acquaintances among the
fashionable leaders of the best society of the Capital City. Caring but
little for the ceaseless round of soul-wearying social functions which
so completely absorbed these people; yet filled with a determination to
win them to a higher life, she bore herself bravely through the season
which proved one long procession of social triumphs. Inspired by the
intensity of a grand purpose; endowed with a clear, musical voice,
perfect health, youth and beauty, combined with a charmingly
irresistible personal magnetism; armed with the quiet dignity of
perfect self-control, and the genius of her brilliant mind, so broadly
cultured; an adept in psychic lore; an entertaining and eloquent
conversationalist, our heroine created a profound sensation in the most
select circles of the social world. Everywhere she was the center of
attraction, surrounded by admiring throngs of cultured people,
representing wealth and leisure, who hastened to pay homage to her as a
Twentieth Century society goddess, whose wand of magic controlled
millions of money. In the homes of the exclusive few, she was hailed as
a thrice welcome guest; celebrities, ranking high as statesmen,
soldiers, poets, artists, authors, representative professional men and
leading men of business, were completely charmed and curiously
fascinated by this new queen of the social realm, and vied with each
other in eager efforts to win her favor and perhaps her friendship, in
the hope of gaining admittance to the very limited circle of fortunate
people who were the recipients of invitations to the famous dinners,
receptions and entertainments at Fenwick Hall. These people
instinctively felt the attractive power of some silent, mysterious
force, some high motive, which, combined with dazzling beauty and
brilliant genius, drew them to her side, without the wish or power to
resist.

This phenomenal wave of popularity continued to increase until a choice
of the best people in every branch of the social world, was at the
command of this new leader of the exclusive set; they were ready to
assist in carrying forward any progressive movement she might choose, by
her championship to make the fashion. However, this universal
willingness to follow her leadership, seemed based on a firm conviction
in some way unconsciously established in the minds of her devotees, that
all of Fern Fenwick's plans and purposes were for the good of humanity,
wisely guided by a skill and ju