Indeed, first-rate society, such as Bowling Green boasted of
in those days, considered itself very select, and dealt out its favors
to new-comers with a cautious reserve.
As little or nothing was known of Mrs. Topman's antecedents, first-rate
society cut her--did'nt even condescend to drop her a sidewalk
recognition. But, as pushing one's self into society was quite as much
practised then as now, and as Mrs. Topman was a pushing, vigorous woman,
she resolved that if she could not carry the outworks and compel a
surrender on the part of first-rate society, she would at least have a
circle of her own. And she had just as good a right, she said, to call
her circle of society first-rate, as her neighbors who kept their doors
shut had to "consider" themselves such. It was only an assumption at
best. So the aspiring lady received what she called select company on a
Tuesday, and entertained generally on Thursday evenings. But her
neighbors tossed their heads, and said they were only third-rate people
who went there.
Gusher, however, flourished in what might at this day be considered
elegant hotel society.
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