"Have you made the acquaintance of Miss Gilbert?"
"Yes, I met her walking with Stanley on Fifth Avenue. He introduced me."
"I should hardly think she would have invited you on such short acquaintance."
"I got Stanley to make a personal request of her. She objected at first, but finally came round. Stanley says she is very good-natured and obliging."
"Luckily for you. Well, I am glad you have the invitation. It will be an entering wedge. You must try to get acquainted with as many of her guests as possible."
"Trust me for that, father. I know on which side my bread is buttered."
"I know you are sensible. You quite accord with me in your views on this subject. As for your mother she has no proper pride. She would be contented to associate with persons in the same social position as Mrs. Mason and Mark. This very morning she applied to me for permission to call upon her sister."
"Of course you refused."
"Of course. Not but I would consent if your aunt, instigated by Mark, had not acted in such an extraordinary way about signing a release to me as administrator to your grandfather's estate."
"What is her reason?"