in the falling snow. When he turned his head he could see
"I was waiting for you, sir, and it was out of respect to you that I put on my very best togs."
"That was very nice of you; I ought to thank you very much. And now, will you--"
Toto's courage was coming back to him rapidly.
"Will you take a glass of beer, or a liquor of brandy, sir?" said he.
But Daddy Tantaine excused himself on the plea that he had just been drinking.
"That is all the more reason for being thirsty," remarked Toto. "My friends and I have drunk the contents of all these bottles since dinner."
Tantaine raised his shabby hat at this semi-introduction, and the two roughs bowed smoothly. They were not entirely satisfied with the appearance of the new-comer, and thought that this would be a good moment for taking leave of their host. The waltz had just concluded, and the master of the ceremonies was repeating his eternal refrain of--"Take your places, ladies and gentlemen;" and taking advantage of the noise, Toto's friends shook hands with their host and adroitly mixed with the crowd.
"Good fellows! jolly fellows;" muttered Toto, striving to catch a last glimpse of them.