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