The pedant, very much amused at the boyish eagerness and enjoyment of his youthful host, quietly heaped choice bits upon his plate, and watched their rapid disappearance with beaming satisfaction.

Beelzebub had at last plucked up courage and crept softly under the table to his master, making his presence known by a quick tapping with his fore-paws upon the baron's knees; his claims were at once recognised, and he feasted to his heart's content on the savoury morsels quietly thrown down to him.

Poor old Miraut, who had followed Pierre into the room, was not neglected either, and had his full share of the good things that found their way to his master's plate.
By this time there was a good deal of laughing and talking round the festive board.

The baron, though very timid, and much embarrassed, had ventured to enter into conversation with his fair neighbours.

The pedant and the tyrant were loudly discussing the respective merits of tragedy and comedy.