to go back
to dead and alive old Trumet--"

"I don't. I--I wouldn't for anything. I shouldn't think you, of all
people, would hint at such a thing. You! When I have climbed so high
already; when our social position has become what it is. You! talking of
going back to Trumet."

"I'm not. You mentioned it; I didn't. I'm having a beautiful time. I
just love our social position. The Blacks and the Kellys and--er--that
Miss Dusante! Oh, I adore them. I wouldn't leave such cultured people
for anything. And you enjoy it so, Mother. You look so happy."

Was there a trace of sarcasm in this outburst? Serena was, for the
moment, suspicious. She tried her hardest to look very happy indeed.

"I am happy, of course," she declared.

"I know it. And we want to keep on being happy, don't we. So we must not
decline anyone's invitation. We must go, go, go, all the time."

"But some of the invitations are from people I scarcely know at all. And
some I don't like."

"That makes no difference. They may be of value to you in your campaign,
or socially, or somehow. Don't you see, Mother? In politics or society
one wishes to advance, to climb higher all the time. And to do that
one must use one's acquaintances as rounds in the ladder. Use them; get
something from them; pretend to love them, no matter whether you really
hate them or not. They may hate you, but they want to use you. That's
part of the game, Mother."

This was worldly advice to be given by a young lady scarcely out of
college. And it sounded so unlike Gertrude. But, then, Gertrude had
changed, was changing more and more daily.

"We don't entertain enough," went on the adviser. "We should be
giving some affair or other at least once a week. Invite everybody you
know--everyone but the Lake crowd, of course. I'll make out a list of
eligibles to-day and we'll give an 'At Home' next week."

"But, Gertie--the expense. It costs so dreadfully. We're not rich; that
is, not very rich."

"No matter. Everyone thinks we are. If they didn't, most of them would
cut us dead to-morrow. We must pretend to be very rich. I'll make out
the list. Mr. Holway will help me. He is coming to call this evening."

Serena looked more troubled than ever.

"Gertie," she said earnestly, "I think I ought--yes, I am going to warn
you against that Mr. Holway. I don't like your having him call or being
seen in his company."

"You don't! I am surprised. I'm sure he is very polite and agreeable. He
b