[All nod rather stiffly. Miss Sommerfield extends her hand, and Miss James touches it with the tips of her fingers.]
Miss James. So happy, I am sure. I was quite by meself, do you know, and Miss Sayres kindly spoke to me. Do you not find it rather lonely here?
Olive. Oh, not at all.
Victoria. It's simply perfect. We all know each other, and how could we be lonely?
Miss James. You all know each other? Just fancy! A party of girls travelling together. How very odd!
Olive. No, Miss James, we have made each other's acquaintance since we came here. But American girls get acquainted easily.
Miss James. Only fancy that, now! It is truly a democratic country. In England, you know, at the watering-places, I stay with mamma a whole season, and we never speak to strangers. Mamma is very particular.
Madge. Well, Miss James, to make you feel easier about us, we will give you references.
Miss James. I dare say you are all right. But in England it is so different, so much more established, you know. This is the land of the people.
Grace. Have you been to Chicago?