When a new official arrives he exchanges visits with all the notables, and for a few days he produces quite a sensation in the little community.

If he appears at social gatherings he is much talked to, and if he does not appear he is much talked about.
His former history is repeatedly narrated, and his various merits and defects assiduously discussed.
If he is married, and has brought his wife with him, the field of comment and discussion is very much enlarged.

The first time that Madame appears in society she is the "cynosure of neighbouring eyes." Her features, her complexion, her hair, her dress, and her jewellery are carefully noted and criticised.

Perhaps she has brought with her, from the capital or from abroad, some dresses of the newest fashion.

As soon as this is discovered she at once becomes an object of special curiosity to the ladies, and of envious jealousy to those who regard as a personal grievance the presence of a toilette finer or more fashionable than their own.