The Duke's hand being up, he gave it another turn, and pointed the new-comers out to a knot of valets.

Instantly seven of his people, with an obedient start, went headlong at our friends, seated them at a table, and put fifteen many-coloured soups before them, in little silver bowls, and as many wines in crystal vases.
"Nay, father, let us not eat until we have thanked our good friend," said Margaret, now first recovering from all this bustle.
"Girl, he is our guardian angel." Gerard put his face into his hands.
"Tell me when you have done," said he, "and I will reappear and have my supper, for I am hungry.

I know which of us three is the happiest at meeting again." "Me ?" inquired Margaret.
"No: guess again." "Father ?" "No." "Then I have no guess which it can be;" and she gave a little crow of happiness and gaiety.

The soup was tasted, and vanished in a twirl of fourteen hands, and fish came on the table in a dozen forms, with patties of lobster and almonds mixed, and of almonds and cream, and an immense variety of brouets known to us as rissoles.

The next trifle was a wild boar, which smelt divine.