Among the men, the soldiers had everything in their favor.

The orders which the civilians wore fastened on the lapels of their dress coats were hopelessly thrown in the shade by the epaulettes of the officers, and the medals decorating their colored uniforms.
Herr Ellrich made a good host, passing quickly but quietly from one group to another.

His blight blue eves were cold and tired-looking as ever, and took no part in the rather banal smile which played over his lips, as if the accustomed expression of indifference could never be obliterated.

The indolent lines about his mouth were not those of temperament, because if he spoke to a Finance Minister or other notability, although there was no arrogance in his manner, it might be noticed that the instinctive consciousness of his own millions never left him.

He had a naturally honorable disposition, which showed itself in every line, and made any cringing an impossibility.