There was Topman and Mrs. Topman, moving here and
there in all the elegance of full dress. There were a number of others,
who were always ready to accept an invitation where there was dancing to
be done, or an opportunity afforded to show themselves in their best
clothes. 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.
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