She knew that he did no like Mrs.Talbot, but this rather inclined her to a favorable estimation, and really led to a more frequent intercourse than would otherwise have been the case.
Once a week Mrs.Talbot held a kind of conversazione, at which brilliant people and people with hobbies met to hear themselves talk.

Mr.and Mrs.Emerson had a standing invitation to be present at these reunions, and, as Irene wished to go, her husband saw it best not to interpose obstacles.

Besides, as he knew that she went to Mrs.Talbot's often in the day-time, and met a good many people there, he wished to see for himself who they were, and judge for himself as to their quality.

Of the men who frequented the parlors of Mrs.Talbot, the larger number had some prefix to their names, as Professor, Doctor, Major, or Colonel.

Most of the ladies were of a decidedly literary turn--some had written books, some were magazine contributors, one was a physician, and one a public lecturer.
Nothing against them in all this, but much to their honor if their talents and acquirements were used for the common good.
The themes of conversation at these weekly gatherings were varied, but social relations and social reform were in most cases the leading topics.