Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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"And just think of it," said Patsy, when he had gone. "We don't know yet

what that 'A' stands for!"

"Arthur," suggested Louise.

"Albert," said Beth.

"Or Algernon," added Uncle John with a chuckle.

"But we haven't seen the last of him yet," declared Miss Doyle. "I've a

romance all plotted, of which A. Jones is to be the hero. He will fall in

love with Maud and carry her away to his island!"

"I'm not so sure of that result," observed Uncle John thoughtfully. "It

wouldn't astonish me to have him fall in love with Maud Stanton; we've

all done that, you know; but could Maud--could any girl--be attracted by

a lean, dismal boy with a weak stomach, such as A. Jones?"

"Even with these drawbacks he is quite interesting," asserted Beth.

"He is sure to win her sympathy," said Louise.

"But, above all," declared Patsy, "he has an island, inherited from his

royal daddy. That island would count for a lot, with any girl!"

CHAPTER VII

THE INVALID

The girls intercepted Maud Stanton when she returned to the hotel that

evening, and told her all about A. Jones. The tale was finished long

before that dyspeptic youth had wakened from his slumbers. Then they all

dressed for dinner and afterward met in the lobby, where Uncle John told

them he had arranged to have a big round table prepared for the entire

party, including a seat for A. Jones, who might like to join them.

However, the young man did not make his appearance, and as they trooped

into the dining room Patsy said resentfully:

"I believe A. Jones is in a trance and needs rolling on a barrel again."

"He probably found himself too weak to appear in public," replied Flo

Stanton. "I'm sure if I had been all but drowned a few hours ago, I would

prefer bed to society."

"I'm astonished that he summoned energy to visit us at all," declared

Mrs. Montrose. "He may be weak and ill, but at least he is grateful."

"Jones seems a vary gentlemanly young fellow," said Mr. Merrick. "He is a

bit shy and retiring, which is perhaps due to his lonely life on his

island; but I think he has been well brought up.

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