Getting settled was a wonderful experience. The Daltons had never moved before, and it took many days to bring even a semblance of order out of the chaos into which the six small rooms were thrown by the unpacking of the boxes and barrels. The delay worried Sarah more than did the work itself. "Oh, dear, Ethel," she moaned each afternoon, "we're so slow in getting settled, and I just know some one will call before we 're even half fixed!" At last the tiny "parlor" with its mirror-adorned mantel and showy gas fixtures--the pride of Sarah's heart--was in order; and, after that, Sarah made sure each day that three o'clock found her dressed in her best and sitting in solemn state in that same parlor waiting for the calls that were surely now long overdue. Days passed, and her patience was unrewarded save for a sharp ring from a sewing-machine agent, and another from a book canvasser. Sarah could not understand it. Surely, her neighbors in the block must know of her arrival even if those in her immediate vicinity on the street did not. Occasionally she met women in the halls, or going in and out of the big main door. At first she looked at them with a half-formed smile on her face, waiting for the confidently expected greeting; later, she eyed them with a distinctly grieved expression--the greeting had never been given; but at last, her hunger to talk with some one not of her own family led her to take the initiative herself. Meeting a tall, slender woman, whom she had already seen three times, she spoke. "How--how d'ye do?" she began timidly. The tall woman started, threw a hurried glance around her, then came to the conclusion that the salutation was meant for herself. "Good-morning," she returned, then hurried along through the hall. Sarah stood looking after her with dazed eyes. "Why, how funny!" she murmured. "She did n't even stop a minute. Maybe she's sort of bashful, now. I should n't wonder a mite if she was." Three days later the two ladies again met at the outer door. "Oh, how d'ye do? Nice day, ain't it?" began Sarah, hurriedly. "You--you live here, don't you?" "Why--yes," said the woman, smiling a little. "I do, too--on the top floor. You 're not so high up, are you?" The woman shook her head. "Not quite," she said. "I--I 'm all settled, now," announced Sarah, stumbling over the words a little. "Is that so?" returned the woman politely, but without enthusiasm. Sarah nodded. "Yes, all ready for callers. I--I hope you'll come soon," she finished with sudden courage. "Thank you; you are very kind," murmured the woman, as she smiled and turned away. The tall woman did not call, and Sarah never asked her again. A few words from Cousin John's wife at about this time opened Sarah's eyes, and taught her not to expect to become acquainted with her neighbors. At first Sarah was more than dismayed; but she quickly brought to bear the courage with which she fought all the strange things in this new life.