I did not "go with" any of the girls, in the school-girl sense of the phrase.

I admired some of them, either for good looks, or beautiful manners, or more subtle attributes; but always at a distance.

I discovered something inimitable in the way the Back Bay girls carried themselves; and I should have been the first to perceive the incongruity of Commonwealth Avenue entwining arms with Dover Street.

Some day, perhaps, when I should be famous and rich; but not just then.

So my companions and I parted on the steps of the school-house, in mutual respect; they guiltless of snobbishness, I innocent of envy.