Browne and the girls. There stood Lady Charlton's name,
engraved in the centre, and his own, "Mr. Edward Everett," written up in
the left-hand corner; while the date, a Thursday in February, was as yet
too far ahead for him to have any inkling of the trepidation he was
presently to feel.
Everett, although nineteen, had never been to a real party before; in
the wilds of Devonshire one does not even require dress clothes;
therefore, after sending an acceptation in his best handwriting, his
first step was to go and get himself measured for an evening suit.
Now, Everett looked even younger than his age, and this is felt to be a
misfortune when one is still in one's teens. Later in life people appear
to bear it much better. He found himself feeling more than usually young
and insignificant on presenting himself to his tailor and stating his
requirements. Mr. Lucas condescended to him from the elevation of six
inches superior height and thirty years' seniority. He received
Everett's orders with toleration, and re-translated them with decision.
"Certainly, sir, I understand what you mean precisely. What you require
is this, that, or the other;" and the young gentleman found himself
meekly gathering views that never had emanated from his own bosom.
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