Bromfield Corey, when he was young, “traveled about over Europe… frequenting good society and getting himself
presented at several courts” (70). Tom Corey has less of a penchant for travel and more of a work ethic, but he too
has at least been “in Germany and France… South America and Mexico…” and “Italy, of course” (76). The
Laphams, in contrast, have not traveled out of the country. They stick to resorts in the mountains and at the sea
since “none of them had grasped the idea of European travel” (26). Instead, they go “upon journeys” (25) and
excursions. At least the trip West gave Silas something in common with Tom Corey – both of them spent some time
in Texas. This is important because even though Tom sees the class difference between himself and the Laphams (a
difference cut even clearer by the future dinner party), he at least realizes that the Colonel must be judged by a
different standard than the Boston socialites (65). This accepting attitude allows him to court Penelope despite his
parents’ and society’s wishes.