After that he was looked on as one of the band, which resulted in a large addition to the number of his acquaintance in this part of England.
But his own feeling was that of being an outsider still.

This vagary had been originated, the play chosen, the parts allotted, all in his absence, and calling him in at the last moment might, if flirtation were possible in Paula, be but a sop to pacify him.

What would he have given to impersonate her lover in the piece! But neither Paula nor any one else had asked him.
The eventful evening came.

Somerset had been engaged during the day with the different people by whom the works were to be carried out and in the evening went to his rooms at the Lord-Quantock-Arms, Markton, where he dined.

He did not return to the castle till the hour fixed for the performance, and having been received by Mrs.Goodman, entered the large apartment, now transfigured into a theatre, like any other spectator.
Rumours of the projected representation had spread far and wide.