Brock was under the spell; he was fascinated; he had to look to himself carefully in order to keep his wits in the prescribed channel.
His self-esteem received a severe shock at the opera.

Mrs.Medcroft, with malice aforethought, insisted that Ulstervelt should take her husband's seat.

As the box held but six persons, the unfortunate Brock was compelled to shift more or less for himself.

Inwardly raging, he suavely assured the party--Freddie in particular--that he would find a seat in the body of the house and would join them during the _Entr'acte_.

Then he went out and sat in the foyer.