ur labors are most needed. You may control political--"

"My dear lady," interrupted the man, holding up a hand and shaking his
head in gentle demurral, "the Catholic Church is not in politics."

"But it is in society--or should be!" said the woman earnestly. "And
if the Catholic Church is to be supreme in America it must work from
the top down, as well as from the lower levels upward. At present our
wealthiest, most influential social set is absolutely domineered by a
Protestant--and under the influence of a Presbyterian minister at
that! Why do you permit it?"

Monsignor Lafelle's eyes twinkled, as he listened politely. But he
only stroked the white hair that crowned his shapely head, and
waited.

"Monsignor," continued the now thoroughly heated Mrs. Hawley-Crowles,
"why do not the women of your Church constitute our society leaders?
Why do you not recognize the desirability of forcing your people into
every avenue of human activity? And would you resent a suggestion from
me as to how in one instance this might be accomplished?"

"Certainly not, Madam," replied Monsignor, with an expression of
wonder on his face. "Pray proceed."

"You are laughing at me, I do believe!" she exclaimed, catching the
glint in his gray eyes.

"Pardon me, dear lady, I really am deeply interested. Please go on."

"Well, at any rate I have your promise to forget this conversation if
you do not approve of it," she said quizzically.

He nodded his head to inspire her confidence; and she continued:

"Very well, now to the point. My ward, the little Inca princess, is
coming out shortly. I want her to have the _entree_ into the very best
society, into the most fashionable and exclusive set, as befitting her
rank." She stopped and awaited the effect of her words.

Monsignor studied her for a moment, and then broke into a genial
laugh. "There is nothing reprehensible in your wish, Madam," he said.
"Our social system, however imperfect, nevertheless exists,
and--dominant Catholic influence might improve it. I am quite sure it
would."

"Good!" exclaimed Mrs. Hawley-Crowles. "Then will you help me?"

"Why, I really see nothing that I can do," he replied slowly.

Mrs. Hawley-Crowles was becoming exasperated with his apparent
dullness. "You can do much," she retorted in a tone tinctured with
impatience. "Since I have made you my Father Confessor to-day, I am
going to tell you that I intend to start a social war that will rip
this city wi