In the background a number of ladies nodded encouragement to their cavaliers in the intervals of scrutinizing each other's dresses.

Many pencilled eyebrows were raised in derision of too little style displayed by some innocent rival, or brought down in disapproval of too much of the same vague quality displayed by one less innocent.
In the midst of these, as in his element, moved the Baron Claude de Chauxville, smiling his courteous, ready smile, which his enemies called a grin.

He took up less room than the majority of the men around him; he succeeded in passing through narrower places, and jostled fewer people.
In a word, he proved to his own satisfaction, and to the discomfiture of many a younger man, his proficiency in the gentle art of getting on in the world.
Not far from him stood a stout gentleman of middle age, with a heavy fair mustache brushed upward on either side.

This man had an air of distinction which was notable even in this assembly; for there were many distinguished people present, and a Frenchman of note plays his part better than do we dull, self-conscious islanders.

This man looked like a general, so upright was he, so keen his glance, so independent the carriage of his head.
He stood with his hands behind his back, looking gravely on at the social festivity.