Evening came; and after many misgivings, Montfort, in an eclectic
costume, selected from his whole wardrobe, at a late hour, ventured
to emerge from his humble domicile, and present himself at the
rosewood portal of his aristocratic neighbor. He soon found himself in
the dazzling drawing room, bewildered by the lights, and the splendor
of the decoration and the furniture. Mr. Greville saw his
embarrassment, and hastened to dispel it. He shook him warmly by the
hand, and presented him to his lady and daughter, and then to a crowd
of guests. A distinguished artist begged the honor of an introduction
to him, and he soon found himself among people who understood him, and
with whom he could converse at his ease. Though he was lionized, he
was lionized by people who understood the sensitiveness of artistic
natures. They flattered delicately and tastefully. Their incense
excited, but did not intoxicate or suffocate. In one of the drawing
rooms the gratified artist beheld his picture placed in an admirable
light, the cynosure of all eyes, and the theme of all lips.

"I am certainly very much indebted to you for placing it so
advantageously," said the artist to his host. "It owes at least half
its success to the arrangement of the light."

"Do you hear that, Caroline?" asked Mr. Greville, turning to his
beautiful daughter, who stood smiling beside him.

"I was afraid I had made some mistake in the arrangement," said the
beautiful girl, blushing with pleasure.

Montfort attempted a complimentary remark, but his tongue failed him.
He would have given worlds for the self-possession of some of the