They were second and third-rate people, after all--people who get a cheap position in society through their proficiency in dancing, which they accept as the highest object a man or woman has to live for.
Poor Chapman moved about here and there like a raven among birds of brilliant plumage; and never did man look meeker or more submissive.
There had been a curious change in his worldly affairs since the time when he preached humility and economy at Dogtown, and was ready to quarrel with any man who did not agree with him that show and extravagance were carrying the country to the devil.
"My wife, my dear wife, gives this ball," he would say, referring timidly to the subject.

"My dear wife enjoys these things.

Mrs.Chapman is very fond of young society, you see.

I hope you are enjoying yourselves.

There will be dancing soon--I never dance--and supper at twelve." There was no man more elaborately got up that night than Gusher.