"I've always heard those Hamiltons very well spoken of, as very nice, worthy people," Mrs. Ocksreider said in a tone of kindly condescension. "Where do they live, Mrs. Leitzel?"
That Mrs. Ocksreider shouldn't even know where they lived, put them of course outside the pale. Jennie and Sadie suffered acutely at Margaret's reply.
"They live in a small rented house on Green Street," she said, and added: "One of the few really distinguished homes in our town."
"'Distinguished?'" repeated Mrs. Ocksreider, puzzled.
"I mean, rather, it is a home that has distinction, by reason of its inmates and its furnishings."
"Its furnishings?" questioned Mrs. Ocksreider, still puzzled.
"Its pictures and books and general good taste. One of the few households that have pictures and books."
"Oh, but we all have pictures and books, Mrs. Leitzel!"
"Real pictures, I mean, and real books, too."
"But I'm sure most families of our class have the classics in their homes," Mrs. Ocksreider protested.