of that sort, and he had not the slightest idea as to what
would be expected of him. He had always refused to go to the social
functions in Brunford, and now to be ushered suddenly into what he had
heard was to be one of the most brilliant political gatherings of the
season was staggering. With a fast-beating heart he saw conveyance
after conveyance arrive at the scene of gaiety, and men in immaculate
evening clothes and ladies in gay attire emerging from them. But Paul
quickly gained the mastery over himself. "After all, what does it
matter?" he said. "I don't care about this kind of life. These
chattering, overfed women have no attraction for me! Still, it may be
interesting."

It was a large gathering, and he noticed that many of the most
prominent people in the country were present. When he heard his name
mentioned to the host and hostess he saw a look of surprise on the
latter's face. Evidently she was altogether disappointed, although she
was much interested.

"Mr. Paul Stepaside!" said a man in a loud voice, and Paul was shaking
hands with one of the leaders of London society.

"So glad to see you," said the lady. "Did I catch your name
aright--Mr. Stepaside?"

Paul bowed, uttered a few commonplaces, and passed on.

"I thought you told me he was a working-man?" said the lady to her
husband. "I hoped he would come in his working-clothes. This fellow
is immaculate!"

"He's a fine figure of a man, anyhow," said the Cabinet Minister.

"The most striking-looking man in the room!" was the lady's answer.
And then her attention and smiles were given to the next comers.

Paul was not long left alone, and quickly found himself quite a centre
of interest. More than one Member of Parliament brought his lady
friends to see the new star. Indeed, he was so much monopolised that
for a time he had little opportunity to take notice of the guests as a
whole. By and by, however, he managed to get away by himself, and to
take the part of a spectator.

It was all very strange to him, this gay throng--and he was not very
favourably impressed. If this was Society, he did not want it!
Everyone seemed blase and satiated with pleasure. The conversation was
clever, but superficial. It seemed to him as though almost everyone
lacked earnestness--lacked reality.

"I am glad you are interesting!" said one lady to him during the
evening. Paul had been with her some time, and had given expression to
some very uncon