nsations which the former denies. There is a
great deal of companionship, however unrecognized, in the cloud of
witnesses that encompass us round about, and whose presence is less
vividly felt in the gleam and glitter of ceremonial society. The more
general assemblages of clubs, teas, and receptions are so incorporated
into the social system that no one could cancel these if he would, nor
would he if he could. They have their uses. All exchange of human
sympathies is good, even if it be somewhat superficial and spectacular.
The more exclusive dinners are not without their special charm as
occasions when conversation becomes possible on a less unsatisfactory
scale than the exchange of inanities in crowded receptions. Yet, with
due recognition of the stimulus and the brilliancy that may flash from a
select group of people, the deeper truth remains that it is only in a
more personal companionship that is found the supreme luxury of life,
and that companionship is a relation existing solely between two,
refusing its spell when that number is increased.

Nothing is less considered by society than companionship. It is
considered an unheard-of waste of time to devote an entire evening to
one guest, when, indeed, five, ten, or fifty might be warmed, lighted,
and fed in the same time. The fashionable hostess invites her friends to
pay off her social debts. If she can pay off fifty or five hundred--in
the time that she would give to one, she felicitates herself on her
clever management. The idea of inviting her friends because she really
wishes to talk with them would bewilder her. She does not converse; she
"receives." She arrays herself in her smartest gown, and her social
interchange with each guest consists in a graceful greeting and a no
less graceful adieu, followed by an epoch of private gratitude that the
required entertainment is over. She consults her visiting list and
conscientiously arranges for her next reception, or dinner, or dance, in
the fulfilment of what she is pleased to call her social duties. And all
this, however superficial or spectacular it may be, has its place, and
serves, with more or less success, to promote social meeting,
preliminary acquaintance, out of which the choicest friendships
sometimes spring. But it is quite possible to concede that certain
formalities and ceremonial observances have their legitimate place
without conceding that they monopolize the resources of social
enjoyment. When one c