In this way we read and thought over a wide range of subjects and brought together the best minds in the community.

Many young men and women who did not belong to what was considered the first circle,--for in every little country village there is always a small clique that constitutes the aristocracy,--had the advantages of a social life otherwise denied them.
I think that all who took part in this Conversation Club would testify to its many good influences.
I had three quite intimate young friends in the village who spent much of their spare time with me, and who added much to my happiness: Frances Hoskins, who was principal of the girls' department in the academy, with whom I discussed politics and religion; Mary Bascom, a good talker on the topics of the day, and Mary Crowninshield, who played well on the piano.

As I was very fond of music, Mary's coming was always hailed with delight.

Her mother, too, was a dear friend of mine, a woman of rare intelligence, refinement, and conversational talent.

She was a Schuyler, and belonged to the Dutch aristocracy in Albany.