On the contrary he was a most distinguished-looking old gentleman.

The dinner we ordered was "stunning"-- especially the wines.

When the bill was presented our host scanned it carefully, scrutinizing each item and making his own addition, altogether "like a thoroughbred." Frank and I watched him not without a bit of anxiety mixed with contrition.

When he had paid the score he said with a smile: "That was rather a steep bill, but we have had rather a good dinner, and now, if you boys know of as good a dance hall we'll go there and I'll buy the outfit." II First and last I have lived much in the erstwhile gay capital of France.
It was gayest when the Duke de Morny flourished as King of the Bourse.
He was reputed the Emperor's natural half-brother.

The breakdown of the Mexican adventure, which was mostly his, contributed not a little to the final Napoleonic fall.