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Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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"They are the poor people's solace and recreation," declared Mr. Merrick.

"The picture theatre has become the laboring man's favorite resort. It

costs him but five or ten cents and it's the sort of show he can

appreciate. I'm told the motion picture is considered the saloon's worst

enemy, for many a man is taking his wife and children to a picture

theatre evenings instead of joining a gang of his fellows before the bar,

as he formerly did."

"That is the best argument in their favor I have ever heard," admitted

Beth, who was strong on temperance; "but I hope, Uncle, you are not

defending the insolent methods of those picture-makers."

"Not at all, my dear. I consider the trapping of innocent bystanders to

be--eh--er--highly reprehensible, and perhaps worse. If I can discover

what picture manager was guilty of the act, I shall--shall--"

"What, Uncle?"

"I shall hint that he owes you an apology," he concluded, rather lamely.

Beth smiled scornfully.

"Meantime," said she, "two very respectable girls, who are not actresses,

will be exhibited before the critical eyes of millions of stupid workmen,

reformed drunkards, sad-faced women and wiggling children--not in

dignified attitudes, mind you, but scurrying from what they supposed was

an imminent danger."

"I hope it will do the poor things good to see us," retorted Patsy. "To

be strictly honest, Beth, we were not trapped at all; we were the victims

of circumstances. When I remember how quick-witted and alert that manager

was, to catch us unawares and so add to the value of his picture, I can

quite forgive the fellow his audacity."

"It wasn't audacity so much as downright impudence!" persisted Beth.

"I quite agree with you," said Mr. Merrick. "Do you wish me to buy that

film and prevent the picture's being shown?"

"Oh, no!" cried Patsy in protest. "I'm dying to see how we look. I

wouldn't have that picture sidetracked for anything."

"And you, Beth?"

"Really, Uncle John, the thing is not worth worrying over," replied his

niece.

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