Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society

by L. Frank Baum

  CHAPTER VII

  THE HERO ENTERS AND TROUBLE BEGINS

  The Von Taer reception fully launched the three nieces in society.Endorsed by Diana and backed by John Merrick's millions and their ownwinsome charms, they were sure to become favorites in that admirable setto which they had fortunately gained admittance.

  Cards poured in upon them during; the succeeding days and they foundthemselves busy returning calls and attending dinners, fetes, bridgeparties and similar diversions. The great Mrs. Sandringham took adecided fancy to Louise, and when the committee was appointed to arrangefor the social Kermess to be held in December, this dictatorial leaderhad the girl's name included in the list. Naturally the favor led to allthree cousins taking active part in the most famous social event of theseason, and as an especial mark of favoritism they were appointed toconduct the "flower booth," one of the important features of theKermess.

  Mrs. Merrick was in the seventh heaven of ecstatic delight; Uncle Johndeclared his three girls were sure to become shining lights, if notactual constellations, wherever they might be placed; Major Doylegrowled and protested; but was secretly pleased to have "our Patsy thecaptain of the dress parade," where he fondly imagined she outclassedall others. All former denunciations of society at large were nowignored, even by unimpressive Beth, and the girls soon became deeplyinterested in their novel experiences.

  Arthur Weldon sulked at home, unhappy and undecided, for a day or twoafter the reception. Sunday noon he dispatched a messenger to Diana witha note saying he would be unable to keep his appointment with her thatafternoon. Then he went straight to the Merrick home and sent his cardto Louise. The girl flushed, smiled, frowned, and decided to go down.

  No one had ever interested her so much as Arthur Weldon. There had beena spice of romance about their former relations that made her stillregard him as exceptional among mankind. She had been asking herself,since the night of the reception, if she still loved him, but could notcome to a positive conclusion. The boy was no longer "ineligible," as hehad been at first; even Uncle John could now have no serious objectionto him. He was handsome, agreeable, occupied a good social position andwas fairly well off in the way of worldly goods--the last point removingMrs. Merrick's former rejection of Arthur as a desirable son-in-law.

  But girls are wayward and peculiar in such an _affaire du coeur_, andnone of these things might have weighed with Louise had she notdiscovered that Diana Von Taer was in love with Arthur and intended towin him. That aroused the girl's fighting instincts, rendered the youngman doubly important, and easily caused Louise to forget her resentmentat his temporary desertion of her. Perhaps, she reflected, it hadpartially been her own fault. Now that Arthur showed a disposition torenew their friendship, and she might promise herself the satisfactionof defeating Diana's ambitions, it would be diplomatic, at least, toreceive the youth with cordial frankness.

  Therefore she greeted him smilingly and with outstretched hand, saying:

  "This is quite a surprise, Mr. Weldon. I'd a notion you had forgottenme." "No, indeed, Louise! How could you imagine such a thing?" heanswered, reproachfully.

  "There was some evidence of the fact," she asserted archly. "At one timeyou gave me no peace; then you became retiring. At last you disappearedwholly. What could I think, sir, under such circumstances?"

  He stood looking down at her thoughtfully. How pretty she had grown; andhow mature and womanly.

  "Louise," said he, gently, "don't let us indulge in mutual reproaches.Some one must have been at fault and I'll willingly take all the blameif you will forgive me. Once we were--were good friends. We--we intendedto be still more to one another, Louise, but something occurred, I don'tknow what, to--to separate us."

  "Why, you went away," said the girl, laughing; "and that of courseseparated us."

  "You treated me like a beggar; don't forget that part of it, dear. Ofcourse I went away."

  "And consoled yourself with a certain Miss Diana Von Taer. It has latelybeen rumored you are engaged to her." "Me? What nonsense?" But hehushed guiltily, and Louise noted everything and determined he shouldnot escape punishment.

  "Diana, at least, is in earnest," she remarked, with assumedindifference. "You may not care to deny that you have been veryattentive to her."

  "Not especially so," he declared, stoutly.

  "People gossip, you know. And Diana is charming."

  "She's an iceberg!"

  "Oh, you have discovered that? Was she wholly unresponsive, then?"

  "No," he said, with a touch of anger. "I have never cared for Diana,except in a friendly way. She amused me for a while when--when I waswretched. But I never made love to her; not for a moment. Afterward,why--then----"

  "Well; what then?" as he hesitated, growing red again.

  "I found she had taken my careless attentions in earnest, and the playwas getting dangerous. So I went abroad."

  Louise considered this explanation seriously. She believed he wasspeaking the truth, so far as he knew. But at the same time she realizedfrom her own experience that Arthur might as easily deceive himself asDiana in his estimate as to the warmth of the devotion he displayed. Hisnature was impetuous and ardent. That Diana should have taken hisattentions seriously and become infatuated with the handsome youngfellow was not a matter to cause surprise.

  Gradually Louise felt her resentment disappearing. In Arthur's presencethe charm of his personality influenced her to be lenient with hisshortcomings. And his evident desire for a reconciliation found an echoin her own heart.

  Mutual explanations are excellent to clear a murky atmosphere, and anhour's earnest conversation did much to restore these two congenialspirits to their former affectionate relations. Of course Louise did notsuccumb too fully to his pleadings, for her feminine instinct warned herto keep the boy on "the anxious seat" long enough to enable him toappreciate her value and the honor of winning her good graces. Moreover,she made some severe conditions and put him on his good behavior. If heproved worthy, and was steadfast and true, why then the future mightreward him freely.

  Diana had been making careful plans for her interview with Arthur thatSunday afternoon. With no futile attempt to deceive herself as toexistent conditions she coldly weighed the chances in her mental scaleand concluded she had sufficient power to win this unstable youth to herside and induce him to forget that such a person as Louise Merrick everexisted.

  Diana was little experienced in such affairs, it is true. Arthur Weldonhad been her first and only declared admirer, and no one living hadstudied his peculiar nature more critically than this observant girl.Also she knew well her own physical failings. She realized that herpersonality was to many repulsive, rather than attractive, and this inspite of her exquisite form, her perfect breeding and many undeniableaccomplishments. Men, as a rule, seldom remained at her side savethrough politeness, and even seemed to fear her; but never until now hadshe cared for any man sufficiently to wish to retain or interest him.There were unsuspected fascinations lying dormant in her nature, andMiss Von Taer calmly reflected that the exercise of these qualities,backed by her native wit and capacity for intrigue, could easilyaccomplish the object she desired.

  Thus she had planned her campaign and carefully dressed herself inanticipation of Arthur's call when his note came canceling theengagement. After rereading his lame excuse she sat down in a quietcorner and began to think. The first gun had been fired, the battle wason, and like a wise general she carefully marshaled her forces forcombat.

  An hour or two later she turned to her telephone book and called up theMerrick establishment. A voice, that of a maid, evidently, answered her.

  "I wish to speak with Miss Merrick," said Diana.

  Louise, annoyed at being disturbed, left Arthur's side to respond to thecall.

  "Who is it, please?" she asked.

  "Is Mr. Weldon still there, or has he gone?" enquired Diana, disguisingher voice and speaking imperatively.. "Why, he's still here," answeredbewildered Louise; "but who is talking, ple
ase?"

  No answer.

  "Do you wish to speak with Mr. Weldon?" continued the girl, mystified atsuch an odd procedure.

  Diana hung up her receiver, severing the connection. The click of theinstrument assured Louise there was no use in waiting longer, so shereturned to Arthur. She could not even guess who had called her. Arthurcould, though, when he had heard her story, and Diana's impudentmeddling made him distinctly uneasy. He took care not to enlightenLouise, and the incident was soon forgotten by her.

  "It proved just as I expected," mused Diana, huddled in her reclining'chair. "The fool has thrown me over to go to her. But this is notimportant. With the situation so clearly defined I shall know exactlywhat I must do to protect my own interests."

  Mr. Von Taer was away from home that Sunday afternoon, and would notreturn until a late hour. Diana went to the telephone again and afterseveral unsuccessful attempts located her cousin, Mr. Charles ConnoldyMershone, at a club.

  "It's Diana," she said, when at last communication was established. "Iwant you to come over and see me; at once."

  "You'll have to excuse me, Di," was the answer. "I was unceremoniouslykicked out the last time, you know."

  "Father's away. It's all right, Charlie. Come along."

  "Can't see it, my fair cousin. You've all treated me like a bull-pup,and I'm not anxious to mix up with that sort of a relationship. Anythingmore? I'm going to play pool to win my dinner."

  "Funds running low, Charlie?"

  "Worse than that; they're invisible."

  "Then pay attention. Call a taxi at once, and get here as soon as youcan. I'll foot the bill--and any others that happen to be botheringyou."

  A low, surprised whistle came over the wire.

  "What's up, Di?" he asked, with new interest.

  "Come and find out."

  "Can I be useful?"

  "Assuredly; to yourself."

  "All right; I'm on the way."

  He hung up, and Diana gave a sigh of content as she slowly returned toher den and the easy chair, where Mr. Mershone found her "coiled" somehalf hour later.

  "This is a queer go," said the young man, taking a seat and glancingaround with knitted brows. "It isn't so long since dear Uncle Hedriktumbled me out of here neck and crop; and now Cousin Diana invites me toreturn."

  At first glance young Mershone seemed an attractive young fellow, tall,finely formed and well groomed. But his eyes were too close together andhis handsome features bore unmistakable marks of dissipation.

  "You disgraced us a year or so ago, Charlie," said Diana, in her soft,quiet accents, "and under such circumstances we could not tolerate you.You can scarcely blame us for cutting your acquaintance. But now--"

  "Well, now?" he enquired coolly, trying to read her impassive face.

  "I need the services of just such an unscrupulous and clever individualas you have proven yourself to be. I'm willing to pay liberally forthose services, and you doubtless need the money. Are we allies, then?"

  Mershone laughed, with little genuine mirth.

  "Of course, my dear cousin," he responded; "provided you propose anylegal villainy. I'm not partial to the police; but I really need themoney, as you suggest."

  "And you will be faithful?" she asked, regarding him doubtfully.

  "To the cause, you may be sure. But understand me: I balk at murder andburglary. Somehow, the police seem to know me. I'll not do anything thatmight lead to a jail sentence, because there are easier ways to getmoney. However, I don't imagine your proposed plan is very desperate,Diana; it's more liable to be dirty work. Never mind; you may commandme, my dear cousin--if the pay is ample."

  "The pay will be ample if you succeed," she began.

  "I don't like that. I may not succeed."

  "Listen to me, Charlie. Do you know Arthur Weldon?"

  "Slightly; not very well."

  "I intend to marry him. He has paid me marked attentions in the past;but now--he--"

  "Wants to slip the leash. Quite natural, my dear."

  "He has become infatuated with another girl; a light-headed,inexperienced little thing who is likely to marry the first man who asksher. She is very rich--in her own right, too--and her husband will be afortunate man."

  Mershone stared at her. Then he whistled, took a few turns up and downthe room, and reseated himself.

  "Evidently!" he ejaculated, lighting a cigarette without permission andthen leaning back thoughtfully in his chair.

  "Charlie," continued Diana, "you may as well marry Louise Merrick andsettle down to a life of respectability. You've a dashing, masterful waywhich no girl of her sort can long resist. I propose that you makedesperate love to Louise Merrick and so cut Arthur Weldon out of thedeal entirely. My part of the comedy will be to attract him to my sideagain. Now you have the entire proposition in a nutshell."

  He smoked for a time in reflective silence.

  "What's the girl like?" he enquired, presently. "Is she attractive?"

  "Sufficiently so to fascinate Arthur Weldon. Moreover, she has just beenintroduced in our set, and knows nothing of your shady past history.Even if rumors came to her ears, young creatures of her sort often finda subtle charm in a man accused of being 'naughty.'"

  "Humph!"

  "If you win her, you get a wife easily managed and a splendid fortune tosquander as you please."

  "Sounds interesting, Di, doesn't it? But--"

  "In regard to preliminary expenses," she interrupted, calmly, "I havesaid that your reward will be ample when you have won the game. Butmeantime I am willing to invest the necessary funds in the enterprise. Iwill allow you a thousand a month." "Bah! that's nothing at all!" saidhe, contemptuously, as he flicked the ashes from his cigarette.

  "What do you demand, then?"

  "Five hundred a week, in advance. It's an expensive job, Di."

  "Very well; I will give you five hundred a week; but only as long as youwork earnestly to carry out the plot. I shall watch you, Charlie. Andyou must not lose sight of the ultimate reward."

  "I won't, my sweet cousin. It's a bargain," he said, readily enough."When do I begin, and what's the program?"

  "Draw your chair nearer," said Diana, restraining her triumphant joy."I'll explain everything to you in detail. It will be my part to plan,and yours to execute."

  "Good!" he exclaimed, with a cheerful grin. "I feel like an executioneralready!"