What's the meaning of the phrase, "on terms of mere politeness" from the below

mirabeau

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paragraph? He began to sing. The Doctor had but one air—, ‘Malbrouck s’en va-t-en guerre;’ even with that he was on terms of mere politeness; and his musical exploits were always reserved for moments when he was alone and entirely happy.

It's from "The treasure of Franchard," by Louis Stevenson.
 
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