Aunt Janes Nieces on the Ranch

Chapter 3

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Reluctantly the bundle was abandoned to its mother, who carried it to where Mr. Merrick was nervously standing. Yes, yes, he said, touching one cheek gently with the tip of his finger. Itits a fine child, Louise; really aacreditable child. Butehisnt it rathersoft?

Babies, asserted Major Doyle, stiffly, were made to be kissed. Anyhow, thats the penalty they pay for being born helpless. And with this he kissed little Jane on both cheeks with evident satisfaction.

This bravado encouraged Uncle John to do likewise, but after the operation he looked sheepish and awkward, as if he felt that he had taken an unfair advantage of the wee lady.

The rhapsodies were fairly bewildering, yet very pleasant to the young father and mother. While they continued, Mildred Travers quietly took the child from Louise and tenderly bent over it. Only the major noted the little scene that ensued.

The eyes of the dark-skinned Mexican girl flashed sudden fire. She pulled Mildreds sleeve and then fell back discomfited as the cold, fathomless eyes of the trained nurse met her own. For an instant the girl stood irresolute; then with a quick, unexpected motion she tore the infant from Mildreds arms and rushed into the house with it.

Arthur, noticing this last action, laughed lightly. The major frowned. Mildred folded her arms and stood in the background unmoved and unobtrusive. Louise was chatting volubly with her two cousins.

Oh, yes; when Toodlums had the colic. It was some queer Mexican remedy, but Im confident it saved the childs life. The girl is a treasure.

Uncle John coughed and glanced uneasily at Miss Travers, who pretended not to have overheard this conversation. But the major was highly amused and decided it was a good joke on Mr. Merrick. It was so good a joke that it might serve as a basis for many cutting remarks in future discussions. His brother-in-law was so seldom guilty of an error in judgment that Major Doyle, who loved to oppose him because he was so fond of him, hailed Uncle Johns present predicament with pure joy.

Louise created a welcome diversion by ushering them all into the house and through the stately rooms to the open court, where a luncheon table was set beneath the shade of the palms.

Between the infant, the excitement of arrival and admiration for the Weldon establishment, so far surpassing their most ardent anticipations, Beth and Patsy had little desire for food. Uncle John and the major, however, did ample justice to an excellent repast, which was served by two more Mexican maids.

Do you employ only Mexicans for servants? inquired Uncle John, when finally the men were left alone to smoke while the girls, under Louises guidance, explored the house.

Only Mexicans, except for the Chinese cook, replied Arthur. It is impossible to get American help and the j**s I wont have. Some of the ranch hands have been on the place for years, but the house servants I hired after I come here.

Quite right, sir. But I find them faithful and easy to manage. You will notice that I keep two or three times as many house servants as a similar establishment would require in the east; but they are content with much smaller wages. Its the same way on the ranch. Yet without the Mexicans the help problem would be a serious one out here.

I havent been here long enough to find out, answered Arthur, with a smile. So far, Ive done all the paying. We shall harvest a big orange crop next month, and in time the olives will mature; but Ive an idea the expenses will eat up the receipts, by the end of the year.

Why, some of my neighbors are making fortunes, I hear; but they are experienced ranchers. On the other hand, my next neighbor at the north is nearly bankrupt, because hes a greenhorn from the east. Some time, when Ive learned the game, I hope to make this place something more than a plaything.

Youll stay here, then? asked the major, with astonishment. Its the most delightful country on earth, for a residence. Youll admit that, sir, when you know it better.

Meantime the baggage wagon arrived and Patsy and Beth, having picked out their rooms, began to unpack and settle in their new quarters.

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