"The people who are coming are chatterers, fools, every one of 'em; but they're just the people we want to give you a send-off and to blazon the whole thing right and left. You shall be dressed like a prince to-night, indeed; I've given Gwilt his orders. And understand that when you've taken me to my set, _you_ are to take the one at the other end of the table; don't forget that. You've nothing to be frightened at, child; they'll rally you, and tease you, some of 'em, but you've only got to be yourself, and to be quite simple and natural, and I'm sure I sha'n't blush for you. There are two golden rules for any one of the male sex entering society: one is, that every man he meets is a fine fellow, worthy of his admiration; and the other, that every woman, even if she's ninety, and ugly as the devil, is a goddess to be bowed before. Let him remember that always, and, by the Lord! he'll be popular."
Comethup was dressed early that night, by his aunt's instructions, in a soft, loose suit of brown velvet, with a wide lace collar on his shoulders--lace of a value which had made Comethup blink at the mere naming of the price in his hearing. Deep lace ruffles fell over his small hands, and he looked altogether a captivating little figure as he joined his aunt in the drawing room, where she was awaiting the arrival of her guests. She drew him toward her and ran her hands quickly all over him, to assure herself that everything was right.
"I wish I had eyes to-night, child," she said, with a little sigh. "But I shall know what you look like by the impression you create."
Comethup only dimly remembered that evening afterward. He knew that a great number of people came, all very richly dressed, and most of the ladies blazing with diamonds; that a number of the ladies went into raptures over him, and that one of the gentlemen, who chuckled tremendously at everything any one said, dubbed him "Prince Charming"; that, seated at his end of the table, with a gigantic footman standing behind him, he sent every one within hearing into paroxysms of laughter by returning what he thought were perfectly polite and natural answers to questions which were asked him; that Miss Carlaw leaned her head sideways to catch what was said, and nodded and smiled, and was altogether immensely delighted with the success her nephew was achieving.