For some time Passedix continued to lead a jovial life, turning night into day, passing a great part of his time at the table, and parading through the streets during entire evenings; then betaking himself to the wine shop, treating his acquaintances and even perfect strangers, getting tipsy regularly every night, and returning at daybreak to the Hôtel du Sanglier, where, the next morning, old Popelinette, with the utmost zeal, administered tea or some other calming potion of the sort that is often necessary to a man who leads such a disorderly life. But sometimes, on the morrow of a more highly spiced debauch than usual, our Gascon, as he drank the cup of tea prepared by Popelinette, would heave tremendous sighs, run his hands through his hair, and stare at the ceiling, crying: "Sandis! I would never have believed it! Ah! Popelinette, so it is true that wealth does not bring happiness!" "Bah! is it possible, monsieur le chevalier?" "The fact that I say it proves that it is possible! Now I have my pockets full of gold; I can indulge myself with the most exquisite dishes, the rarest wines." "And you don't stint yourself, I should say!" "Of course I do not stint myself! I must needs make the crowns dance, and do myself credit with my wealth! I breakfast for four, I dine for six, I sup like the greatest epicure in France; I receive eloquent glances from all sides until I am fairly bewildered; I gamble; I often frequent tennis courts; I am very strong at tennis--I always lose, but I am very strong at it; you should see how I send back the _esteuf_! People flock to see me play at the courts in Rue de la Perle and Rue Cassette, and especially at the fine court in Rue Mazarine. In short, Popelinette, I lead what is called a joyous life." "Oh! as to that, there's no doubt!" "Well! I am not joyous at all; amid all these pleasures, I sigh, I languish.--Sandioux! your tea is devilishly insipid this morning; put some more sugar in it!--Yes, I would give all these parties, all these banquets, for a glance from my love!--Alas!" "Aha! so you have a love who won't look at you, monsieur le chevalier?" "What a blockhead you are, Popelinette!--She doesn't look at me, because I am not before her eyes. It is a century since I saw her; I cannot succeed in meeting her. In fact, she has not seen me since I have had this elegant costume, which all the women dote on, and thanks to which I make conquests at every step. Not a woman who does not turn to look at me!" "Bless me! it's true enough, monsieur le chevalier, that you're very funny-looking in those orange-colored clothes!"