Before he jumped himself he always made mock hesitation for their amusement, swinging his arms, and apparently bracing himself for the leap.

Perhaps the deep frost of the country made him frisky because he was not accustomed to it; perhaps it was always his nature to be noisy and absurd when he tried to be amusing.

Certain it was that it never once occurred to him that under the French politeness with which he was treated, under the sincere liking which they really grew to have for him, there was much quiet amusement at his expense.

It was just as well that he did not know, for he would have been terribly affronted; as it was, he remained on the best of terms with them to the end.
The feeling of amusement found vent in his absence in laughter and mimicry.

Zilda joined in this mimicry; she watched the Frenchmen strut along the platform in imitation of Gilby, and smiled when their imitation was good.