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.