Elegant masquerade costumes in blue and white satin were laid out on chairs.
"Since you left the costume choice to me," the count told his two friends, "I had these brought. They'll be the most popular this year, and they're practical for the confetti throwing, they won't show the flour."
Franz barely heard the count's words. He didn't fully appreciate this thoughtful gesture because he was completely absorbed by the spectacle in the People's Plaza and the terrible device at its center. This was Franz's first time seeing a guillotine, though the Roman version was similar to the French instrument. The blade was shaped like a crescent moon, cutting with its curved edge and falling from a lower height. That was the only real difference.
