Marion Marlowe in Society, or, A Race for a Title

Marion Marlowe in Society; or, A Race for a Title" by Grace Shirley follows the introduction of Marion Marlowe, a young former actress from the country, into New York high society. The narrative opens with Mrs. Parker Stetson-Stetson, a wealthy, influential society matriarch and noted matchmaker, receiving calls from Mrs. Wurtemburg and Mrs. Van Twiller, who come expressly to glimpse the mysterious debutante. Marion is revealed as a beautiful, modest young woman of rural background. During the visit, an incident with Mrs. Stetson's Irish setter dog provides immediate character demonstration, with Marion heroically controlling the animal to protect a frightened maid. Mrs. Stetson announces plans for a select party and reveals that an English peer, Lord Curry, will be her guest through Christmas, establishing the matchmaking plot involving Marion and the titled gentleman.