Somehow Michael was disappointed to hear that this was all.
Chapter IX: The Yellow Age
D INNER with Mr. Arthur Wilmot occupied most of Michael’s thoughts for a week. He was mainly concerned about his costume, and he was strenuously importunate for a tail-coat. Mrs. Fane, however, was sure that a dinner-jacket would better become his youthfulness. Then arose the question of stick-up collars. Michael pointed out that very soon he would be sixteen, and that here was a fine opportunity to leave behind the Polo or Shakespeare collar.
“You’re growing up so quickly, dearest boy,” sighed his mother.
Michael was anxious to have one of the new double collars.
“But don’t they look rather outré ?” protested Mrs. Fane.
“Well, Abercrombie, the Secretary of the Fifteen, wears one,” observed Michael.
“Have your own way, dear,” said Mrs. Fane gently.
Two or three days before the dinner-party Michael braved everything and wore one of the new double collars to school. Its extravagant advent among the discreet neckwear of the Upper Fifth caused a sensation. Mr. Cray himself looked curiously once or twice at Michael, who assumed in consequence a particularly nonchalant air, and lounged over his desk even more than usual.
“Are you going on the stage, Fane?” enquired Mr. Cray finally, exasperated by Michael’s indolent construing.