"Oh, no reason exactly—except that, as a man of the world, he ought to have known they were not the kind of people you ought to meet as good specimens of New York society. I am sorry you should meet any but our best people."
Grace checked the question, "What are the best?—the richest?" which rose to her lips, and said,
"Mr. Sims thought we should be more entertained by meeting some American types, such as we have not seen in England, and he was right. Miss Clayton, especially, amused us both very much."
"We don't like our English friends to be amused in that way," said Mrs. Hurlstone, with trenchant emphasis.
"Dear Mrs. Hurlstone, if every one were alike, the world would be very dull. A little originality is so delightful. I want to see as many different types as I can in going through the States. I don't think the worse of people for not having the manners I have been used to. Their manners are good for them, as mine are for me."
"Forgive me for saying that that is all nonsense, Miss Ballinger. There is but one code of good manners, all the world over. You will go back to England, and quote these people, and say that is the way Americans behave. You know you will!"
"Some Americans—not all," replied Grace, calmly. "And why not? What is the use of blinking the truth? There are differences—you can't deny it—and I want to see them all. The New-Englanders, about whom I have read so much, the warm Southerners, the wild Westerners, I know I shall find them all interesting in their different ways. I don't want only to see the smart conventional people. I have plenty of them at home."
Here some one entered the box, and Caldwell rose. Then, approaching Grace, he said,
"I believe my mother has taken the liberty of writing to you to-night, Miss Ballinger. She knew your father quite well when he was over here, and would like to make your acquaintance, but did not like to call without writing to explain why. We shall be only a short time in New York, but my mother hopes she may see you."
"Certainly. I shall be charmed. If she will appoint any hour I will be at home, or call on her."