Consulting her memoranda as she rode along; in her handsome, tastefully appointed equipage, Diana found that Louise Merrick, one of the three girls she had set out to discover, was the nearest on her route.

One thing was indisputable, however: Louise Merrick was a clever girl, possessing a quick intellect and a keen insight into the character of others.

"John Merrick is a great power in the city.

Mr. Merrick was a newcomer.

And the reason is readily explained when I state the fact that Patsy's Uncle John Merrick, the round little bald-headed man who sat contentedly eating his soup, was a man of many millions, and this girl his favorite niece.

"Jane Merrick is your father's sister," she said, at last, as she thoughtfully folded the letter and placed it upon the table.

John Merrick was a multi-millionaire, to be sure; but there were palliating circumstances that almost excused him.

John Merrick may be a millionaire, but ef he keeps this thing up long he'll be a pauper.

It is a game, Mr. Merrick, just as business is a game, politics a game, and war a game.

Louise Merrick was the eldest of Uncle John's nieces, having just passed her eighteenth birthday.