The late domestic of the Duke de Champdoce was playing cards; but as soon as she caught sight of Toto and his pretended uncle, in spite of her holding an excellent hand, she threw up her cards, and received him with the utmost civility.

Toto looked on with delight.
Never had he seen the old rascal (as he inwardly called him in his heart) so polite, agreeable, and talkative.

It was easy to see that Caroline Schimmel was yielding to his fascinations, for she had never had such extravagant compliments whispered in her ear in so persuasive a tone.

But Tantaine did not confine his attentions to wine only: he first ordered a bowl of punch, and then followed that up by a bottle of the best brandy.

All the old man's lost youth seemed to have come back to him: he sang, he drank, and he danced.