Drink and vanity had primed him for any folly.

He drove so carelessly for a bit that he nearly put us into a ditch.

We passed several cottages and at the last he slowed down.
'A friend of mine lives here,' he announced.

'Gertrud would like to see me in the fine clothes which the most amiable Herr has given me.
Wait for me, I will not be long.' And he scrambled out of the car and lurched into the little garden.
I took his place and moved very slowly forward.

I heard the door open and the sound of laughing and loud voices.