she was living in the family mansion--felt that she
must seek her out----"

"Um. That's not quite the sort of thing the New York woman does, and
you know it. True, the war has upset them as it has every one else.
They are still restless. I have met two opera singers, two actresses,
three of these juvenile editors and columnists at dinners and musical
evenings during the last month alone. I believe they'd lionize Charley
Chaplin if he'd let them, but I understand he's more exclusive than we
are. God! What is New York Society coming to?"

"You like straying outside the sacred preserves yourself occasionally."

"I do. But I'm a man. We always did stray a bit. But when I think of
the exclusiveness of only a few years ago! Why, New York Society was a
Club. The most exclusive club in the world. London Society was
Bohemia compared to it. It's the democratic flu, that's what!
Aristocracy's done for."

"I'm not so sure. The reaction may be devastating. But it's a sign of
grace that they've at last discovered sufficient intelligence to be
bored with their somewhat monotonous selves. And Mrs. Oglethorpe
always does exactly as she pleases. Better drop her a hint."

"Well, I'll try it. But while Jane may be high-handed, she has certain
rigid ideas when it comes to Society and who shall enter its gates. So
far she's made no concessions. She and a few others still keep a tight
rein. Their daughters though! And granddaughters! Jane's girls are
replicas of herself with every atom of her personality left out--but
Jim's daughter, Janet, is her grandmother over again plus modern bad
manners, bad habits, and a defiance of every known convention.
Wretched little flapper. Gad! What are we coming to!"

"Never mind Janet----"

"Why don't you suggest it to Jane? She thinks more of you than of any
one else. I doubt if you could ask her anything----"

"Not much. She'd twig at once. I've had several hints lately that she
has her eye on somebody she wants me to marry. You must do it
yourself--and you _must_!"

"Well! If she won't, Mrs. Jim might. The younger women would know
this girl like a shot if they thought there was any fun in it--then
drop her if she didn't measure up. I don't know that I care to place
her in such a position."

"I've an idea the fair unknown can take care of herself. I don't see
her picked up and dropped. Probably it would be the deuce and all to
meet her. I think my plan is bes