Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society

our duty by those g

d nor annoyed. Mrs. Merrick, a pink-cheeked middle-aged lady attired in an elaborate morning gown, knitted her brows severely as she regarded the chubby little man opposite; then, sud

ls, content to struggle for a respectable livelihood and a doubtful position in the lower stratas of social communion. But you interfered. You came into their lives abruptly

. His keen gray eyes sparkled as mischievously as a schoolboy's. Softly

my dear? What is th

ow them. You've lavished your millions upon them unsparingly; they are not only presumptive heiresses but alread

Martha

lugged your three nieces to the mountains and carried them to the seashore. You even encoura

to the point, if you ca

ery advantage in your power save one, and the neglect of th

passed a hand over his shiny bald head as if

at have I neglected?"

ls their proper st

smiled; then

onfound it, Martha, they're as good girls as

capitals indicate the impressive manner i

s folks fashionable

that there is a cultured, aristocratic and exclusive Society i

re? Then I'

re not

hought y

the welfare of my daughter Louise but for Beth and Patricia. Your nieces are charming girls,

ld they be

difficult to acquire. Nothing is dearer to a girl's heart than to win acceptance

continue to exclud

u do your

Martha? You've been talking in riddles, so far

polis. In the city and at your club you must meet with men who have the entrée to the most desirable social circles: men w

nse

nonsense

I know what yo

very o

s are so crazy for-but they've never said anything to me about it-can't be bought. In the next breath you urge me to

but stubbornly main

ple; not at all, John. It's what i

. Do you imagine there's any value in socia

is not born to it. As a matter of fact, Louise i

, Martha," he interrupted.

Merr

ell society. Once, though, when I was a boy, I had a cousin who spelled down the whole crowd at a spellin'-bee. We were quite proud of him then; but he went wrong after his triumph, poor fellow! and became

social triumphs. The winter season is now approaching; the people are flocking back to town from their country homes; fashionable gaieties and notable events will soon hold full sway. The dear girls are surely entitled to enjoy these things, don't you think? Aren't they worthy the best

ambition?" he a

tion, because all three are sensible, spirited, young women, who live

rubbed his head again

t abstracted nod at his sister-in-law. "Th