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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society, by Edith Van
+Dyne
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society
+
+Author: Edith Van Dyne
+
+Release Date: December 15, 2003  [eBook #10468]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN SOCIETY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Sjaani, and Project Gutenberg Distributed
+Proofreaders
+
+
+
+AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN SOCIETY
+
+BY
+
+EDITH VAN DYNE
+
+1910
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF CHAPTERS
+
+
+CHAPTER
+
+    I   UNCLE JOHN'S DUTY
+   II   A QUESTION OF "PULL"
+  III   DIANA
+   IV   THE THREE NIECES
+    V   PREPARING FOR THE PLUNGE
+   VI   THE FLY IN THE BROTH
+  VII   THE HERO ENTERS AND TROUBLE BEGINS
+ VIII   OPENING THE CAMPAIGN
+   IX   THE VON TAER PEARLS
+    X   MISLED
+   XI   LIMOUSINE
+  XII   FOGERTY
+ XIII   DIANA REVOLTS
+  XIV   A COOL ENCOUNTER
+   XV   A BEWILDERING EXPERIENCE
+  XVI   MADAME CERISE, CUSTODIAN
+ XVII   THE MYSTERY DEEPENS
+XVIII   A RIFT IN THE CLOUDS
+  XIX   POLITIC REPENTANCE
+   XX   A TELEPHONE CALL
+  XXI   THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+ XXII   GONE
+XXIII   THE CRISIS
+ XXIV   A MATTER OF COURSE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+UNCLE JOHN'S DUTY
+
+"You're not doing your duty by those girls, John Merrick!"
+
+The gentleman at whom this assertion was flung in a rather angry tone
+did not answer his sister-in-law. He sat gazing reflectively at the
+pattern in the rug and seemed neither startled 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, suddenly remembering that the wrinkles might leave their
+dreadful mark on her carefully rolled and massaged features, she
+banished them with a pass of her ringed hand and sighed dismally.
+
+"It would not have mattered especially had the poor children been left
+in their original condition of friendless poverty," she said. "They were
+then like a million other girls, 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,
+appearing from those horrid Western wilds with an amazing accumulation
+of money and a demand that your three nieces become your special
+_protegees_. And what is the result?"
+
+The little man looked up with a charming smile of good humored raillery.
+His keen gray eyes sparkled as mischievously as a schoolboy's. Softly he
+rubbed the palms of his hands together, as if enjoying the situation.
+
+"What is it, Martha, my dear? What is the result?" he asked.
+
+"You've raised them from their lowly condition to a sphere in which they
+reign as queens, the envy of all who know them. You've lavished your
+millions upon them unsparingly; they are not only presumptive heiresses
+but already possessed of independent fortunes. Ah, you think you've been
+generous to these girls; don't you, John Merrick?"  "Go on, Martha; go
+on."
+
+"You've taken them abroad--you took my own daughter, John Merrick, and
+left _me_ at home!--you've lugged your three nieces to the mountains and
+carried them to the seashore. You even encouraged them to enlist in an
+unseemly campaign to elect that young imbecile, Kenneth Forbes, and--"
+
+"Oh, Martha, Martha! Get to the point, if you can. I'm going,
+presently."
+
+"Not until you've heard me out. You've given your nieces every advantage
+in your power save one, and the neglect of that one thing renders futile
+all else you have accomplished."
+
+Now, indeed, her listener seemed perplexed. He passed a hand over his
+shiny bald head as if to stimulate thought and exorcise bewilderment.
+
+"What is it, then? What have I neglected?" was his mild enquiry.
+
+"To give those girls their proper standing in society."
+
+He started; smiled; then looked grave.
+
+"You're talking foolishly," he said. "Why, confound it, Martha, they're
+as good girls as ever lived! They're highly respected, and--"  "Sir, I
+refer to Fashionable Society." The capitals indicate the impressive
+manner in which Mrs. Merrick pronounced those words.
+
+"I guess money makes folks fashionable; don't it, Martha?"
+
+"No, indeed. How ignorant you are, John. Can you not understand that
+there is a cultured, aristocratic and exclusive Society in New York that
+millions will not enable one to gain _entree_ to?"
+
+"Oh, is there? Then I'm helpless."
+
+"You are not, sir."
+
+"Eh? I thought you said--"
+
+"Listen, John; and for heaven's sake try for once to be receptive. I am
+speaking not only for the welfare of my daughter Louise but for Beth
+and Patricia. Your nieces are charming girls, all three. With the
+advantages you have given them they may well become social celebrities."
+
+"H-m-m. Would they be happier so?"
+
+"Of course. Every true woman longs for social distinction, especially if
+it seems difficult to acquire. Nothing is dearer to a girl's heart than
+to win acceptance by the right social set. And New York society is the
+most exclusive in America."
+
+"I'm afraid it will continue to exclude our girls, Martha."
+
+"Not if you do your duty, John."
+
+"That reminds me. What is your idea of my duty, Martha? You've been
+talking in riddles, so far," he protested, shifting uneasily in his
+chair.
+
+"Let me explain more concisely, then. Your millions, John Merrick, have
+made you really famous, even in this wealthy metropolis. In the city and
+at your club you must meet with men who have the _entree_ to the most
+desirable social circles: men who might be induced to introduce your
+nieces to their families, whose endorsement would effect their proper
+presentation."
+
+"Nonsense."
+
+"It isn't nonsense at all."
+
+"Then blamed if I know what you're driving at."
+
+"You're very obtuse."
+
+"I won't agree to that till I know what 'obtuse' means. See here,
+Martha; you say this social position, that the girls 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 buy it. Phoo! You're a thoughtless,
+silly woman, Martha, and let your wild ambitions run away with your
+common sense."
+
+Mrs. Merrick sighed, but stubbornly maintained her position.
+
+"I don't suggest 'buying' such people; not at all, John. It's what is
+called--ah--ah--'influence'; or, or--"
+
+"Or 'pull.' 'Pull' is a better word, Martha. Do you imagine there's any
+value in social position that can be acquired by 'pull'?"
+
+"Of course. It has to be acquired some way--if one is not born to it. As
+a matter of fact, Louise is entitled, through her connection with _my_
+family--"
+
+"Pshaw, I knew _your_ family, Martha," he interrupted. "An arrant lot of
+humbugs."
+
+"John Merrick!"
+
+"Don't get riled. It's the truth. I _knew_ 'em. On her father's side
+Louise has just as much to brag about--an' no more. We Merricks never
+amounted to much, an' didn't hanker to trip the light fantastic in
+swell 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 a
+book agent. Now, Martha, I imagine this talk of yours is all hot air,
+and worked off on me not because the girls want society, but because you
+want it for 'em. It's all _your_ ambition, I'll bet a peanut."
+
+"You misjudge me, as usual, John. I am urging a matter of simple
+justice. Your nieces are lovely girls, fitted to shine in any sphere of
+life," she continued, knowing his weak point and diplomatically
+fostering it. "Our girls have youth, accomplishments, money--everything
+to fit them for 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 that life has to offer? And why shouldn't
+they enter society, if you do your full duty? Once get them properly
+introduced and they will be able to hold their own with perfect ease.
+Give me the credit for knowing these things, John, and try to help your
+nieces to attain their ambition."
+
+"But _is_ it their ambition?" he asked, doubtfully.
+
+"They have not said so in words; but I can assure you it _is_ their
+ambition, because all three are sensible, spirited, young women, who
+live in this age and not the one you yourself knew a half century or so
+ago."
+
+Mr. Merrick sighed and rubbed his head again. Then he slowly rose.
+
+"Mornin', Martha," he said, with a somewhat abstracted nod at his
+sister-in-law. "This is a new idea to me. I'll think it over."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+A QUESTION OF "PULL"
+
+John Merrick's face was not so cheery as usual as he made his way into
+the city. This suggestion of Martha Merrick's regarding his inattention
+to duty to his beloved nieces was no easy nut to crack.
+
+He knew his sister-in-law to be a wordly-minded, frivolous woman, with
+many trivial ambitions; but in this instance he had misgivings that she
+might be right. What did he, John Merrick, know of select society? A
+poor man, of humble origin, he had wandered into the infantile, embryo
+West years ago and there amassed 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 recited
+some of the advantages they had derived from the advent of this rich
+relative; but even she could not guess how devoted the man was to the
+welfare of these three fortunate girls, nor how his kindly, simple heart
+resented the insinuation that he was neglecting anything that might
+contribute to their happiness.
+
+Possession of money had never altered John Merrick's native simplicity.
+He had no extravagant tastes, dressed quietly and lived the life of the
+people. On this 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 took out his memorandum book to see what
+engagements he had for the day. There were three for the afternoon. At
+twelve o'clock he had promised to meet Von Taer.
+
+"H-m-m. Von Taer."
+
+Gazing reflectively from the window he remembered a conversation with a
+prominent banker some month or so before. "Von Taer," the banker had
+said, "is an aristocrat with an independent fortune, who clings to the
+brokerage business because he inherited it from his father and
+grandfather. I hold that such a man has no moral right to continue in
+business. He should retire and give the other fellow a chance."
+
+"Why do you call him an aristocrat?" Mr. Merrick had enquired.
+
+"Because his family is so ancient that it shames the ark itself. I
+imagine his ancestors might have furnished Noah the lumber to build his
+ship. In New York the '400' all kowtow to Von Taer."
+
+"Seems to me he has the right to be a broker if he wants to," asserted
+Mr. Merrick.
+
+"The right; yes. But, between us, Mr. Merrick, this society swell has no
+mental capacity to handle such an uncertain business. He's noted for
+doing unwarranted things. To me it's a marvel that Von Taer hasn't
+shipwrecked the family fortunes long ago. Luck has saved him, not
+foresight."
+
+That speech of a few weeks ago now seemed prophetic to John Merrick.
+Within a few days the aristocratic broker had encountered financial
+difficulties 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 controlled large means; but unless a saving
+hand was extended at this juncture his losses were sure to be severe,
+and might even cripple him seriously.
+
+All this Mr. Merrick shrewdly considered in the space of a few moments.
+As he left the train he looked at his watch and found it was barely
+eleven. He decided not to await the hour of appointment. With his usual
+brisk stride he walked to Von Taer's offices and was promptly admitted
+to the broker's sanctum.
+
+Hedrik Von Taer was a fine looking man, tall, grave, of dignified
+demeanor and courteous manners. He stood until his visitor was seated
+and with a gesture of deference invited him to open the conversation.
+
+"I've decided to make you the loan, Von Taer," began Mr. Merrick, in his
+practical, matter-of-fact way. "Three hundred thousand, wasn't it? Call
+on Major Doyle at my office this afternoon and he'll arrange it for
+you."
+
+An expression of relief crossed the broker's face.
+
+"You are very kind, sir," he answered. "I assure you I fully appreciate
+the accommodation."
+
+"Glad to help you," responded the millionaire, briskly. Then he paused
+with marked abruptness. It occurred to him he had a difficult
+proposition to make to this man. To avoid the cold, enquiring eyes now
+fixed upon him he pulled out a cigar and deliberately cut the end. Von
+Taer furnished him a match. He smoked a while in silence.
+
+"This loan, sir," he finally began, "is freely made. There are no
+strings tied to it. I don't want you to feel I'm demanding any sort of
+return. But the truth is, you have it in your power to grant me a
+favor."
+
+Von Taer bowed.
+
+"Mr. Merrick has generously placed me under an obligation it will afford
+me pleasure to repay," said he. But his eyes held an uneasy look,
+nevertheless.
+
+"It's this way," explained the other: "I've three nieces--fine girls,
+Von Taer--who will some day inherit my money. They are already
+independent, financially, and they're educated, well-bred and amiable
+young women. Take my word for it."
+
+"I am sure your statements are justified, Mr. Merrick." Yet Hedrik Von
+Taer's face, usually unexpressive, denoted blank mystification. What
+connection could these girls have with the favor to be demanded?
+
+"Got any girls yourself, Von Taer?"
+
+"A daughter, sir. My only child.
+
+"Grown up?"
+
+"A young lady now, sir."
+
+"Then you'll understand. I'm a plain uneducated man myself. Never been
+any nearer swell society than a Fifth Avenue stage. My money has given
+me commercial position, but no social one worth mentioning. Your '400's'
+a bunch I can't break into, nohow."
+
+A slight smile hovered over the other's lips, but he quickly controlled
+it.
+
+"They tell me, though," continued the speaker, "that _your_ family has
+long ago climbed into the top notch of society. You're one o' the big
+guns in the battery, an' hold the fort against all comers."
+
+Von Taer merely bowed. It was scarcely necessary to either admit or
+contradict the statement. Uncle John was a little indignant that his
+companion showed no disposition to assist him in his explanation, which
+a clear head might now easily comprehend. So, with his usual frankness,
+he went directly to the point.
+
+"I'd like my girls to get into the best--the most select--circles," he
+announced. "They're good and pretty and well-mannered, so it strikes me
+they're entitled to the best there is a-going. I don't want to mix 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 really happy, and
+if any special lot is particularly ex-clusive an' high-falutin', that's
+the crowd they long to swarm with. It's human nature--female human
+nature, anyhow. You catch my idea, Von Taer, don't you?"
+
+"I think so, Mr. Merrick. Yet I fail to see how I can be of service to
+you in gratifying the ambition of your charming nieces."  "Then I'll
+go, and you may forget what I've said." The visitor arose and took his
+hat from the table. "It was only a fool notion, anyway; just a thought,
+badly expressed, to help my girls to a toy that money can't buy."
+
+Hedrik Von Taer gazed steadily into the man's face. There was something
+in the simple, honest self-abnegation of this wealthy and important
+person that won the respect of all he met. The broker's stern eyes
+softened a bit as he gazed and he allowed a fugitive smile, due to his
+own change of attitude, to wreathe his thin lips again--just for an
+instant.
+
+"Sit down, please, Mr. Merrick," he requested, and rather reluctantly
+Uncle John resumed his seat. "You may not have an especially clear idea
+of New York society, and I want to explain my recent remark so that you
+will understand it. What is called 'the 400' may or may not exist; but
+certainly it is no distinct league or association. It may perhaps be
+regarded as a figure of speech, to indicate how few are really admitted
+to the most exclusive circles. Moreover, 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. These may all lay claim with certain justice to membership in good
+society. Their circles are to an extent exclusive, because some
+distinction must mark the eligibility of members. And outside each
+luminous sphere hovers a multitude eager to pass the charmed circle and
+so acquire recognition. Often it is hard to separate the initiate from
+the uninitiate, even by those most expert. Is it difficult to comprehend
+such a condition as I have described, Mr. Merrick?"
+
+"Somewhat, Mr. Von Taer. The wonder to me is why people waste time in
+such foolishness."
+
+"It is the legitimate occupation of many; the folly of unwise ambition
+impels others. There is a fascination about social life that appeals to
+the majority of natures. Let us compare society to a mountain whose
+sides are a 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 the wayside; others deceive
+themselves by imagining they have attained the apex when they are far
+from it. It is a game, Mr. Merrick, just as business is a game, politics
+a game, and war a game. You know how few really win."
+
+"Here," said Uncle John, musingly, "is a philosophy I did not expect
+from you, Von Taer. They tell me you're one who stands on top the peak.
+And 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 win. That wouldn't be my way. And I suspect that if the crowd
+wasn't trying to climb to you, your own position wouldn't be worth a
+cotton hat."
+
+Von Taer had no answer to this criticism. Perhaps he scarcely heard it,
+for he appeared lost in a brown study. Finally he said:  "Will you
+permit my daughter to call upon your nieces, Mr. Merrick?"
+
+"Of course, sir."
+
+"Then kindly give me their addresses."
+
+Uncle John wrote them on a slip of paper.
+
+"You may now dismiss the subject from your mind, sir, as you lately
+advised me to do. Whatever may be accomplished in the direction you have
+suggested I will gladly undertake. If I succeed it will be exceedingly
+gratifying to us all, I am sure."
+
+Mr. Merrick left the office in a rather humbled and testy mood. He
+disliked to ask favors at any time and now felt that he had confided
+himself to the mercy of this callous aristocrat and met with a distinct
+rebuff.
+
+But he had done it for the sake of his beloved nieces--and they would
+never know what humiliation this unsatisfactory interview had cost him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+DIANA
+
+Diana Von Taer can not be called a type. She was individual.
+Aristocratic to her finger tips, she was unlike all other aristocrats.
+An admitted queen of society, her subjects were few and indifferent. She
+possessed ancient lineage, was highly accomplished, had been born to the
+purple, as the saying is; but none of these things conspired to make her
+the curious creature she was.
+
+As we make her acquaintance she is twenty-three years of age--and looks
+eighteen. She is tall and slender and carries her handsome form with
+exquisite grace. Diana is never abrupt; her voice is ever modulated to
+soft, even tones; she rises from a chair or couch with the lithe,
+sinuous motion of a serpent uncoiling.
+
+Her face, critically regarded, is not so admirable as her form. The
+features are a trifle too elongated, and their delicacy is marred by a
+nose a bit broad and unshapely and a mouth with thin lips primly set.
+Her dark eyes might be magnificent if wide open: but through the narrow
+slits of their lids, half hidden by long curling lashes, the eyes peer
+at you with a cold, watchful, intent gaze that carries a certain uncanny
+and disconcerting fascination.
+
+Yet the girl is essentially feminine. If you refrain from meeting that
+discomfiting gaze--and her familiars have learned to avoid it--Diana
+impresses you as being graceful, dainty and possessed of charming
+manners. Her taste in dress is perfect. She converses fluently on many
+topics. It is her custom to rise at ten o'clock, whatever time she may
+have retired the night before; to read until luncheon; to devote the
+remainder of her day to the requirements of society.
+
+Eligible young men of admitted social standing call upon Diana at such
+intervals as the proprieties require. They chatter "small talk" and are
+careful to address her with deference. With an exception to be referred
+to later these young men have no more thought of "flirting" with Miss
+Von Taer than they would with the statue of the goddess, her namesake.
+Her dinner parties and entertainments are very successful. She is
+greatly admired, _per se_, but has no intimate friends.
+
+When her mother died, some years before, an aunt had come to live with
+Diana, and now posed as her chaperon. Mrs. Cameron was a stolid,
+corpulent lady, with a countenance perpetually placid and an habitual
+aversion to displaying intellect. Her presence in the establishment,
+although necessary, was frankly ignored. Fortunately she never obtruded
+herself.
+
+Hedrik Von Taer was passionately devoted to his daughter. He alone,
+perhaps, of all the world, thoroughly understood her and appreciated her
+talents. She may have frightened him at times, but that only added to
+his admiration. In return Diana displayed a calm, but affectionate
+regard for her father.
+
+Often after dinner these two would pass an hour together in a corner of
+the drawing-room, where the cold gray eyes of the man met the intent,
+half-veiled glance of the girl with perfect understanding. They talked
+of many things, including business. Hedrik had no secrets from his
+daughter.  The desperate condition of his finances, when he had been
+caught in a "corner" on wheat and nearly crushed, had not dismayed her
+in the least. It was she who had counseled him to appeal to John
+Merrick, since the name and fame of the eccentric millionaire were
+familiar to her as to him.
+
+He related to Diana his interview with Mr. Merrick on his return home.
+He was saved. The three hundred thousand were now in the bank to his
+credit and he could weather the coming storm easily--perhaps with
+profit. In a tone half amused, half serious, he told her of the little
+millionaire's desire to secure _entree_ into good society for his three
+nieces.
+
+Diana laughed with her lips; her eyes never laughed. Then she took in
+her hand the paper containing the addresses of the three girls and
+regarded it thoughtfully.
+
+"It is a curious request, _mon pere_," she said, in her soft, even
+tones; "but one we cannot diplomatically disregard. Provided, however--"
+
+"Yes, Diana;" as she paused.
+
+"Provided these prospective _debutantes_ are not wholly impossible."
+
+"I realize that," returned her father. "John Merrick is a great power in
+the city. He has been useful to me, and may be again. I have this chance
+to win him. But the man is very common clay, despite his wealth, and his
+three nieces are likely to be made of the same material. Should they
+prove impossible you cannot well descend to introducing them to our
+set."
+
+"I am not certain of that, sir," said the girl, with a pretty shrug. "My
+position is too secure to be jeopardized by any error of this sort. I
+believe I may introduce these girls without risk. I shall not vouch for
+them too strongly, and after their debut they must stand or fall on
+their own merits."
+
+"It is something a Von Taer has never yet done," remarked the man,
+gravely.
+
+"To commercialize his social position? But, father dear, the age is fast
+commercializing everything. I think our especial set is as yet
+comparatively free from contamination by the 'lately rich'; but even
+among us money has glossed many offenses that a generation ago would
+have meant social ostracism."
+
+He nodded.
+
+"That is true, Diana."
+
+"Life with me is a bit dull, as well. Everlasting routine, however
+admirable, is tiresome. I scent amusement in this adventure, which I
+have decided to undertake. With your permission I will see these girls
+and quickly decide their fate. Should they prove not too dreadfully
+_outre_ you may look to see them my especial _proteges_."
+
+"I leave all to your discretion, Diana," returned Von Taer, with a sigh.
+"If, in the end, some of the more particular venture to reproach them."
+
+"It will not matter," interrupted the daughter, lightly, as her dark
+eyes narrowed to a hair's breadth. "Any who dares reproach Diana Von
+Taer will afford her interesting occupation. And to offset that remote
+contingency we shall permanently enslave the powerful John Merrick. I
+understand he is hard as nails in financial matters; but to us the man
+has disclosed his one weakness--ambition to promote his three nieces.
+Since we have discovered this vulnerable point, let us take advantage of
+it. I am satisfied the loan of three hundred thousand was but a
+lure--and how cleverly the man gauged us!"
+
+Von Taer scowled.
+
+"Get your wraps, Diana. The carriage is waiting, and we are due at Mrs.
+Doldringham's crush."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+THE THREE NIECES
+
+The Von Taers did not affect motor cars. In some circles the carriage
+and pair is still considered the more aristocratic mode of conveyance.
+Established customs do not readily give way to fads and freaks.
+
+Consulting her memoranda as she rode along; in her handsome, tastefully
+appointed equipage, Diana found that Louise Merrick, one of the three
+girls she had set out to discover, was the nearest on her route.
+Presently she rang the bell at the Merrick residence, an eminently
+respectable dwelling; in a desirable neighborhood.
+
+Diana could not resist a sigh of relief as her observant glance noted
+this detail. A dignified butler ushered her into a reception room and
+departed with her card.
+
+It was now that the visitor's nose took an upward tendency as she
+critically examined her surroundings. The furnishings were abominable, a
+mixture of distressingly new articles with those evidently procured
+from dealers in "antiquities." Money had been lavished here, but good
+taste was absent. To understand this--for Miss Von Taer gauged the
+condition truly--it is necessary to know something of Mrs. Martha
+Merrick.
+
+This lady, the relict of John Merrick's only brother, was endowed with a
+mediocre mind and a towering ambition. When left a widow with an only
+daughter she had schemed and contrived in endless ways to maintain an
+appearance of competency on a meager income. Finally she divided her
+capital, derived from her husband's life insurance, into three equal
+parts, which she determined to squander in three years in an attempt to
+hoodwink the world with the belief that she was wealthy. Before the
+three years were ended her daughter Louise would be twenty, and by that
+time she must have secured a rich _parti_ and been safely married. In
+return for this "sacrifice" the girl was to see that her mother was made
+comfortable thereafter.
+
+This worldly and foolish design was confided to Louise when she was only
+seventeen, and her unformed mind easily absorbed her mother's silly
+ambition. It was a pity, for Louise Merrick possessed a nature sweet
+and lovable, as well as instinctively refined--a nature derived from her
+dead father and with little true sympathy with Mrs. Merrick's
+unscrupulous schemes. But at that age a girl is easily influenced, so it
+is little wonder that under such tuition Louise became calculating, sly
+and deceitful, to a most deplorable degree.
+
+Such acquired traits bade fair in the end to defeat Mrs. Merrick's
+carefully planned _coup_, for the daughter had a premature love affair
+with a youth outside the pale of eligibility. Louise ignored the fact
+that he had been disinherited by his father, and in her reckless
+infatuation would have sacrificed her mother without thought or remorse.
+The dreadful finale had only been averted by the advent of Uncle John
+Merrick, who had changed the life plans of the widow and her heedless
+daughter and promptly saved the situation.
+
+John Merrick did not like his sister-in-law, but he was charmed by his
+lovely niece and took her at once to his affectionate old heart. He saw
+the faults of Louise clearly, but also appreciated her sweeter
+qualities. Under his skillful guidance she soon redeemed herself and
+regained control of her better nature. The girl was not yet perfect, by
+any means; she was to an extent artificial and secretive, and her
+thoughtless flirtations were far from wise; but her two cousins and her
+uncle had come to know and understand her good points. They not only
+bore patiently with her volatile nature but strove to influence her to
+demonstrate her inherent good qualities.
+
+In one way her mother's calculating training had been most effective.
+Louise was not only a dainty, lovely maid to the eye, but her manners
+were gracious and winning and she had that admirable self-possession
+which quickly endears one even to casual acquaintances. She did not
+impress more intimate friends as being wholly sincere, yet there was
+nothing in her acts, since that one escapade referred to, that merited
+severe disapproval.
+
+Of course the brilliant idea of foisting her precious daughter upon the
+"select" society of the metropolis was original with Mrs. Merrick.
+Louise was well content with things as they were; but not so the
+mother. The rise from poverty to affluence, the removal of all cares and
+burdens from her mind, had merely fostered still greater ambitions.
+Uncle John's generosity had endowed each of his three nieces with an
+ample fortune. "I want 'em to enjoy the good things of life while
+they're at an age to enjoy 'em," he said; "for the older one gets the
+fewer things are found to be enjoyable. That's my experience, anyhow."
+He also told the girls frankly that they were to inherit
+jointly--although not equally--his entire fortune. Yet even this glowing
+prospect did not satisfy Mrs. Merrick. Since all her plans for Louise,
+from the very beginning, had been founded on personal selfishness, she
+now proposed to have her daughter gain admission to recognized
+fashionable society in order that she might herself bask in the
+reflection of the glory so obtained and take her place with the proud
+matrons who formed the keystone of such society.  After carefully
+considering ways and means to gain her object she had finally conceived
+the idea of utilizing Mr. Merrick. She well knew Uncle John would not
+consider one niece to the exclusion of the others, and had therefore
+used his influence to get all three girls properly "introduced."
+Therefore her delight and excitement were intense when the butler
+brought up Diana's card and she realized that "the perfectly swell Miss
+Von Taer" was seated in her reception room. She rushed to Louise, who,
+wholly innocent of any knowledge of the intrigue which had led to this
+climax, opened her blue eyes in astonishment and said with a gasp:
+
+"Oh, mother! what shall I do?"
+
+"Do? Why, go down and make yourself agreeable, of course. It's your
+chance, my dear, your great chance in life! Go--go! Don't, for heaven's
+sake, keep her waiting."
+
+Louise went down. In her most affable and gracious way she approached
+the visitor and said:
+
+"It is very nice of you to call upon me. I am _so_ glad to meet Miss Von
+Taer."  Diana, passing conversational nothings with the young girl, was
+pleased by her appearance and self-possession. This aspirant for social
+honors was fresh, fair and attractive, with a flow of small talk at her
+tongue's end.
+
+"Really," thought the fastidious visitor, "this one, at least, will do
+me no discredit. If she is a fair sample of the others we shall get
+along very nicely In this enterprise."
+
+To Louise she said, before going:
+
+"I'm to have an evening, the nineteenth. Will you assist me to receive?
+Now that we are acquainted I wish to see more of you, my dear, and I
+predict we shall get along famously together."
+
+The girl's head swam. Help Miss Von Taer to receive! Such an honor had
+been undreamed of an hour ago. But she held her natural agitation under
+good control and only a round red spot Upon each cheek betrayed her
+inward excitement as she prettily accepted the invitation. Beneath their
+drooping lashes Diana's sagacious eyes read the thoughts of the girl
+quite accurately. Miss Von Taer enjoyed disconcerting anyone in any way,
+and Louise was so simple and unsophisticated that she promised to afford
+considerable amusement in the future.
+
+By the time Diana had finished her brief call this singular creature had
+taken the measure of Louise Merrick in every detail, including her
+assumption of lightness and her various frivolities. She understood that
+in the girl were capabilities for good or for evil, as she might be led
+by a stronger will. And, musingly, Diana wondered who would lead her.
+
+As for Louise, she was enraptured by her distinguished visitor's
+condescension and patronage, and her heart bounded at the thought of
+being admitted to the envied social coterie in which Diana Von Taer
+shone a bright, particular star.
+
+The second name in the list of John Merrick's nieces was that of
+Elizabeth De Graf. She lived at a good private hotel located in an
+exclusive residence district.
+
+It was true that Elizabeth--or "Beth," as she was more familiarly
+called--was not a permanent guest at this hotel. When in New York she
+was accustomed to live with one or the other of her cousins, who
+welcomed her eagerly. But just now her mother had journeyed from the old
+Ohio home to visit Beth, and the girl had no intention of inflicting
+her parent upon the other girls. Therefore she had taken rooms at the
+hotel temporarily, and the plan suited her mother excellently. For one
+thing, Mrs. De Graf could go home and tell her Cloverton gossips that
+she had stopped at the most "fashionable" hotel in New York; a second
+point was that she loved to feast with epicurean avidity upon the
+products of a clever _chef_, being one of those women who live to eat,
+rather than eat to live.
+
+Mrs. De Graf was John Merrick's only surviving sister, but she differed
+as widely from the simple, kindly man in disposition as did her
+ingenious daughter from her in mental attainments. The father, Professor
+De Graf, was supposed to be a "musical genius." Before Beth came into
+her money, through Uncle John, the Professor taught the piano and
+singing; now, however, the daughter allowed her parents a liberal
+income, and the self-engrossed musician devoted himself to composing
+oratorios and concertas which no one but himself would ever play.  To
+be quite frank, the girl cared little for her gross and selfish parents,
+and they in turn cared little for her beyond the value she afforded them
+in the way of dollars and cents. So she had not lived at home, where
+constant quarrels and bickerings nearly drove her frantic, since Uncle
+John had adopted her. In catering to this present whim of her mother,
+who longed to spend a few luxurious weeks in New York, Beth sacrificed
+more than might be imagined by one unacquainted with her sad family
+history.
+
+Whimsical Major Doyle often called Uncle John's nieces "the Three
+Graces"; but Beth was by odds the beauty of them all. Splendid brown
+eyes, added to an exquisite complexion, almost faultless features and a
+superb carriage, rendered this fair young girl distinguished in any
+throng. Fortunately she was as yet quite unspoiled, being saved from
+vanity by a morbid consciousness of her inborn failings and a sincere
+loathing for the moral weakness that prevented her from correcting those
+faults. Judging Beth by the common standard of girls of her age, both
+failings and faults were more imaginary than real; yet it was her
+characteristic to suspect and despise in herself such weaknesses as
+others would condone, or at least regard leniently. For here was a girl
+true and staunch, incapable of intrigue or deceit, frank and outspoken,
+all these qualities having been proven more than once. Everyone loved
+Beth De Graf save herself, and at this stage of her development the
+influence of her cousins and of Uncle John had conspired to make the
+supersensitive girl more tolerant of herself and less morbid than
+formerly.
+
+I think Beth knew of Diana Von Taer, for the latter's portrait
+frequently graced the society columns of the New York press and at times
+the three nieces, in confidential mood, would canvass Diana and her
+social exploits as they did the acts of other famous semi-public
+personages. But the girl had never dreamed of meeting such a celebrity,
+and Miss Von Taer's card filled her with curious wonder as to the errand
+that had brought her.
+
+The De Grafs lived _en suite_ at the hotel, for Beth had determined to
+surround her Sybaritic mother with all attainable luxury, since the
+child frequently reproached herself with feeling a distinct repulsion
+for the poor woman. So to-day Diana was ushered into a pretty parlor
+where Beth stood calmly awaiting her.
+
+The two regarded one another in silence a moment, Miss De Graf's frank
+eyes covering the other with a comprehensive sweep while Miss Von Taer's
+narrowed gaze, profoundly observant, studied the beautiful girl before
+her with that impenetrable, half-hidden gleam that precluded any
+solution.
+
+"Miss Von Taer, I believe," said Beth, quietly glancing at the card she
+held. "Will you be seated?"
+
+Diana sank gracefully into a chair. The sinuous motion attracted Beth's
+attention and gave her a slight shiver.
+
+"I am so glad to meet you, my dear," began the visitor, in soft, purring
+accents. "I have long promised myself the pleasure of a call, and in
+spite of many procrastinations at last have accomplished my ambition."
+
+Beth resented the affectation of this prelude, and slightly frowned.
+Diana was watching; she always watched.  "Why should you wish to call
+upon me?" was the frank demand. "Do not think me rude, please; but I am
+scarcely in a position to become a desirable acquaintance of Miss Von
+Taer." The tone was a trifle bitter, and Diana noted it. A subtile
+antagonism seemed springing up between them and the more experienced
+girl scented in this danger to her plans. She must handle this young
+lady more cautiously than she had Louise Merrick.
+
+"Your position is unimpeachable, my dear," was the sweet-toned response.
+"You are John Merrick's niece."
+
+Beth was really angry now. She scowled, and it spoiled her beauty. Diana
+took warning and began to think quickly.
+
+"I referred to my social position, Miss Von Taer. Our family is honest
+enough, thank God; but it has never been accepted in what is termed
+select society."
+
+Diana laughed; a quiet, rippling laugh as icy as a brook in November,
+but as near gaiety as she could at the moment accomplish. When she
+laughed this way her eyes nearly closed and became inscrutable. Beth
+had a feeling of repulsion for her caller, but strove to shake it off.
+Miss Von Taer was nothing to her; could be nothing to her.
+
+"Your uncle is a very wealthy man," said Diana, with easy composure. "He
+has made you an heiress, placing you in a class much sought after in
+these mercenary days. But aside from that, my dear, your personal
+accomplishments have not escaped notice, and gossip declares you to be a
+very fascinating young woman, as well as beautiful and good. I do not
+imagine society claims to be of divine origin, but were it so no one is
+more qualified to grace it."
+
+The blandishments of this speech had less effect upon Beth than the
+evident desire to please. She began to feel she had been ungracious, and
+straightway adopted a more cordial tone.
+
+"I am sure you mean well, Miss Von Taer," she hastened to say, "and I
+assure you I am not ungrateful. But it occurred to me we could have
+nothing in common."  "Oh, my dear! You wrong us both."
+
+"Do you know my uncle?" enquired Beth.
+
+"He is the friend of my father, Mr. Hedrik Von Taer. Our family owes Mr.
+John Merrick much consideration. Therefore I decided to seek pleasure in
+the acquaintance of his nieces."
+
+The words and tone seemed alike candid. Beth began to relent. She sat
+down for the first time, taking a chair opposite Diana.
+
+"You see," she said, artlessly, "I have no personal inclination for
+society, which is doubtless so large a part of your own amusement. It
+seems to me artificial and insipid."
+
+"Those who view from a distance the husk of a cocoanut, have little idea
+of the milk within," declared Diana, softly.
+
+"True," answered Beth. "But I've cracked cocoanuts, and sometimes found
+the milk sour and tainted."
+
+"The difference you observe in cocoanuts is to be found in the various
+grades of society. These are not all insipid and artificial, I assure
+you."
+
+"They may be worse," remarked Beth. "I've heard strange tales of your
+orgies."  Diana was really amused. This girl was proving more
+interesting than the first niece she had interviewed. Unaccustomed to
+seeking acquaintances outside her own exclusive circle, and under such
+circumstances, these meetings were to her in the nature of an adventure.
+A creature of powerful likes and dislikes, she already hated Beth most
+heartily; but for that very reason she insisted on cultivating her
+further acquaintance.
+
+"You must not judge society by the mad pranks of a few of its members,"
+she responded, in her most agreeable manner. "If we are not to set an
+example in decorum to the rest of the world we are surely unfitted to
+occupy the high place accorded us. But you must see and decide for
+yourself."
+
+"I? No, indeed!"
+
+"Ah, do not decide hastily, my dear. Let me become your sponsor for a
+short time, until you really discover what society is like. Then you may
+act upon more mature judgment."
+
+"I do not understand you, Miss Von Taer."
+
+"Then I will be more explicit. I am to receive a few friends at my home
+on the evening of the nineteenth; will you be my guest?"  Beth was
+puzzled how to answer. The thought crossed her mind that perhaps Uncle
+John would like her to be courteous to his friend's daughter, and that
+argument decided her. She accepted the invitation.
+
+"I want you to receive with me," continued Diana, rising. "In that way I
+shall be able to introduce you to my friends."
+
+Beth wondered at this condescension, but consented to receive. She was
+annoyed to think how completely she had surrendered to the will of Miss
+Von Taer, for whom she had conceived the same aversion she had for a
+snake. She estimated Diana, society belle though she was, to be sly,
+calculating and deceitful. Worse than all, she was decidedly clever, and
+therefore dangerous. Nothing good could come of an acquaintance with
+her, Beth was sure; yet she had pledged herself to meet her and her
+friends the nineteenth, lit a formal society function. How much Beth De
+Graf misjudged Diana Von Taer the future will determine.  The interview
+had tired Diana. As she reentered her carriage she was undecided whether
+to go home or hunt up the third niece. But Willing Square was not five
+minutes' drive from here, so she ordered the coachman to proceed there.
+
+"I am positively out of my element in this affair," she told herself,
+"for it is more difficult to cultivate these inexperienced girls than I
+had thought. They are not exactly impossible, as I at first feared, but
+they are so wholly unconventional as to be somewhat embarrassing as
+_protegees_. Analyzing the two I have met--the majority--one strikes me
+as being transparently affected and the other a stubborn, attractive
+fool. They are equally untrained in diplomacy and unable to cover their
+real feelings. Here am I, practically dragging them into the limelight,
+when it would be far better for themselves--perhaps for me--that they
+remained in oblivion. Ah, well: I called it an adventure: let me hope
+some tangible plot will develop to compensate me for my trouble. Life
+seems deadly dull; I need excitement. Is it to be furnished by John
+Merrick's nieces, I wonder?"  Willing Square is a new district, crowded
+with fashionable apartment houses. That is, they are called fashionable
+by their builders and owners and accepted as such by their would-be
+fashionable occupants. Diana knew at least two good families resident in
+Willing Square, and though she smiled grimly at the rows of
+"oppressively new and vulgar" buildings, she still was not ashamed to
+have her equipage seen waiting there.
+
+Number 3708 Willing Square is a very substantial and cozy appearing
+apartment building owned in fee by Miss Patricia Doyle. Diana was
+unaware of this fact, but rang the Doyle bell and ascended to the second
+floor.
+
+A maid received her with the announcement that Miss Doyle had "just
+stepped out," but was somewhere in the building. Would the visitor care
+to wait a few minutes?
+
+Yes; Diana decided she would wait. She took a seat in the snug front
+parlor and from her position noted the series of rooms that opened one
+into another throughout the suite, all richly but tastefully furnished
+in homely, unassuming manner.  "This is better," she mused. "There is
+no attempt at foolish display in this establishment, at any rate. I hope
+to find Miss Doyle a sensible, refined person. The name is Irish."
+
+A door slammed somewhere down the line of rooms and a high-pitched voice
+cried in excited tones:
+
+"I've found a baby! Hi, there, Nunkie, dear--I've found a baby!"
+
+Thereupon came the sound of a chair being pushed back as a man's voice
+answered in equal glee:
+
+"Why, Patsy, Patsy! it's the little rogue from upstairs. Here, Bobby;
+come to your own old Uncle!"
+
+"He won't. He belongs to me; don't you, Bobby darlin'?"
+
+A babyish voice babbled merrily, but the sounds were all "goos" and
+"ahs" without any resemblance to words. Bobby may have imagined he was
+talking, but he was not very intelligible.
+
+"See here, Patsy Doyle; you gimme that baby." cried the man, pleadingly.
+ "I found him myself, and he's mine. I've dragged him here all the way
+from his home upstairs, an' don't you dare lay a finger on him. Uncle
+John!"
+
+"Fair play, Patsy! Bobby's my chum, and--"
+
+"Well, I'll let you have half of him, Nunkie. Down on your hands and
+knees, sir, and be a horse. That's it--Now, Bobby, straddle Uncle John
+and drive him by his necktie--here it is. S-t-e-a-d-y, Uncle; and
+neigh--neigh like a horse!"
+
+"How does a horse neigh, Patsy?" asked a muffled voice, choking and
+chuckling at the same time.
+
+"'Nee, hee-hee--hee; hee!'"
+
+Uncle John tried to neigh, and made a sorry mess of it, although Bobby
+shrieked with delight.
+
+Then came a sudden hush. Diana caught the maid's voice, perhaps
+announcing the presence of a visitor, for Patsy cried in subdued
+accents:
+
+"Goodness me, Mary! why didn't you say so? Listen, Uncle John--"
+
+"Leggo that ear, Bobby--leggo!"
+
+"--You watch the baby, Uncle John, and don't let anything happen to
+him. I've got a caller."
+
+Diana smiled, a bit scornfully, and then composed her features as a
+young girl bustled into the room and came toward her with frank
+cordiality indicated in the wide smile and out-stretched hand.
+
+"Pardon my keeping you waiting," said Patsy, dropping into a chair
+opposite her visitor, "Uncle John and I were romping with the baby from
+upstarts--Bobby's such a dear! I didn't quite catch the name Mary gave
+me and forgot to look at your card."
+
+"I am Miss Von Taer."
+
+"Not Diana Von Taer, the swell society girl?" cried Patsy eagerly.
+
+Diana couldn't remember when she had been so completely nonplused
+before. After an involuntary gasp she answered quietly:
+
+"I am Diana Von Taer."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to meet you, just the same," said Patsy, cheerfully. "We
+outsiders are liable to look on society folk as we would on a cage of
+monkeys--because we're so very ignorant, you know, and the bars are
+really between us."  This frank disdain verged on rudeness, although
+the girl had no intention of being rude. Diana was annoyed in spite of
+her desire to be tolerant.
+
+"Perhaps the bars are imaginary," she rejoined, carelessly, "and it may
+be you've been looking at the side-show and not at the entertainment in
+the main tent. Will you admit that possibility, Miss Doyle?"
+
+Patsy laughed gleefully.
+
+"I think you have me there, Miss Von Taer. And what do _I_ know about
+society? Just nothing at all. It's out of my line entirely."
+
+"Perhaps it is," was the slow response. "Society appeals to only those
+whose tastes seem to require it."
+
+"And aren't we drawing distinctions?" enquired Miss Doyle. "Society at
+large is the main evidence of civilization, and all decent folk are
+members of it."
+
+"Isn't that communism?" asked Diana.
+
+"Perhaps so. It's society at large. But certain classes have leagued
+together and excluded themselves from their fellows, admitting only
+those of their own ilk. The people didn't put them on their
+pedestals--they put themselves there. Yet the people bow down and
+worship these social gods and seem glad to have them. The newspapers
+print their pictures and the color of their gowns and how they do their
+hair and what they eat and what they do, and the poor washwomen and
+shop-girls and their like read these accounts more religiously than they
+do their bibles. My maid Mary's a good girl, but she grabs the society
+sheet of the Sunday paper and reads it from top to bottom. I never look
+at it myself."
+
+Diana's cheeks were burning. She naturally resented such ridicule,
+having been born to regard social distinction with awe and reverence.
+Inwardly resolving to make Miss Patricia Doyle regret the speech she hid
+all annoyance under her admirable self-control and answered with smooth
+complacency:
+
+"Your estimate of society, my dear Miss Doyle, is superficial."
+
+"Don't I know it, then?" exclaimed Patsy. "Culture and breeding,
+similarity of taste and intellectual pursuits will always attract
+certain people and band them together in those cliques which are called
+'social sets,' They are not secret societies; they have no rules of
+exclusion; congenial minds are ever welcome to their ranks. This is a
+natural coalition, in no way artificial. Can you not appreciate that,
+Miss Doyle?"
+
+"Yes, indeed," admitted Patsy, promptly. "You're quite right, and I'm
+just one of those stupid creatures who criticise the sun because there's
+a cloud before it. Probably there are all grades of society, because
+there are all grades of people."
+
+"I thought you would agree with me when you understood," murmured Diana,
+and her expression was so smug and satisfied that Patsy was seized with
+an irresistible spirit of mischief.
+
+"And haven't I seen your own pictures in the Sunday papers?" she asked.
+
+"Perhaps; if you robbed your maid of her pleasure."
+
+"And very pretty pictures they were, too. They showed culture and
+breeding all right, and the latest style in gowns. Of course those
+intellectual high-brows in your set didn't need an introduction to you;
+you were advertised as an example of ultra-fashionable perfection, to
+spur the ambition of those lower down in the social scale. Perhaps it's
+a good thing."
+
+"Are you trying to annoy me?" demanded Diana, her eyes glaring under
+their curling lashes.
+
+"Dear me--dear me!" cried Patsy, distressed, "see how saucy and impudent
+I've been--and I didn't mean a bit of it! Won't you forgive me, please,
+Miss Von Taer? There! we'll begin all over again, and I'll be on my good
+behavior. I'm so very ignorant, you know!"
+
+Diana smiled at this; it would be folly to show resentment to such a
+childish creature.
+
+"Unfortunately," she said, "I have been unable to escape the vulgar
+publicity thrust upon me by the newspapers. The reporters are preying
+vultures, rapacious for sensation, and have small respect for anyone. I
+am sure we discourage them as much as we can. I used to weep with
+mortification when I found myself 'written up'; now, however, I have
+learned to bear such trials with fortitude--if not with resignation."
+"Forgive me!" said Patsy, contritely. "Somehow I've had a false idea of
+these things. If I knew you better, Miss Von Taer, you'd soon convert me
+to be an admirer of society."
+
+"I'd like to do that, Miss Doyle, for you interest me. Will you return
+my call?"
+
+"Indeed I will," promised the girl, readily. "I'm flattered that you
+called on me at all, Miss Von Taer, for you might easily have amused
+yourself better. You must be very busy, with all the demands society
+makes on one. When shall I come? Make it some off time, when we won't be
+disturbed."
+
+Diana smiled at her eagerness. How nescient the poor little thing was!
+
+"Your cousins, Miss Merrick and Miss De Graf, have consented to receive
+with me on the evening of the nineteenth. Will you not join us?"
+
+"Louise and Beth!" cried Patsy, astounded.
+
+"Isn't it nice of them? And may I count upon you, also?"
+
+Patsy smiled dubiously into the other's face.
+
+"Let me out of it!" she said. "Can't you see I'm no butterfly?"
+
+Diana saw many things, having taken a shrewd account of the girl long
+before this. Miss Patricia Doyle was short and plump, with a round,
+merry face covered with freckles, hair indisputably red and a
+_retrousse_ nose. Also she possessed a pair of wonderful blue eyes--eyes
+that danced and scintillated with joyous good humor--eyes so captivating
+that few ever looked beyond them or noted the plain face they
+glorified. But the critic admitted that the face was charmingly
+expressive, the sweet and sensitive mouth always in sympathy with the
+twinkling, candid eyes. Life and energy radiated from her small person,
+which Miss Von Taer grudgingly conceded to possess unusual fascination.
+Here was a creature quite imperfect in detail, yet destined to allure
+and enchant whomsoever she might meet. All this was quite the reverse of
+Diana's own frigid personality. Patsy would make an excellent foil for
+her.
+
+"As you please, my dear," she said graciously; "but do you not think it
+would amuse you to make your debut in society--unimpeachable
+society--and be properly introduced to the occupants of the 'pedestals,'
+as your cousins will be?"
+
+Patsy reflected. If Beth and Louise had determined to undertake this
+venture why should she hold back? Moreover, she experienced a girlish
+and wholly natural curiosity to witness a fashionable gathering and
+"size up" the lions for herself. So she said:
+
+"I'll come, if you really want me; and I'll try my best to behave
+nicely. But I can't imagine why you have chosen to take us three girls
+under your wing; unless--" with sudden intuition, "it's for Uncle John's
+sake."
+
+"That was it, at first," replied Diana, rising to go; "but now that I've
+seen you I'm delighted to have you on your own account. Come early,
+dear; we must be ready to receive our guests by nine."
+
+"Nine o'clock!" reflected Patsy, when her visitor had gone; "why, I'm
+often in bed by that time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+PREPARING FOR THE PLUNGE
+
+John Merrick lived with the Doyles at their Willing Square apartments.
+There were but two of the Doyles--Patricia and her father, Major Doyle,
+a tall, handsome, soldierly man with white moustache and hair. The Major
+was noted as a "character," a keen wit and a most agreeable type of the
+"old Irish gentleman." He fairly worshipped his daughter, and no one
+blamed him for it. His business, as special agent and manager for his
+brother-in-law's millions, kept the Major closely occupied and afforded
+John Merrick opportunity to spend his days as be pleased. The rich man
+was supposed to be "retired," yet the care of his investments and income
+was no light task, as the Major found.
+
+We are accustomed to regard extreme wealth as the result of hard-headed
+shrewdness, not wholly divorced from unscrupulous methods, yet no one
+could accuse John Merrick or his representative with being other than
+kindly, simple-hearted and honest. Uncle John says that he never
+intended to "get rich"; it was all the result of carelessness. He had
+been so immersed in business that he failed to notice how fast his
+fortune was growing. When he awoke to a realization of his immense
+accumulation he promptly retired, appointing Major Doyle to look after
+his investments and seeking personal leisure after many years of hard
+work. He instructed his agent to keep his income from growing into more
+capital by rendering wise assistance to all worthy charities and
+individuals, and this, as you may suppose, the Major found a herculean
+task. Often he denounced Uncle John for refusing to advise him, claiming
+that the millionaire had selfishly thrust the burden of his wealth on
+the Major's broad shoulders. While there was an element of truth in this
+the burden it was not so heavy as to make the old soldier unhappy, and
+the two men loved and respected one another with manly cordiality.
+
+Patricia was recognized as Uncle John's favorite niece and it was
+understood she was to inherit the bulk of his property, although some
+millions might be divided between Beth and Louise "if they married
+wisely." Neither Uncle John nor the Major ever seemed to consider
+Patsy's marrying; she was such a child that wedlock for her seemed a
+remote possibility.
+
+The Sunday afternoon following Diana Von Taer's visit to the three
+nieces found the girls all congregated in Patsy's own room, where an
+earnest discussion was being conducted. That left Uncle John to take his
+after-dinner nap in the big Morris chair in the living room, where Major
+Doyle sat smoking-sulkily while he gazed from the window and begrudged
+the moments Patsy was being kept from him.
+
+Finally the door opened and the three girls trooped out.
+
+"Huh! Is the conspiracy all cut-an'-dried?" growled the Major.
+
+Uncle John woke up with a final snort, removed the newspaper from his
+face and sat up. He smiled benignantly upon his nieces.
+
+"It's all your fault, sor!" declared Major Doyle, selecting the little
+millionaire as the safest recipient of his displeasure. "Your
+foolishness has involved us all in this dreadful complication. Why on
+earth couldn't you leave well-enough alone?"
+
+Uncle John received the broadside with tolerant equanimity.
+
+"What's wrong; my dears?" he enquired, directing his mild glance toward
+the bevy of young girls.
+
+"I am unaware that anything is wrong, Uncle," replied Louise gravely.
+"But since we are about to make our debut in society it is natural we
+should have many things to discuss that would prove quite uninteresting
+to men. Really, Uncle John, this is a great event--perhaps the most
+important event of our lives."
+
+"Shucks an' shoestrings!" grunted the Major. "What's in this
+paper-shelled, painted, hollow thing ye call 'society' to interest three
+healthy, wide-awake girls? Tell me that!"
+
+"You don't understand, dear," said Patsy, soothing him with a kiss.
+
+"I think he does," remarked Beth, with meditative brows. "Modern society
+is a man-made--or woman-made--condition, to a large extent artificial,
+selfish and unwholesome."
+
+"Oh, Beth!" protested Louise. "You're talking like a rank socialist. I
+can understand common people sneering at society, which is so far out of
+their reach; but a girl about to be accepted in the best circles has no
+right to rail at her own caste."
+
+"There can be no caste in America," declared Beth, stubbornly.
+
+"But there _is_ caste in America, and will be so long as the
+exclusiveness of society is recognized by the people at large,"
+continued Louise. "If it is a 'man-made condition' isn't it the most
+respected, most refined, most desirable condition that one may attain
+to?"
+
+"There are plenty of honest and happy people in the world who ignore
+society altogether," answered Beth. "It strikes me that your social
+stars are mighty few in the broad firmament of humanity."
+
+"But they're stars, for all that, dear," said Uncle John, smiling at her
+with a hint of approval in his glance, yet picking up the argument; "and
+they look mighty big and bright to the crowd below. It's quite natural.
+You can't keep individuals from gaining distinction, even in America.
+There are few generals in an army, for instance; and they're 'man-made';
+but that's no reason the generals ain't entitled to our admiration."
+
+"Let's admire 'em, then--from a distance," retorted the Major, realizing
+the military simile was employed to win his sympathy.
+
+"Certain things, my dear Major, are naturally dear to a girl's heart,"
+continued Uncle John, musingly; "and we who are not girls have no right
+to condemn their natural longings. Girls love dancing, pink teas and
+fudge-parties, and where can they find 'em in all their perfection but
+in high society? Girls love admiration and flirtations--you do, my
+dears; you can't deny it--and the male society swells have the most time
+to devote to such things. Girls love pretty dresses--"
+
+"Oh, Uncle! you've hit the nail on the head now," exclaimed Patsy,
+laughing. "We must all have new gowns for this reception, and as we're
+to assist Miss Von Taer the dresses must harmonize, so to speak,
+and--and--"  "And be quite suited to the occasion," broke in Louise;
+"and--"
+
+"And wear our lives out with innumerable fittings," concluded Beth,
+gloomily.
+
+"But why new dresses?" demanded the Major. "You've plenty of old ones
+that are clean and pretty, I'm sure; and our Patsy had one from the
+dressmaker only last week that's fit for a queen."
+
+"Oh, Daddy! you don't understand," laughed Patsy.
+
+"This time, Major, I fear you don't," agreed Beth. "Your convictions
+regarding society may be admirable, but you're weak on the gown
+question."
+
+"If the women would only listen to me," began the Major, dictatorially;
+but Uncle John cut him short.
+
+"They won't, sir; they'll listen to no man when it comes to
+dressmaking."
+
+"Don't they dress to captivate the men, then?" asked the Major, with
+fine sarcasm.
+
+"Not at all," answered Louise, loftily. "Men seldom know what a woman
+has on, if she looks nice; but women take in every detail of dress and
+criticise it severely if anything happens to be out of date, ill
+fitting or in bad taste."
+
+"Then they're in bad taste themselves!" retorted the Major, hotly.
+
+"Tut-tut, sir; who are you to criticise woman's ways?" asked Uncle John,
+much amused. The Major was silenced, but he glared as if unconvinced.
+
+"Dressmaking is a nuisance," remarked Beth, placidly; "but it's the
+penalty we pay for being women."
+
+"You're nothing but slips o' girls, not out of your teens," grumbled the
+Major. And no one paid any attention to him.
+
+"We want to do you credit, Uncle John," said Patsy, brightly. "Perhaps
+our names will be in the papers."
+
+"They're there already," announced Mr. Merrick, picking up the Sunday
+paper that lay beside him.
+
+A chorus of exclamations was followed by a dive for the paper, and even
+the Major smiled grimly as he observed the three girlish heads close
+together and three pair of eager eyes scanning swiftly the society
+columns.
+
+"Here it is!" cried Patsy, dancing up and down like a school-girl; and
+Louise read in a dignified voice--which trembled slightly with
+excitement and pleasure--the following item:
+
+"Miss Von Taer will receive next Thursday evening at the family mansion
+in honor of Miss Merrick, Miss Doyle and Miss De Graf. These three
+charming _debutantes_ are nieces of John Merrick, the famous tin-plate
+magnate."
+
+"Phoo!" growled the Major, during the impressive hush that followed;
+"that's it, exactly. Your names are printed because you're John
+Merrick's nieces. If it hadn't been for tin-plate, my dears, society
+never would 'a' known ye at all, at all!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+THE FLY IN THE BROTH
+
+Diana was an experienced entertainer and under her skillful supervision
+the reception proved eminently successful. Nor had she cause to be
+ashamed of the three _protegees_ she presented to society, 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 gown, for some of Diana's female guests
+regarded her with quiet amusement and bored tolerance, while the same
+critical posse was amazed and envious at Beth's superb beauty and
+stately bearing. After all, it was Louise who captured the woman
+contingency and scored the greatest success; for her appearance was not
+only dainty and attractive but she was so perfectly self-possessed and
+responsive and bore herself so admirably under the somewhat trying;
+circumstances of a debut that she won the cordial goodwill of all whom
+she encountered. The hostess was elaborately gowned in white pompadour
+satin, trimmed with white chiffon and embroidered in pink roses and
+pearls. The Von Taer home was handsomely decorated for the occasion,
+since Diana 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 charming scene.
+Branches of cherry-blossoms, supplied by hot-houses, were banked in the
+lofty dining-room, where a Japanese pergola made of bamboo and lighted
+with red lanterns was erected at the upper end. The attendants here were
+Japanese girls in native costume, and the long table was laid with a
+lace cloth over pink satin, with butterfly bows of pink tulle. The table
+itself was decorated with cut-glass baskets of Cecil Brunner roses
+mingled with lilies of the valley and refreshments were distributed to
+the standing guests as they entered.
+
+The affair was in the nature of a typical "crush," for Diana's list of
+eligibles included most of the prominent society folk then in town, and
+she was too important a personage to have her invitations disregarded.
+Beth and Patsy were fairly bewildered by the numerous 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 upon her memory clearly, and was not
+likely to blunder in regard to names or individuality in the future.
+This is a rare talent, indeed, and scores, largely in one's favor; for
+no one likes to think himself so unimportant as to be forgotten, under
+any circumstances.
+
+It was during the thick of the reception that one of Miss Von Taer's
+intimates, a graceful blond girl, suddenly seized her arm and whispered:
+"Oh, Diana! Guess who's here--guess, my dear!"  Diana knew. Her eyes,
+always narrowed until the lashes shielded their sharp watchfulness,
+seldom missed observing anything of importance. She pressed her friend's
+hand and turned again to the line of guests, while Louise, who had
+overheard the excited whisper, wondered casually what it might mean.
+
+Soon after she knew. A tall, handsome young fellow was bowing before
+Diana, who--wonder of wonders!--for an instant unclosed her great eyes
+and shot an electric glance 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 embarrassment. It also told
+Louise something, and her heart, which had given a quick bound at sight
+of the man's face, began to cry out against Diana Von Taer's artifices.
+
+"Mr. Arthur Weldon," said the hostess, in her soft voice; and now, as
+the young man turned an eager gaze on Louise and half extended his hand,
+the girl's face grew pale and she imitated Diana to the extent of
+dropping her eyes and bowing with frigid indifference.  Standing close
+he whispered "Louise!" in a pleading tone that made Diana frown
+wickedly. But the girl was unresponsive and another instant forced him
+to turn to Beth.
+
+"Why, Arthur! are you here, then?" said the girl, in a surprised but
+cordial tone.
+
+"That is not astonishing, Miss Beth," he replied. "The puzzling fact is
+that _you_ are here--and under such auspices," he added, in a lower
+tone.
+
+Patsy now claimed him, with a frank greeting, and Arthur Weldon could do
+little more than press her hand when the line forced him to move on and
+give place to others.
+
+But this especial young fellow occupied the minds of all four girls long
+after the crowd had swallowed him up. Diana was uneasy and obviously
+disturbed by the discovery that he was known to 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 suspicion and dislike for Diana now
+dominating her. Behind all this was a mystery, which shall be explained
+here because the reader deserves to be more enlightened than the
+characters themselves.
+
+Arthur Weldon's nature was a queer combination of weakness and strength.
+He was physically brave but a moral coward. The motherless son of a man
+wholly immersed in business, he had been much neglected in his youth and
+his unstable character was largely the result of this neglect. On
+leaving college he refused a business career planned for him by his
+father, who cast him off with scornful indifference, and save for a slim
+temporary allowance promised 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 meet Arthur Weldon outside
+her home, so that the situation had become complicated and dangerous
+when Uncle John seized his three nieces and whisked them off to Europe.
+Young Weldon, under an assumed name, followed and attached himself to
+the party; but John Merrick's suspicions were presently aroused and on
+discovering the identity of the youth he forbade him or Louise to "make
+love" or even speak of such a thing during the remainder of the trip.
+
+The young fellow, by manly acts on some occasions and grave weaknesses
+on others, won Uncle John's kindly interest. The old gentleman knew
+human nature, and saw much to admire as well as condemn in Louise's
+friend. Beth and Patsy found him 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 and became
+so immersed in it that Louise felt herself neglected when she came home
+expecting him to dance attendance upon her as before. She treated him
+coldly and he ceased calling, his volatile and sensitive nature
+resenting such treatment.  It is curious what little things influence
+the trend of human lives. Many estrangements are caused by trifles so
+intangible that we can scarcely locate them at all.
+
+At first the girl was very unhappy at the alienation, but soon schooled
+herself to forget her former admirer. Arthur Weldon, for his part,
+consoled himself by plunging into social distractions and devoting
+himself to Diana Von Taer, whose strange personality for a time
+fascinated him.
+
+The business could not hold young Weldon's vacillant temperament for
+long; neither could Diana. As a matter of fact his heart, more staunch
+than he himself 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 seen the girl, and his eager exclamation was wrested
+from him by surprise and a sudden awakening to the fact that his love
+for her had merely slumbered.
+
+Diana, worldly, cold and calculating as was her nature, had been
+profoundly touched by Arthur's devotion to her. Usually young men were
+soon repulsed by her unfortunate personality, which was not easily
+understood. Therefore her intense nature responded freely to this
+admirer's attentions, and if Diana could really love she 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 reception was his first reappearance in
+society. The girl had planned to bring him to her side this evening and
+intended to exert her strongest fascinations to lure him back to his
+former allegiance; so her annoyance may be guessed when she found her
+three _protegees_ seemingly more familiar with the young man than was
+she herself.
+
+At last the line ended and the introductions were complete. The
+_debutantes_ were at once the center of interested groups composed of
+those who felt it a duty or pleasure to show them attention. Diana
+wandered to the music room and waylaid Arthur Weldon, who was just about
+to make his escape from the house, having decided it was impossible to
+find an opportunity to converse with Louise that evening.
+
+"I'm so glad you came, Arthur," she said, a quick glance assuring her
+they were not overheard. "You landed from the steamer but yesterday, I
+hear."
+
+"And came straightway to pay my respects to my old friend," he answered
+lightly. "Isn't it unusual for you to present _debutantes_, Diana?"
+
+"You know these girls, don't you, Arthur?"
+
+"Yes; I met them in Europe."
+
+"And flirted with Miss Merrick? Be honest, Arthur, I know your secret."
+
+"Do you? Then you know we were merely good friends," said he, annoyed at
+her accusation.
+
+"Of course. You called her 'Louise,' didn't you?"
+
+"To be sure. And Patsy called me 'Arthur. You may have heard her."
+
+"Patsy?"
+
+"That's Miss Patricia Doyle--our dear little Patsy."
+
+"Oh. I'm sure you didn't fall in love with _her_, at any rate."
+
+"I'm not so sure. Everybody loves Patsy. But I had no time for
+love-making. I was doing Europe."
+
+"Wasn't that a year or so ago?" she asked, realizing he was trying to
+evade further reference to Louise.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And since then?"
+
+"I've been away the last six or seven months, as you know, on my second
+trip abroad."
+
+"But before that--when you first returned?"
+
+"If I remember rightly I was then much in the society of Miss Von Taer.
+Is the catechism ended at last?"
+
+"Yes," she replied, laughing. "Don't think me inquisitive, Arthur; I was
+surprised to find you knew these girls, with whom I am myself but
+lightly acquainted."
+
+"Yet you introduce them to your very select set?"
+
+"To please my father, who wishes to please Mr. Merrick."
+
+"I understand," said he, nodding. "But they're nice girls, Diana.
+You're not running chances, I assure you."
+
+"That relieves me," she replied rather scornfully. "If Arthur Weldon
+will vouch for them--"
+
+"But I don't. I'll vouch for no one--not even myself," he declared
+hastily. She was calmly reading his face, and did not seem to approve
+the text.
+
+"Are you as fickle as ever, then, _mon cher_?" she asked, softly.
+
+"I'm not fickle, Diana. My fault is that I'm never serious."
+
+"Never?"
+
+"I cannot remember ever being serious; at least, where a girl was
+concerned."
+
+Diana bit her lips to restrain a frown, but her eyes, which he was
+avoiding, flashed wickedly.
+
+"That is surely a fault, my Arthur," was her tender reply. "Were you
+never serious during our quiet evenings together; our dances, theatre
+parties and romps?"
+
+"That was merely fun. And you, Diana?"
+
+"Oh, I enjoyed the fun, too. It meant so much to me. I began to live,
+then, and found life very sweet. But when you suddenly left me and went
+abroad--ah, _that_ was indeed serious."
+
+Her tone was full of passionate yearning. He laughed, trying to appear
+at ease. Some sort of an understanding must be had with Diana sooner or
+later, and she might as well realize at this present interview that the
+old relations could not be restored. 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 to
+allow Diana to think she could win him back to his former allegiance. No
+compromising word had ever left his lips; he had never spoken of love to
+her. Yet the girl's attitude seemed to infer a certain possession of him
+which was far from agreeable.
+
+Having gone so far, he should have said more; but here again his lack of
+moral courage proved his stumbling-block, and he weakly evaded a frank
+expression of his true feelings.  "Life," he began somewhat haltingly,
+to break the embarrassing pause, "is only serious when we make it so;
+and as soon as we make it serious it makes us unhappy. So I've adopted
+one invariable rule: to laugh and be gay."
+
+"Then I too will be gay, and together we'll enjoy life," responded
+Diana, with an effort to speak lightly. "I shall let your moods be my
+moods, Arthur, as a good friend should. Are we not affinities?"
+
+Again he knew not what to say. Her persistence in clinging to her
+intangible hold upon him was extremely irritating, and he realized the
+girl was far too clever for him to cope with and was liable to cause him
+future trouble. Instead of seizing the opportunity to frankly undeceive
+her he foolishly evaded the subject.
+
+"You've been tempting fate to-night," he remarked with assumed
+carelessness. "Don't you remember that to stand four girls in a row is a
+bad omen?"
+
+"Only for the one who first winks. Isn't that the way the saying goes? I
+seldom wink, myself," she continued, smilingly. "But I have no faith in
+ill omens. Their power is entirely due to mental fear."
+
+"I think not," said Arthur, glad the conversation had taken this turn.
+"Once I knew a fellow with thirteen letters in his name. He had no
+mental fear. But he proposed to a girl--and was accepted."
+
+She gave him one of those sudden, swift glances that were so
+disconcerting.
+
+"If you had a middle initial, there would be thirteen letters in your
+own name, Arthur Weldon."
+
+"But I haven't, Diana; I haven't," he protested, eagerly. "And if ever I
+propose to a girl I'm sure she'll refuse me. But I've no intention of
+doing such a crazy thing, so I'm perfectly safe."
+
+"You cannot be sure until you try, Arthur," she replied pointedly, and
+with a start he became conscious that he was again treading upon
+dangerous ground.
+
+"Come; let us rejoin your guests," said he, offering her his arm. "They
+would all hate me if they knew I was keeping the fair Diana from them so
+long."  "Arthur, I must have a good long; talk with you--one of our
+old, delightful confabs," she said, earnestly. "Will you call Sunday
+afternoon? Then we shall be quite undisturbed."
+
+He hesitated.
+
+"Sunday afternoon?" he answered.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"All right; I'll come, Diana."
+
+She gave him a grateful look and taking his arm allowed him to lead her
+back to the drawing-room. The crush was over, many having already
+departed. Some of the young people were dancing in the open spaces to
+the music of a string orchestra hidden behind a bank of ferns in the
+hall.
+
+Louise and Beth were the centers of attentive circles; Patsy conversed
+with merry freedom with a group of ancient dowagers, who delighted in
+her freshness and healthy vigor and were flattered by her consideration.
+Mrs. Merrick--for she had been invited--sat in a corner gorgeously robed
+and stiff as a poker, her eyes devouring the scene. Noting the triumph
+of Louise she failed to realize she was herself neglected.  A single
+glance sufficed to acquaint Diana with all this, and after a gracious
+word to her guests here and there she asked Arthur to dance with her. He
+could not well refuse, 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 hostess _adieu_, and
+escaped from his unpleasant predicament by halting his partner before
+them. Then he slipped away and quietly left the house before Diana had
+time to miss him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+THE HERO ENTERS AND TROUBLE BEGINS
+
+The Von Taer reception fully launched the three nieces in society.
+Endorsed by Diana and backed by John Merrick's millions and their own
+winsome charms, they were sure to become favorites in that admirable set
+to which they had fortunately gained admittance.
+
+Cards poured in upon them during; the succeeding days and they found
+themselves busy returning calls and attending dinners, fetes, bridge
+parties and similar diversions. The great Mrs. Sandringham took a
+decided fancy to Louise, and when the committee was appointed to arrange
+for the social Kermess to be held in December, this dictatorial leader
+had the girl's name included in the list. Naturally the favor led to all
+three cousins taking active part in the most famous social event of the
+season, and as an especial mark of favoritism they were appointed to
+conduct the "flower booth," one of the important features of the
+Kermess.
+
+Mrs. Merrick was in the seventh heaven of ecstatic delight; Uncle John
+declared his three girls were sure to become shining lights, if not
+actual constellations, wherever they might be placed; Major Doyle
+growled and protested; but was secretly pleased to have "our Patsy the
+captain of the dress parade," where he fondly imagined she outclassed
+all others. All former denunciations of society at large were now
+ignored, even by unimpressive Beth, and the girls soon became deeply
+interested in their novel experiences.
+
+Arthur Weldon sulked at home, unhappy and undecided, for a day or two
+after the reception. Sunday noon he dispatched a messenger to Diana with
+a note saying he would be unable to keep his appointment with her that
+afternoon. Then he went straight to the Merrick home and sent his card
+to Louise. The girl flushed, smiled, frowned, and decided to go down.
+
+No one had ever interested her so much as Arthur Weldon. There had been
+a spice of romance about their former relations that made her still
+regard him as exceptional among mankind. She had been asking herself,
+since the night of the reception, if she still loved him, but could not
+come to a positive conclusion. The boy was no longer "ineligible," as he
+had been at first; even Uncle John could now have no serious objection
+to him. He was handsome, agreeable, occupied a good social position and
+was fairly well off in the way of worldly goods--the last point removing
+Mrs. Merrick's former rejection of Arthur as a desirable son-in-law.
+
+But girls are wayward and peculiar in such an _affaire du coeur_, and
+none of these things might have weighed with Louise had she not
+discovered that Diana Von Taer was in love with Arthur and intended to
+win him. That aroused the girl's fighting instincts, rendered the young
+man doubly important, and easily caused Louise to forget her resentment
+at his temporary desertion of her. Perhaps, she reflected, it had
+partially been her own fault. Now that Arthur showed a disposition to
+renew their friendship, and she might promise herself the satisfaction
+of defeating Diana's ambitions, it would be diplomatic, at least, to
+receive the youth with cordial frankness.
+
+Therefore she greeted him smilingly and with outstretched hand, saying:
+
+"This is quite a surprise, Mr. Weldon. I'd a notion you had forgotten
+me."  "No, indeed, Louise! How could you imagine such a thing?" he
+answered, reproachfully.
+
+"There was some evidence of the fact," she asserted archly. "At one time
+you gave me no peace; then you became retiring. At last you disappeared
+wholly. What could I think, sir, under such circumstances?"
+
+He stood looking down at her thoughtfully. How pretty she had grown; and
+how mature and womanly.
+
+"Louise," said he, gently, "don't let us indulge in mutual reproaches.
+Some one must have been at fault and I'll willingly take all the blame
+if you will forgive me. Once we were--were good friends. We--we intended
+to be still more to one another, Louise, but something occurred, I don't
+know what, to--to separate us."
+
+"Why, you went away," said the girl, laughing; "and that of course
+separated us."
+
+"You treated me like a beggar; don't forget that part of it, dear. Of
+course I went away."
+
+"And consoled yourself with a certain Miss Diana Von Taer. It has lately
+been rumored you are engaged to her."  "Me? What nonsense?" But he
+hushed guiltily, and Louise noted everything and determined he should
+not escape punishment.
+
+"Diana, at least, is in earnest," she remarked, with assumed
+indifference. "You may not care to deny that you have been very
+attentive to her."
+
+"Not especially so," he declared, stoutly.
+
+"People gossip, you know. And Diana is charming."
+
+"She's an iceberg!"
+
+"Oh, you have discovered that? Was she wholly unresponsive, then?"
+
+"No," he said, with a touch of anger. "I have never cared for Diana,
+except in a friendly way. She amused me for a while when--when I was
+wretched. But I never made love to her; not for a moment. Afterward,
+why--then----"
+
+"Well; what then?" as he hesitated, growing red again.
+
+"I found she had taken my careless attentions in earnest, and the play
+was getting dangerous. So I went abroad."
+
+Louise considered this explanation seriously. She believed he was
+speaking the truth, so far as he knew. But at the same time she realized
+from her own experience that Arthur might as easily deceive himself as
+Diana in his estimate as to the warmth of the devotion he displayed. His
+nature was impetuous and ardent. That Diana should have taken his
+attentions seriously and become infatuated with the handsome young
+fellow was not a matter to cause surprise.
+
+Gradually Louise felt her resentment disappearing. In Arthur's presence
+the charm of his personality influenced her to be lenient with his
+shortcomings. And his evident desire for a reconciliation found an echo
+in her own heart.
+
+Mutual explanations are excellent to clear a murky atmosphere, and an
+hour's earnest conversation did much to restore these two congenial
+spirits to their former affectionate relations. Of course Louise did not
+succumb too fully to his pleadings, for her feminine instinct warned her
+to keep the boy on "the anxious seat" long enough to enable him to
+appreciate her value and the honor of winning her good graces. Moreover,
+she made some severe conditions and put him on his good behavior. If he
+proved worthy, and was steadfast and true, why then the future might
+reward him freely.
+
+Diana had been making careful plans for her interview with Arthur that
+Sunday afternoon. With no futile attempt to deceive herself as to
+existent conditions she coldly weighed the chances in her mental scale
+and concluded she had sufficient power to win this unstable youth to her
+side and induce him to forget that such a person as Louise Merrick ever
+existed.
+
+Diana was little experienced in such affairs, it is true. Arthur Weldon
+had been her first and only declared admirer, and no one living had
+studied his peculiar nature more critically than this observant girl.
+Also she knew well her own physical failings. She realized that her
+personality was to many repulsive, rather than attractive, and this in
+spite of her exquisite form, her perfect breeding and many undeniable
+accomplishments. Men, as a rule, seldom remained at her side save
+through politeness, and even seemed to fear her; but never until now had
+she cared for any man sufficiently to wish to retain or interest him.
+There were unsuspected fascinations lying dormant in her nature, and
+Miss Von Taer calmly reflected that the exercise of these qualities,
+backed by her native wit and capacity for intrigue, could easily
+accomplish the object she desired.
+
+Thus she had planned her campaign and carefully dressed herself in
+anticipation of Arthur's call when his note came canceling the
+engagement. After rereading his lame excuse she sat down in a quiet
+corner and began to think. The first gun had been fired, the battle was
+on, and like a wise general she carefully marshaled her forces for
+combat.
+
+An hour or two later she turned to her telephone book and called up the
+Merrick establishment. A voice, that of a maid, evidently, answered her.
+
+"I wish to speak with Miss Merrick," said Diana.
+
+Louise, annoyed at being disturbed, left Arthur's side to respond to the
+call.
+
+"Who is it, please?" she asked.
+
+"Is Mr. Weldon still there, or has he gone?" enquired Diana, disguising
+her voice and speaking imperatively..  "Why, he's still here," answered
+bewildered Louise; "but who is talking, please?"
+
+No answer.
+
+"Do you wish to speak with Mr. Weldon?" continued the girl, mystified at
+such an odd procedure.
+
+Diana hung up her receiver, severing the connection. The click of the
+instrument assured Louise there was no use in waiting longer, so she
+returned to Arthur. She could not even guess who had called her. Arthur
+could, though, when he had heard her story, and Diana's impudent
+meddling made him distinctly uneasy. He took care not to enlighten
+Louise, and the incident was soon forgotten by her.
+
+"It proved just as I expected," mused Diana, huddled in her reclining'
+chair. "The fool has thrown me over to go to her. But this is not
+important. With the situation so clearly defined I shall know exactly
+what I must do to protect my own interests."
+
+Mr. Von Taer was away from home that Sunday afternoon, and would not
+return until a late hour. Diana went to the telephone again and after
+several unsuccessful attempts located her cousin, Mr. Charles Connoldy
+Mershone, at a club.
+
+"It's Diana," she said, when at last communication was established. "I
+want you to come over and see me; at once."
+
+"You'll have to excuse me, Di," was the answer. "I was unceremoniously
+kicked out the last time, you know."
+
+"Father's away. It's all right, Charlie. Come along."
+
+"Can't see it, my fair cousin. You've all treated me like a bull-pup,
+and I'm not anxious to mix up with that sort of a relationship. Anything
+more? I'm going to play pool to win my dinner."
+
+"Funds running low, Charlie?"
+
+"Worse than that; they're invisible."
+
+"Then pay attention. Call a taxi at once, and get here as soon as you
+can. I'll foot the bill--and any others that happen to be bothering
+you."
+
+A low, surprised whistle came over the wire.
+
+"What's up, Di?" he asked, with new interest.
+
+"Come and find out."
+
+"Can I be useful?"
+
+"Assuredly; to yourself."
+
+"All right; I'm on the way."
+
+He hung up, and Diana gave a sigh of content as she slowly returned to
+her den and the easy chair, where Mr. Mershone found her "coiled" some
+half hour later.
+
+"This is a queer go," said the young man, taking a seat and glancing
+around with knitted brows. "It isn't so long since dear Uncle Hedrik
+tumbled me out of here neck and crop; and now Cousin Diana invites me to
+return."
+
+At first glance young Mershone seemed an attractive young fellow, tall,
+finely formed and well groomed. But his eyes were too close together and
+his handsome features bore unmistakable marks of dissipation.
+
+"You disgraced us a year or so ago, Charlie," said Diana, in her soft,
+quiet accents, "and under such circumstances we could not tolerate you.
+You can scarcely blame us for cutting your acquaintance. But now--"
+
+"Well, now?" he enquired coolly, trying to read her impassive face.
+
+"I need the services of just such an unscrupulous and clever individual
+as you have proven yourself to be. I'm willing to pay liberally for
+those services, and you doubtless need the money. Are we allies, then?"
+
+Mershone laughed, with little genuine mirth.
+
+"Of course, my dear cousin," he responded; "provided you propose any
+legal villainy. I'm not partial to the police; but I really need the
+money, as you suggest."
+
+"And you will be faithful?" she asked, regarding him doubtfully.
+
+"To the cause, you may be sure. But understand me: I balk at murder and
+burglary. Somehow, the police seem to know me. I'll not do anything that
+might lead to a jail sentence, because there are easier ways to get
+money. However, I don't imagine your proposed plan is very desperate,
+Diana; it's more liable to be dirty work. Never mind; you may command
+me, my dear cousin--if the pay is ample."
+
+"The pay will be ample if you succeed," she began.
+
+"I don't like that. I may not succeed."
+
+"Listen to me, Charlie. Do you know Arthur Weldon?"
+
+"Slightly; not very well."
+
+"I intend to marry him. He has paid me marked attentions in the past;
+but now--he--"
+
+"Wants to slip the leash. Quite natural, my dear."
+
+"He has become infatuated with another girl; a light-headed,
+inexperienced little thing who is likely to marry the first man who asks
+her. She is very rich--in her own right, too--and her husband will be a
+fortunate man."
+
+Mershone stared at her. Then he whistled, took a few turns up and down
+the room, and reseated himself.
+
+"Evidently!" he ejaculated, lighting a cigarette without permission and
+then leaning back thoughtfully in his chair.
+
+"Charlie," continued Diana, "you may as well marry Louise Merrick and
+settle down to a life of respectability. You've a dashing, masterful way
+which no girl of her sort can long resist. I propose that you make
+desperate love to Louise Merrick and so cut Arthur Weldon out of the
+deal entirely. My part of the comedy will be to attract him to my side
+again. Now you have the entire proposition in a nutshell."
+
+He smoked for a time in reflective silence.
+
+"What's the girl like?" he enquired, presently. "Is she attractive?"
+
+"Sufficiently so to fascinate Arthur Weldon. Moreover, she has just been
+introduced in our set, and knows nothing of your shady past history.
+Even if rumors came to her ears, young creatures of her sort often find
+a subtle charm in a man accused of being 'naughty.'"
+
+"Humph!"
+
+"If you win her, you get a wife easily managed and a splendid fortune to
+squander as you please."
+
+"Sounds interesting, Di, doesn't it? But--"
+
+"In regard to preliminary expenses," she interrupted, calmly, "I have
+said that your reward will be ample when you have won the game. But
+meantime I am willing to invest the necessary funds in the enterprise. I
+will allow you a thousand a month."  "Bah! that's nothing at all!" said
+he, contemptuously, as he flicked the ashes from his cigarette.
+
+"What do you demand, then?"
+
+"Five hundred a week, in advance. It's an expensive job, Di."
+
+"Very well; I will give you five hundred a week; but only as long as you
+work earnestly to carry out the plot. I shall watch you, Charlie. And
+you must not lose sight of the ultimate reward."
+
+"I won't, my sweet cousin. It's a bargain," he said, readily enough.
+"When do I begin, and what's the program?"
+
+"Draw your chair nearer," said Diana, restraining her triumphant joy.
+"I'll explain everything to you in detail. It will be my part to plan,
+and yours to execute."
+
+"Good!" he exclaimed, with a cheerful grin. "I feel like an executioner
+already!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+OPENING THE CAMPAIGN
+
+Louise's little romance, which now began to thrive vigorously, was
+regarded with calmness by her cousins and her mother, who knew of the
+former episode between her and Arthur and attached little importance to
+the renewed flirtation in which they indulged. That they were deceived
+in their estimate was due to the girl's reputation for frivolity where
+young men were concerned. She had been dubbed a "flirt" ever since she
+first began to wear long dresses, and her nature was not considered deep
+enough for her heart to be ever seriously affected. Therefore the young
+girl was gravely misjudged.
+
+Louise was not one to bare her heart, even to her most intimate friends,
+and no one now suspected that at last her deepest, truest womanly
+affections were seriously involved. The love for Arthur that had lain
+dormant in her heart was aroused at a time when she was more mature and
+capable of recognizing truly her feelings, so that it was not long
+before she surrendered her reserve and admitted to him that life would
+mean little for her unless they might pass the years together. For his
+part, young Weldon sincerely loved Louise, and had never wavered from
+his firm devotion during all the past months of misunderstanding.
+
+The general impression that they were "merely flirting" afforded the
+lovers ample opportunity to have their walks and drives together
+undisturbed, and during these soulful communions they arrived at such a
+perfect understanding that both were confident nothing could ever
+disturb their trust and confidence.
+
+It was at a theatre party that the three _debutantes_ first met Charlie
+Mershone, but they saw little of him that first evening and scarcely
+noticed his presence. Louise, indeed, noted that his eyes were fixed
+upon her more than once with thinly veiled admiration, and without a
+thought of disloyalty to Arthur, but acting upon the impulse of her
+coquettish nature, she responded with a demure smile of encouragement.
+Charlie Mershone was an adept at playing parts. He at first regarded
+Louise much as a hunter does the game he is stalking. Patsy Doyle was
+more jolly and Beth De Graf more beautiful than Miss Merrick; but the
+young man would in any event have preferred the latter's dainty
+personality. When he found her responsive to his admiring glances he was
+astounded to note his heart beating rapidly--a thing quite foreign to
+his usual temperament. Yes, this girl would do very nicely, both as a
+wife and as a banker. Assuredly the game was well worth playing, as
+Diana had asserted. He must make it his business to discover what
+difficulties must be overcome in winning her. Of course Arthur Weldon
+was the main stumbling-block; but Weldon was a ninny; he must be thrust
+aside; Diana had promised to attend to that.
+
+Never in his life had Charles Connoldy Mershone been in earnest before.
+After his first interview with Louise Merrick he became in deadly
+earnest. His second meeting with her was at Marie Delmar's bridge whist
+party, where they had opportunity for an extended conversation. Arthur
+was present this evening, but by some chance Mershone drew Louise for
+his partner at cards, and being a skillful player he carried her in
+progression from table to table, leaving poor Arthur far behind and
+indulging in merry repartee and mild flirtation until they felt they
+were quite well acquainted.
+
+Louise found the young man a charming conversationalist. He had a
+dashing, confidential way of addressing the girl which impressed her as
+flattering and agreeable, while his spirits were so exuberant and
+sparkling with humor that she was thoroughly amused every moment while
+in his society. Indeed, Mr. Mershone was really talented, and had he
+possessed any manly attributes, or even the ordinary honorable instincts
+of mankind, there is little doubt he would have been a popular favorite.
+But he had made his mark, and it was a rather grimy one. From earliest
+youth he had been guilty of discreditable acts that had won for him the
+contempt of all right-minded people. That he was still accepted with lax
+tolerance by some of the more thoughtless matrons of the fashionable set
+was due to his family name. They could not forget that in spite of his
+numerous lapses from respectability he was still a Mershone. Not one of
+the careless mothers who admitted him to her house would have allowed
+her daughter to wed him, and the degree of tolerance extended to him was
+fully appreciated by Mershone himself. He knew he was practically barred
+from the most desirable circles and seldom imposed himself upon his
+former acquaintances; but now, with a distinct object in view, he
+callously disregarded the doubtful looks he encountered and showed
+himself in every drawing-room where he could secure an invitation or
+impudently intrude himself. He made frank avowals that he had "reformed"
+and abandoned his evil ways forever. Some there were who accepted this
+statement seriously, and Diana furthered his cause by treating him
+graciously whenever they met, whereas she had formerly refused to
+recognize her cousin.
+
+Louise knew nothing at all of Charlie Mershone's history and permitted
+him to call when he eagerly requested the favor; but on the way home
+from the Delmars Arthur, who had glowered at the usurper all the
+evening, took pains to hint to Louise that Mershone was an undesirable
+acquaintance and had a bad record. Of course she laughed at him and
+teased him, thinking he was jealous and rejoicing that in Mershone she
+had a tool to "keep Arthur toeing the mark." As a matter of truth she
+had really missed her lover's companionship that evening, but forbore to
+apprise him of the fact.
+
+And now the great Kermess began to occupy the minds of the three
+cousins, who were to share the important "Flower Booth" between them.
+The Kermess was to be the holiday sensation of the season and bade fair
+to eclipse the horse show in popularity. It was primarily a charitable
+entertainment, as the net receipts were to be divided among several
+deserving hospitals; nevertheless it was classed as a high society
+function and only the elect were to take active part in the affair.
+
+The ball room at the Waldorf had been secured and many splendid booths
+were to be erected for the sale of novelties, notions and refreshments.
+There were to be lotteries and auctions, national dances given by groups
+of society belles, and other novel entertainments calculated to empty
+the pockets of the unwary.
+
+Beth was somewhat indignant to find that she and her cousins, having
+been assigned to the flower booth, were expected to erect a pavilion and
+decorate it at their own expense, as well as to provide the stock of
+flowers to be sold. "There is no fund for preliminary expenses, you
+know," remarked Mrs. Sandringham, "and of course all the receipts are to
+go to charity; so there is nothing to do but stand these little bills
+ourselves. We all do it willingly. The papers make a good deal of the
+Kermess, and the advertisement we get is worth all it costs us."
+
+Beth did not see the force of this argument. She thought it was dreadful
+for society--really good society--to wish to advertise itself; but
+gradually she was learning that this was merely a part of the game. To
+be talked about, to have her goings and comings heralded in the society
+columns and her gowns described on every possible occasion, seemed the
+desire of every society woman, and she who could show the biggest
+scrap-book of clippings was considered of highest importance..  Uncle
+John laughed joyously when told that the expenses of the flower booth
+would fall on the shoulders of his girls and there was no later
+recompense.
+
+"Why not?" he cried. "Mustn't we pay the fiddler if we dance?"
+
+"It's a hold-up game," declared Beth, angrily. "I'll have nothing to do
+with it."
+
+"Yes, you will, my dear," replied her uncle; "and to avoid separating
+you chicks from your pin-money I'm going to stand every cent of the
+expense myself. Why, it's for charity, isn't it? Charity covers a
+multitude of sins, and I'm just a miserable sinner that needs a
+bath-robe to snuggle in. How can the poor be better served than by
+robbing the rich? Go ahead, girls, and rig up the swellest booth that
+money will build. I'll furnish as many flowers as you can sell, and
+Charity ought to get a neat little nest-egg out of the deal."
+
+"That's nice of you," said Patsy, kissing him; "but it's an imposition,
+all the same."
+
+"It's a blessing, my dear. It will help a bit to ease off that dreadful
+income that threatens to crush me," he rejoined, smiling at them. And
+the nieces made no further protest, well knowing the kindly old
+gentleman would derive untold pleasure in carrying out his generous
+plans.
+
+The flower booth, designed by a famous architect, proved a splendid and
+most imposing structure. It was capped by a monster bouquet of
+artificial orchids in _papier-mache,_ which reached twenty feet into the
+air. The three cousins had their gowns especially designed for the
+occasion. Beth represented a lily, Louise a Gold-of-Ophir rose, and
+Patricia a pansy.
+
+The big ball room had been turned over to the society people several
+days in advance, that the elaborate preparations might be completed in
+time, and during this period groups of busy, energetic young folks
+gathered by day and in the evenings, decorating, flirting, rehearsing
+the fancy dances, and amusing themselves generally.
+
+Arthur Weldon was there to assist Uncle John's nieces; but his pleasure
+was somewhat marred by the persistent presence of Charlie Mershone, who,
+having called once or twice upon Louise, felt at liberty to attach
+himself to her party. The ferocious looks of his rival were ignored by
+this designing young man and he had no hesitation in interrupting a
+_tete-a-tete_ to monopolize the girl for himself.
+
+Louise was amused, thinking it fun to worry Arthur by flirting mildly
+with Mr. Mershone, for whom she cared not a jot. Both Patsy and Beth
+took occasion to remonstrate with her for this folly, for having known
+Weldon for a long time and journeyed with him through a part of Europe,
+they naturally espoused his cause, liking him as much as they
+intuitively disliked Mershone.
+
+One evening Arthur, his patience well-nigh exhausted, talked seriously
+with Louise.
+
+"This fellow Mershone," said he, "is a bad egg, a despicable son of a
+decadent family. His mother was Hedrik Von Taer's sister, but the poor
+thing has been dead many years. Not long ago Charlie was tabooed by even
+the rather fast set he belonged to, and the Von Taers, especially,
+refused to recognize their relative. Now he seems to go everywhere
+again. I don't know what has caused the change, I'm sure."  "Why, he
+has reformed," declared Louise; "Diana told me so. She said he had been
+a bit wild, as all young men are; but now his behavior is
+irreproachable."
+
+"I don't believe a word of it," insisted Arthur. "Mershone is a natural
+cad; he's been guilty of all sorts of dirty tricks, and is capable of
+many more. If you'll watch out, Louise, you'll see that all the girls
+are shy of being found in his society, and all the chaperons cluck to
+their fledglings the moment the hawk appears. You're a novice in society
+just yet, my dear, and it won't do you any good to encourage Charlie
+Mershone, whom everyone else avoids."
+
+"He's very nice," returned Louise, lightly.
+
+"Yes; he must be nicer than I am," admitted the young man, glumly, and
+thereupon he became silent and morose and Louise found her evening
+spoiled.
+
+The warning did not fall on barren ground, however. In the seclusion of
+her own room the girl thought it all over and decided she had teased her
+true lover enough. Arthur had not scolded or reproached her, despite his
+annoyance, and she had a feeling that his judgment of Charlie Mershone
+was quite right. Although the latter was evidently madly in love with
+her the girl had the discretion to see how selfish and unrestrained was
+his nature, and once or twice he had already frightened her by his
+impetuosity. She decided to retreat cautiously but positively from
+further association with him, and at once began to show the young man
+coolness.
+
+Mershone must have been chagrined, but he did not allow Louise to see
+there was any change in their relations as far as he was concerned. He
+merely redoubled his attentions, sending her flowers and bonbons daily,
+accompanied by ardently worded but respectful notes. Really, Louise was
+in a quandary, and she frankly admitted to Arthur that she had brought
+this embarrassment upon herself. Yet Arthur could do or say little to
+comfort her. He longed secretly to "punch Mershone's head," but could
+find no occasion for such decided action.
+
+Diana, during this time, treated both Arthur and Louise with marked
+cordiality. Believing her time would come to take part in the comedy she
+refrained from interfering prematurely with the progress of events. She
+managed to meet her accomplice at frequent intervals and was pleased
+that there was no necessity to urge Charlie to do his utmost in
+separating the lovers.
+
+"I'm bound to win, Di," he said grimly, "for I love the girl even better
+than I do her fortune. And of one thing you may rest assured; Weldon
+shall never marry her."
+
+"What will you do?" asked Diana, curiously.
+
+"Anything! Everything that is necessary to accomplish my purpose."
+
+"Be careful," said she warningly. "Keep a cool head, Charlie, and don't
+do anything foolish. Still--"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"If it is necessary to take a few chances, do it. Arthur Weldon must not
+marry Louise Merrick!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+THE VON TAER PEARLS
+
+Uncle John really had more fun out of the famous Kermess than anyone
+else. The preparations gave him something to do, and he enjoyed
+doing--openly, as well as in secret ways. Having declared that he would
+stock the flower booth at his own expense, he confided to no one his
+plans. The girls may have thought he would merely leave orders with a
+florist; but that was not the Merrick way of doing things. Instead, he
+visited the most famous greenhouses within a radius of many miles,
+contracting for all the floral blooms that art and skill could produce.
+The Kermess was to be a three days' affair, and each day the floral
+treasures of the cast were delivered in reckless profusion at the flower
+booth, which thus became the center of attraction and the marvel of the
+public. The girls were delighted to be able to dispense such blooms, and
+their success as saleswomen was assured at once.  Of course the fair
+vendors were ignorant of the value of their wares, for Uncle John
+refused to tell them how extravagant he had been; so they were obliged
+to guess at the sums to be demanded and in consequence sold priceless
+orchids and rare hothouse flora at such ridiculous rates that Mr.
+Merrick chuckled with amusement until he nearly choked.
+
+The public being "cordially invited" Uncle John was present on that
+first important evening, and--wonder of wonders--was arrayed in an
+immaculate full-dress suit that fitted his chubby form like the skin of
+a banana. Mayor Doyle, likewise disguised, locked arms with his
+brother-in-law and stalked gravely among the throng; but neither ever
+got to a point in the big room where the flower booth was not in plain
+sight. The Major's pride in "our Patsy" was something superb; Uncle John
+was proud of all three of his nieces. As the sale of wares was for the
+benefit of charity these old fellows purchased liberally--mostly flowers
+and had enough parcels sent home to fill a delivery wagon.
+
+One disagreeable incident, only, marred this otherwise successful
+evening--successful especially for the three cousins, whose beauty and
+grace won the hearts of all.
+
+Diana Von Taer was stationed in the "Hindoo Booth," and the oriental
+costume she wore exactly fitted her sensuous style of beauty. To enhance
+its effect she had worn around her neck the famous string of Von Taer
+pearls, a collection said to be unmatched in beauty and unequaled in
+value in all New York.
+
+The "Hindoo Booth" was near enough to the "Flower Booth" for Diana to
+watch the cousins, and the triumph of her late _protegees_ was very
+bitter for her to endure. Especially annoying was it to find Arthur
+Weldon devoting himself assiduously to Louise, who looked charming in
+her rose gown and favored Arthur in a marked way, although Charlie
+Mershone, refusing to be ignored, also leaned over the counter of the
+booth and chatted continually, striving to draw Miss Merrick's attention
+to himself.
+
+Forced to observe all this, Diana soon lost her accustomed coolness. The
+sight of the happy faces of Arthur and Louise aroused all the rancor
+and subtile wit that she possessed, and she resolved upon an act that
+she would not before have believed herself capable of. Leaning down, she
+released the catch of the famous pearls and unobserved concealed them in
+a handkerchief. Then, leaving her booth, she sauntered slowly over to
+the floral display, which was surrounded for the moment by a crowd of
+eager customers. Many of the vases and pottery jars which had contained
+flowers now stood empty, and just before the station of Louise Merrick
+the stock was sadly depleted. This was, of course, offset by the store
+of money in the little drawer beside the fair sales-lady, and Louise,
+having greeted Diana with a smile and nod, turned to renew her
+conversation with the young men besieging her.
+
+Diana leaned gracefully over the counter, resting the hand containing
+the handkerchief over the mouth of an empty Doulton vase--empty save for
+the water which had nourished the flowers. At the same time she caught
+Louise's eye and with a gesture brought the girl to her side.  "Those
+young men are wealthy," she said, carelessly, her head close to that of
+Louise. "Make them pay well for their purchases, my dear."
+
+"I can't rob them, Diana," was the laughing rejoinder.
+
+"But it is your duty to rob, at a Kermess, and in the interests of
+charity," persisted Diana, maintaining her voice at a whisper.
+
+Louise was annoyed.
+
+"Thank you," she said, and went back to the group awaiting her.
+
+The floral booth was triangular, Beth officiated at one of the three
+sides, Patsy at another, and Louise at the third. Diana now passed
+softly around the booth, interchanging a word with the other two girls,
+after which she returned to her own station.
+
+Presently, while chatting with a group of acquaintances, she suddenly
+clasped her throat and assuming an expression of horror exclaimed:
+
+"My pearls!"
+
+"What, the Von Taer pearls?" cried one.
+
+"The Von Taer pearls," said Diana, as if dazed by her misfortune.
+
+"And you've lost them, dear?"
+
+"They're lost!" she echoed.
+
+Well, there was excitement then, you may be sure. One man hurried to
+notify the door-keeper and the private detective employed oh all such
+occasions, while others hastily searched the booth--of course in vain.
+Diana seemed distracted and the news spread quickly through the
+assemblage.
+
+"Have you left this booth at all?" asked a quiet voice, that of the
+official whose business it was to investigate.
+
+"I--I merely walked over to the floral booth opposite, and exchanged a
+word with Miss Merrick, and the others there," she explained.
+
+The search was resumed, and Charlie Mershone sauntered over.
+
+"What's this, Di? Lost the big pearls, I hear," he said.
+
+She took him aside and whispered something to him. He nodded and
+returned at once to the flower booth, around which a crowd of searchers
+now gathered, much to the annoyance of Louise and her cousins.
+
+"It's all foolishness, you know," said Uncle John, to the Major,
+confidentially. "If the girl really dropped her pearls some one has
+picked them up, long ago."
+
+Young Mershone seemed searching the floral booth as earnestly as the
+others, and awkwardly knocked the Doulton vase from the shelf with his
+elbow. It smashed to fragments and in the pool of water on the floor
+appeared the missing pearls.
+
+There was an awkward silence for a moment, while all eyes turned
+curiously upon Louise, who served this side of the triangle. The girl
+appeared turned to stone as she gazed down at the gems. Mershone laughed
+disagreeably and picked up the recovered treasure, which Diana ran
+forward and seized.
+
+"H-m-m!" said the detective, with a shrug; "this is a strange
+occurrence--a very strange occurrence, indeed. Miss Von Taer, do you
+wish--"
+
+"No!" exclaimed Diana, haughtily. "I accuse no one. It is enough that an
+accident has restored to me the heirloom."
+
+Stiffly she marched back to her own booth, and the crowd quietly
+dispersed, leaving only Arthur, Uncle John and the Major standing to
+support Louise and her astonished cousins.
+
+"Why, confound it!" cried the little millionaire, with a red face, "does
+the jade mean to insinuate--"
+
+"Not at all, sor," interrupted the Major, sternly; "her early education
+has been neglected, that's all."
+
+"Come dear," pleaded Arthur to Louise; "let us go home."
+
+"By no means!" announced Beth, positively; "let us stay where we belong.
+Why, we're not half sold out yet!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+MISLED
+
+Arthur Weldon met Mershone at a club next afternoon. "You low
+scoundrel!" he exclaimed. "It was _your_ trick to accuse Miss Merrick of
+a theft last night."
+
+"Was she accused?" enquired the other, blandly. "I hadn't heard,
+really."
+
+"You did it yourself!"
+
+"Dear me!" said Mershone, deliberately lighting a cigarette.
+
+"You or your precious cousin--you're both alike," declared Arthur,
+bitterly. "But you have given us wisdom, Mershone. We'll see you don't
+trick us again."
+
+The young man stared at him, between puffs of smoke.
+
+"It occurs to me, Weldon, that you're becoming insolent. It won't do, my
+boy. Unless you guard your tongue--"
+
+"Bah! Resent it, if you dare; you coward."
+
+"Coward?"
+
+"Yes. A man who attacks an innocent girl is a coward. And you've been a
+coward all your life, Mershone, for one reason or another. No one
+believes in your pretended reform. But I want to warn you to keep away
+from Miss Merrick, hereafter, or I'll take a hand in your punishment
+myself."
+
+For a moment the two eyed one another savagely. They were equally
+matched in physique; but Arthur was right, there was no fight in
+Mershone; that is, of the knock-down order. He would fight in his own
+way, doubtless, and this made him more dangerous than his antagonist
+supposed.
+
+"What right have you, sir, to speak for Miss Merrick?" he demanded.
+
+"The best right in the world," replied Arthur. "She is my promised
+wife."
+
+"Indeed! Since when?"
+
+"That is none of your affair, Mershone. As a matter of fact, however,
+that little excitement you created last night resulted in a perfect
+understanding between us."  "_I_ created!"
+
+"You, of course. Miss Merrick does not care to meet you again. You will
+do well to avoid her in the future."
+
+"I don't believe you, Weldon. You're bluffing."
+
+"Am I? Then dare to annoy Miss Merrick again and I'll soon convince you
+of my sincerity."
+
+With this parting shot he walked away, leaving Mershone really at a loss
+to know whether he was in earnest or not. To solve the question he
+called a taxicab and in a few minutes gave his card to the Merrick
+butler with a request to see Miss Louise.
+
+The man returned with a message that Miss Merrick was engaged.
+
+"Please tell her it is important," insisted Mershone.
+
+Again the butler departed, and soon returned.
+
+"Any message for Miss Merrick must be conveyed in writing, sir," he
+said, "She declines to see you."
+
+Mershone went away white with anger. We may credit him with loving
+Louise as intensely as a man of his caliber can love anyone. His sudden
+dismissal astounded him and made him frantic with disappointment.
+Louise's treatment of the past few days might have warned him, but he
+had no intuition of the immediate catastrophe that had overtaken him. It
+wasn't his self-pride that was injured; that had become so battered
+there was little of it left; but he had set his whole heart on winning
+this girl and felt that he could not give her up.
+
+Anger toward Weldon was prominent amongst his emotion. He declared
+between his set teeth that if Louise was lost to him she should never
+marry Weldon. Not on Diana's account, but for his own vengeful
+satisfaction was this resolve made.
+
+He rode straight to his cousin and told her the news. The statement that
+Arthur was engaged to marry Louise Merrick drove her to a wild anger no
+less powerful because she restrained any appearance of it. Surveying her
+cousin steadily through her veiled lashes she asked:
+
+"Is there no way we can prevent this thing?"
+
+Mershone stalked up and down before her like a caged beast. His eyes
+were red and wicked; his lips were pressed tightly together.  "Diana,"
+said he, "I've never wanted anything in this world as I want that girl.
+I can't let that mollycoddle marry her!"
+
+She flushed, and then frowned. It was not pleasant to hear the man of
+her choice spoken of with such contempt, but after all their
+disappointment and desires were alike mutual and she could not break
+with Charlie at this juncture.
+
+Suddenly he paused and asked:
+
+"Do you still own that country home near East Orange?"
+
+"Yes; but we never occupy it now. Father does not care for the place."
+
+"Is it deserted?"
+
+"Practically so. Madame Cerise is there in charge."
+
+"Old Cerise? I was going to ask you what had become of that clever
+female."
+
+"She was too clever, Charlie. She knew too much of our affairs, and was
+always prying into things that did not concern her. So father took an
+antipathy to the poor creature, and because she has served our family
+for so long sent her to care for the house at East Orange."
+
+"Pensioned her, eh? Well, this is good news, Di; perhaps the best news
+in the world. I believe it will help clear up the situation. Old Cerise
+and I always understood each other."
+
+"Will you explain?" asked Diana, coldly.
+
+"I think not, my fair cousin. I prefer to keep my own counsel. You made
+a bad mess of that little deal last night, and are responsible for the
+climax that faces us. Besides, a woman is never a good conspirator. I
+know what you want; and I know what I want. So I'll work this plan
+alone, if you please. And I'll win, Di; I'll win as sure as fate--if
+you'll help me."
+
+"You ask me to help you and remain in the dark?"
+
+"Yes; it's better so. Write me a note to Cerise and tell her to place
+the house and herself unreservedly at my disposal."
+
+She stared at him fixedly, and he returned the look with an evil smile.
+So they sat in silence a moment. Then slowly she arose and moved to her
+escritoire, drawing a sheet of paper toward her and beginning to write.
+ "Is there a telephone at the place?" enquired Mershone abruptly.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then telephone Cerise after I'm gone. That will make it doubly sure.
+And give me the number, too, so I can jot it down. I may need it."
+
+Diana quietly tore up the note.
+
+"The telephone is better," she said. "Being in the dark, sir, I prefer
+not to commit myself in writing."
+
+"You're quite right, Di," he exclaimed, admiringly. "But for heaven's
+sake don't forget to telephone Madame Cerise."
+
+"I won't Charlie. And, see here, keep your precious plans to yourself,
+now and always. I intend to know nothing of what you do."
+
+"I'm merely the cats-paw, eh? Well, never mind. Is old Cerise to be
+depended upon, do you think?"
+
+"Why not?" replied the girl. "Cerise belongs to the Von Taers--body and
+soul!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+THE BROWN LIMOUSINE
+
+The second evening of the society Kermess passed without unusual event
+and proved very successful in attracting throngs of fashionable people
+to participate in its pleasures.
+
+Louise and her cousins were at their stations early, and the second
+installment of Uncle John's flowers was even more splendid and profuse
+than the first. It was not at all difficult to make sales, and the
+little money drawer began to bulge with its generous receipts.
+
+Many a gracious smile or nod or word was bestowed upon Miss Merrick by
+the society folk; for these people had had time to consider the
+accusation against her implied by Diana Von Taer's manner when the
+pearls were discovered in the empty flower vase. Being rather impartial
+judges--for Diana was not a popular favorite with her set--they decided
+it was absurd to suppose a niece of wealthy old John Merrick would
+descend to stealing any one's jewelry. Miss Merrick might have anything
+her heart desired with-out pausing to count the cost, and moreover she
+was credited with sufficient common sense to realize that the Von Taer
+heirlooms might easily be recognized anywhere. So a little gossip
+concerning the queer incident had turned the tide of opinion in Louise's
+favor, and as she was a recent _debutante_ with a charming personality
+all vied to assure her she was held blameless.
+
+A vast coterie of the select hovered about the flower booth all the
+evening, and the cousins joyously realized they had scored one of the
+distinct successes of the Kermess. Arthur could not get very close to
+Louise this evening; but he enjoyed her popularity and from his modest
+retirement was able to exchange glances with her at intervals, and these
+glances assured him he was seldom absent from her thoughts.
+
+Aside from this, he had the pleasure of glowering ferociously upon
+Charlie Mershone, who, failing to obtain recognition from Miss Merrick,
+devoted himself to his cousin Diana, or at least lounged nonchalantly in
+the neighborhood of the Hindoo Booth. Mershone was very quiet. There
+was a speculative look upon his features that denoted an undercurrent
+of thought.
+
+Diana's face was as expressionless as ever. She well knew her action of
+the previous evening had severed the cordial relations formerly existing
+between her and Mr. Merrick's nieces, and determined to avoid the
+possibility of a snub by keeping aloof from them. She greeted whoever
+approached her station in her usual gracious and cultured manner, and
+refrained from even glancing toward Louise.
+
+Hedrik Von Taer appeared for an hour this evening. He quietly expressed
+his satisfaction at the complete arrangements of the Kermess, chatted a
+moment with his daughter, and then innocently marched over to the flower
+booth and made a liberal purchase from each of the three girls.
+Evidently the old gentleman had no inkling of the incident of the
+previous evening, or that Diana was not still on good terms with the
+young ladies she had personally introduced to society. His action amused
+many who noted it, and Louise blushing but thoroughly self-possessed,
+exchanged her greetings with Diana's father and thanked him heartily
+for his purchase. Mr. Von Taer stared stonily at Charlie Mershone, but
+did not speak to him.
+
+Going out he met John Merrick, and the two men engaged in conversation
+most cordially.
+
+"You did the trick all right, Von Taer," said the little millionaire,
+"and I'm much obliged, as you may suppose. You're not ashamed of my
+three nieces, I take it?"
+
+"Your nieces, Mr. Merrick, are very charming young women," was the
+dignified reply. "They will grace any station in life to which they may
+be called."
+
+When the evening's entertainment came to an end Arthur Weldon took
+Louise home in his new brown limousine, leaving Patsy and her father,
+Uncle John and Beth to comfortably fill the Doyle motor car. Now that
+the engagement of the young people had been announced and accepted by
+their friends, it seemed very natural for them to prefer their own
+society.
+
+"What do you think of it, Uncle John, anyhow?" asked Patsy, as they
+rode home.  "It's all right, dear," he announced, with a sigh. "I hate
+to see my girls take the matrimonial dive, but I guess they've got to
+come to it, sooner or later."
+
+"Later, for me," laughed Patsy.
+
+"As for young Weldon," continued Mr. Merrick, reflectively, "he has some
+mighty good points, as I found out long ago. Also he has some points
+that need filing down. But I guess he'll average up with most young men,
+and Louise seems to like him. So let's try to encourage 'em to be happy;
+eh, my dears?"
+
+"Louise," said Beth, slowly, "is no more perfect than Arthur. They both
+have faults which time may eradicate, and as at present they are not
+disposed to be hypercritical they ought to get along nicely together."
+
+"If 't was me," said the Major, oracularly, "I'd never marry Weldon."
+
+"He won't propose to you, Daddy dear," returned Patsy, mischievously;
+"he prefers Louise."
+
+"I decided long ago," said Uncle John, "that I'd never be allowed to
+pick out the husbands for my three girls. Husbands are a matter of
+taste, I guess, and a girl ought to know what sort she wants. If she
+don't, and makes a mistake, that's _her_ look-out. So you can all choose
+for yourselves, when the time comes, and I'll stand by you, my dears,
+through thick and thin. If the husband won't play fair, you can always
+bet your Uncle John will."  "Oh, we know, that," said Patsy, simply;
+and Beth added: "Of course, Uncle, dear."
+
+Thursday evening, the third and last of the series, was after all the
+banner night of the great Kermess. All the world of society was present
+and such wares as remained unsold in the booths were quickly auctioned
+off by several fashionable gentlemen with a talent for such brigandage.
+Then, the national dances and songs having been given and received
+enthusiastically, a grand ball wound up the occasion in the merriest
+possible way.
+
+Charlie Mershone was much in evidence this evening, as he had been
+before; but he took no active part in the proceedings and refrained from
+dancing, his pet amusement. Diana observed that he made frequent trips
+downstairs, perhaps to the hotel offices. No one paid any attention to
+his movements, except his cousin, and Miss Von Taer, watching him
+intently, decided that underneath his calm exterior lurked a great deal
+of suppressed excitement.
+
+At last the crowd began to disperse. Uncle John and the Major took Beth
+and Patsy away early, as soon as their booth was closed; but Louise
+stayed for a final waltz or two with Arthur. She soon found, however,
+that the evening's work and excitement had tired her, and asked to be
+taken home.
+
+"I'll go and get the limousine around," said Arthur. "That new chauffeur
+is a stupid fellow. By the time you've managed in this jam to get your
+wraps I shall be ready. Come down in the elevator and I'll meet you at
+the Thirty-second street entrance."
+
+As he reached the street a man--an ordinary servant, to judge from his
+appearance--ran into him full tilt, and when they recoiled from the
+impact the fellow with a muttered curse raised his fist and struck young
+Weldon a powerful blow. Reeling backward, a natural anger seized Arthur,
+who was inclined to be hot-headed, and he also struck out with his
+fists, never pausing to consider that the more dignified act would be to
+call the police.
+
+The little spurt of fistcuffs was brief, but it gave Mershone, who stood
+in the shadow of the door-way near by, time to whisper to a police
+officer, who promptly seized the disputants and held them both in a
+firm grip.
+
+"What's all this?" he demanded, sternly.
+
+"That drunken loafer assaulted me without cause" gasped Arthur, panting.
+
+"It's a lie!" retorted the man, calmly; "he struck me first."
+
+"Well, I arrest you both," said the officer.
+
+"Arrest!" cried Arthur, indignantly; "why, confound it, man, I'm--"
+
+"No talk!" was the stern command. "Come along and keep quiet."
+
+As if the whole affair had been premeditated and prearranged a patrol
+wagon at that instant backed to the curb and in spite of Arthur Weldon's
+loud protests he was thrust inside with his assailant and at once driven
+away at a rapid gait.
+
+At the same moment a brown limousine drew up quietly before the
+entrance.
+
+Louise, appearing in the doorway in her opera cloak, stood hesitating on
+the steps, peering into the street for Arthur. A man in livery
+approached her.
+
+"This way, please, Miss Merrick," he said. "Mr. Weldon begs you to be
+seated in the limousine. He will join you in a moment."
+
+With this he led the way to the car and held the door open, while the
+girl, having no suspicion, entered and sank back wearily upon the seat.
+Then the door abruptly slammed, and the man in livery leaped to the seat
+beside the chauffeur and with a jerk the car darted away.
+
+So sudden and astounding was this _denouement_ that Louise did not even
+scream. Indeed, for the moment her wits were dazed.
+
+And now Charlie Mershone stepped from his hiding place and with a
+satirical smile entered the vestibule and looked at his watch. He found
+he had time to show himself again at the Kermess, for a few moments,
+before driving to the ferry to catch the train for East Orange.
+
+Some one touched him on the arm.
+
+"Very pretty, sir, and quite cleverly done," remarked a quiet voice.
+
+Mershone started and glared at the speaker, a slender, unassuming man in
+dark clothes.
+
+"What do you mean, fellow?"
+
+"I've been watching the comedy, sir, and I saw you were the star actor,
+although you took care to keep hidden in the wings. That bruiser who
+raised the row took his arrest very easily; I suppose you've arranged to
+pay his fine, and he isn't worried. But the gentleman surely was in hard
+luck pounded one minute and pinched the next. You arranged it very
+cleverly, indeed."
+
+Charlie was relieved that no mention was made of the abduction of
+Louise. Had that incident escaped notice? He gave the man another sharp
+look and turned away; but the gentle touch again restrained him.
+
+"Not yet, please, Mr. Mershone."
+
+"Who are you?" asked the other, scowling.
+
+"The house detective. It's my business to watch things. So I noticed you
+talking to the police officer; I also noticed the patrol wagon standing
+on the opposite side of the street for nearly an hour--my report on that
+will amuse them at headquarters, won't it? And I noticed you nod to the
+bruiser, just as your victim came out."
+
+"Let go of my arm, sir!"
+
+"Do you prefer handcuffs? I arrest you. We'll run over to the station
+and explain things."
+
+"Do you know who I am?"
+
+"Perfectly, Mr. Mershone. I believe I ran you in for less than this,
+some two years ago. You gave the name of Ryder, then. Better take
+another, to-night."
+
+"If you're the house detective, why do you mix up in this affair?"
+enquired Mershone, his anxiety showing in his tone.
+
+"Your victim was a guest of the house."
+
+"Not at all. He was merely attending the Kermess."
+
+"That makes him our guest, sir. Are you ready?"
+
+Mershone glanced around and then lowered his voice.
+
+"It's all a little joke, my dear fellow," said he, "and you are liable
+to spoil everything with your bungling. Here," drawing; a roll of bills
+from his pocket, "don't let us waste any more time. I'm busy."
+
+The man chuckled and waved aside the bribe.
+
+"You certainly are, sir; you're _very_ busy, just now! But I think the
+sergeant over at the station will give you some leisure. And listen, Mr.
+Mershone: I've got it in for that policeman you fixed; he's a cheeky
+individual and a new man. I'm inclined to think this night's work will
+cost him his position. And the patrol, which I never can get when I want
+it, seems under your direct management. These things have got to be
+explained, and I need your help. Ready, sir?"
+
+Mershone looked grave, but he was not wholly checkmated. Thank heaven
+the bungling detective had missed the departure of Louise altogether.
+Charlie's arrest at this critical juncture was most unfortunate, but
+need not prove disastrous to his cleverly-laid plot. He decided it would
+be best to go quietly with the "plain-clothes man."
+
+Weldon had become nearly frantic in his demands to be released when
+Mershone was ushered into the station. He started at seeing his enemy
+and began to fear a thousand terrible, indefinite things, knowing how
+unscrupulous Mershone was. But the Waldorf detective, who seemed
+friendly with the police sergeant, made a clear, brief statement of the
+facts he had observed. Mershone denied the accusation; the bruiser
+denied it; the policeman and the driver of the patrol wagon likewise
+stolidly denied it. Indeed, they had quite another story to tell.
+
+But the sergeant acted on his own judgment. He locked up Mershone,
+refusing bail. He suspended the policeman and the driver, pending
+investigation. Then he released Arthur Weldon on his own recognisance,
+the young man promising to call and testify when required.
+
+The house detective and Arthur started back to the Waldorf together.
+
+"Did you notice a young lady come to the entrance, soon after I was
+driven away?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"A lady in a rose-colored opera cloak, sir?"
+
+"Yes! yes!"
+
+"Why, she got into a brown limousine and rode away."  Arthur gave a
+sigh of relief.
+
+"Thank goodness that chauffeur had a grain of sense," said he. "I
+wouldn't have given him credit for it. Anyway, I'm glad Miss Merrick is
+safe."
+
+"Huh!" grunted the detective, stopping short. "I begin to see this thing
+in its true light. How stupid we've been!"
+
+"In what way?" enquired Arthur, uneasily.
+
+"Why did Mershone get you arrested, just at that moment?"
+
+"Because he hated me, I suppose."
+
+"Tell me, could he have any object in spiriting away that young lady--in
+abducting her?" asked the detective.
+
+"Could he?" cried Arthur, terrified and trembling. "He had every object
+known to villainy. Come to the hotel! Let's hurry, man--let's fly!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+FOGERTY
+
+At the Waldorf Arthur's own limousine was standing by the curb. The
+street was nearly deserted. The last of the Kermess people had gone
+home.
+
+Weldon ran to his chauffeur.
+
+"Did you take Miss Merrick home?" he eagerly enquired.
+
+"Miss Merrick? Why, I haven't seen her, sir, I thought you'd all
+forgotten me."
+
+The young man's heart sank. Despair seized him. The detective was
+carefully examining the car.
+
+"They're pretty nearly mates, Mr. Weldon. as far as the brown color and
+general appearances go," he said. "But I'm almost positive the car that
+carried the young lady away was of another make."
+
+"What make was it?"
+
+The man shook his head.
+
+"Can't say, sir. I was mighty stupid, and that's a fact. But my mind was
+so full of that assault and battery case, and the trickery of that
+fellow Mershone, that I wasn't looking for anything else."
+
+"Can you get away?" asked Arthur. "Can you help me on this case?"
+
+"No, sir; I must remain on duty at the hotel. But perhaps the young lady
+is now safe at home, and we've been borrowing trouble. In case she's
+been stolen, however, you'd better see Fogerty."
+
+"Who's Fogerty?"
+
+"Here's his card, sir. He's a private detective, and may be busy just
+now, for all I know. But if you can get Fogerty you've got the best man
+in all New York."
+
+Arthur sprang into the seat beside his driver and hurried post-haste to
+the Merrick residence. In a few minutes Mrs. Merrick was in violent
+hysterics at the disappearance of her daughter. Arthur stopped long
+enough to telephone for a doctor and then drove to the Doyles. He routed
+up Uncle John and the Major, who appeared in pajamas and bath-robes, and
+told them the startling news.
+
+A council of war was straightway held. Uncle John trembled with
+nervousness; Arthur was mentally stupefied; the Major alone was calm.
+
+"In the first place," said he, "what object could the man have in
+carrying off Louise?"  Arthur hesitated.
+
+"To prevent our marriage, I suppose," he answered. "Mershone has an idea
+he loves Louise. He made wild love to her until she cut his
+acquaintance."
+
+"But it won't help him any to separate her from her friends, or her
+promised husband," declared the Major. "Don't worry. We're sure to find
+her, sooner or later."
+
+"How? How shall we find her?" cried Uncle John. "Will he murder her, or
+what?"
+
+"Why, as for that, John, he's safe locked up in jail for the present,
+and unable to murder anyone," retorted the Major. "It's probable he
+meant to follow Louise, and induce her by fair means or foul to marry
+him. But he's harmless enough for the time being."
+
+"It's not for long, though," said Arthur, fearfully. "They're liable to
+let him out in the morning, for he has powerful friends, scoundrel
+though he is. And when he is free--"
+
+"Then he must be shadowed, of course," returned the Major, nodding
+wisely. "If it's true the fellow loves Louise, then he's no intention
+of hurting her. So make your minds easy. Wherever the poor lass has been
+taken to, she's probably safe enough."
+
+"But think of her terror--her suffering!" cried Uncle John, wringing his
+chubby hands. "Poor child! It may be his idea to compromise her, and
+break her heart!"
+
+"We'll stop all that, John, never fear," promised the Major. "The first
+thing to do is to find a good detective."
+
+"Fogerty!" exclaimed Arthur, searching for the card.
+
+"Who's Fogerty?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Get the best man possible!" commanded Mr. Merrick. "Spare no expense;
+hire a regiment of detectives, if necessary; I'll--"
+
+"Of course you will," interrupted the Major, smiling. "But we won't need
+a regiment. I'm pretty sure the game is in our hands, from the very
+start."
+
+"Fogerty is highly recommended," explained Arthur, and related what the
+house detective of the Waldorf had said.
+
+"Better go at once and hunt him up," suggested Uncle John. "What time is
+it?"
+
+"After two o'clock. But I'll go at once." "Do; and let us hear from you
+whenever you've anything to tell us," said the Major.
+
+"Where's Patsy?" asked Arthur.
+
+"Sound asleep. Mind ye, not a word of this to Patsy till she _has_ to be
+told. Remember that, John."
+
+"Well, I'll go," said the young man, and hurried away.
+
+Q. Fogerty lived on Eleventh street, according to his card. Arthur drove
+down town, making good time. The chauffeur asked surlily if this was to
+be "an all-night job," and Arthur savagely replied that it might take a
+week. "Can't you see, Jones, that I'm in great trouble?" he added. "But
+you shall be well paid for your extra time."
+
+"All right, sir. That's no more than just," said the man. "It's none of
+my affair, you know, if a young lady gets stolen."
+
+Arthur was wise enough to restrain his temper and the temptation to kick
+Jones out of the limousine. Five minutes later they paused before a
+block of ancient brick dwellings and found Fogerty's number. A card over
+the bell bore his name, and Arthur lit a match and read it. Then he rang
+impatiently.
+
+Only silence.
+
+Arthur rang a second time; waited, and rang again. A panic of fear took
+possession of him. At this hour of night it would be well-nigh
+impossible to hunt up another detective if Fogerty failed him. He
+determined to persist as long as there was hope. Again he rang.
+
+"Look above, sir," called Jones from his station in the car.
+
+Arthur stepped back on the stone landing and looked up. A round spark,
+as from a cigarette, was visible at the open window. While he gazed the
+spark glowered brighter and illumined a pale, haggard boy's face,
+surmounted by tousled locks of brick colored hair.
+
+"Hi, there!" said Arthur. "Does Mr. Fogerty live here?"
+
+"He pays the rent," answered a boyish voice, with a tinge of irony.
+"What's wanted?"  "Mr. Fogerty is wanted. Is he at home?"
+
+"He is," responded the boy.
+
+"I must see him at once--on important business. Wake him up, my lad;
+will you?"
+
+"Wait a minute," said the youth, and left the window. Presently he
+opened the front door, slipped gently out and closed the door behind
+him.
+
+"Let's sit in your car," he said, in soft, quiet tones. "We can talk
+more freely there."
+
+"But I must see Fogerty at once!" protested Arthur.
+
+"I'm Fogerty."
+
+"Q. Fogerty?"
+
+"Quintus Fogerty--the first and last and only individual of that name."
+
+Arthur hesitated; he was terribly disappointed.
+
+"Are you a detective?" he enquired.
+
+"By profession."
+
+"But you can't be very old."
+
+The boy laughed.
+
+"I'm no antiquity, sir," said he, "but I've shed the knickerbockers
+long ago. Who sent you to me?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"I'm tired. I've been busy twenty-three weeks. Just finished my case
+yesterday and need a rest--a good long rest. But if you want a man I'll
+refer you to a friend."
+
+"Gorman, of the Waldorf, sent me to you--and said you'd help me."
+
+"Oh; that's different. Case urgent, sir?"
+
+"Very. The young lady I'm engaged to marry was abducted less than three
+hours ago."
+
+Fogerty lighted another cigarette and the match showed Arthur that the
+young face was deeply lined, while two cold gray eyes stared blankly
+into his own.
+
+"Let's sit in your limousine, sir," he repeated.
+
+When they had taken their places behind the closed doors the boy asked
+Arthur to tell him "all about it, and don't forget any details, please."
+So Weldon hastily told the events of the evening and gave a history of
+Mershone and his relations with Miss Merrick. The story was not half
+told when Fogerty said:
+
+"Tell your man to drive to the police station."
+
+On the way Arthur resumed his rapid recital and strove to post the
+young detective as well as he was able. Fogerty made no remarks, nor did
+he ask a single question until Weldon had told him everything he could
+think of. Then he made a few pointed enquiries and presently they had
+arrived at the station.
+
+The desk sergeant bowed with great respect to the youthful detective. By
+the dim light Arthur was now able to examine Fogerty for the first time.
+
+He was small, slim and lean. His face attested to but eighteen or
+nineteen years, in spite of its deep lines and serious expression.
+Although his hair was tangled and unkempt Fogerty's clothing and linen
+were neat and of good quality. He wore a Scotch cap and a horseshoe pin
+in his cravat.
+
+One might have imagined him to be an errand boy, a clerk, a chauffeur, a
+salesman or a house man. You might have placed him in almost any
+middle-class walk in life. Perhaps, thought Arthur, he might even be a
+good detective! yet his personality scarcely indicated it.
+
+"Mershone in, Billy?" the detective asked the desk sergeant.
+
+"Room 24. Want him?"
+
+"Not now. When is he likely to go?"
+
+"When Parker relieves me. There's been a reg'lar mob here to get
+Mershone off. I couldn't prevent his using the telephone; but I'm a
+stubborn duck; eh, Quintus? And now the gentleman has gone to bed,
+vowing vengeance."
+
+"You're all right, Billy. We both know Mershone. Gentleman scoundrel."
+
+"Exactly. Swell society blackleg."
+
+"What name's he docked under?"
+
+"Smith."
+
+"Will Parker let him off with a fine?"
+
+"Yes, or without it. Parker comes on at six."
+
+"Good. I'll take a nap on that bench. Got to keep the fellow in sight,
+Billy."
+
+"Go into my room. There's a cot there."
+
+"Thanks, old man; I will. I'm dead tired."
+
+Then Fogerty took Arthur aside.  "Go home and try to sleep," he
+advised. "Don't worry. The young lady's safe enough till Mershone goes
+to her hiding place. When he does, I'll be there, too, and I'll try to
+have you with me."
+
+"Do you think you can arrange it alone, Mr. Fogerty?" asked Arthur,
+doubtfully. The boy seemed so very young.
+
+"Better than if I had a hundred to assist me. Why, this is an easy job,
+Mr. Weldon. It 'll give me a fine chance to rest up."
+
+"And you won't lose Mershone?"
+
+"Never. He's mine."
+
+"This is very important to me, sir," continued Arthur, nervously.
+
+"Yes; and to others. Most of all it's important to Fogerty. Don't worry,
+sir."
+
+The young man was forced to go away with this assurance. He returned
+home, but not to sleep. He wondered vaguely if he had been wise to lean
+upon so frail a reed as Fogerty seemed to be; and above all he wondered
+where poor Louise was, and if terror and alarm were breaking her heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+DIANA REVOLTS
+
+Charlie Mershone had no difficulty in securing his release when Parker
+came on duty at six o'clock. He called up a cab and went at once to his
+rooms at the Bruxtelle; and Fogerty followed him.
+
+While he discarded his dress-coat, took a bath and donned his walking
+suit Mershone was in a brown study. Hours ago Louise had been safely
+landed at the East Orange house and placed in the care of old Madame
+Cerise, who would guard her like an ogre. There was no immediate need of
+his hastening after her, and his arrest and the discovery of half his
+plot had seriously disturbed him. This young man was no novice in
+intrigue, nor even in crime. Arguing from his own stand-point he
+realized that the friends of Louise were by this time using every
+endeavor to locate her. They would not succeed in this, he was positive.
+His plot had been so audacious and all clews so cleverly destroyed or
+covered up that the most skillful detective, knowing he had abducted the
+girl; would be completely baffled in an attempt to find her.
+
+The thought of detectives, in this connection, led him to decide that he
+was likely to be shadowed. That was the most natural thing for his
+opponents to do. They could not prove Mershone's complicity in the
+disappearance of Louise Merrick, but they might easily suspect him,
+after that little affair of Weldon's arrest. Therefore if he went to the
+girl now he was likely to lead others to her. Better be cautious and
+wait until he had thrown the sleuths off his track.
+
+Having considered this matter thoroughly, Mershone decided to remain
+quiet. By eight o'clock he was breakfasting in the grill room, and
+Fogerty occupied a table just behind him.
+
+During the meal it occurred to Charlie to telephone to Madame Cerise for
+assurance that Louise had arrived safely and without a scene to attract
+the attention of strangers. Having finished breakfast he walked into the
+telephone booth and was about to call his number when a thought struck
+him. He glanced out of the glass door. In the hotel lobby were many
+loungers. He saw a dozen pairs of eyes fixed upon him idly or curiously;
+one pair might belong to the suspected detective. If he used the
+telephone there would be a way of discovering the number he had asked
+for. That would not do--not at all! He concluded not to telephone, at
+present, and left the booth.  His next act was to purchase a morning
+paper, and seating himself carelessly in a chair he controlled the
+impulse to search for a "scare head" on the abduction of Miss Merrick.
+If he came across the item, very well; he would satisfy no critical eye
+that might be scanning him by hunting for it with a show of eagerness.
+The game was in his hands, he believed, and he intended to keep it
+there.
+
+Fogerty was annoyed by the man's evident caution. It would not be easy
+to surprise Mershone in any self-incriminating action. But, after all,
+reflected the boy, resting comfortably in the soft-padded cushions of a
+big leather chair, all this really made the case the more interesting.
+He was rather glad Mershone was in no hurry to precipitate a climax. A
+long stern chase was never a bad chase.
+
+By and bye another idea occurred to Charlie. He would call upon his
+cousin Diana, and get her to telephone Madame Cerise for information
+about Louise. It would do no harm to enlighten Diana as to what he had
+done. She must suspect it already; and was she not a co-conspirator?
+But he could not wisely make this call until the afternoon. So meantime
+he took a stroll into Broadway and walked leisurely up and down that
+thoroughfare, pausing occasionally to make a trifling purchase and
+turning abruptly again and again in the attempt to discover who might be
+following him. No one liable to be a detective of any sort could he
+discern; yet he was too shrewd to be lulled into a false belief that his
+each and every act was unobserved.
+
+Mershone returned to his hotel, went to his room, and slept until after
+one o'clock, as he had secured but little rest the night before in his
+primitive quarters at the police station. It was nearly two when he
+reappeared in the hotel restaurant for luncheon, and he took his seat
+and ate with excellent appetite.
+
+During this meal Mr. Fogerty also took occasion to refresh himself,
+eating modestly at a retired table in a corner. Mershone's sharp eyes
+noted him. He remembered seeing this youth at breakfast, and
+thoughtfully reflected that the boy's appearance was not such as might
+be expected from the guest of a fashionable and high-priced hotel.
+Silently he marked this individual as the possible detective. He had two
+or three others in his mind, by this time; the boy was merely added to
+the list of possibilities.
+
+Mershone was a capital actor. After luncheon he sauntered about the
+hotel, stared from the window for a time, looked at his watch once or
+twice with an undecided air, and finally stepped to the porter and asked
+him to call a cab. He started for Central Park; then changed his mind
+and ordered the man to drive him to the Von Taer residence, where on
+arrival Diana at once ordered him shown into her private parlor.
+
+The young man found his cousin stalking up and down in an extremely
+nervous manner. She wrung her delicate fingers with a swift, spasmodic
+motion. Her eyes, nearly closed, shot red rays through their slits.
+
+"What's wrong, Di?" demanded Mershone, considerably surprised by this
+intense display of emotion on the part of his usually self-suppressed
+and collected cousin.
+
+"Wrong!" she echoed; "everything is wrong. You've ruined yourself,
+Charlie; and you're going to draw me into this dreadful crime, also, in
+spite of all I can do!"
+
+"Bah! don't be a fool," he observed, calmly taking a chair.
+
+"Am _I_ the fool?" she exclaimed, turning upon him fiercely. "Did _I_
+calmly perpetrate a deed that was sure to result in disgrace and
+defeat?"
+
+"What on earth has happened to upset you?" he asked, wonderingly. "It
+strikes me everything is progressing beautifully."
+
+"Does it, indeed?" was her sarcastic rejoinder. "Then your information
+is better than mine. They called me up at three o'clock this morning to
+enquire after Louise Merrick--as if _I_ should know her whereabouts. Why
+did they come to _me_ for such information? Why?" she stamped her foot
+for emphasis.
+
+"I suppose," said Charlie Mershone, "they called up everyone who knows
+the girl. It would be natural in case of her disappearance."
+
+"Come here!" cried Diana, seizing his arm and dragging him to a window.
+"Be careful; try to look out without showing yourself. Do you see that
+man on the corner?"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"He has been patrolling this house since day-break. He's a detective!"
+
+Charlie whistled.
+
+"What makes you think so, Di? Why on earth should they suspect you?"
+
+"Why? Because my disreputable cousin planned the abduction, without
+consulting me, and--"
+
+"Oh, come, Di; that's a little too--"
+
+"Because the girl has been carried to the Von Taer house--_my_ house--in
+East Orange; because my own servant is at this moment her jailor, and--"
+
+"How should they know all this?" interrupted Mershone, impatiently. "And
+how do you happen to know it yourself, Diana?"
+
+"Madame Cerise called me up at five o'clock, just after Louise's uncle
+had been here for the second time, with a crew of officers. Cerise is in
+an ugly mood. She said a young girl had been brought to her a prisoner,
+and Mr. Mershone's orders were to keep her safely until he came. She is
+greatly provoked at our using her in this way, but promised to follow
+instructions if I accepted all responsibility."
+
+"What did you tell her?"
+
+"That I knew nothing of the affair, but had put the house and her
+services at your disposal. I said I would accept no responsibility
+whatever for anything you might do."
+
+Mershone looked grave, and scowled.
+
+"The old hag won't betray us, will she?" he asked, uneasily.
+
+"She cannot betray me, for I have done nothing. Charlie," she said,
+suddenly facing him, "I won't be mixed in this horrid affair. You must
+carry out your infamous plan in your own way. I know nothing, sir, of
+what you have done; I know nothing of what you intend to do. Do you
+understand me?"
+
+He smiled rather grimly.
+
+"I hardly expected, my fair cousin, that you would be frightened into
+retreat at this stage of the game, when the cards are all in our hands.
+Do you suppose I decided to carry away Louise without fully considering
+what I was doing, and the immediate consequences of my act? And wherein
+have I failed? All has gone beautifully up to this minute. Diana, your
+fears are absolutely foolish, and against your personal interests. All
+that I am doing for myself benefits you doubly. Just consider, if you
+will, what has been accomplished for our mutual benefit: The girl has
+disappeared under suspicious circumstances; before she again rejoins her
+family and friends she will either be my wife or Arthur Weldon will
+prefer not to marry her. That leaves him open to appreciate the charms
+of Diana Von Taer, does it not? Already, my dear cousin, your wishes are
+accomplished. My own task, I admit, is a harder one, because it is more
+delicate."
+
+The cold-blooded brutality of this argument caused even Diana to
+shudder. She looked at the young man half fearfully as she asked:
+
+"What is your task?"
+
+"Why, first to quiet Louise's fears; then to turn her by specious
+arguments--lies, if you will--against Weldon; next to induce her to
+give me her hand in honest wedlock. I shall tell her of my love, which
+is sincere; I shall argue--threaten, if necessary; use every reasonable
+means to gain her consent."
+
+"You'll never succeed!" cried Diana, with conviction.
+
+"Then I'll try other tactics," said he blandly.
+
+"If you do, you monster, I'll expose you," warned the girl.
+
+"Having dissolved partnership, you won't be taken into my confidence, my
+fair cousin. You have promised to know nothing of my acts, and I'll see
+you don't." Then he sprang from his chair and came to her with a hard,
+determined look upon his face. "Look here, Di; I've gone too far in this
+game to back out now, I'm going to carry it through if it costs me my
+life and liberty--and yours into the bargain! I love Louise Merrick! I
+love her so well that without her the world and its mockeries can go to
+the devil! There's nothing worth living for but Louise--Louise. She's
+going to be my wife, Diana--by fair means or foul I swear to make her my
+wife."
+
+He had worked himself up to a pitch of excitement surpassing that of
+Diana. Now he passed his hand over his forehead, collected himself with
+a slight shudder, and resumed his seat.
+
+Diana was astonished. His fierce mood served to subdue her own.
+Regarding him curiously for a time she finally asked:
+
+"You speak as if you were to be allowed to have your own way--as if all
+society was not arrayed against you. Have you counted the cost of your
+action? Have you considered the consequences of this crime?"
+
+"I have committed no crime," he said stubbornly. "All's fair in love and
+war."
+
+"The courts will refuse to consider that argument, I imagine," she
+retorted. "Moreover, the friends of this kidnaped girl are powerful and
+active. They will show you no mercy if you are discovered."
+
+"If I fail," answered Mershone, slowly, "I do not care a continental
+what they do to me, for my life will be a blank without Louise. But I
+really see no reason to despair, despite your womanish croakings. All
+seems to be going nicely and just as I had anticipated."
+
+"I am glad that you are satisfied," Diana returned, with scornful
+emphasis. "But understand me, sir; this is none of my affair in any
+way--except that I shall surely expose you if a hair of the girl's head
+is injured. You must not come here again. I shall refuse to see you. You
+ought not to have come to-day."
+
+"Is there anything suspicious in my calling upon my cousin--as usual?"
+
+"Under such circumstances, yes. You have not been received at this house
+of late years, and my father still despises you. There is another danger
+you have brought upon me. My father seemed suspicious this morning, and
+asked me quite pointedly what I knew of this strange affair."
+
+"But of course you lied to him. All right, Diana; perhaps there is
+nothing to be gained from your alliance, and I'll let you out of the
+deal from this moment. The battle's mine, after all, and I'll fight it
+alone. But--I need more money. You ought to be willing to pay, for so far
+the developments are all in your favor."
+
+She brought a handful of notes from her desk.
+
+"This ends our partnership, Charlie," she said.
+
+"Very well. A woman makes a poor conspirator, but is invaluable as a
+banker."
+
+"There will be no more money. This ends everything between us."
+
+"I thought you were game, Di. But you're as weak as the ordinary
+feminine creation."
+
+She did not answer, but stood motionless, a defiant expression upon her
+face. He laughed a little, bowed mockingly, and went away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+A COOL ENCOUNTER
+
+On leaving the house Mershone buttoned his overcoat tightly up to his
+chin, for the weather was cold and raw, and then shot a quick glance
+around him. Diana's suspect was still lounging on the corner. Charlie
+had little doubt he was watching the house and the movements of its
+in-mates--a bad sign, he reflected, with a frown. Otherwise the street
+seemed deserted.
+
+He had dismissed the cab on his arrival, so now he stepped out and
+walked briskly around the corner, swinging his cane jauntily and looking
+very unlike a fugitive. In the next block he passed a youth who stood
+earnestly examining the conventional display in a druggist's window.
+
+Mershone, observing this individual, gave a start, but did not alter his
+pace. It was the same pale, red-haired boy he had noticed twice before
+at the hotel. In his alert, calculating mind there was no coincidence in
+this meeting. Before he had taken six more steps Mershone realized the
+exact situation.
+
+At the next crossing he stopped and waited patiently for a car. Up the
+street he still saw the youth profoundly interested in drugs--a class of
+merchandise that seldom calls for such close inspection. The car arrived
+and carried Mershone away. It also left the red-haired youth at his post
+before the window. Yet on arriving at the Bruxtelle some twenty minutes
+later Charlie found this same queer personage occupying a hotel chair in
+the lobby and apparently reading a newspaper with serious attention.
+
+He hesitated a moment, then quietly walked over to a vacant chair beside
+the red-haired one and sat down. The youth turned the paper, glanced
+casually at his neighbor, and continued reading.
+
+"A detective, I believe," said Mershone, in a low, matter of fact tone.
+
+"Who? me?" asked Fogerty, lowering the paper.
+
+"Yes. Your age deceived me for a time. I imagined you were a newsboy or
+a sporting kid from the country; but now I observe you are older than
+you appear. All sorts of people seem to drift into the detective
+business. I suppose your present occupation is shadowing me."
+
+Fogerty smiled. The smile was genuine.
+
+"I might even be a lawyer, sir," he replied, "and in that case I should
+undertake to cross-examine you, and ask your reasons for so queer a
+charge."
+
+"Or you might be a transient guest at this hotel," the other returned,
+in the same bantering tone, "for I saw you at breakfast and luncheon.
+Pretty fair _chef_ here, isn't he? But you didn't stick to that part,
+you know. You followed me up-town, where I made a call on a relative,
+and you studied the colored globes in a druggist's window when I went
+away. I wonder why people employ inexperienced boys in such important
+matters. In your case, my lad, it was easy enough to detect the
+detective. You even took the foolish chance of heading me off, and
+returned to this hotel before I did. Now, then, is my charge unfounded?"
+
+"Why should you be under the surveillance of a detective?" asked
+Fogerty, slowly.
+
+"Really, my boy, I cannot say. There was an unpleasant little affair
+last night at the Waldorf, in which I was not personally concerned, but
+suffered, nevertheless. An officious deputy caused my arrest and I
+spent an unpleasant night in jail. There being nothing in the way of
+evidence against me I was released this morning, and now I find a
+detective shadowing me. What can it all mean, I wonder? These stupid
+blunders are very annoying to the plain citizen, who, however innocent,
+feels himself the victim of a conspiracy."
+
+"I understand you, sir," said Fogerty, drily.
+
+For some moments Mershone now remained silent. Then he asked; "What are
+your instructions concerning me?"
+
+To his surprise the boy made a simple, frank admission.
+
+"I'm to see you don't get into more mischief, sir."
+
+"And how long is this nonsense to continue?" demanded Mershone, showing
+a touch of anger for the first time.
+
+"Depends on yourself, Mr. Mershone; I'm no judge, myself. I'm so
+young--and inexperienced."
+
+"Who is your employer?"
+
+"Oh, I'm just sent out by an agency."
+
+"Is it a big paying proposition?" asked Charlie, eyeing the diffident
+youth beside him critically, as if to judge his true caliber.
+
+"Not very big. You see, if I'd been a better detective you'd never have
+spotted me so quickly."
+
+"I suppose money counts with you, though, as it does with everyone else
+in the world?"
+
+"Of course, sir. Every business is undertaken to make money."
+
+Mershone drew his chair a little nearer.
+
+"I need a clever detective myself," he announced, confidentially. "I'm
+anxious to discover what enemy is persecuting me in this way. Would
+it--er--be impossible for me to employ _you_ to--er--look after my
+interests?"
+
+Fogerty was very serious.
+
+"You see, sir," he responded, "if I quit this job they may not give me
+another. In order to be a successful detective one must keep in the good
+graces of the agencies."
+
+"That's easy enough," asserted Mershone. "You may pretend to keep this
+job, but go home and take life easy. I'll send you a daily statement of
+what I've been doing, and you can fix up a report to your superior from
+that. In addition to this you can put in a few hours each day trying to
+find out who is annoying me in this rascally manner, and for this
+service I'll pay you five times the agency price. How does that
+proposition strike you, Mr.--"
+
+"Riordan. Me name's Riordan," said Fogerty, with a smile. "No, Mr.
+Mershone," shaking his head gravely, "I can't see my way to favor you.
+It's an easy job now, and I'm afraid to take chances with a harder one."
+
+Something in the tone nettled Mershone.
+
+"But the pay," he suggested.
+
+"Oh, the pay. If I'm a detective fifty years, I'll make an easy two
+thousand a year. That's a round hundred thousand. Can you pay me that
+much to risk my future career as a detective?"
+
+Mershone bit his lip. This fellow was not so simple, after all, boyish
+as he seemed. And, worse than all, he had a suspicion the youngster was
+baiting him, and secretly laughing at his offers of bribery.
+
+"They will take you off the job, now that I have discovered your
+identity," he asserted, with malicious satisfaction.
+
+"Oh, no," answered Fogerty; "they won't do that. This little interview
+merely simplifies matters. You see, sir, I'm an expert at disguises.
+That's my one great talent, as many will testify. But you will notice
+that in undertaking this job I resorted to no disguise at all. You see
+me as nature made me--and 't was a poor job, I'm thinking."
+
+"Why were you so careless?"
+
+"It wasn't carelessness; it was premeditated. There's not the slightest
+objection to your knowing me. My only business is to keep you in sight,
+and I can do that exactly as well as Riordan as I could by disguising
+myself."
+
+Mershone had it on his tongue's end to ask what they expected to
+discover by shadowing him, but decided it was as well not to open an
+avenue for the discussion of Miss Merrick's disappearance. So, finding
+he could not bribe the youthful detective or use him in any way to his
+advantage, he closed the interview by rising.
+
+"I'm going to my room to write some letters," said he, with a yawn.
+"Would you like to read them before they are mailed?"
+
+Again Fogerty laughed in his cheerful, boyish way.
+
+"You'd make a fine detective yourself, Mr. Mershone," he declared, "and
+I advise you to consider the occupation. I've a notion it's safer, and
+better pay, than your present line."
+
+Charlie scowled at the insinuation, but walked away without reply.
+Fogerty eyed his retreating figure a moment, gave a slight shrug and
+resumed his newspaper.
+
+Day followed day without further event, and gradually Mershone came to
+feel himself trapped. Wherever he might go he found Fogerty on duty,
+unobtrusive, silent and watchful. It was very evident that he was
+waiting for the young man to lead him to the secret hiding place of
+Louise Merrick.
+
+In one way this constant surveillance was a distinct comfort to Charlie
+Mershone, for it assured him that the retreat of Louise was still
+undiscovered. But he must find some way to get rid of his "shadow," in
+order that he might proceed to carry out his plans concerning the girl.
+During his enforced leisure he invented a dozen apparently clever
+schemes, only to abandon them again as unpractical.
+
+One afternoon, while on a stroll, he chanced to meet the bruiser who had
+attacked Arthur Weldon at the Waldorf, and been liberally paid by
+Mershone for his excellent work. He stopped the man, and glancing
+hastily around found that Fogerty was a block in the rear.
+
+"Listen," he said; "I want your assistance, and if you're quick and sure
+there is a pot of money, waiting for you."
+
+"I need it, Mr. Mershone," replied the man, grinning.
+
+"There's a detective following me; he's down the street there--a mere
+boy--just in front of that tobacco store. See him?"
+
+"Sure I see him. It's Fogerty."
+
+"His name is Riordan."
+
+"No; it's Fogerty. He's no boy, sir, but the slickest 'tec' in the city,
+an' that's goin' some, I can tell you."
+
+"Well, you must get him, whoever he is. Drag him away and hold him for
+three hours--two--one. Give me a chance to slip him; that's all. Can
+you do it? I'll pay you a hundred for the job."
+
+"It's worth two hundred, Mr. Mershone. It isn't safe to fool with
+Fogerty."
+
+"I'll make it two hundred."
+
+"Then rest easy," said the man. "I know the guy, and how to handle him.
+You just watch him like he's watching you, Mr. Mershone, and if anything
+happens you skip as lively as a flea. I can use that two hundred in my
+business."
+
+Then the fellow passed on, and Fogerty was still so far distant up the
+street that neither of them could see the amused smile upon his thin
+face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+A BEWILDERING EXPERIENCE
+
+When Louise Merrick entered the brown limousine, which she naturally
+supposed to belong to Arthur Weldon, she had not the faintest suspicion
+of any evil in her mind. Indeed, the girl was very happy this especial
+evening, although tired with her duties at the Kermess. A climax in her
+young life had arrived, and she greeted it joyously, believing she loved
+Arthur well enough to become his wife.
+
+Now that the engagement had been announced to their immediate circle of
+friends she felt as proud and elated as any young girl has a right to be
+under the circumstances.
+
+Added to this pleasant event was the social triumph she and her cousins
+had enjoyed at the Kermess, where Louise especially had met with rare
+favor. The fashionable world had united in being most kind and
+considerate to the dainty, attractive young _debutante_, and only Diana
+had seemed to slight her. This was not surprising in view of the fact
+that Diana evidently wanted Arthur for herself, and there was some
+satisfaction in winning a lover who was elsewhere in prime demand. In
+addition to all this the little dance that concluded the evening's
+entertainment had been quite delightful, and all things conspired to put
+Louise in a very contented frame of mind.  Still fluttering with the
+innocent excitements of the hour the girl went to join Arthur without a
+fear of impending misfortune. She did not think of Charlie Mershone at
+all. He had been annoying and impertinent, and she had rebuked him and
+sent him away, cutting him out of her life altogether. Perhaps she ought
+to have remembered that she had mildly flirted with Diana's cousin and
+given him opportunity for the impassioned speeches she resented; but
+Louise had a girlish idea that there was no harm in flirting,
+considering it a feminine license. She saw young Mershone at the Kermess
+that evening paying indifferent attentions to other women and ignoring
+her, and was sincerely glad to have done with him for good and all.
+
+She obeyed readily the man who asked her to be seated in the limousine.
+Arthur would be with her in a minute, he said. When the door closed and
+the car started she had an impulse to cry out but next moment controlled
+it and imagined they were to pick up Mr. Weldon on some corner.
+
+On and on they rolled, and still no evidence of the owner of the
+limousine. What could it mean, Louise began to wonder. Had something
+happened to Arthur, so that he had been forced to send her home alone?
+As the disquieting thought came she tried to speak with the chauffeur,
+but could not find the tube. The car was whirling along rapidly; the
+night seemed very dark, only a few lights twinkled here and there
+outside.
+
+Suddenly the speed slackened. There was a momentary pause, and then the
+machine slowly rolled upon a wooden platform. A bell clanged, there was
+a whistle and the sound of revolving water-wheels. Louise decided they
+must be upon a ferry-boat, and became alarmed for the first time.
+
+The man in livery now opened the door, as if to reassure her.
+
+"Where are we? Where is Mr. Weldon?" enquired the girl, almost
+hysterically.
+
+"He is on the boat, miss, and will be with you shortly now," replied the
+man, very respectfully. "Mr. Weldon is very sorry to have annoyed you,
+Miss Merrick, but says he will soon explain everything, so that you will
+understand why he left you."
+
+With this he quietly closed the door again, although Louise was eager to
+ask a dozen more questions. Prominent was the query why they should be
+on a ferry-boat instead of going directly home. She knew the hour must
+be late.
+
+But while these questions were revolving in her mind she still suspected
+no plot against her liberty. She must perforce wait for Arthur to
+explain his queer conduct; so she sat quietly enough in her place
+awaiting his coming, while the ferry puffed steadily across the river to
+the Jersey shore.
+
+The stopping of the boat aroused Louise from her reflections. Arthur not
+here yet? Voices were calling outside; vehicles were noisily leaving
+their positions on the boat to clatter across the platforms. But there
+was no sign of Arthur.
+
+Again Louise tried to find the speaking tube. Then she made an endeavor
+to open the door, although just then the car started with a jerk that
+flung her back against the cushions.
+
+The knowledge that she had been grossly deceived by her conductor at
+last had the effect of arousing the girl to a sense of her danger.
+Something must be wrong. Something _was_ decidedly wrong, and fear crept
+into her heart. She pounded on the glass windows with all her strength,
+and shouted as loudly as she could, but all to no avail.
+
+Swiftly the limousine whirled over the dusky road and either her voice
+could not be heard through the glass cage in which she was confined or
+there was no one near who was willing to hear or to rescue her.
+
+She now realized how wrong she had been to sit idly during the trip
+across the ferry, where a score of passengers would gladly have assisted
+her. How cunning her captors had been to lull her fears during that
+critical period! Now, alas, it was too late to cry out, and she had no
+idea where she was being taken or the reason of her going.
+
+Presently it occurred to her that this was not Arthur's limousine at
+all. There was no speaking tube for one thing. She leaned forward and
+felt for the leathern pocket in which she kept a veil and her street
+gloves. No pocket of any sort was to be found.
+
+An unreasoning terror now possessed her. She knew not what to fear, yet
+feared everything. She made another attempt to cry aloud for help and
+then fell back unconscious on the cushions.
+
+How long she lay in the faint she did not know. When she recovered the
+limousine was still rattling forward at a brisk gait but bumping over
+ruts in a manner that indicated a country road.
+
+Through the curtains she could see little but the black night, although
+there was a glow ahead cast by the searchlights of the car. Louise was
+weak and unnerved. She had no energy to find a way to combat her fate,
+if such a way were possible. A dim thought of smashing a window and
+hurling herself through it gave her only a shudder of repulsion. She
+lacked strength for such a desperate attempt.
+
+On, on, on. Would the dreary journey never end? How long must she sit
+and suffer before she could know her fate, or at least find some
+explanation of the dreadful mystery of this wild midnight ride?
+
+At last, when she had settled down to dull despair, the car came to a
+paved road and began to move more slowly. It even stopped once or twice,
+as if the driver was not sure of his way. But they kept moving,
+nevertheless, and before long entered a driveway. There was another stop
+now, and a long wait.
+
+Louise lay dismally back upon the cushions, sobbing hysterically into
+her dripping handkerchief. The door of her prison at last opened and a
+light shone in upon her.
+
+"Here we are, miss," said the man in uniform, still in quiet, respectful
+tones. "Shall I assist you to alight?"
+
+She started up eagerly, her courage returning with a bound. Stepping
+unassisted to the ground she looked around her in bewilderment.
+
+The car stood before the entrance to a modest country house. There was a
+light in the hall and another upon the broad porch. Around the house a
+mass of trees and shrubbery loomed dark and forbidding.
+
+"Where am I?" demanded Louise, drawing back haughtily as the man
+extended a hand toward her.
+
+"At your destination, miss," was the answer. "Will you please enter?"
+
+"No! Not until I have an explanation of this--this--singular,
+high-handed proceeding," she replied, firmly.
+
+Then she glanced at the house. The hall door had opened and a woman
+stood peering anxiously at the scene outside.
+
+With sudden resolve Louise sprang up the steps and approached her. Any
+woman, she felt, in this emergency, was a welcome refuge.
+
+"Who are you?" she asked eagerly, "and why have I been brought here?"
+
+"_Mademoiselle_ will come inside, please," said the woman, with a
+foreign accent. "It is cold in the night air, _N'est-ce-pas_?"
+
+She turned to lead the way inside. While Louise hesitated to follow the
+limousine started with a roar from its cylinders and disappeared down
+the driveway, the two men going with it. The absence of the lamps
+rendered the darkness around the solitary house rather uncanny. An
+intense stillness prevailed except for the diminishing rattle of the
+receding motor car. In the hall was a light and a woman.
+
+Louise went in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+MADAME CERISE, CUSTODIAN
+
+The woman closed the hall door and locked it. Then she led the way to a
+long, dim drawing-room in which a grate fire was smouldering. A stand
+lamp of antique pattern but dimly illuminated the place, which seemed
+well furnished in an old fashioned way.
+
+"Will not you remove your wraps, Mees--Mees--I do not know ma'm'selle's
+name."
+
+"What is your own name?" asked Louise, coming closer to gaze earnestly
+into the other's face.
+
+"I am called Madame Cerise, if it please you."
+
+Her voice, while softened to an extent by the French accent, was
+nevertheless harsh and emotionless. She spoke as an automaton, slowly,
+and pausing to choose her words. The woman was of medium size, slim and
+straight in spite of many years. Her skin resembled brown parchment; her
+eyes were small, black and beady; her nose somewhat fleshy and her lips
+red and full as those of a young girl. The age of Madame Cerise might be
+anywhere between fifty and seventy; assuredly she had long been a
+stranger to youth, although her dark hair was but slightly streaked with
+gray. She wore a somber-hued gown and a maid's jaunty apron and cap.
+
+Louise inspected her closely, longing to find a friend and protector in
+this curious and strange woman. Her eyes were moist and pleading--an
+appeal hard to resist. But Madame Cerise returned her scrutiny with a
+wholly impassive expression.
+
+"You are a French maid?" asked Louise, softly.
+
+"A housekeeper, ma'm'selle. For a time, a caretaker."
+
+"Ah, I understand. Are your employers asleep?"
+
+"I cannot say, ma'm'seile. They are not here."
+
+"You are alone in this house?"
+
+"Alone with you, ma'm'seile."
+
+Louise had a sudden access of alarm.
+
+"And why am I here?" she cried, wringing her hands pitifully.
+
+"Ah, who can tell that?" returned the woman, composedly. "Not Cerise,
+indeed. Cerise is told nothing--except what is required of her. I but
+obey my orders."
+
+Louise turned quickly, at this.
+
+"What are your orders, then?" she asked.
+
+"To attend ma'm'selle with my best skill, to give her every comfort and
+care, to--"
+
+"Yes--yes!"
+
+"To keep her safely until she is called for. That is all."
+
+The girl drew a long breath.
+
+"Who will call for me, then?"
+
+"I am not inform, ma'm'selle."
+
+"And I am a prisoner in this house?"
+
+"Ma'm'selle may call it so, if it please her. But reflect; there is no
+place else to go. It is bleak weather, the winter soon comes. And here I
+can make you the comforts you need."
+
+Louise pondered this speech, which did not deceive her. While still
+perplexed as to her abduction, with no comprehension why she should have
+been seized in such a summary manner and spirited to this lonely,
+out-of-the-way place, she realized she was in no immediate danger. Her
+weariness returned tenfold, and she staggered and caught the back of a
+chair for support.
+
+The old woman observed this.
+
+"Ma'm'selle is tired," said she. "See; it is past four by the clock, and
+you must be much fatigue by the ride and the nervous strain."
+
+"I--I'm completely exhausted," murmured Louise, drooping her head
+wearily. The next moment she ran and placed her hands on Madame Cerise's
+shoulders, peering into the round, beady eyes with tender pleading as
+she continued: "I don't know why I have been stolen away from my home
+and friends; I don't know why this dreadful thing has happened to me; I
+only know that I am worn out and need rest. Will you take care of me,
+Madame Cerise? Will you watch over me while I sleep and guard me from
+all harm? I--I haven't any mother to lean on now, you know; I haven't
+any friend at all--but _you!_"
+
+The grim features never relaxed a muscle; but a softer look came into
+the dark eyes and the woman's voice took on a faint tinge of compassion
+as she answered:
+
+"Nothing can harm ma'm'selle. Have no fear, _ma chere_. I will take care
+of you; I will watch. _Allons_! it is my duty; it is also my pleasure."
+
+"Are there no--no men in the house--none at all?" enquired the girl,
+peering into the surrounding gloom nervously.  "There is no person at
+all in the house, but you and I."
+
+"And you will admit no one?"
+
+The woman hesitated.
+
+"Not to your apartment," she said firmly. "I promise it."
+
+Louise gave a long, fluttering sigh. Somehow, she felt that she could
+rely upon this promise.
+
+"Then, if you please, Madame Cerise, I'd like to go to bed," she said.
+
+The woman took the lamp and led the way upstairs, entering a large, airy
+chamber in which a fire burned brightly in the grate. The furniture here
+was dainty and feminine. In an alcove stood a snowy bed, the covers
+invitingly turned down.
+
+Madame Cerise set the lamp upon a table and without a word turned to
+assist Louise. The beautiful Kermess costume, elaborately embroidered
+with roses, which the girl still wore, evidently won the Frenchwoman's
+approval. She unhooked and removed it carefully and hung it in a closet.
+Very dextrous were her motions as she took down the girl's pretty hair
+and braided it for the night. A dainty _robe de nuit_ was provided.
+
+"It is my own," she said simply. "Ma'm'selle is not prepared."  "But
+there must be young ladies in your family," remarked Louise,
+thoughtfully, for in spite of the stupor she felt from want of sleep the
+novelty of her position kept her alert in a way. It is true she was too
+tired and bewildered to think clearly, but slight details were
+impressing themselves upon her dimly. "This room, for instance--"
+
+"Of course, _ma chere_, a young lady has lived here. She has left some
+odd pieces of wardrobe behind her, at times, in going away. When you
+waken we will try to find a house-dress to replace your evening-gown.
+Will ma'm'selle indulge in the bath before retiring?"
+
+"Not to-night, Madame Cerise. I'm too tired for anything but--sleep!"
+
+Indeed, she had no sooner crawled into the enticing bed than she sank
+into unconscious forgetfulness. This was to an extent fortunate. Louise
+possessed one of those dispositions cheery and equable under ordinary
+circumstances, but easily crushed into apathy by any sudden adversity.
+She would not suffer so much as a more excitable and nervous girl might
+do under similar circumstances.
+
+Her sleep, following the severe strain of the night's adventure, did
+little to refresh her. She awoke in broad daylight to hear a cold wind
+whistling shrilly outside and raindrops beating against the panes.
+
+Madame Cerise had not slept much during the night. For an hour after
+Louise retired she sat in her room in deep thought. Then she went to the
+telephone and notwithstanding the late hour called up Diana, who had a
+branch telephone on a table at her bedside.
+
+Miss Von Taer was not asleep. She had had an exciting night herself. She
+answered the old caretaker readily and it did not surprise her to learn
+that the missing girl had been taken to the East Orange house by the
+orders of Charlie Mershone. She enquired how Louise had accepted the
+situation forced upon her, and was shocked and rendered uncomfortable by
+the too plainly worded protest of the old Frenchwoman. Madame Cerise did
+not hesitate to denounce the abduction as a heartless crime, and in her
+communication with Diana swore she would protect the innocent girl from
+harm at the hands of Mershone or anyone else.
+
+"I have ever to your family been loyal and true, Ma'm'selle Diana," said
+she, "but I will not become the instrument of an abominable crime at
+your command or that of your wicked cousin. I will keep the girl here in
+safety, if it is your wish; but she will be safe, indeed, as long as
+Cerise guards her."
+
+"That's right, Madame," stammered Diana, hardly knowing at the moment
+what to say. "Be discreet and silent until you hear from me again; guard
+the girl carefully and see that she is not too unhappy; but for heaven's
+sake keep Charlie's secret until he sees fit to restore Miss Merrick to
+her friends. No crime is contemplated; I would not allow such a thing,
+as you know. Yet it is none of my affair whatever. My cousin has
+compromised me by taking the girl to my house, and no knowledge of the
+abduction must get abroad if we can help it. Do you understand me?"
+
+"No," was the reply. "The safest way for us all is to send Miss Merrick
+away."
+
+"That will be done as soon as possible."
+
+With this the old Frenchwoman was forced to be content, and she did not
+suspect that her report had made Miss Von Taer nearly frantic with
+fear--not for Louise but for her own precious reputation. Accustomed to
+obey the family she had served for so many years, Madame Cerise
+hesitated to follow her natural impulse to set the poor young lady free
+and assist her to return to her friends. So she compromised with her
+conscience--a thing she was not credited with possessing--by resolving
+to make the imprisonment of the "_pauvre fille_" as happy as possible.
+
+Scarcely had Louise opened her eyes the following morning when the old
+woman entered her chamber, unlocking the door from the outside to secure
+admission.
+
+She first rebuilt the fire, and when it was crackling cheerfully she
+prepared a bath and brought an armful of clothing which she laid out for
+inspection over the back of a sofa. She produced lingerie, too, and
+Louise lay cuddled up in the bedclothes and watched her keeper
+thoughtfully until the atmosphere of the room was sufficiently warmed.
+
+"I'll get up, now," she said, quietly.
+
+Madame Cerise was assuredly a skilled lady's maid. She bathed the girl,
+wrapped her in an ample kimono and then seated her before the dresser
+and arranged her _coiffure_ with dextrous skill.
+
+During this time Louise talked. She had decided her only chance of
+escape lay in conciliating this stern-faced woman, and she began by
+relating her entire history, including her love affair with Arthur
+Weldon, Diana Von Taer's attempt to rob her of her lover, and the part
+that Charlie Mershone had taken in the affair.
+
+Madame Cerise listened, but said nothing.
+
+"And now," continued the girl, "tell me who you think could be so wicked
+and cruel as to carry me away from my home and friends? I cannot decide
+myself. You have more experience and more shrewdness, can't you tell me,
+Madame Cerise?"
+
+The woman muttered inaudibly.
+
+"Mr. Mershone might be an enemy, because I laughed at his love-making,"
+continued Louise, musingly. "Would a man who loved a girl try to injure
+her? But perhaps his love has turned to hate. Anyhow, I can think of no
+one else who would do such a thing, or of any reason why Charlie
+Mershone should do it."
+
+Madame Cerise merely grunted. She was brushing the soft hair with gentle
+care.
+
+"What could a man gain by stealing a girl? If it was Mr. Mershone, does
+he imagine I could ever forget Arthur? Or cease to love him? Or that
+Arthur would forget me while I am away? Perhaps it's Diana, and she
+wants to get rid of me so she can coax Arthur back to her side. But
+that's nonsense; isn't it, Madame Cerise? No girl--not even Diana Von
+Taer--would dare to act in such a high-handed manner toward her rival.
+Did you ever hear of Miss Von Taer? She's quite a society belle. Have
+you ever seen her, Madame Cerise?"
+
+The woman vouchsafed no reply to this direct enquiry, but busied herself
+dressing the girl's hair. Louise casually turned over the silver-mounted
+hand mirror she was holding and gave a sudden start. A monogram was
+engraved upon the metal: "D.v.T." She gazed at the mark fixedly and then
+picked up a brush that the Frenchwoman laid down. Yes, the same monogram
+appeared upon the brush.
+
+The sharp eyes of Cerise had noted these movements. She was a little
+dismayed but not startled when Louise said, slowly: "'D.v.T.' stands for
+Diana Von Taer. And it isn't likely to stand for anything else. I think
+the mystery is explained, now, and my worst fears are realized. Tell me,
+Madame, is this Diana Von Taer's house?"
+
+Her eyes shone with anger and round red patches suddenly appeared upon
+her pallid cheeks. Madame Cerise drew a long breath.
+
+"It used to be," was her quiet answer. "It was left her by her
+grandmother; but Mr. Von Taer did not like the place and they have not
+been here lately--not for years. Miss Von Taer informed me, some time
+ago, that she had transferred the property to another."
+
+"To her cousin--Mr. Mershone?" asked Louise quickly.
+
+"That may be the name; I cannot remember," was the evasive reply.
+
+"But you must know him, as he is Diana's cousin," retorted Louise. "Why
+will you try to deceive me? Am I not helpless enough already, and do you
+wish to make me still more miserable?"
+
+"I have seen Mr. Mershone when he was a boy, many times. He was not the
+favorite with Ma'm'selle Diana, nor with Monsieur Von Taer. For myself,
+I hated him."
+
+There was decided emphasis to the last sentence. Louise believed her and
+felt a little relieved.
+
+From the _melange_ of apparel a modest outfit was obtained to clothe the
+girl with decency and comfort, if not in the prevailing style. The fit
+left much to be desired, yet Louise did not complain, as weightier
+matters were now occupying her mind.
+
+The toilet completed, Madame Cerise disappeared to get a tray
+containing a good breakfast. She seemed exceedingly attentive.
+
+"If you will give me the proper directions I will start for home at
+once," announced Louise, with firm resolve, while eating her egg and
+toast.
+
+"I am unable to give you directions, and I cannot let you go,
+ma'm'selle," was the equally firm reply. "The day is much too
+disagreeable to venture out in, unless one has proper conveyance. Here,
+alas, no conveyance may be had."
+
+Louise tried other tactics.
+
+"I have no money, but several valuable jewels," she said, meaningly. "I
+am quite sure they will obtain for me a conveyance."
+
+"You are wrong, ma'm'selle; there is no conveyance to be had!" persisted
+the old woman, more sternly.
+
+"Then I shall walk."
+
+"It is impossible."
+
+"Where is this place situated? How far is it from New York? How near am
+I to a street-car, or to a train?"
+
+"I cannot tell you."
+
+"But this is absurd!" cried Louise. "You cannot deceive me for long. I
+know this is Diana Von Taer's house, and I shall hold Diana Von Taer
+responsible for this enforced imprisonment."
+
+"That," said Madame Cerise, coldly, "is a matter of indifference to me.
+But ma'm'selle must understand one thing, she must not leave this
+house."
+
+"Oh, indeed!"
+
+"At least, until the weather moderates," added the woman, more mildly.
+
+She picked up the tray, went to the door and passed out. Louise heard
+the key click in the lock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+THE MYSTERY DEEPENS
+
+Uncle John was both astounded and indignant that so bold and unlawful an
+act as the abduction of his own niece could have been perpetrated in the
+heart of New York and directly under the eyes of the police. Urged by
+the Major, Mr. Merrick was at first inclined to allow Arthur Weldon to
+prosecute the affair and undertake the recovery of the girl, being
+assured this would easily be accomplished and conceding the fact that no
+one had a stronger interest in solving the mystery of Louise's
+disappearance than young Weldon. But when midday arrived and no trace of
+the young girl had yet been obtained the little millionaire assumed an
+important and decisive air and hurried down town to "take a hand in the
+game" himself.
+
+After a long interview with the Chief of Detectives, Mr. Merrick said
+impressively:
+
+"Now, understand, sir; not a hint of this to the newspaper folks. I
+won't have any scandal attached to the poor child if I can help it. Set
+your whole force to work--at once!--but impress them with the need of
+secrecy. My offer is fair and square. I'll give a reward of ten thousand
+dollars if Miss Merrick is discovered within twenty-four hours; nine
+thousand if she's found during the next twenty-four hours; and so on,
+deducting a thousand for each day of delay. That's for the officer who
+finds her. For yourself, sir, I intend to express my gratitude as
+liberally as the service will allow me to. Is this all clear and
+above-board?"
+
+"It is perfectly clear, Mr. Merrick."
+
+"The child must be found--and found blamed quick, too! Great Caesar! Can
+a simple affair like this baffle your splendid metropolitan force?"
+
+"Not for long, Mr. Merrick, believe me."
+
+But this assurance proved optimistic. Day by day crept by without a clew
+to the missing girl being discovered; without development of any sort.
+The Inspector informed Mr. Merrick that "it began to look like a
+mystery."
+
+Arthur, even after several sleepless nights, still retained his courage.
+
+"I'm on the right track, sir," he told Uncle John. "The delay is
+annoying, but not at all dangerous. So long as Fogerty holds fast to
+Mershone Louise is safe, wherever she may be."
+
+"Mershone may have nothing to do with the case."
+
+"I'm positive he has."
+
+"And Louise can't be safe while she's a prisoner, and in the hands of
+strangers. I want the girl home! Then I'll know she's safe."
+
+"I want her home, too, sir. But all your men are unable to find her, it
+seems. They can't even discover in what direction she was taken, or how.
+The brown limousine seems to be no due at all."
+
+"Of course not. There are a thousand brown limousines in New York."
+
+"Do you imagine she's still somewhere in the city, sir?" enquired
+Arthur.
+
+"That's my theory," replied Uncle John. "She must be somewhere in the
+city. You see it would be almost impossible to get her out of town
+without discovery. But I'll admit this detective force is the finest
+aggregation of incompetents I've ever known--and I don't believe your
+precious Fogerty is any better, either."
+
+Of course Beth and Patsy had to be told of their cousin's disappearance
+as soon as the first endeavor to trace her proved a failure. Patsy went
+at once to Mrs. Merrick and devoted herself to comforting the poor woman
+as well as she could.
+
+Beth frowned at the news and then sat down to carefully think out the
+problem. In an hour she had logically concluded that Diana Von Taer was
+the proper person to appeal to. If anyone knew where Louise was, it was
+Diana. That same afternoon she drove to the Von Taer residence and
+demanded an interview.
+
+Diana was at that moment in a highly nervous state. She had at times
+during her career been calculating and unscrupulous, but never before
+had she deserved the accusation of being malicious and wicked. She had
+come to reproach herself bitterly for having weakly connived at the
+desperate act of Charlie Mershone, and her good sense assured her the
+result would be disastrous to all concerned in it. Contempt for herself
+and contempt for her cousin mingled with well-defined fears for her
+cherished reputation, and so it was that Miss Von Taer had almost
+decided to telephone Madame Cerise and order her to escort Louise
+Merrick to her own home when Beth's card came up with a curt demand for
+a personal interview.
+
+The natures of these two girls had never harmonized in the slightest
+degree. Beth's presence nerved Diana to a spirit of antagonism that
+quickly destroyed her repentant mood. As she confronted her visitor her
+demeanor was cold and suspicious. There was a challenge and an
+accusation in Beth's eyes that conveyed a distinct warning, which Miss
+Von Taer quickly noted and angrily resented--perhaps because she knew it
+was deserved.
+
+It would have been easy to tell Beth De Graf where her cousin Louise
+was, and at the same time to assure her that Diana was blameless in the
+affair; but she could not endure to give her antagonist this
+satisfaction.
+
+Beth began the interview by saying: "What have you done with Louise
+Merrick?" That was, of course, equal to a declaration of war.
+
+Diana was sneering and scornful. Thoroughly on guard, she permitted no
+compromising word or admission to escape her. Really, she knew nothing
+of Louise Merrick, having unfortunately neglected to examine her
+antecedents and personal characteristics before undertaking her
+acquaintance. One is so likely to blunder through excess of good nature.
+She had supposed a niece of Mr. John Merrick would be of the right sort;
+but the age is peculiar, and one cannot be too cautious in choosing
+associates. If Miss Merrick had run away from her home and friends, Miss
+Von Taer was in no way responsible for the escapade. And now, if Miss De
+Graf had nothing further to say, more important matters demanded Diana's
+time.
+
+Beth was furious with anger at this baiting. Without abandoning a jot
+her suspicions she realized she was powerless to prove her case at this
+time. With a few bitter and cutting remarks--made, she afterward said,
+in "self-defense"--she retreated as gracefully as possible and drove
+home.
+
+An hour later she suggested to Uncle John that he have a detective
+placed where Diana's movements could be watched; but that had already
+been attended to by both Mr. Merrick and Mr. Fogerty. Uncle John could
+hardly credit Diana's complicity in this affair. The young lady's social
+position was so high, her family so eminently respectable, her motive
+in harming Louise so inconceivable, that he hesitated to believe her
+guilty, even indirectly. As for her cousin, he did not know what to
+think, as Arthur accused him unreservedly. It did not seem possible that
+any man of birth, breeding and social position could be so contemptible
+as to perpetrate an act of this character. Yet some one had done it, and
+who had a greater incentive than Charlie Mershone?
+
+Poor Mrs. Merrick was inconsolable as the days dragged by. She clung to
+Patsy with pitiful entreaties not to be left alone; so Miss Doyle
+brought her to her own apartments, where the bereft woman was shown
+every consideration. Vain and selfish though Mrs. Merrick might be, she
+was passionately devoted to her only child, and her fears for the life
+and safety of Louise were naturally greatly exaggerated.
+
+The group of anxious relatives and friends canvassed the subject
+morning, noon and night, and the longer the mystery remained unsolved
+the more uneasy they all became.
+
+"This, ma'am," said Uncle John, sternly, as he sat one evening facing
+Mrs. Merrick, "is the final result of your foolish ambition to get our
+girls into society."
+
+"I can't see it that way, John," wailed the poor woman. "I've never
+heard of such a thing happening in society before, have you?"
+
+"I don't keep posted," he growled. "But everything was moving smoothly
+with us before this confounded social stunt began, as you must admit."
+
+"I can't understand why the papers are not full of it," sighed Mrs.
+Merrick, musingly. "Louise is so prominent now in the best circles."
+
+"Of course," said the Major, drily; "she's so prominent, ma'am, that no
+one can discover her at all! And it's lucky for us the newspapers know
+nothing of the calamity. They'd twist the thing into so many shapes that
+not one of us would ever again dare to look a friend in the eye."
+
+"I'm sure my darling has been murdered!" declared Mrs. Merrick, weeping
+miserably. She made the statement on an average of once to every five
+minutes. "Or, if she hasn't been killed yet, she's sure to be soon.
+Can't _something_ be done?"  That last appeal was hard to answer. They
+had done everything that could be thought of. And here it was Tuesday.
+Louise had been missing for five days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+A RIFT IN THE CLOUDS
+
+The Tuesday morning just referred to dawned cold and wintry. A chill
+wind blew and for a time carried isolated snowflakes whirling here and
+there. Gradually, as the morning advanced, the flakes became more
+numerous, until by nine o'clock an old fashioned snowstorm had set in
+that threatened to last for some time. The frozen ground was soon
+covered with a thin white mantle and the landscape in city and country
+seemed especially forbidding.
+
+In spite of these adverse conditions Charlie Mershone decided to go out
+for a walk. He felt much like a prisoner, and his only recreation was in
+getting out of the hotel for a daily stroll. Moreover, he had an object
+in going abroad to-day.
+
+So he buttoned his overcoat up to his chin and fearlessly braved the
+storm. He had come to wholly disregard the presence of the detective who
+shadowed him, and if the youthful Fogerty by chance addressed him he was
+rewarded with a direct snub. This did not seem to disconcert the boy in
+the least, and to-day, as usual, when Mershone walked out Fogerty
+followed at a respectful distance. He never appeared to be watching his
+man closely, yet never for an instant did Mershone feel that he had
+shaken the fellow off.
+
+On this especial morning the detective was nearly a block in the rear,
+with the snow driving furiously into his face, when an automobile
+suddenly rolled up to the curb beside him and two men leaped out and
+pinioned Fogerty in their arms. There was no struggle, because there was
+no resistance. The captors quickly tossed the detective into the car, an
+open one, which again started and turned into a side street.
+
+Fogerty, seated securely between the two burly fellows, managed to
+straighten up and rearrange his clothing.
+
+"Will you kindly explain this unlawful act, gentlemen?" he enquired.
+
+The man on the left laughed aloud. He was the same individual who had
+attacked Arthur Weldon, the one who had encountered Mershone in the
+street the day before.
+
+"Cold day, ain't it, Fogerty?" he remarked. "But that makes it all the
+better for a little auto ride. We like you, kid, we're fond of
+you--awful fond--ain't we, Pete?"
+
+"We surely are," admitted the other.
+
+"So we thought we'd invite you out for a whirl--see? We'll give you a
+nice ride, so you can enjoy the scenery. It's fine out Harlem way, an'
+the cold'll make you feel good. Eh, Pete?"
+
+"That's the idea," responded Pete, cheerfully.
+
+"Very kind of you," said the detective, leaning back comfortably against
+the cushions and pulling up his coat collar to shield him from the wind.
+"But are you aware that I'm on duty, and that this will allow my man to
+slip away from me?"
+
+"Can't help that; but we're awful sorry," was the reply. "We just wanted
+company, an' you're a good fellow, Fogerty, considerin' your age an'
+size."
+
+"Thank you," said Fogerty, "You know me, and I know you. You are Bill
+Leesome, alias Will Dutton--usually called Big Bill. You did time a
+couple of years ago for knocking out a policeman."
+
+"I'm safe enough now, though," responded Big Bill. "You're not working
+on the reg'lar force, Fogerty, you're only a private burr."
+
+"I am protected, just the same," asserted Fogerty. "When you knabbed me
+I was shadowing Mershone, who has made away with a prominent society
+young lady."
+
+"Oh, he has, has he?" chuckled Big Bill, and his companion laughed so
+gleefully that he attracted Fogerty's attention to himself.
+
+"Ah, I suppose you are one of the two men who lugged the girl off," he
+remarked; "and I must congratulate you on having made a good job of it.
+Isn't it curious, by the way, that the fellow who stole and hid this
+girl should be the innocent means of revealing her biding place?"
+
+The two men stared at him blankly. The car, during this conversation,
+had moved steadily on, turning this and that corner in a way that might
+have confused anyone not perfectly acquainted with this section of the
+city.
+
+"What d'ye mean by that talk, Fogerty?" demanded Big Bill.
+
+"Of course it was Mershone who stole the girl," explained the detective,
+calmly; "we know that. But Mershone is a clever chap. He knew he was
+watched, and so he has never made a movement to go to his prisoner. But
+he grew restless in time, and when he met you, yesterday, fixed up a
+deal with you to carry me away, so he could escape."
+
+Big Bill looked uncomfortable.
+
+"You know a lot, Fogerty," he said, doggedly.
+
+"Yes; I've found that human nature is much the same the world over,"
+replied the detective. "Of course I suspected you would undertake to
+give Mershone his chance by grabbing me, and that is exactly what you
+have done. But, my lads, what do you suppose I have done in the
+meantime?"
+
+They both looked their curiosity but said nothing.
+
+"I've simply used your clever plot to my own advantage, in order to
+bring things to a climax," continued Fogerty. "While we are joy-riding
+here, a half dozen of my men are watching every move that Mershone
+makes. I believe he will lead them straight to the girl; don't you?"
+
+Big Bill growled some words that were not very choice and then yelled to
+the chauffeur to stop. The other man was pale and evidently frightened.
+
+"See here, Fogerty; you make tracks!" was the sharp command, as the
+automobile came to a halt. "You've worked a pretty trick on us, 'cordin'
+to your own showin', and we must find Mr. Mershone before it's too
+late--if we can."
+
+"Good morning," said Fogerty, alighting. "Thank you for a pleasant
+ride--and other things."
+
+They dashed away and left him standing on the curb; and after watching
+them disappear the detective walked over to a drug store and entered the
+telephone booth.
+
+"That you, Hyde?--This is Fogerty."
+
+"Yes, sir. Mr. Mershone has just crossed the ferry to Jersey. Adams is
+with him. I'll hear from him again in a minute: hold the wire."
+
+Fogerty waited. Soon he learned that Mershone had purchased a ticket for
+East Orange. The train would leave in fifteen minutes.
+
+Fogerty decided quickly. After looking at his watch he rushed out and
+arrested a passing taxicab.
+
+"Ready for a quick run--perhaps a long one?" he asked.
+
+"Ready for anything," declared the man.
+
+The detective jumped in and gave hurried directions.
+
+"Never mind the speed limit," he said. "No one will interfere with us.
+I'm Fogerty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+POLITIC REPENTANCE
+
+Perhaps no one--not even Mrs. Merrick--was so unhappy in consequence of
+the lamentable crime that had been committed as Diana Von Taer.
+Immediately after her interview with Beth her mood changed, and she
+would have given worlds to be free from complicity in the abduction.
+Bitterly, indeed, she reproached herself for her enmity toward the
+unsuspecting girl, an innocent victim of Diana's own vain desires and
+Charles Mershone's heartless wiles. Repenting her folly and reasoning
+out the thing when it was too late, Diana saw clearly that she had
+gained no possible advantage, but had thoughtlessly conspired to ruin
+the reputation of an honest, ingenuous girl.
+
+Not long ago she had said that her life was dull, a stupid round of
+social functions that bored her dreadfully. She had hoped by adopting
+John Merrick's nieces as her _protegees_ and introducing them to society
+to find a novel and pleasurable excitement that would serve to take her
+out of her unfortunate _ennui_--a condition to which she had practically
+been born.
+
+But Diana had never bargained for such excitement as this; she had never
+thought to win self abhorrence by acts of petty malice and callous
+cruelties.  Yet so intrenched was she in the conservatism of her class
+that she could not at once bring herself to the point of exposing her
+own guilt that she might make amends for what had been done. She told
+herself she would rather die than permit Louise to suffer through her
+connivance with her reckless, unprincipled cousin. She realized
+perfectly that she ought to fly, without a moment's delay, to the poor
+girl's assistance. Yet fear of exposure, of ridicule, of loss of caste,
+held her a helpless prisoner in her own home, where she paced the floor
+and moaned and wrung her hands until she was on the verge of nervous
+prostration. If at any time she seemed to acquire sufficient courage to
+go to Louise, a glance at the detective watching the house unnerved her
+and prevented her from carrying out her good intentions.
+
+You must not believe that Diana was really bad; her lifelong training
+along set lines and practical seclusion from the everyday world were
+largely responsible for her evil impulses. Mischief is sure to crop up,
+in one form or another, among the idle and ambitionless. More daring
+wickedness is said to be accomplished by the wealthy and aimless
+creatures of our false society than by the poorer and uneducated
+classes, wherein criminals are supposed to thrive. These sins are often
+unpublished, although not always undiscovered, but they are no more
+venial because they are suppressed by wealth and power.
+
+Diana Von Taer was a girl who, rightly led, might have been capable of
+developing a noble womanhood; yet the conditions of her limited
+environment had induced her to countenance a most dastardly and
+despicable act. It speaks well for the innate goodness of this girl that
+she at last actually rebelled and resolved to undo, insofar as she was
+able, the wrong that had been accomplished.
+
+For four days she suffered tortures of remorse. On the morning of the
+fifth day she firmly decided to act. Regardless of who might be
+watching, or of any unpleasant consequences to herself, she quietly left
+the house, unattended, and started directly for the East Orange mansion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+
+A TELEPHONE CALL
+
+Still another laggard awoke to action on this eventful Tuesday morning.
+
+Madame Cerise had been growing more and more morose and dissatisfied day
+by day. Her grievance was very tangible. A young girl had been brought
+forcibly to the house and placed in her care to be treated as a
+prisoner. From that time the perpetrators of the deed had left the woman
+to her own resources, never communicating with her in any way.
+
+During a long life of servitude Madame Cerise had acquiesced in many
+things that her own conscience did not approve of, for she considered
+herself a mere instrument to be used at will by the people who employed
+and paid her. But her enforced solitude as caretaker of the lonely house
+at East Orange had given her ample time to think, and her views had
+lately undergone a decided change.
+
+To become the jailer of a young, pretty and innocent girl was the most
+severe trial her faithfulness to her employers had ever compelled her to
+undergo, and the woman deeply resented the doubtful position in which
+she had been placed.
+
+However, the chances were that Madame Cerise might have obeyed her
+orders to the letter had not so long a period of waiting ensued. During
+these days she was constantly thrown in the society of Louise, which had
+a tendency to make her still more rebellious. The girl clung to Cerise
+in her helplessness and despair, and constantly implored her to set her
+free. This, indeed, the Frenchwoman might have done long ago had she not
+suspected such an act might cause great embarrassment to Diana Von Taer,
+whom she had held on her knee as an infant and sought to protect with
+loyal affection.
+
+It was hard, though, to hear the pitiful appeals of the imprisoned girl,
+and to realize how great was the wrong that was being done her. The old
+woman was forced to set her jaws firmly and turn deaf ears to the
+pleadings in order not to succumb to them straightway. Meantime she did
+her duty conscientiously. She never left Louise's room without turning
+the key in the lock, and she steadfastly refused the girl permission to
+wander in the other rooms of the house. The prison was a real prison,
+indeed, but the turnkey sought to alleviate the prisoner's misery by
+every means in her power. She was indefatigable in her service, keeping
+the room warm and neat, attending to the girl's every want and cooking
+her delicious meals.
+
+While this all tended to Louise's comfort it had little affect in
+soothing her misery. Between periods of weeping she sought to cajole the
+old woman to release her, and at times she succumbed to blank despair.
+Arthur was always in her mind, and she wondered why he did not come to
+rescue her. Every night she stole softly from her bed to try the door,
+hoping Cerise had forgotten to lock it. She examined her prison by
+stealth to discover any possible way of escape.
+
+There were two small windows and one large one. The latter opened upon
+the roof of a small porch, but, there were no way to descend from it
+unless one used a frail lattice at one end, which in summer probably
+supported a rose or other vine. Louise shrank intuitively from such a
+desperate undertaking. Unless some dreadful crisis occurred she would
+never dare trust herself to that frail support. Yet it seemed the only
+possible way of escape.
+
+Time finally wore out the patience of Madame Cerise, who was unable
+longer to withstand Louise's pleadings. She did not indicate by word or
+look that her attitude had changed, but she made a secret resolve to
+have done with the affair altogether.
+
+Often in their conversations the girl had mentioned Arthur Weldon. She
+had given Cerise his address and telephone number, and implored her at
+least to communicate with him and tell him his sweetheart was safe,
+although unhappy. This had given the old woman the clever idea on which
+she finally acted.
+
+By telephoning Mr. Weldon she could give him the information that would
+lead to his coming for Louise, without anyone knowing who it was that
+had betrayed the secret. This method commended itself strongly to her,
+as it would save her from any trouble or reproach.
+
+Leaving Louise at breakfast on this Tuesday morning Madame Cerise went
+down to the telephone and was soon in communication with Arthur. She
+told him, in a quiet tone, that Miss Louise Merrick was being secluded
+in a suburban house near East Orange, and described the place so he
+could easily find it. The young man questioned her eagerly, but aside
+from the information that the girl was well and uninjured she
+vouchsafed no further comment.
+
+It was enough, however. Arthur, in wild excitement, rushed to the
+rescue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+
+Madame Cerise, well knowing she had accelerated the march of events to a
+two-step, calmly sat herself down in the little housekeeper's room off
+the lower hall and, leaving Louise to her moody solitude upstairs,
+awaited the inevitable developments.
+
+Outside the weather was cold and blustering. The wind whirled its burden
+of snowflakes in every direction with blinding, bewildering
+impartiality. It was a bad day to be out, thought the old Frenchwoman;
+but a snowstorm was not likely to deter an anxious lover. She calculated
+the time it would take Monsieur Weldon to arrive at the mansion: if he
+was prompt and energetic he could cover the distance in an hour and a
+half by train or three hours by motor car. But he must prepare for the
+journey, and that would consume some time; perhaps she need not expect
+him within two hours at the earliest.
+
+She read, to pass away the time, selecting a book from a shelf of
+well-worn French novels. Somehow she did not care to face her tearful
+prisoner again until she could restore the unhappy girl to the arms of
+her true lover. There was still romance in the soul of Madame Cerise,
+however withered her cheeks might be. She was very glad that at last she
+had summoned courage to act according to the dictates of her heart.
+
+Eh? What is this? A rumble of wheels over the frozen snow caused her to
+glance at the clock above the mantel. Not by any possibility could
+Monsieur Weldon arrive so soon. Who, then, could it be?
+
+She sat motionless while the doorbell rang, and rang again. Nothing must
+interfere with the pretty _denouement_ she had so fondly anticipated
+when Louise's faithful knight came to her.
+
+But the one who had just now alighted was persistent. The vehicle had
+been sent away--she heard the sound of receding wheels--and the new
+arrival wanted to get in. The bell jerked and jangled unceasingly for a
+time and then came a crash against the door, as if a stalwart shoulder
+was endeavoring to break it down.
+
+Madame Cerise laid down her book, placed her _pince-nez_ in the case,
+and slowly proceeded down the hall. The door shook with another powerful
+impact, a voice cried out demanding admittance.
+
+"Who is it, then?" she called shrilly.
+
+"Open the door, confound you!" was the irritated reply.
+
+The woman reflected. This was surely young Mershone's voice. And she had
+no excuse to deny him admittance. Quietly she unbolted the door and
+allowed it to open an inch while she peered at the man outside.
+
+"Oh! it is Monsieur Mershone."
+
+"Of course it is," he roared, forcing the door open and stalking in.
+"Who in thunder did you think it was?"
+
+"A thousand pardons, m'sieur," said Cerise. "I must be cautious; it is
+your own command. That you may be protected I deny admittance to all."
+
+"That's all right," said Mershone gruffly, while he stamped his feet
+upon the rug and shook the snow from his clothing. "Haven't you any fire
+in this beastly old refrigerator? I'm nearly frozen. Where's Miss
+Merrick?"
+
+"She is occupying Ma'm'selle Diana's room, in the west wing. Will
+monsieur please to come this way?"
+
+She led him to her own little room, and so engrossed were they that
+neither remembered he had failed to rebolt the front door.
+
+A good fire burned in the grate of Cerise's cosy den and Mershone threw
+off his overcoat and warmed his hands as he showered questions upon the
+old caretaker.
+
+"How is the girl behaving? Tears and hysterics?"
+
+"At times, m'sieur."
+
+"Takes it hard, eh?"
+
+"She is very unhappy."
+
+"Ever mention a man named Weldon?"
+
+"Often."
+
+"Humph!" He did not like this report. "Has anyone been here to disturb
+you, or to make enquiries?"
+
+"No one, m'sieur."
+
+"We're safe enough, I guess. It was a mighty neat job, Cerise, taken
+altogether, although the fools have been watching me night and day.
+That's the reason I did not come sooner."
+
+She made no comment. Mershone threw himself into a chair and stared
+thoughtfully at the fire.
+
+"Has Louise--Miss Merrick, you know--mentioned my name at all?"  "At
+times."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"With loathing and contempt."
+
+He scowled at her savagely.
+
+"Do you think she suspects that I carried her away?"
+
+"She seems to know it absolutely."
+
+He stared at the fire again.
+
+"I've got a queer job on my hands, Cerise, and I rely on you to help
+me," said he presently, assuming a more conciliating manner. "Perhaps
+I'm in a box, or a hole, or whatever else you like to call it, but it's
+too late too back down now--I must push ahead and win. You see the case
+is this: I love the girl and had her brought here to keep her from
+another man. By hook or crook I'm going to make her my wife. She won't
+take kindly to that at first, perhaps, but I'll make her happy in the
+end. In one way this delay has been a good thing. It must have worn her
+out and broken her spirits quite a bit; eh?"
+
+"She seems very miserable," conceded the woman.
+
+"Do you find her hard to manage? Does she show much temper? In other
+words, do you suppose she'll put up a fight?"
+
+Madame Cerise regarded him wonderingly.
+
+"She is a good girl," was her reply. "She loves with much devotion the
+man from whom you have stolen her. I am quite positive she will never
+consent to become your wife."
+
+"Oh, you are? Well, I intend she shall marry me, and that settles it.
+She's unnerved and miserable now, and I mean to grind her down till she
+hasn't strength to resist me. That sounds hard. I know; but it's the
+only way to accomplish my purpose. After she's my wife I'll be very kind
+to her, poor thing, and teach her to love me. A man can do anything with
+a woman if he sets about it the right way. I'm not taking this stand
+because I'm cruel, Cerise, but because I'm desperate. All's fair in love
+and war, you know, and this is a bit of both."
+
+He was pacing the floor by this time, his hands thrust deep in his
+pockets, an anxious look upon his face that belied his bombastic words.
+
+The Frenchwoman's expression was impassive. Her scorn for the wretch
+before her was tempered with the knowledge that his cowardly plan was
+doomed to defeat. It was she who had checkmated him, and she was glad.
+Now and again her eyes sought the clock, while she silently calculated
+the time to elapse before Arthur Weldon arrived. There would be a pretty
+scene then, Cerise would have much enjoyment in witnessing the
+encounter.
+
+"Now, then, take me to Louise," commanded Mershone, suddenly.
+
+She shrank back in dismay.
+
+"Oh, not yet, m'sieur!"
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"The young lady is asleep. She will not waken for an hour--perhaps two."
+
+"I can't wait. We'll waken her now, and give her an idea of the change
+of program."
+
+"But no, m'sieur! It is outrageous. The poor thing has but now sobbed
+herself to sleep, after many bitter hours. Can you not wait a brief
+hour, having waited five days?"
+
+"No. Take me to her at once."  As he came toward her the woman drew
+away.
+
+"I cannot," she said firmly.
+
+"See here, Cerise, I intend to be obeyed. I won't endure any nonsense at
+this stage of the game, believe me," he announced fiercely. "In order to
+win, there's just one way to manage this affair, and I insist upon your
+following my instructions. Take me to Louise!"
+
+"I will not!" she returned, the bead-like eyes glittering as they met
+his angry gaze.
+
+"Then I'll go alone. Give me the key."
+
+She did not move, nor did she answer him. At her waist hung a small
+bunch of household keys and this he seized with a sudden movement and
+jerked loose from its cord.
+
+"You miserable hag!" he muttered, inflamed with anger at her opposition.
+"If you propose to defend this girl and defy me, you'll find I'm able to
+crush you as I will her. While I'm gone I expect you to come to your
+senses, and decide to obey me."
+
+With these words he advanced to the door of the little room and opened
+it. Just outside stood Fogerty, smiling genially.
+
+"Glad to meet you again, Mr. Mershone," he said. "May I come in? Thank
+you."
+
+While Mershone stood bewildered by this unexpected apparition the
+detective entered the room, closed the door carefully, and putting his
+back to it bowed politely to Madame Cerise.
+
+"Pardon this seeming intrusion, ma'am," said he. "I'm here on a little
+matter of business, having a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Charles
+Connoldy Mershone."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+GONE
+
+The grim face of Madame Cerise relaxed to allow a quaint smile to flit
+across it. She returned Fogerty's bow with a deep curtsy.
+
+Mershone, after one brief exclamation of dismay, wrested from him by
+surprise, threw himself into the chair again and stared at the fire.
+For a few moments there was intense stillness in the little room.
+
+"How easy it is," said Fogerty, in soft, musing tones, "to read one's
+thoughts--under certain circumstances. You are thinking, Mr. Mershone,
+that I'm a boy, and not very strong, while you are an athlete and can
+easily overpower me. I have come at a disagreeable time, and all your
+plans depend on your ability to get rid of me. But I've four good men
+within call, who are just now guarding the approaches to this house.
+They'd like to come in, I know, because it's very cold and disagreeable
+outside; but suppose we allow them to freeze for a time? Ah, I thought
+you'd agree with me, sir--I overheard you say you were about to visit
+Miss Merrick, who is confined in a room upstairs, but I'd like you to
+postpone that while we indulge in a little confidential chat together.
+You see--"
+
+The door-bell rang violently. Fogerty glanced at Madame Cerise.  "Will
+you see who it is?" he asked.
+
+She arose at once and left the room. Mershone turned quickly.
+
+"What's your price, Fogerty?" he asked, meaningly.
+
+"For what?"
+
+"For getting out of here--making tracks and leaving me alone. Every man
+has his price, and I'm trapped--I'm willing to pay anything--I'll--"
+
+"Cut it out, sir. You've tried this once before. I'm not to be bribed."
+
+"Have you really a warrant for my arrest?"
+
+"I've carried it since Friday. It's no use, Mershone, the game's up and
+you may as well grin and bear it."
+
+Mershone was about to reply when the door opened and Diana Von Taer came
+in with a swift, catlike tread and confronted him with flaming eyes.
+
+"You coward! You low, miserable scoundrel! How dare you come here to
+annoy and browbeat that poor girl?" she cried in clear, cutting accents,
+without noticing the presence of Fogerty.
+
+"Oh, shut up, Di, you're in it as deep as I am," he retorted, turning
+away with a flushed face.
+
+"I'm not, sir! Never have I countenanced this wicked, criminal act," she
+declared. "I have come here to-day to save Louise from your wiles and
+carry her back to her friends. I dare you, or your confederates," with a
+scornful look at the detective, "to interfere with me in any way." Then
+she turned to Cerise and continued: "Where is Miss Merrick now?"
+
+"In your own room, ma'm'seile."
+
+"Come with me, then."
+
+With a defiant glance at Mershone she turned haughtily and left the
+room. Cerise followed obediently, somewhat astonished at the queer turn
+of events.
+
+Left alone with Mershone, Fogerty chuckled gleefully.
+
+"Why, it seems I wasn't needed, after all," said he, "and we've both of
+us taken a lot of trouble for nothing, Mershone. The chances are Miss
+Von Taer would have turned the trick in any event, don't you think so?"
+ "No, you don't understand her. She wouldn't have interfered if she
+hadn't been scared out," growled the other. "She's sacrificed me to save
+herself, that's all."
+
+"You may be right about that," admitted Fogerty; and then he got up to
+answer the door-bell, which once more rang violently.
+
+An automobile stood outside, and from it an excited party trooped into
+the hallway, disregarding the cutting wind and blinding snowflakes that
+assailed them as they passed in. There was Arthur Weldon and Uncle John,
+Patricia and Beth; and all, as they saw the detective, cried with one
+voice:
+
+"Where's Louise?"
+
+Fogerty had just managed to close the door against the wintry blast when
+the answer came from the stairway just above:
+
+"She is gone!"
+
+The voice was shrill and despairing, and looking up they saw Diana
+standing dramatically posed upon the landing, her hands clasped over her
+heart and a look of fear upon her face. Over her shoulder the startled
+black eyes of old Cerise peered down upon the group below.
+
+The newcomers were evidently bewildered by this reception. They had come
+to rescue Louise, whom they imagined confined in a lonely deserted villa
+with no companion other than the woman who guarded her. Arthur's own
+detective opened the door to them and Diana Von Taer, whom they
+certainly did not expect to meet here, confronted them with the
+thrilling statement that Louise had gone.
+
+Arthur was the first to recover his wits.
+
+"Gone!" he repeated; "gone where?"
+
+"She had escaped--run away!" explained Diana, in real distress.
+
+"When?" asked Uncle John.
+
+"Just now. Within an hour, wasn't it, Cerise?"
+
+"At ten o'clock I left her, now she is gone," said the old woman, who
+appeared as greatly agitated as her mistress.
+
+"Good gracious! you don't mean to say she's left the house in this
+storm?" exclaimed Patsy, aghast at the very thought.
+
+"What shall we do? What _can_ we do?" demanded Beth, eagerly.
+
+Fogerty started up the stairs. Cerise turned to show him the way, and
+the others followed in an awed group.
+
+The key was in the lock of the door to the missing girl's room, but the
+door itself now stood ajar. Fogerty entered, cast a sharp look around
+and walked straight to the window. As the others came in, glancing
+curiously about them and noting the still smouldering fire and the
+evidences of recent occupation, the detective unlatched the French
+window and stepped out into the snow that covered the roof of the little
+porch below. Arthur sprang out beside him, leaving the rest to shiver in
+the cold blast that rushed in upon them from the open window.
+
+Fogerty, on his knees, scanned the snow carefully, and although Weldon
+could discover no sign of a footprint the young detective nodded his
+head sagaciously and slowly made his way to the trellis at the end. Here
+it was plain that the accumulation of snow had recently been brushed
+away from the frail framework.  "It was strong enough to hold her,
+though," declared Fogerty, looking over the edge of the roof. "I'll
+descend the same way, sir. Go back by the stairs and meet me below."
+
+He grasped the lattice and began cautiously to lower himself to the
+ground, and Arthur turned to rejoin his friends in the room.
+
+"That is the way she escaped, without doubt," he said to them. "Poor
+child, she had no idea we were about to rescue her, and her long
+confinement had made her desperate."
+
+"Did she have a cloak, or any warm clothes?" asked Beth. Madame Cerise
+hurriedly examined the wardrobe in the closets.
+
+"Yes, ma'm'selle; she has taken a thick coat and a knit scarf," she
+answered. But I am sure she had no gloves, and her shoes were very
+thin."
+
+"How long do you think she has been gone?" Patsy enquired.
+
+"Not more than an hour. I was talking with Mr. Mershone, and--"
+
+"Mershone! Is he here?" demanded Arthur.
+
+"He is in my room downstairs--or was when you came," said the woman.
+
+"That accounts for her sudden flight," declared the young man, bitterly.
+"She doubtless heard his voice and in a sudden panic decided to fly. Did
+Mershone see her?" he asked.
+
+"No, m'sieur," replied Cerise.
+
+With one accord they descended to the lower hall and the caretaker led
+the way to her room. To their surprise they found Mershone still seated
+in the chair by the fire, his hands clasped behind his head, a cigarette
+between his lips.
+
+"Here is another crime for you to account for!" cried Arthur, advancing
+upon him angrily. "You have driven Louise to her death!"
+
+Mershone raised one hand in mild protest.
+
+"Don't waste time cursing me," he said. "Try to find Louise before it is
+too late."
+
+The reproach seemed justified. Arthur paused and turning to Mr. Merrick
+said:
+
+"He is right. I'll go help Fogerty, and you must stay here and look
+after the girls until we return."  As he went out he passed Diana
+without a look. She sat in a corner of the room sobbing miserably. Beth
+was thoughtful and quiet, Patsy nervous and indignant. Uncle John was
+apparently crushed by the disaster that had overtaken them. Mershone's
+suggestion that Louise might perish in the storm was no idle one; the
+girl was not only frail and delicate but worn out with her long
+imprisonment and its anxieties. They all realized this.
+
+"I believe," said Mershone, rising abruptly, "I'll go and join the
+search. Fogerty has arrested me, but you needn't worry about my trying
+to escape. I don't care what becomes of me, now, and I'm going straight
+to join the detective."
+
+They allowed him to go without protest, and he buttoned his coat and set
+out in the storm to find the others. Fogerty and Arthur were by this
+time in the lane back of the grounds, where the detective was advancing
+slowly with his eyes fixed on the ground.
+
+"The tracks are faint, but easily followed," he was saying, "The high
+heels of her shoes leave a distinct mark."
+
+When Mershone joined them Arthur scowled at the fellow but said nothing.
+Fogerty merely smiled.
+
+From the lane the tracks, already nearly obliterated by the fast falling
+snow, wandered along nearly a quarter of a mile to a crossroads, where
+they became wholly lost.
+
+Fogerty looked up and down the roads and shook his head with a puzzled
+expression.
+
+"We've surely traced her so far," said he, "but now we must guess at her
+further direction. You'll notice this track of a wagon. It may have
+passed fifteen minutes or an hour ago. The hoof tracks of the horses are
+covered, so I'm not positive which way they headed; I only know there
+are indications of hoof tracks, which proves it a farmer's wagon. The
+question is, whether the young lady met it, and caught a ride, or
+whether she proceeded along some of the other trails. I can't find any
+indication of those high-heeled shoes from this point, in any direction.
+Better get your car, Mr. Weldon, and run east a few miles, keeping sharp
+watch of the wagon tracks on the way. It was a heavy wagon, for the
+wheels cut deep. Mershone and I will go west. When you've driven far
+enough to satisfy yourself you're going the wrong direction, you may
+easily overtake us on your return. Then, if we've discovered nothing on
+this road, we'll try the other."  Arthur ran back at once to the house
+and in a few minutes had started on his quest. The motor car was
+powerful enough to plow through the deep snow with comparative ease.
+
+Those left together in Madam Cerise's little room were more to be pitied
+than the ones engaged in active search, for there was nothing to relieve
+their fears and anxieties. Diana, unable to bear the accusing looks of
+Patsy and Beth, resolved to make a clean breast of her complicity in the
+affair and related to them every detail of her connection with her
+cousin's despicable plot. She ended by begging their forgiveness, and
+wept so miserably that Uncle John found himself stroking her hair while
+Patsy came close and pressed the penitent girl's hand as if to comfort
+and reassure her.
+
+Beth said nothing. She could not find it in her heart as yet to forgive
+Diana's selfish conspiracy against her cousin's happiness. If Louise
+perished in this dreadful storm the proud Diana Von Taer could not
+escape the taint of murder. The end was not yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+
+THE CRISIS
+
+Mershone and Fogerty plodded through the snow together, side by side.
+They were facing the wind, which cut their faces cruelly, yet neither
+seemed to mind the bitterness of the weather.  "Keep watch along the
+roadside," suggested Mershone; "she may have fallen anywhere, you know.
+She couldn't endure this thing long. Poor Louise!"
+
+"You were fond of her, Mr. Mershone?" asked Fogerty, not
+unsympathetically.
+
+"Yes. That was why I made such a struggle to get her."
+
+"It was a mistake, sir. Provided a woman is won by force or trickery
+she's never worth getting. If she doesn't care for you it's better to
+give her up."
+
+"I know--now."
+
+"You're a bright fellow, Mershone, a clever fellow. It's a pity you
+couldn't direct your talents the right way. They'll jug you for this."
+
+"Never mind. The game of life isn't worth playing. I've done with it,
+and the sooner I go to the devil the better. If only I could be sure
+Louise was safe I'd toss every care--and every honest thought--to the
+winds, from this moment."
+
+During the silence that followed Fogerty was thoughtful. Indeed, his
+mind dwelt more upon the defeated and desperate man beside him than upon
+the waif he was searching for.
+
+"What's been done, Mr. Mershone," he said, after a time, "can't be
+helped now. The future of every man is always a bigger proposition than
+his past--whoever he may be. With your talents and genius you could yet
+make of yourself a successful and prosperous man, respected by the
+community--if you could get out of this miserable rut that has helped
+to drag you down."
+
+"But I can't," said the other, despondently.
+
+"You can if you try. But you'll have to strike for a place a good way
+from New York. Go West, forget your past, and carve out an honest future
+under a new name and among new associates. You're equal to it."
+
+Mershone shook his head.
+
+"You forget," he said. "They'll give me a jail sentence for this folly,
+as sure as fate, and that will be the end of me."
+
+"Not necessarily. See here, Mershone, it won't help any of those people
+to prosecute you. If the girl escapes with her life no real harm has
+been done, although you've caused a deal of unhappiness, in one way or
+another. For my part, I'd like to see you escape, because I'm sure this
+affair will be a warning to you that will induce you to give up all
+trickery in the future. Money wouldn't bribe me, as you know, but
+sympathy and good fellowship will. If you'll promise to skip right now,
+and turn over a new leaf, you are free."
+
+"Where could I go?"
+
+"There's a town a mile ahead of us; I can see the buildings now and
+then. You've money, for you offered it to me. I haven't any assistants
+here, I'm all alone on the job. That talk about four men was only a
+bluff. Push me over in the snow and make tracks. I'll tell Weldon you've
+escaped, and advise him not to bother you. It's very easy."
+
+Mershone stopped short, seized the detective's hand and wrung it
+gratefully.
+
+"You're a good fellow, Fogerty. I--I thank you. But I can't do it. In
+the first place, I can't rest in peace until Louise is found, or I know
+her fate. Secondly, I'm game to give an account for all my deeds, now
+that I've played the farce out, and lost. I--I really haven't the
+ambition, Fogerty, to make a new start in life, and try to reform.
+What's the use?"
+
+Fogerty did not reply. Perhaps he realized the case was entirely
+hopeless. But he had done what he could to save the misguided fellow and
+give him a chance, and he was sorry he had not succeeded.
+
+Meantime Arthur Weldon, almost dazed by the calamity that had overtaken
+his sweetheart, found an able assistant in his chauffeur, who, when the
+case was explained to him, developed an eager and intelligent interest
+in the chase. Fortunately they moved with the storm and the snow
+presently moderated in volume although the wind was still blowing a
+fierce gale. This gave them a better opportunity than the others to
+observe the road they followed.
+
+Jones had good eyes, and although the trail of the heavy wagon was lost
+at times he soon picked it up again and they were enabled to make fairly
+good speed.
+
+"I believe," said Arthur, presently, "that the marks are getting
+clearer."
+
+"I know they are, sir," agreed Jones.
+
+"Then we've come in the right direction, for it is proof that the wagon
+was headed this way."
+
+"Quite right, sir."
+
+This back section was thinly settled and the occasional farm-houses they
+passed were set well back from the road. It was evident from the closed
+gates and drifted snowbanks that no teams had either left these places
+or arrived during a recent period. Arthur was encouraged, moreover, by
+the wagon ruts growing still more clear as they proceeded, and his
+excitement was great when Jones abruptly halted and pointed to a place
+where the wheels had made a turn and entered a farm yard.
+
+"Here's the place, sir," announced the chauffeur.
+
+"Can you get in?"
+
+"It's pretty deep, sir, but I'll try."
+
+The snow was crisp and light, owing to the excessive cold, and the
+machine plowed through it bravely, drawing up at last to the door of an
+humble cottage.
+
+As Arthur leaped out of the car a man appeared upon the steps, closing
+the door softly behind him.
+
+"Looking for the young lady, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Is she here?" cried Arthur.
+
+The man placed his finger on his lips, although the wind prevented any
+sound of voices being heard within.
+
+"Gently, sir, don't make a noise--but come in."
+
+They entered what seemed to be a kitchen. The farmer, a man of advanced
+years, led him to a front room, and again cautioning him to be silent,
+motioned him to enter.
+
+A sheet-iron stove made the place fairly comfortable. By a window sat a
+meek-faced woman, bent over some sewing. On a couch opposite lay Louise,
+covered by a heavy shawl. She was fast asleep, her hair disheveled and
+straying over her crimson cheeks, flushed from exposure to the weather.
+Her slumber seemed the result of physical exhaustion, for her lips were
+parted and she breathed deeply.
+
+Arthur, after gazing at her for a moment with a beating-heart, for the
+mysterious actions of the old farmer had made him fear the worst, softly
+approached the couch and knelt beside the girl he loved, thanking; God
+in his inmost heart for her escape. Then he leaned over and pressed a
+kiss upon her cheek.
+
+Louise slowly opened her eyes, smiled divinely, and threw her arms
+impulsively around his neck.
+
+"I knew you would come for me, dear," she whispered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+
+A MATTER OF COURSE
+
+All explanations were barred until the girl had been tenderly taken to
+her own home and under the loving care of her mother and cousins had
+recovered to an extent from the terrible experiences she had undergone.
+ Then by degrees she told them her story, and how, hearing the voice of
+her persecutor Mershone in the hall below she had become frantic with
+fear and resolved to trust herself to the mercies of the storm rather
+than submit to an interview with him. Before this she had decided that
+she could climb down the trellis, and that part of her flight she
+accomplished easily. Then she ran toward the rear of the premises to
+avoid being seen and managed to find the lane, and later the
+cross-roads. It was very cold, but her excitement and the fear of
+pursuit kept her warm until suddenly her strength failed her and she
+sank down in the snow without power to move. At this juncture the farmer
+and his wife drove by, having been on a trip to the town. The man sprang
+out and lifted her in, and the woman tenderly wrapped her in the robes
+and blankets and pillowed her head upon her motherly bosom. By the time
+they reached the farm-house she was quite warm again, but so exhausted
+that with a brief explanation that she was lost, but somebody would be
+sure to find her before long, she fell upon the couch and almost
+immediately lost consciousness.
+
+So Arthur found her, and one look into his eyes assured her that all her
+troubles were over.
+
+They did not prosecute Charlie Mershone, after all. Fogerty pleaded for
+him earnestly, and Uncle John pointed out that to arrest the young man
+would mean to give the whole affair to the newspapers, which until now
+had not gleaned the slightest inkling of what had happened. Publicity
+was to be avoided if possible, as it would set loose a thousand
+malicious tongues and benefit nobody. The only thing to be gained by
+prosecuting Mershone was revenge, and all were willing to forego that
+doubtful satisfaction.
+
+However, Uncle John had an interview with the young man in the office of
+the prosecuting attorney, at which Mershone was given permission to
+leave town quietly and pursue his fortunes in other fields. If ever he
+returned, or in any way molested any of the Merricks or his cousin
+Diana, he was assured that he would be immediately arrested and
+prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
+
+Mershone accepted the conditions and became an exile, passing at once
+out of the lives of those he had so deeply wronged.
+
+The joyful reunion of the lovers led to an early date being set for the
+wedding. They met all protests by pleading their fears of another
+heartrending separation, and no one ventured to oppose their desire.
+
+Mrs. Merrick quickly recovered her accustomed spirits during the
+excitement of those anxious weeks preceding the wedding. Cards were
+issued to "the very best people in town;" the _trousseau_ involved
+anxiety by day and restless dreams by night--all eminently enjoyable;
+there were entertainments to be attended and congratulations to be
+received from every side.
+
+Society, suspecting nothing of the tragedy so lately enacted in these
+young lives, was especially gracious to the betrothed. Louise was the
+recipient of innumerable merry "showers" from her girl associates, and
+her cousins, Patsy and Beth, followed in line with "glass showers" and
+"china showers" until the prospective bride was stocked with enough
+wares to establish a "house-furnishing emporium," as Uncle John proudly
+declared.
+
+Mr. Merrick, by this time quite reconciled and palpably pleased at the
+approaching marriage of his eldest niece, was not to be outdone in
+"social stunts" that might add to her happiness. He gave theatre parties
+and banquets without number, and gave them with the marked success that
+invariably attended his efforts.
+
+The evening before the wedding Uncle John and the Major claimed Arthur
+for their own, and after an hour's conference between the three that
+left the young fellow more happy and grateful than ever before, he was
+entertained at his last "bachelor dinner," where he made a remarkable
+speech and was lustily cheered.
+
+Of course Beth and Patsy were the bridesmaids, and their cousin Kenneth
+Forbes came all the way from Elmhurst to be Arthur's best man. No one
+ever knew what it cost Uncle John for the wonderful decorations at the
+church and home, for the music, the banquet and all the other details
+which he himself eagerly arranged on a magnificent scale and claimed was
+a part of his "wedding present."
+
+When it was all over, and the young people had driven away to begin the
+journey of life together, the little man put a loving arm around Beth
+and Patsy and said, between smiles and tears:
+
+"Well, my dears, I've lost one niece, and that's a fact; but I've still
+two left. How long will they remain with me, I wonder?"
+
+"Dear me, Uncle John," said practical Patsy; "your necktie's untied and
+dangling; like a shoestring! I hope it wasn't that way at the wedding."
+
+"It was, though," declared the Major, chuckling. "If all three of ye get
+married, my dears, poor Uncle John will come to look like a scarecrow
+--and all that in the face of swell society!"
+
+"Aren't we about through with swell society now?" asked Mr. Merrick,
+anxiously. "Aren't we about done with it? It caused all our troubles,
+you know."
+
+"Society," announced Beth, complacently, "is an excellent thing in the
+abstract. It has its black sheep, of course; but I think no more than
+any other established class of humanity."
+
+"Dear me!" cried Uncle John; "you once denounced society."
+
+"That," said she, "was before I knew anything at all about it."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN SOCIETY***
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