Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society

iety, since capable modistes had supplemented their girlish charms and freshness with costumes pertinent to the occasion. Perhaps Patsy's chubby form looked a little "dumpish" in her party g

iana never did anything by halves and for her own credit insisted on attention to those details of display that society recognizes and loves. Hundreds of long-stemmed American Beauties and Kentia palms were combined in beautifying the spacious hall, while orchids in marvelous variety nodded their blossoms in the great drawing-room, where the young-ladies received. These rare and precious flowers were arranged in bronze baskets with sprays of maidenhair. In the music room adjoining, great clusters of Madam Chantenay roses embellished the ch

rous introductions, until names became meaningless in their ears; but Louise, perfectly composed and in no wise distracted by her surroundings or the music of the orchestra and the perpetual buzz of conversation in the crowded rooms, impressed each individual upo

Taer's intimates, a graceful blond girl, suddenly seized her a

ssed observing anything of importance. She pressed her friend's hand and turned again to the line o

e into his smiling face. The glance was brief as unexpected, yet it must have told the young man something, for he flushed and bowed again as if to hide his embarra

ned an eager gaze on Louise and half extended his hand, the girl's face grew pale and s

e that made Diana frown wickedly. But the girl was unre

then?" said the girl, in a

d. "The puzzling fact is that you are here-and

r Weldon could do little more than press her hand when

the three cousins, as well as by the memory of his tone as he addressed Louise Merrick. Louise, who had read Diana's quick glance with the accuracy of an intuitionist, felt a sudden suspic

ised to disinherit him. It was during this period that Arthur met Louise and fell desperately in love with her. The girl appeared to return the young fellow's devotion, but shrewd, worldly Mrs. Merrick, discovering that the boy was practically disinherited and had no prospects whatever, forbade him the house. Louise, until now but mildly interested in the young-man, resented her mother's interference and refused to give him up. She found ways to

a pleasant comrade, and after all love-making was tabooed they were quite a harmonious party. Finally the sudden death of Weldon's father left him the possessor of a fortune. He returned to America to look after his newly-acquired business

f human lives. Many estrangements are caused by trifle

ormer admirer. Arthur Weldon, for his part, consoled himself by plunging into social distractio

elf suspected, had never wavered much from Louise. Yet pride forbade his attempting to renew their former relations. It was now some months since he had

loved Arthur Weldon. He had never proposed to her or even intimated it was his intention to do so, but she conceived a powerful desire to win him and had never abandoned this motive when he grew cold and appeared to desert her. Just now he was recently back from Italy, where he had passed several months, and Diana's recept

hose who felt it a duty or pleasure to show them attention. Diana wandered to the music room and waylaid Arthur Weldon, who was just

glance assuring her they were not overheard. "Yo

y old friend," he answered lightly. "Isn't it

e girls, don't

et them i

Merrick? Be honest, Art

e merely good friends," said

called her 'Loui

called me 'Arthur. Yo

at

icia Doyle-our de

dn't fall in love wi

s Patsy. But I had no time for l

e asked, realizing he was trying t

es

since

or seven months, as you kno

at-when you fi

much in the society of Miss Von Ta

tive, Arthur; I was surprised to find you knew these

ce them to your

er, who wishes to

ut they're nice girls, Diana. You're

d rather scornfully. "If Arthu

elf," he declared hastily. She was calmly readin

ever, then, mon cher

na. My fault is that

ev

eing serious; at least, w

a frown, but her eyes, which he

reply. "Were you never serious during our quiet even

rely fun. An

n to live, then, and found life very sweet. But when you su

ed. His nature was not brutal and he disliked to hurt her; moreover, the boy had an uneasy feeling that he had been a far more ardent admirer of this peculiar girl than any fellow should be who had had no serious intentions; yet it would be folly t

in his lack of moral courage proved his stumbling-block, a

only serious when we make it so; and as soon as we make it serious it ma

Diana, with an effort to speak lightly. "I shall let your moods b

rritating, and he realized the girl was far too clever for him to cope with and was liable to cause him fu

d with assumed carelessness. "Don't you remember

oes? I seldom wink, myself," she continued, smilingly. "But I have

turn. "Once I knew a fellow with thirteen letters in his name. He

sudden, swift glances th

here would be thirteen letters

f ever I propose to a girl I'm sure she'll refuse me. But I've n

lied pointedly, and with a start he became consciou

ng her his arm. "They would all hate me if they kn

old, delightful confabs," she said, earnestly. "Will you

esit

ternoon?"

es

; I'll com

om. The crush was over, many having already departed. Some of the young people were dancing in

in her freshness and healthy vigor and were flattered by her consideration. Mrs. Merrick-for she had been invited-sat in a corner gorgeous

but felt irritated and annoyed when he observed Louise's eyes fastened upon him in amused disdain. After a few turns he discovered some departing ones waiting to bid their h