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