"It was only a fool notion, anyway; just a thought, badly expressed, to help my girls to a toy that money can't buy." Hedrik Von Taer gazed steadily into the man's face.

There was something in the simple, honest self-abnegation of this wealthy and important person that won the respect of all he met.

The broker's stern eyes softened a bit as he gazed and he allowed a fugitive smile, due to his own change of attitude, to wreathe his thin lips again--just for an instant.
"Sit down, please, Mr.Merrick," he requested, and rather reluctantly Uncle John resumed his seat.

"You may not have an especially clear idea of New York society, and I want to explain my recent remark so that you will understand it.

What is called 'the 400' may or may not exist; but certainly it is no distinct league or association.