This was rather going to extremes, I thought; but the fault was on the right side. I booked the date, and eventually "attended the evening party." I shall never forget it. I was received as a guest--as _the_ guest, in fact--and no mistake about it. My reception was enormous. Young Mr. A----, who had come of age, was, comparatively speaking, nowhere. I was introduced to nearly everybody--or, more strictly speaking, everybody was _presented_ to me. My entertainments were never better received. They were given at intervals during the dancing. I danced with the most attractive dancers, whom the host compelled to dance with me. I enjoyed it immensely. I don't think they did, and am positive their displaced partners did not. Shortly after midnight the supper-rooms were thrown open, and I was requested to take the hostess in to supper. No royal prince could have been treated better than I was. An elderly clergyman quoted from my entertainment in proposing the health of young Mr. A----, on the auspicious occasion of his coming of age. Young Mr. A---- followed the clergyman's example in returning thanks. Then, to my utter surprise, Mr. A---- sen., proposed my health, and thanked me for coming down. I returned thanks; and as there was a risk of an anti-climax, I rose--with an amount of consummate impudence which, I am sorry to say, is a little characteristic of me--and proposed the health of the host and hostess, on the plea that I was the oldest friend of the family, and had known them all their lives. This observation was received with continued roars of laughter. I did not, and do not even now, think it funny; but please remember, after a good champagne supper, people will roar at anything. We returned to the drawing-room. I sang again, and then came the hour for my departure, for I had to drive all the way to town. Mr. A---- stood in the middle of the room and shouted: "Silence for a moment. All those who have been delighted with Mr. Grossmith, please hold up their hands." Up went all the hands with the exception of those belonging to the displaced partners. Mr. A----, with much forethought, for which I mentally thanked him, refrained from appealing to the "noes." Continuing his thanks, Mr. A---- said: "We are all much obliged to you, Mr. Grossmith; and"--here he fumbled in his right-hand pocket--"and if ever you want a little rest, we shall give you a hearty welcome if you like to stay here; and"--here he seized my right hand, and I felt an envelope being forced into it--"and mind you come. Good-bye. I think you'll find that right," referring to the cheque, of course. On eventually examining the cheque, I found it was written for an amount nearly double my fee.