Let’s Write a Novel Chapter 3, Paragraph 3 – 4

Note: The novel from the start can be found by clicking on Lets Write a Novel , my associated blog. Some corrections and changes appear there as well as some notes and questions I need to address. As you have no doubt noticed, writing a novel is, at least for me, a bit ragged.

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101 North Washington Street
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Chapter 3, Paragraphs 3 - 4
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It would be a safe bet that Abe was the only man in Starke Center possessing a Tuxedo. There was no occasion for formal wear much less the fine gradations that would later become known as white tie and black tie. These fine distinctions of fine living that were so carefully recorded in the aforementioned T & C magazine were completely irrelevant to life in the Center. It is true that Abe and Sara were prone to feeling and acting superior to their neighbors in Starke Center. From our vantage point we find it odd that they were not accused by their friends and neighbors of “putting on airs”. But it was well understood that Mr. and Mrs. Weiss were indeed superior. They had been to Europe.
Abraham Weiss had money and handled it with the ease displayed by the 2nd generation of wealth. Sara Weiss was educated, artistic, beautiful and very stylish. Anyway, the people who might care, Mrs. Werner and the other members of the Woman’s Arts Council admired the mantel of culture worn so gracefully. Envy isn’t possible when the gap is too wide. The poor don’t envy the rich. The rich envy the more rich.

I think we could skip a detailed description of dinner. Suffice it to say that Fritz and Ethel were both in the early stages of what would be good careers. They were sincerely grateful for the patronage of the Woman’s Arts Council and the free meal. They guests admired Sara’s painting and poetry. At the piano Mrs. Werner accompanied the beautiful Miss Drew singing sweetly some popular melodies. Mr. Leiber was always good at a party with his vast repertoire, from parlor magic to vaudeville. It seems so inviting and utterly pleasant doesn’t it? At least it seems so in comparison to watching “American Idol” on the television.