Music, singing, the clinking of glasses, and merry discourse were mingled together into a joyous hubbub.

There was not a single guest who, so long as he still had full possession of his tongue, did not call down blessings on the head of the master of the house.

And he too was in an excellent humour, and his face beamed, though he drank far less of wine than usual.

Evening had now fallen.

The heydukes brought in large candelabras, the clinking of glasses went on uninterruptedly.