The younger set no longer consulted her as formerly.
When, like Mrs.Franklyn-Haldene, a woman has nothing more serious to live for than to organize social affairs, the slightest defection from her ranks is viewed in the light of a catastrophe.

She had called on Mrs.Bennington the second, armed with all those subtle cruelties which women of her caliber know so well how to handle.

And behold! she met a fencer who quietly buttoned the foils before the bout began.

She had finally departed with smiles on her lips and rage in her heart.
This actress, whom she had thought to awe with the majesty of her position in Herculaneum, was not awed at all.

It was disconcerting; it was humiliating.