all the notice society took of them."

He spoke with some bitterness, and Mrs. Groome, to whom dwelling beyond the
outer gates of San Francisco's elect was the ultimate tragedy, responded
sympathetically.

"Society here is not what it used to be, and no doubt is only too glad
to welcome presentable young men. I infer that you have not found it
difficult."

"Oh, I dance well, and my employer's son, Bob Cheever, took me in. But I'm
only tolerated. I don't count."

The old lady looked at him keenly. "You are ambitious?"

He threw back his head. "Well, yes, I am, Mrs. Groome. As far as society
goes it is a matter of self-respect. I feel that I have the right to go in
the best society anywhere--that I am as good as anybody when it comes to
blood. And I'd like to get to the top in every way. I don't mean that I
would or could do the least thing dishonest to get there, as so many men
have done, but--well, I see no crime in being ambitious and using every
chance to get to the top. I'd like not only to be one of the rich and
important men of San Francisco, but to take a part in the big civic
movements."

Mrs. Groome was charmed. She was by no means an impulsive woman, but she
had suddenly realized her age, and if she must soon leave her youngest
child, who, heaven knew, needed a guardian, this young man might be a
son-in-law sent direct from heaven--via the earthquake. If he had real
ability the influential men she knew would see that he had a proper start.