Here was a man among men.
This was the general's state of mind when, after an hour, or two of social intercourse, he entered the large supper-room, whither he escorted a lady.

He had not seen his wife for half an hour.

If she had been, as usual on such occasions, by his side, he would have been on guard.

But the lady who leaned on his arm was not his good angel.

She was a gay, fashionable woman, and as fond of good eating and drinking as any male epicure there.