“To be sure. However, I have many other friends in the first circles whom I can visit. I suppose, Mr. Greyson, the Vivians have a fine house?”
“It seems very comfortable.”
“The Montmorencys live in a perfect palace. I wish you could see it.”
“I wish I could, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls; “but you wouldn’t take me, you know.”
“I couldn’t, Mr. Ingalls, as I explained to you. They are so very exclusive.”
“I wonder visiting such fine houses doesn’t make you dissatisfied with your own home.”
“Oh, my tastes are very plain,” said Alphonso.
“‘Mid pleasures and palaces though I may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.’”
“Some of your own poetry, Mr. Jones?” asked Mr. Ingalls, demurely.