Fanny took her to the few amusements the town offered, and occasionally there were small _reunions_ either in their own house, or in those of some of their acquaintances.

Wherever they went the two seemed to set each other off by the wonderful contrast in their appearance, or by some coquettish similarity or difference in their toilets.
It was the rule in the Garmans' house, that any one who was staying there could do exactly as they liked.

They could come or go, ride or drive, just as the fancy took them.

The house was so large, and there were so many guests, and so many business acquaintances who came either to dinner or supper, that the absence of any particular person attracted but little attention.

Madeleine, therefore, soon perceived that no one seemed to miss her very much if she was away.