He had managed to enlist a large party at Mr Rice Rice's the previous evening, some of whom were to dine at Abertewey, and to go thence to the concert; others to meet him and his friends there.
Owen felt lost in the grandeur of that evening, and would have been quite forgotten but for Mme.

Duvet, who was constant in her admiration of him.

But it was amusement and wonder enough for him to watch Howel and Netta, quite _en prince et princesse_, receiving their guests, who, if not as yet of the aristocracy of the county, were of high respectability and good position in it.

If the host and hostess were rather desirous of showing how grand they were, their dinner and wines were so good as to cover their efforts.
What if their guests remarked, as guests will, gentle reader, when our backs are turned, that Howel was insufferably purse-proud and conceited, and his wife as affected and provincial as possible; they did not hear the friendly notices, and were well content to fill the concert room with their party, all in full dress, to the admiration of the townsfolk, and of Mrs Griffey Jenkins in particular.
Howel had quite forgotten his mother in his general invitation and did not even see her for some time, seated in a prominent position, and making one of his own party, to all appearance.

She had saved his character for filial duty by going where he would little have thought of placing her, and awaiting his arrival, as her pride impelled her to do.
Owen spied her at once, and took Mme.