They recognized that the changed financial conditions had raised up a social bar between their daughters and the young mechanics.

The daughters could now look higher--and must.

Yes, must.

They need marry nothing below the grade of lawyer or merchant; poppa and momma would take care of this; there must be no mesalliances.
However, these thinkings and projects of their were private, and did not show on the surface, and therefore threw no shadow upon the celebration.
What showed upon the surface was a serene and lofty contentment and a dignity of carriage and gravity of deportment which compelled the admiration and likewise the wonder of the company.

All noticed it and all commented upon it, but none was able to divine the secret of it.
It was a marvel and a mystery.