Sentence:  Mother...considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held <WSD>aloof</WSD>, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.