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.”