Mrs.Lee, who was a small, elderly woman, was full of deprecating gratitude and a sense of obligation which made it appear incumbent upon her not to differ with her companion in any opinion which she might advance, and, as a rule, to give her the initiative in conversation during their calls, and the precedence in entry and retreat.
Mrs.Van Dorn was as small as her companion, but with a confidence of manner which seemed to push her forward in the field of vision farther than her size warranted.
She was also highly corseted, and much trimmed over her shoulders, which gave an effect of superior size and weight; her face, too, was very full and rosy, while the other's was narrow and pinched at the chin and delicately transparent.
Mrs.Van Dorn sat quite erect on the very edge of the seat, and so did Mrs.Lee.Each held her card-case in her two hands encased in nicely cleaned, white kid gloves.

Each wore her best gown and her best bonnet.

The coach was full of black velvet streamers, and lace frills and silken lights over precise knees, and the nodding of flowers and feathers.
There was, moreover, in the carriage a strong odor of Russian violet, which diffused itself around both the ladies.

Russian violet was the calling perfume in vogue in Banbridge.

It nearly overcame the more legitimate fragrance of the spring day which floated in through the open windows of the coach.
It was a wonderful day in May.