“Certainly not, I can stand it if you can, I am sure. But how are you off socially? Have you pleasant neighbors?�
“Yes, indeed, and neighbors are neighbors, here. We call each other by the first name,—that is, most of us do,—and we are not above borrowing from one another when necessary.�
“I should think not,� laughed Alice. “We have often loaned our dresses and shoes.�
“And that isn’t all.� And then the twain looked at each other and laughed again.
“I don’t see how you ever became accustomed to it, girls. You were brought up to such a different life,� Mrs. Clyne remarked.
“O, it’s easy, just as easy as learning to skate,� responded Lissa, not finding at hand any more suitable comparison. “It comes to one naturally in a little time.�
Mrs. Clyne shook her head. “I’m afraid it wouldn’t come to me. I’m too old.�
“O, now mother, don’t think that. You’ll really enjoy it. And we have some really nice people here. The McClearys, for instance; and the Davitts and the Youngs and the Garretts. Then we know every one for miles away, and intimately.�
“Yes,� said Alice, “we know all the private affairs of each other. If Mrs. Garrett gets a new dress all the neighbors know of it, and if I have company to tea, or make plum butter, it is known from here to C——�
“Ah, it’s all beyond me,� Mrs. Clyne sighed.