“Of course, to laugh at———”
“You read it, nevertheless; and therefore justify those columns in the newspaper.”
“A newspaper is supposed to tell the news—the news!” he emphasized.
“Isn’t the social column news?”
“No. It’s a free advertising column for social climbers.”
“Which you and everybody else reads, either because of your gaping curiosity, or because you are a cynical old stick.”
“Exactly!”
This time Mumsie had downed Uncle beautifully and I was glad. Uncle did not seem to mind, however, for he turned to me and continued:
“Remember, my dear, as your young mind seems set upon these vain things, Mrs. Malone is a woman who can make or break the social future of any boy or girl in this city. That is why she can command almost any invitation she cares to ask for. Our lady society-writers on the whole, and Mrs. Malone in particular, are, anyhow, just.”
“They are, and kindly too,” agreed Mr. Bang. “Of course, they display their personal bias occasionally; they would not be human, if they didn’t. I know one girl at least who first gained a reputation as a belle and then won a rich husband through Mrs. Malone’s good offices.”