If, for instance, I wiped the dust off a chair with my napkin, it was to show that the enemy was strong in diamonds; if I pushed it, he had ace, king; if I said, 'Punch or wine, my Lord ?' hearts was meant; if 'Wine or punch ?' clubs.
If I blew my nose, it was to indicate that there was another confederate employed by the adversary; and THEN, I warrant you, some pretty trials of skill would take place.

My Lord Deuceace, although so young, had a very great skill and cleverness with the cards in every way; and it was only from hearing Frank Punter, who came with him, yawn three times when the Chevalier had the ace of trumps, that I knew we were Greek to Greek, as it were.
My assumed dulness was perfect; and I used to make Monsieur de Potzdorff laugh with it, when I carried my little reports to him at the Garden-house outside the town where he gave me rendezvous.

These reports, of course, were arranged between me and my uncle beforehand.

I was instructed (and it is always far the best way) to tell as much truth as my story would possibly bear.

When, for instance, he would ask me, 'What does the Chevalier do of a morning ?' 'He goes to church regularly' (he was very religious), 'and after hearing mass comes home to breakfast.