It was not surprising that such sudden prosperity should have turned Van Klopen's head.

He was stout and ruddy, impudent, vain, and cynical.

His admirers said that he was witty.
It was to this man's establishment that Mascarin conducted Paul after a sumptuous breakfast at Philipe's.
It is necessary to give a slight description of Van Klopen's establishment.

Carpets of the most expensive description covered the stairs to his door on the first floor, at which stood the liveried menials resplendent in gold lace and scarlet.

As soon as Mascarin made his appearance, one of these gorgeous creatures hastened to him and said, "M.