A visitor was a creature to be fed.

Feeding together removes embarrassment, and before supper was over we were all acquainted with Mr.Morgeson.There were three cheerful old ladies spending the week with us--the widow Desire Carver, and her two maiden sisters, Polly and Serepta Chandler.
They filled the part of chorus in the domestic drama, saying, "Aha," whenever there was a pause.

Veronica affected these old ladies greatly, and when they were in the house gave them her society.

But for their being there at this time, I doubt whether she would have seen Mr.Morgeson again.

That evening she played for them.