CHAPTER II.
CHRISTMAS EVE Just before I reached the drawing-room door, Mrs.Temple came up and took me by the arm.
"We are all going to be very unceremonious, Mr.Blake," she said, "and I shall expect my son's friend to make himself perfectly at home." I thanked her heartily, for I began to feel a little strange.
We entered the drawing-room together, where I found a number of people had gathered.

They were mostly young, although I saw one or two ancient-looking dames, who, I supposed, had come to take care of their daughters.
"I am going to introduce you to everybody," continued the old lady, "for this is to be a family gathering, and we must all know each other.

I know I may not be acting according to the present usages of society, but that does not trouble me a little bit." Accordingly, with the utmost good taste, she introduced me to a number of the people who had been invited.
I need make no special mention of most of them.

Some of the young ladies simpered, others were frank, some were fairly good looking, while others were otherwise, and that is about all that could be said.

None had sufficient individuality to make a distinct impression upon me.