They felt a pleasure in this sort of protest against the extreme
refinement of society, just as the collegians of Oxford, trained
beyond their natural capacity in morals, love to fall into slang
and, like Prince Hal, talk to every tinker in his own tongue.
De Pean and Le Gardeur were welcomed with open arms at the Taverne
de Menut. A dozen brimming glasses were offered them on every side.
De Pean drank moderately. "I have to win back my losses of last
night," said he, "and must keep my head clear." Le Gardeur,
however, refused nothing that was offered him. He drank with all,
and drank every description of liquor. He was speedily led up into
a large, well-furnished room, where tables were crowded with
gentlemen playing cards and dice for piles of paper money, which was
tossed from hand to hand with the greatest nonchalance as the game
ended and was renewed.
Le Gardeur plunged headlong into the flood of dissipation. He
played, drank, talked argot, and cast off every shred of reserve.
He doubled his stakes, and threw his dice reckless and careless
whether he lost or won.
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