An attested tail-coat, clearly out of its element, must contain a story: that story must be interesting; until its secret is divulged, the subtle essence of it spreads an aureole around the tail.

The ladies declared, in their subsequent midnight conference, that Mr.Barrett was fit for any society.

They had visions of a great family reduced; of a proud son choosing to earn his bread honourably and humbly, by turning an exquisite taste to account.
Many visions of him they had, and were pleased.
Patronage of those beneath, much more than the courting of those above them, delighted the ladies of Brookfield.

They allowed Emilia to give Mr.Barrett invitations, and he became a frequent visitor; always neat, pathetically well-brushed, and a pleasanter pet than Emilia, because he never shocked their niceties.

He was an excellent talker, and was very soon engaged in regular contests with the argumentative Cornelia.