The Old Maid

In the old New York of the 'fifties a few families ruled, in simplicity
and affluence. Of these were the Ralstons.

The sturdy English and the rubicund and heavier Dutch had mingled to
produce a prosperous, prudent and yet lavish society. To "do things
handsomely" had always been a fundamental principle in this cautious
world, built up on the fortunes of bankers, India merchants,
ship-builders and ship-chandlers. Those well-fed slow-moving people, who
seemed irritable and dyspeptic to European eyes...