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.”