It was astonishing; he had gone away a pimply, overgrown boy, raw and callow as a fledgling, constrained in society, diffident, awkward.

Now he returned, a tall, well-formed Harvardian, as careful as a woman in the matter of dress, very refined in his manners.

Besides, he was a delightful conversationalist.

His father was rejoiced; every one declared he was a charming fellow.
They were right.

Vandover was at his best at this time; it was undeniable that he had great talent, but he was so modest about it that few knew how clever he really was.
He went out to dinners and receptions and began to move a little in society.