The Popular Girl by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Short summary

5 seconds

Yancy’s father died, leaving her without money. She tries to seduce a rich young man in love with her. He knows about her bankruptcy and supports Yancy’s game so as not to offend her beloved.

1 minute

Belle Yancy’s father is a noble man but a drinker. The girl tries to keep him from drinking and tries to get him home from the bar in time.

One day she meets rich orphan Scott. The young man falls in love with the girl and starts courting. Yancy’s father gets drunk at a nearby bar, Scott takes him home and leaves for New York.

At home, the girl’s father dies unexpectedly. Yancy discovers that she is left with no money. She sees her salvation in her marriage to Scott. In addition, she likes him very much.

With her last money the girl comes to New York and tries to whet Scott’s interest. She tries to create the appearance of her wealth and popularity with men.

The girl has no idea that her tricks are in vain — Scott has long been aware of her bankruptcy. Pretending not to know anything about the girl’s situation, the young man takes her to his home.