There was not a tradesman in Exeter who was not aware of it, and who did not touch his hat to her accordingly.

The men who drove the flies, when summoned to take her out at night, would bring oats with them, knowing how probable it was that they might have to travel far.

A distinct apology was made if she was asked to drink tea with people who were simply "town." The Noels of Doddescombe Leigh, the Cliffords of Budleigh Salterton, the Powels of Haldon, the Cheritons of Alphington,--all county persons, but very frequently in the city,--were greeted by her, and greeted her, on terms of equality.

Her most intimate friend was old Mrs.MacHugh, the widow of the last dean but two, who could not have stood higher had she been the widow of the last bishop.

And then, although Miss Stanbury was intimate with the Frenches of Heavitree, with the Wrights of Northernhay, with the Apjohns of Helion Villa,--a really magnificent house, two miles out of the city on the Crediton Road, and with the Crumbies of Cronstadt House, Saint Ide's,--who would have been county people, if living in the country made the difference;--although she was intimate with all these families, her manner to them was not the same, nor was it expected to be the same, as with those of her own acknowledged set.