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

Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

"I am naturally indignant at being drawn into such a thing against

my will, but I doubt if anyone who knows us, or whose opinion we value,

will ever visit a moving picture theatre or see this film. The common

people will not recognize us, of course."

You must not think Beth de Graf was snobbish or aristocratic because of

this speech, which her cousin Patsy promptly denounced as "snippy." Beth

was really a lovable and sunny-tempered girl, very democratic in her

tastes in spite of the fact that she was the possessor of an unusual

fortune. She was out of sorts to-day, resentful of the fright she had

endured that morning and in the mood to say harsh things.

Even Patricia Doyle had been indignant, at first; but Patsy's judgment

was clearer than her cousin's and her nature more responsive. She quickly

saw the humorous side of their adventure and could enjoy the recollection

of her momentary fear.

These two girls were spending the winter months in the glorious climate

of Southern California, chaperoned by their uncle and guardian, John

Merrick. They had recently established themselves at a cosy hotel in

Hollywood, which is a typical California village, yet a suburb of the

great city of Los Angeles. A third niece, older and now married--Louise

Merrick Weldon--lived on a ranch between Los Angeles and San Diego, which

was one reason why Uncle John and his wards had located in this pleasant

neighborhood.

To observe this trio--the simple, complacent little man and his two young

nieces--no stranger would suspect them to be other than ordinary

tourists, bent on escaping the severe Eastern winter; but in New York the

name of John Merrick was spoken with awe in financial circles, where his

many millions made him an important figure. He had practically retired

from active business and his large investments were managed by his

brother-in-law, Major Gregory Doyle, who was Miss Patsy's father and sole

surviving parent. All of Mr. Merrick's present interest in life centered

in his three nieces, and because Louise was happily married and had now

an establishment of her own--including a rather new but very remarkable

baby--Uncle John was drawn closer to the two younger nieces and devoted

himself wholly to their welfare.

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