The social status of every one in Banbridge was defined quite clearly.

Those who were in society wore their honors easily and unquestioned, and those who were not went their uncomplaining ways in their own humble spheres.
Mrs.Van Dorn and Mrs.Henry Lee, gathering up their silken raiment genteelly, holding their visiting-cards daintily, went up the front-door steps, and Mrs.Lee, taking that duty upon herself, since she was Mrs.Van Dorn's guest, pulled the door-bell, having first folded her handkerchief around her white glove.
"It takes so little to soil white gloves," said she, "and I think it is considerable trouble to send them in and out to be cleaned." "I clean mine with gasolene myself," said Mrs.Van Dorn, with the superiority of a woman who has no need for such economies, yet practises them, over a woman who has need but does not.
"I never had much luck cleaning them myself," said Mrs.Lee, apologetically.
"It is a knack," admitted Mrs.Van Dorn.

Then they waited in silence, listening for an approaching footstep.
"If she isn't at home," whispered Mrs.Van Dorn, "We can make another call before the two hours are up." Mr.Rawdy was hired by the hour.
"Yes, we can," assented Mrs.Lee.
Then they waited, and neither spoke.

Mrs.Lee had occasion to sneeze, but she pinched her nose energetically and repressed it.
Suddenly both straightened themselves and held their cards in readiness.
"How does my bonnet look ?" whispered Mrs.Lee.
Mrs.Van Dorn paid no attention, for then the door was opened and Mrs.Morris's maid appeared, with cap awry and her white apron over a blue-checked gingham which was plainly in evidence at the sides.
The ladies gave her their cards, and followed her into the best parlor, which was commonly designated in Banbridge as the reception-room.

The best parlor was furnished with a sort of luxurious severity.