gradually to the cultured usages of society, and are still far from
accomplished in the art of easy familiarity. It finds in its homely
culture no hard-and-fast traditions by which it can regulate its
conduct, and by a deficiency of observation, or by the want of
development of the finer feelings, is only imperfectly helped by
foreign or aristocratic manners. Herr Ellrich, who loved splendor
and expense, felt that the New Year must be celebrated by
rejoicings, and he had therefore invited his whole circle of
acquaintances to this New Year's party to rejoice with him.

In the third room the councilor's wife sat near the fireplace in a
claret-colored silk dress, ostrich feathers in her hair, and
resplendent with diamonds. Nevertheless there was nothing stiff in
her demeanor, and she was friendly and good-natured as ever. Grouped
around her in armchairs were several ladies, who in their own
judgment had passed the age of dancing. Among them were the wives of
civil officers, in whose dresses a practiced and capable eye might
detect a simplicity and old-fashioned taste, while the wives of
certain financiers were gorgeous in then fashionable costumes and
the brilliancy of their ornaments. The former felt compensated by
the consciousness of their rank and worth for any deficiency in mere
outward signs of grandeur, the latter tried by the glitter of their
pearls, diamonds, silks, and laces to appear easy and fearlessly
familiar. Among the men, the soldiers had everything in their favor.
The orders which the civilians wore fastened on the lapels of their
dress coats were hopelessly thrown in the shade by the epaulettes of
the officers, and the medals decorating their colored uniforms.

Herr Ellrich made a good host, passing quickly but quietly from one
group to another. His blight blue eves were cold and tired-looking