A very great change has come over country society in this way.

Of course, men (and women) with money were always more eligible than those without; but it is not so very long ago that one and all--well-to-do and poor--had one bond in common.

Whether they farmed large or small acres, all worked personally.

There was no disgrace in the touch of the plough--rather the contrary; now it is contamination itself.
The consequence is that the former general goodwill and acquaintanceship is no more.

There are no friendly meetings; there is a distinct social barrier between the man and the woman who labours and the one who does not.