Mrs. Belcher was surprised by the presence of a number of men whose names were familiar with the public—­Members of Congress, representatives of the city government, clergymen even, who were generally supposed to be “at home” on that day.  Why had these made their appearance?  She could only come to one conclusion, which was, that they regarded Mrs. Dillingham as a show.  Mrs. Dillingham in a beautiful house, arranged for self-exhibition, was certainly more attractive than Mary, Queen of Scots, in wax, in a public hall; and she could be seen for nothing.

It is doubtful whether Mrs. Belcher’s estimate of their sex was materially raised by their tribute to her companion’s personal attractions, but they furnished her with an interesting study.  She was comforted by certain observations, viz., that there were at least twenty men among them who, by their manner and their little speeches, which only a woman could interpret, showed that they were entangled in the same meshes that had been woven around her husband; that they were as foolish, as fond, as much deceived, and as treacherously entertained as he.

She certainly was amused.  Puffy old fellows with nosegays in their button-holes grew gallant and young in Mrs. Dillingham’s presence, filled her ears with flatteries, received the grateful tap of her fan, and were immediately banished to the dining-room, from which they emerged redder in the face and puffier than ever.  Dapper young men arriving in cabs threw off their overcoats before alighting, and ran up the steps in evening dress, went through their automatic greeting and leave-taking, and ran out again to get through their task of making almost numberless calls during the day.  Steady old men like Mr. Tunbridge and Mr. Schoonmaker, who had had the previous privilege of meeting Mr. Belcher, were turned over to Mrs. Belcher, with whom they sat down and had a quiet talk.  Mrs. Dillingham seemed to know exactly how to apportion the constantly arriving and departing guests.  Some were entertained by herself, some were given to Mr. Belcher, some to the hostess, and others were sent directly to the refreshment tables to be fed.

Mr. Belcher was brought into contact with men of his own kind, who did not fail to recognize him as a congenial spirit, and to express the hope of seeing more of him, now that he had become “one of us.”  Each one knew some other one whom he would take an early opportunity of presenting to Mr. Belcher.  They were all glad he was in New York.  It was the place for him.  Everything was open to such a man as he, in such a city, and they only wondered why he had been content to remain so long, shut away from his own kind.

These expressions of brotherly interest were very pleasant to Mr. Belcher.  They flattered him and paved the way for a career.  He would soon be hand-in-glove with them all.  He would soon find the ways of their prosperity, and make himself felt among them.