Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society

into the city. This suggestion of Martha Merrick's regarding his i

a fortune. When he retired and returned to "civilization" he found his greatest reward In the discovery of three charming nieces, all "as poor as Job's turkey" but struggling along bravely, each in her individual characteristic way, and well worthy their doting uncle's affectionate admiration. Mrs. Merrick had re

s eventful morning the man of millions took a cross-town car to the elevated station and climbed the stairs to his train. Once seated and headed cityward he t

. Von

had said, "is an aristocrat with an independent fortune, who clings to the brokerage business because he inherited it from his father a

an aristocrat?" Mr.

. I imagine his ancestors might have furnished Noah the lumber

ht to be a broker if he wan

dle such an uncertain business. He's noted for doing unwarranted things. To me it's a marvel th

es and been forced to appeal to Mr. Merrick, to whom he obtained an introduction through a mutual friend. Von Taer was doubtless solvent, for he co

at his watch and found it was barely eleven. He decided not to await the hour of appointment. With hi

meanor and courteous manners. He stood until his visitor was seated

practical, matter-of-fact way. "Three hundred thousand, wasn't it? Call

relief crossed

nswered. "I assure you I fully

him he had a difficult proposition to make to this man. To avoid the cold, enquiring eyes now fixed upon him h

ngs tied to it. I don't want you to feel I'm demanding any sort of ret

aer b

igation it will afford me pleasure to repay," said

who will some day inherit my money. They are already independent, financially,

on Taer's face, usually unexpressive, denoted blank mystification. W

rls yoursel

r, sir. My

own

lady no

well society than a Fifth Avenue stage. My money has given me commercial position,

er the other's lips, but

as long ago climbed into the top notch of society. You're one o' t

n was a little indignant that his companion showed no disposition to assist him in his explanation, whi

x with your swell crowd myself, because I ain't fit; likewise the outfit ain't much to my taste, askin' your pardon; but with women it's different. They need to stand high an' shine bright to make 'em reall

e how I can be of service to you in gratif

took his hat from the table. "It was only a fool notion, anyway; just a t

wealthy and important person that won the respect of all he met. The broker's stern eyes softened a bit as he gazed

over, there can be no dominant 'leader of society' here, for the reason that not all grades of society would recognize the supremacy of any one set, or clique. These cliques exist for various reasons. They fraternize generally, but keep well within their own circles. Kindred tastes attract some; ancient lineage others. There is an ultra-fashionable set, a sporting set, a literary set, an aristocratic set, a rather 'fast' set, a theatrical set-and so on. The

wonder to me is why people wa

steep incline, difficult to mount. To stand upon the summit, to become the cynosure of all eyes, is a desire inherent, seemingly, in all humanity; for humanity loves distinction. In the scramble toward the peak many fall by

you were born that way, and didn't have to climb. Seems to me you rather scorn the crowd that's trying to climb to an eminence you never had to

Perhaps he scarcely heard it, for he appea

ughter to call upon yo

ourse

give me the

ote them on a

do. Whatever may be accomplished in the direction you have suggested I will glad

iked to ask favors at any time and now felt that he had confided himsel

nieces-and they would never know what humilia