If he ever approached intoxication -- or rather that ruddy warmth and comfortableness which precedes the more sloven state -- it was when individuals such as these were gathered about him , when he was one of a circle of chatting celebrities .

如果他也曾差点喝醉过--或者说处于醉酒失态前脸红、发热、浑身舒坦的状态，那就是当他置身于这些人之中，当他也是闲谈的名流中的一份子。