Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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"Then what is his object?" asked Maud.

"I can't figure it out, as yet. He might pose as a millionaire and a

generous friend and philanthropist for some time, before the truth was

discovered, and during that time he could carry out any secret plans he

had in mind. The boy is more shrewd than he appears to be. We, by chance

saved his life, and at once he attached himself to us like a barnacle,

and we can't shake him off."

"We don't want to," said Patsy.

"My explanation is that he has fallen in love with one of us

girls," suggested Flo, with a mischievous glance at her sister. "I

wonder if it's me?"

"It is more likely," said Louise, "that he has discovered Uncle John to

be a very--prosperous--man."

"Nonsense, my dear!" exclaimed that gentleman, evidently irritated by the

insinuation. "Don't pick the boy to pieces. Give him a chance. So far he

has asked nothing from us, but offers everything. He's a grateful fellow

and is anxious to help you girls carry out your ambitious plans. That is

how I read him, and I think it is absurd to prejudge him in the way you

are doing."

The party broke up, the Stantons and Weldons going to their rooms. Beth

also rose.

"Are you coming to bed, Patsy?" she inquired.

"Not just now," her cousin replied. "Between us, we've rubbed Uncle

John's fur the wrong way and he won't get composed until he has

smoked his good-night cigar. I'll sit with him in this corner and

keep him company."

So the little man and his favorite niece were left together, and he did

not seem in the least ruffled as he lit his cigar and settled down in a

big chair, with Patsy beside him, to enjoy it.

CHAPTER XIV

ISIDORE LE DRIEUX

Perhaps the cigar was half gone when Patsy gave a sudden start and

squeezed Uncle John's hand, which she had been holding in both her own.

"What is it, my dear?"

"The man I told you of. There he is, just across the lobby. The man with

the gray clothes and gray hair."

"Oh, yes; the one lighting a cigar."

"Precisely."

Uncle John gazed across the lobby reflectively.

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