It was a jaunty party, evidently under the influence of many libations.

They came with arms linked, with dignified but unsteady gait, their hats well back on their heads.

In the middle was a very tall man, flanked on one side by a very short fat one, on the other by a slender youth who wanted to sing.
She recognised them and would have drawn back to a less exposed spot, but the slender youth saw her before she could do so.

He shouted to his companions as if they were two blocks away.
"There she is! Hooray!" They bore down upon her.

The next instant they were solemnly shaking hands with her, much to her dismay.
"Cons'ance, we've been lookin' f-fer you ever'-where in town.