St. Martin [of Tours] looks round, first, deliberately;—becomes aware of a tatterdemalion and thirsty-looking soul of a beggar at his chair side, who has managed to get his cup filled somehow, also—by a charitable lacquey. St. Martin turns his back on the Empress, and hobnobs with him!

'No, not this weekend,' was all she said, although much more could have come tripping out so effortlessly in this comfortable corner with these women ready to listen.

" The sandsuckers did not lack for funds, however.

Another observer offered a less blanket criticism.