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.

The girls had not been rich when their fairy godfather first found them.  Indeed, each of them had been energetically earning, or preparing to earn, a livelihood.  Now, when their uncle’s generosity had made them wealthy, they almost regretted those former busy days of poverty, being obliged to discover new interests in life in order to keep themselves occupied and contented.  All three were open-handed and open-hearted, sympathetic to the unfortunate and eager to assist those who needed money, as many a poor girl and worthy young fellow could testify.  In all their charities they were strongly supported by Mr. Merrick, whose enormous income permitted him to indulge in many benevolences.  None gave ostentatiously, for they were simple, kindly folk who gave for the pure joy of giving and begrudged all knowledge of their acts to anyone outside their own little circle.