"But wait a while.

The Chevalier usually spends the evening here." "Drinking ?" "Drinking and dicing." Victor rose just as a small uproar occurred in the hallway.

The door opened and a dozen cavaliers and officers came crowding in.

All made for the fire, stamping and jostling and laughing.

The leader, his eyes bloodshot and the lower lids puffed and discolored, threw his hat to the ceiling and caught it on his boot.
"Maitre--ho!" he cried.