Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch

half reclined in his big chair in a corner of the sitting ro

le, raising her head from her sewing to cast a gla

and a bath, not counting the closets-hot water any time you turn the faucet; a telephone call brings the butcher,

ch

smoking his pipe and dreamily eyeing the flickering gas-log in the grate. The major gave a start and turned to s

from that brutal interruption?

f cheery indifference. "New York in winter is a nightmare. Bl

one. We've the finest restaurants, the best theatres, the biggest stores and-and the s

hed, but filled his

noticed it for some time. This is the first snowstor

y. "It took me by surprise. But I imagine there will be a few days

major in defiant accents, as

be out of it, of course

e New York residence district, belonged in fee to Miss Doyle, it having been a gift from her wealthy uncle. And Uncle John made his home with them, quite content in a seven-room-flat when his millions might have purchased the handsomest establishment in the metropolis. Down in Wall Street and throughout the financial districts the name of the g

his beloved Patsy, whom he worshiped with a species of idolatry, usually accompanied her uncle. It was quite natural for the major to rese

appearance but lacking "style" in either form or apparel. But to her friends Patricia was beautiful. Her big blue eyes, mischievous and laughing, won he

han, but her father and mother, residents of an Ohio town, had treated the girl so selfishly and inconsiderately that she had passed a very unhappy life until Uncle John took her under his wing and removed Beth from her depres

sagreeable winter's day she had set out to visit a settlement school where she had long since proved herself the good angel of a sc

some two years before this story begins. A few months ago Arthur had taken his young wife to California, where he had purchased a fruit ranc

n and the girls, while even the grizzled major was not ashamed to admit that "that Weldon infant" was an important addition to the family. Perhaps little Jane acquired an added interest by being so far away from a

es gathered around him and the infantile marvel in his arms. The same suspicion had crept into Major Doyle's mind, and that is why he so promptly resented the suggestion that New York was not an ideal winter resort. Somehow, the ol

t was understood he would go somewhere, but up to the moment when he declared "we will be out of it, of course,

ed, decided to "have it out" w

to find a better p

o Bermuda," sa

asked the majo

a besides onions. A delightful cl

ather pleased, because Bermuda is so much nearer New Y

that the voyage to Bermuda is the most terrible experience known to mortals. Those who don't die on the way over positively refuse ever to com

he glanced at the majo

I know a man who has taken his family to

'em back aliv

you will admit he cou

r seriously, "must be made of ca

of her low, m

nyhow, whatever pleases Uncle John will plea

le John's benefit: "New York is admitted by men of discretion

ed from contact with the wind and her dark tailor-suit glistened with tin

ing it toward her cousin; "but don't you

Patsy, disregarding the injunction, caught

se face inquiringly. The major stiffened, but could no

ell, P

baby?" aske

a distressed face; "and no do

aped from t

a doctor in the hou

Lawson, right away!"

he letter, turned her eye

er," she sai

o a chair, limp and i

y isn't-dead

st dreadfully, and Louise was in despair. But the nurse, a dark-s

most likely!" ej

!" cried

but almost burned poor l

ides

ear baby is now quite well

k ago, at least. A thousand things might have happened to that child since then. Why was Arthur Weldon such a

, soothingly. "If anything serious

floor. "I doubt if there's such a thing as

John f

a lot more comforts and conveniences on

challenge ye to mention one thing

g the room in time to hear this c

ing more lovely and cunning every se

ews from California Uncle

r that blizzard howl outside, and think of the roses blooming this instant on the trellis of Louise's window. Arthur has two automo

his in a surp

last week I ca

ement, John," said

part of that investment back. They have their own cows, and chickens-as Beth truly says-

remarked Beth, laying the letter on he

ake us to Bermuda," said

down abruptly. The major, notin

a trip," said he. "It doesn't

en Arthur's ranch,

regarding the back of Uncle J

en only by the major's low growls.

alf audibly. "Mexicans are stupid creatures to have around. I think we oug

ched her with that poor girl who was hurt at the school, and she's as gentle and skillful as sh

d she go?" ask

ses are used to sudden calls, you know. I'l

"I suppose you girls ca

ied Patsy and B

s. Major Doyle, you will arrang

won

harge you. You're worki

m, s

obey o