The manners of the set in which she found herself also grated continually on her fastidious taste.

She was first amazed and then indignant at hearing her old Middleshire friends, whose simplicity far surpassed that of her new acquaintance, denounced by the latter--without being acquainted with them except officially--as "fine," as caring only for "London people," and as being "tuft-hunters," because they frequently entertained at their houses persons of rank, to half of whom they were related.

All this was new to Hester.

She discovered that, though she might pay visits at these houses, she must never mention them, as it was considered the height of vulgarity to speak of people of rank.
Mrs.Gresley, who had been quite taken aback when the first of these invitations came, felt it her duty to warn Hester against a love of rank, reminding her that it was a very bad thing to get a name for running after titled people.
"James and I have always kept clear of that," she remarked, with dignity.

"For my part, I dare say you will think me very old-fashioned, but I must own I never can see that people with titles or wealth are one bit nicer or pleasanter than those without them." Hester agreed.
"And," continued Mrs.Gresley, "it has always been our aim to be independent, not to bow down before any one.