his head with the suds; which being done, he began to shave him, so smooth and carefully, that he shortly could not boast a single hair above his shoulders. The operation completed, the spectre washed and dried his customer very clean and nice; then bowed, packed up his shaving materials, took up his scarlet cloak, and turned towards the door. The candles burnt quite bright during the whole scene; and in a mirror opposite to him, he saw that the barber had made him look like a complete Chinese pagod. He was rather vexed at parting with his fine auburn curls, but he breathed more freely, flattering himself that he should escape unhurt, the spectre appearing to have no farther power over him.

The spectre barber walked away in silence, as he had come, to all appearance quite the reverse of all his glib-tongued brethren. Before he reached the door, he stood still, looking round him with a mournful air, particularly at his well-trimmed customer, while he touched his own black beard. This