rats. An admitted queen of society, her subjects were few and indifferent. She possessed ancient lineage, was highly accomplis

and carries her handsome form with exquisite grace. Diana is never abrupt; her voice is ever modulated to

road 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,

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

ess 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 t

ron was a stolid, corpulent lady, with a countenance perpetually placid and an habitual aversion to displaying intelle

ughly understood her and appreciated her talents. She may have frightened him at times, but that onl

the cold gray eyes of the man met the intent, half-veiled glance of the girl with perfect unders

rly crushed, had not dismayed her in the least. It was she who had counseled him to appeal to J

now in the bank to his credit and he could weather the coming storm easily-perhaps with profit. In a tone half amused

hen she took in her hand the paper containing the addr

, In her soft, even tones; "but one we cannot

na;" as s

ctive debutantes are n

again. I have this chance to win him. But the man is very common clay, despite his wealth, and his three nieces are like

e jeopardized by any error of this sort. I believe I may introduce these girls without risk. I shall

er has never yet done," r

I think our especial set is as yet comparatively free from contamination by the 'lately rich'; but ev

nod

s true,

in this adventure, which I have decided to undertake. With your permission I will see these girls and quickly

d Von Taer, with a sigh. "If, in the end, some o

at 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 prom

aer s

riage is waiting, and we are du