These people whom she had ridiculed and yet envied were glad to make a place for her in the charmed circle about which all her desires revolved.

They were not as brutal and self-engrossed as she had fancied--or rather, since it would no longer be necessary to flatter and humour them, that side of their nature became less conspicuous.

Society is a revolving body which is apt to be judged according to its place in each man's heaven; and at present it was turning its illuminated face to Lily.
In the rosy glow it diffused her companions seemed full of amiable qualities.

She liked their elegance, their lightness, their lack of emphasis: even the self-assurance which at times was so like obtuseness now seemed the natural sign of social ascendency.

They were lords of the only world she cared for, and they were ready to admit her to their ranks and let her lord it with them.