Belcher, who, dividing his attention between the drawing-room and the dining-room, played the host with rude heartiness and large hospitality.
Mrs.Belcher was surprised by the presence of a number of men whose names were familiar with the public--Members of Congress, representatives of the city government, clergymen even, who were generally supposed to be "at home" on that day.

Why had these made their appearance?
She could only come to one conclusion, which was, that they regarded Mrs.Dillingham as a show.

Mrs.Dillingham in a beautiful house, arranged for self-exhibition, was certainly more attractive than Mary, Queen of Scots, in wax, in a public hall; and she could be seen for nothing.
It is doubtful whether Mrs.Belcher's estimate of their sex was materially raised by their tribute to her companion's personal attractions, but they furnished her with an interesting study.

She was comforted by certain observations, viz., that there were at least twenty men among them who, by their manner and their little speeches, which only a woman could interpret, showed that they were entangled in the same meshes that had been woven around her husband; that they were as foolish, as fond, as much deceived, and as treacherously entertained as he.
She certainly was amused.

Puffy old fellows with nosegays in their button-holes grew gallant and young in Mrs.Dillingham's presence, filled her ears with flatteries, received the grateful tap of her fan, and were immediately banished to the dining-room, from which they emerged redder in the face and puffier than ever.