The functions which these people provided were stupid to the verge of distraction; really they were only the week-day receptions and Sunday-afternoon calls of Squeedunk and Hohokus raised to the Nth power.

The purpose of the whole matter was to see and be seen.

Novelty in either thought or action was decidedly eschewed.

It was, as a matter of fact, customariness of thought and action and the quintessence of convention that was desired.

The idea of introducing a "play actress," for instance, as was done occasionally in the East or in London--never; even a singer or an artist was eyed askance.