Their curiosity was satisfied.

By the help of my Chinese phrase-book I gave them all particulars, and a few more.

You see it was important that I should leave as favourable an impression as possible for the benefit of future travellers.

More than one of my ancestors I brought to life again and endowed with a patriarchal age and a beard to correspond.

As to my own age they marvelled greatly that one so young-looking could be so old, and when, in answer to their earnest question, I modestly confessed that I was already the unhappy possessor of two unworthy wives, five wretched sons, and three contemptible daughters, their admiration of my virtue increased tenfold.
The officers left me after this, but till late at night I held _levees_ of the townsfolk, our landlady, who was most zealous, no sooner dismissing one crowd than another pressed into its place.