Solon Talbot had two strong desires. One was to acquire wealth. The other was to get into good society.
He had moved to the city of New York with the idea of helping himself in both these particulars. He took a house on an up-town street at a considerable rental. It was really beyond his means, but he felt that he must make a good appearance.
He sent Edgar to a fashionable school where he instructed him to be especially attentive to his wealthier schoolfellows. Though Edgar made himself disagreeable to his poor relations, he flattered and fawned upon the boys who he thought could help him socially, for he, like his father, was ambitious to "get into society."
Thus he contrived to get invited to the party given by Maud Gilbert.
When he had compassed this he was greatly elated.
"Father," he said on his return home, "I am invited to Miss Gilbert's party next Thursday evening."
"Do you mean the Gilberts of West Forty-Fifth Street?"
"Yes."
"I am very much pleased, Edgar. Mr. Gilbert is a wealthy merchant, and stands very high in society. How did you manage it?"
"Through Stanley Rayburn, who knows her brother."