The less scrupulous felt the force of example as set by these, and began receding also.

In a large city, like New York, the defection would only have been partial; for there, one can be included in many fashionable circles, while only a few of them may be penetrated by a defaming rumor.

But in a small town like S----, the case is different.
I was surprised when I comprehended the meaning of this apparent isolation of herself by Mrs.Dewey, and saw, in progress, the ban of social ostracism.

While I pitied the victim, I was glad that we had virtue enough, even among our weak-minded votaries of fashion, to stamp with disapproval the conduct of which she had been guilty.
"I saw Mrs.Dewey this morning," said my wife, one day, late in November.

"She was in at Howard's making some purchases." "Did you speak to her ?" "Yes, we passed a few words.