Perhaps, after all, I knew as little of the Vicomte de Clericy as of any man there.

For he seemed to have laid aside that pleasant and garrulous senility which had awakened my dull conscience.
Although he did not deliver a speech during the proceedings, as did some, his attitude was rather that of a leader than of a mere on-looker.

Here was no mere watching, thought I.My patron was known to all, and went from group to group talking in the ear of many.

There was, indeed, much talking as I have always found in the world, and but little listening.

The Vicomte introduced me to some of his friends.
"Mr.Howard," he said, "an English gentleman who is kind enough to act as my secretary.