A few of the neighbors, headed by Mrs. Thornton, the typical New York woman devoted to "society," made calls upon Drusilla; and when the first caller's card was brought to Drusilla, she went into the drawing-room and greeted the stylishly dressed lady who rose to meet her, wondering why she had come. The lady sat down and talked to Drusilla about the weather, asked how she liked Brookvale, spoke of the opera season and of a new singer, asked her if she cared for symphonies, which Drusilla thought at first was something to eat, mentioned a ball that was being given at Sherry's that night for charity; and then departed, leaving Drusilla still wondering why she came. Evidently she told her friends of her visit, as many came, some from curiosity and others from real kindliness and desire to be friendly with their newest neighbor. One day Daphne saw the cards. "Oh," she said, "has Mrs. Druer called, and Mrs. Cairns, and Mrs. Freeman. I am so glad. You must return the call." "Is that a call? What did they come for? I been wondering about it ever since they come." "They are your neighbors." "Oh, is that the way they are neighborly in the city? Set down and talk about nothing for ten minutes and then go home. Well, I don't see as it's very fillin'." "They want to get acquainted." "Well, why don't they stay a while and git acquainted? We jest git started to talkin' when they go away. Where I lived when a neighbor come to see you, they brought their sewin' and spent the afternoon. You can't git acquainted settin' opposite each other and wonderin' what to say. Why, they all look when they git ready to go, 'Well, I've done my duty; thank goodness it's over!'" Daphne laughed. "You must go and return the calls." "You mean that I must go to their houses and do what they done--set ten minutes and ask them about the weather and the opera and symphonies? I don't know nothin' about them things at all." "You needn't ask them about the opera, but you must return their calls." Drusilla shook her head. "No, I won't do it." "Oh, but you must." "But I won't, Miss Thornton," said Drusilla obstinately. "I don't know what to say." "I'll go with you, Miss Doane." "Well--" and Drusilla was a little pacified--"well, I'll go once and see what it's like. I'll do anything once, but I won't promise to do it much." "Never mind; you must return the first calls. I'll come for you to-morrow and we'll go. You have cards--I had them made for you; and I'll bring my new cardcase. No, I'll get you the dearest bag I saw downtown. Gray suede with a cardcase and mirror in it, and a pencil and everything you need." "What do I want a mirror in my hand satchel for?" "Why to powder your nose if it gets shiny, Miss Doane. You're not up to date. You must have a vanity box in your bag or you won't be in it at all now." Drusilla laughed.