"Perhaps our names will be in the papers." "They're there already," announced Mr.Merrick, picking up the Sunday paper that lay beside him.
A chorus of exclamations was followed by a dive for the paper, and even the Major smiled grimly as he observed the three girlish heads close together and three pair of eager eyes scanning swiftly the society columns.
"Here it is!" cried Patsy, dancing up and down like a school-girl; and Louise read in a dignified voice--which trembled slightly with excitement and pleasure--the following item: "Miss Von Taer will receive next Thursday evening at the family mansion in honor of Miss Merrick, Miss Doyle and Miss De Graf.

These three charming _debutantes_ are nieces of John Merrick, the famous tin-plate magnate." "Phoo!" growled the Major, during the impressive hush that followed; "that's it, exactly.

Your names are printed because you're John Merrick's nieces.

If it hadn't been for tin-plate, my dears, society never would 'a' known ye at all, at all!".