With the skill of a general Mrs.Dan had seated the guests in such a way that from the beginning things went off with zest.

Colonel Drew took in Mrs.
Valentine and his content was assured; Mr.Van Winkle and the beautiful Miss Valentine were side by side, and no one could say he looked unhappy; Mr.Cromwell went in with Mrs.Savage; and the same delicate tact--in some cases it was almost indelicate--was displayed in the disposition of other guests.
Somehow they had come with the expectation of being bored.

Curiosity prompted them to accept, but it did not prevent the subsequent inevitable lassitude.

Socially Monty Brewster had yet to make himself felt.

He and his dinners were something to talk: about, but they were accepted hesitatingly, haltingly.