and a portion of the Battery had at that day a social empire of its
own, which had a flavor of rich old wine about it, and was as distinct
as distinguished in all its surroundings. It rode in its own carriage,
had orderly and well-dressed coachmen, wore an air of great
circumspection, dined at five o'clock, and lived like a well-bred
gentleman.

East Bowling Green had begun to lose cast, and, indeed, was under a
cloud socially. Its society was made up of new, fast, and somewhat showy
people, whose antecedents it was difficult to get at, (at least West
Bowling Green said so,) and who, for want of a family reputation, put on
the airs of a vulgarian. These people spent their money freely, and
seemed to have enough of it, but they aspired to make a show rather than
secure real enjoyment. They associated with third-rate people, and vied
with each other in giving parties and balls to which all the young
swells in town were invited. In fine, East Bowling Green had a cheap,
retail flavor about it which all its show and extravagance failed either
to conceal or atone for.

Mrs. Chapman had resided three months in Bowling Green, and yet
first-class society had kept its doors closed--did not even condescend a
smile. This was very mortifying to a lady whose pretentions were quite
equal to her dimensions. A few second and third-rate people had made a
formal call, or left a card. But it was merely as a matter of ceremony.
Mr. Pinks, the elegant old beau of the Green, who was looked up to by
first-rate society everywhere, and considered himself born to stand
guard over it and protect it from vulgar contact, and who was accepted
as authority in all matters of etiquette, and had standing invitations
to dinner with all the best families, had called to pay his respects and
congratulate the lady. But Pinks considered this strictly a matter of