These the servants never left in peace--constantly replenishing, constantly watching with that assiduity which makes men thirsty against their will by reason of the repeated reminder.
But tongues wagged no more freely for the choice vintages poured upon them.

Paul had a grave, strong head and that self-control against which alcohol may ply itself in vain.

Karl Steinmetz had taken his degree at Heidelberg.

He was a seasoned vessel, having passed that way before.
Etta was bright enough--amusing, light, and gay--so long as it was a question of mere social gossip; but whenever Vassili spoke of the country to which he expressed so deep a devotion, she, seeming to take her cue from her husband and his agent, fell to pleasant, non-committing silence.
It was only after dinner, in the drawing-room, while musicians discoursed Offenbach and Rossini from behind a screen of fern and flower, that Vassili found an opportunity of addressing himself directly to Etta.

In part she desired this opportunity, with a breathless apprehension behind her bright society smile.