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Main > Fairy tale > All authors > Frank Baum > Fairy tale "Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad"

Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

Uncle John, casting aside the mask of poverty, came to the relief of all

three girls. He settled the incomes of substantial sums of money upon

both Beth and Louise, making them practically independent. For Patsy he

bought a handsome modern flat building located at 3708 Willing Square,

and installed her and the Major in its cosiest apartment, the rents of

the remaining flats giving the Doyles an adequate income for all time to

come. Here Uncle John, believing himself cordially welcome, as indeed he

was, made his own home, and it required no shrewd guessing to arrive at

the conclusion that little Patsy was destined to inherit some day all

his millions.

The great banking and brokerage firm of Isham, Marvin & Co. had long

managed successfully John Merrick's vast fortune, and at his

solicitation it gave Major Doyle a responsible position in its main

office, with a salary that rendered him independent of his daughter's

suddenly acquired wealth and made him proud and self-respecting.

Money had no power to change the nature of the Doyles. The Major

remained the same simple, honest, courteous yet brusque old warrior who

had won Uncle John's love as a hard working book-keeper; and Patsy's

bright and sunny disposition had certain power to cheer any home,

whether located in a palace or a hovel.

Never before in his life had Uncle John been so supremely happy, and

never before had Aunt Jane's three nieces had so many advantages and

pleasures. It was to confer still further benefits upon these girls that

their eccentric uncle had planned this unexpected European trip.

His telegram to Elizabeth was characteristic:

"Patsy, Louise and I sail for Europe next Tuesday. Will you join us as

my guest? If so, take first train to New York, where I will look after

your outfit. Answer immediately."

That was a message likely to surprise a country girl, but it did not

strike John Merrick as in any way extraordinary. He thought he could

depend upon Beth. She would be as eager to go as he was to have her, and

when he had paid for the telegram he dismissed the matter from further

thought.

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