So many people enjoy being a part of London society. Some of them, you'd think their lives had never amounted to anything more important than being invited to all of the parties in the season. I'm sure it makes them happy, but it seems rather a waste of time, doesn't it?

[ And yet here he is, at another party, which he gladly attended because he felt there might be some comfort here. ]

The masquerades we hold are particularly tedious.