but laurence was perfectly certain he had not put them on correctly , and also unable to persuade himself he would not look ridiculous both to his fellow britons , and more surely to his hosts , who knew better ; he was reduced to only the meager hope that they might not fall down while he ate ; which event if it occurred should certainly draw the attention of the entire assembly , as he realized with dismay he was to be seated at the head , beside temeraire .