Then she took in her hand the paper containing the addresses of the three girls and regarded it thoughtfully.
"It is a curious request, _mon pere_," she said, in her soft, even tones; "but one we cannot diplomatically disregard.

Provided, however--" "Yes, Diana;" as she paused.
"Provided these prospective _debutantes_ are not wholly impossible." "I realize that," returned her father.

"John Merrick is a great power in the city.

He has been useful to me, and may be again.

I have this chance to win him.