Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch

pect him of being a multi-millionaire who might have ordered a special train of private cars had the inclination seized him. A modest little man, who had made an enormous fort

ed by some one as the great New York financier. It is true that he had practically retired from business, but his huge fortune was i

jaunt from Chicago to Los Angeles he was recognized only as an engaging little man who was conducting a party of th

t they were so expressive as to allure and bewitch the beholder, while Mildred Travers' eyes repelled one as being masked-as concealing some well guarded secret. Both the major and Uncle John had felt this and it made the latter somewhat uneasy when he reflected that he was taking this girl to be the trusted nurse of Louise's precious baby. He que

uch vast numbers that only those with family influence are now sure of work. Mildred is by instinct helpful and sympathetic-a natural born nurse, Uncle

s," said Uncle John. "I-I don't like-her eyes. They're hard

g easily and intelligently on a variety of subjects, yet always exhibiting a reserve, as if she held herself to be one apart from the others. Indeed, the girl proved so a

r the fact that they were bringing a "proper" nurse to care for the Weldon baby. The party rested a

ly smothered in embraces by Patsy and Beth, but when she emerged from this ordeal to be hugged and kissed by Uncle

feminine type which matures slowly and seems to bear the mark of perpetual youth. Mrs. Weldon's slight, willowy fo

were more like children playing at "keeping house" than sedate married people. Mildred Travers observed the couple with evident surprise; but the o

e b

rrivals; and Louise, blushing prettily and with a delightful air of p

every living thing flourishes here like the green bay trees-and baby is no exception. Oh, you'll love our quaint old home, Uncle John! An

d the major, hi

icans claim it's the old miser himself. And the oranges are

d a mother, who was just now living in Paris, much to Arthur Weldon's satisfaction. Even Louise did not miss the worldly-minded, self-centered mother

The automobile was a fast one and it swept through the beautiful country, all fresh and green in spite of the fact that it was December, and fragrant with the scent of roses

had erected the present mansion-a splendid, rambling dwelling built around an open court where a fountain splashed and tall palms shot their swaying crowns fa

tor, and were therefore much stronger and harder than ordinary brick. In this climate there is no dampness clinging to such a structure and the rooms were extraordinarily cool in summer and warm in the chill winter season. Surr

sion took her own life. Cristoval, until then a generous and noble man, was completely changed by this catastrophe. During the remainder of his life he was noted for parsimony and greed for money, not unmixed with cruelty. He worked his ignorant Indian and Mexican servants

hted and stood upon the broad stone veranda, "but it is so

!" shriek

blessed baby

rms a soft, fluffy bundle that was instantly pounced u

regarded the scene delightedly. And little Jane seemed to appreciate the importance of