John Merrick was a multi-millionaire, to be sure; but there were palliating circumstances that almost excused him.

He had been so busily occupied in industry that he never noticed how his wealth was piling up until he discovered it by accident.

Then he promptly retired, "to give the other fellows a chance," and he now devoted his life to simple acts of charity and the welfare and entertainment of his three nieces.

He had rescued Major Doyle and his daughter from a lowly condition and placed the former in the great banking house of Isham, Marvin & Company, where John Merrick's vast interests were protected and his income wisely managed.

He had given Patsy this cosy little apartment house at 3708 Willing Square and made his home with her, from which circumstance she had come to be recognized as his favorite niece.
John Merrick was sixty years old.