"IT COULDN'T BE BETTER THAN THAT" The Haverleys could not expect that the people of Thorbury would feel any general and urgent desire to recognize them as neighbors.

They did not live in the town, and moreover newcomers, even to the town itself, were usually looked upon as "summer people," until they had proved that they were to be permanent residents, and the leading families of Thorbury made it a rule not to call on summer people.
But the example of the Tolbridges and Bannisters had a certain effect on Thorbury society, and people now began to drive out to Cobhurst; not very many of them, but some of them representative people.

Mr.Ames, the rector of Grace Church, came early because the Haverleys had been to his church several times, and Mr.Torry, the Presbyterian minister, came afterwards because the Haverleys had stopped going to Grace Church, and he did not know that it was on account of the gig shafts.
Mr.Hampton, the Methodist, who was a pedestrian, walked out to Cobhurst one day, but as neither the brother or sister could be found, he good-humoredly resolved to postpone a future call until cooler weather.
Lately, when a lady had called, it happened that there had been no one to receive her but Mrs.Drane; and although there could be no doubt that that lady performed the duties of hostess most admirably, Miriam resolved that that thing should never happen again.

She did not wish the people to think that there was a regent in rule at Cobhurst, and she now determined to make it a point to be within call during ordinary visiting hours.

Or, if she felt strongly moved to a late afternoon ramble, she would invite the other ladies to accompany her.