Amy Ella Blanchard

“ I have seen a Douglas squirrel and a water ousel and I don't know what all."
"Why, Mary Lee!" Miss Helen and Nan both looked astonished. "You have done more than we," said Miss Helen.
"It's like the old adage that says he who stays at home sees more than he who goes to Rome," said Nan. "We had an awful ride. Such precipices, such narrow, narrow paths! I didn't dare to look down and in some places I felt just as if I couldn't stand it. I wanted to scream but all I could do was to shut my eyes and trust to my burro to get me back all right. ”

“ I am alone." She said these last words so sadly that Mary Lee was seized with an overwhelming pity, and kneeling down showered kisses upon her hands. "You are not alone," she cried. "We love you; all of us do. Oh, if mother and Aunt Helen would only take you home with us you should never feel alone."
The tears rose to Miss de Garcia's eyes. "I have talked too much of myself," she said, "but it has done me good. It is my birthday and no one knew. You are very kind, very dear, to feel so sympathy for me; as the Spanish say, you are very friend to me. ”

“ The electric lights from the street made a delicate design of the leafy vines; the mingled scent of roses, orange-blossoms and heliotrope was wafted to them. Jack, tired out, fell asleep with her head on Nan's shoulder. Jean sat in her mother's lap drowsily listening to the soft twanging of the guitar. It suited well the balmy, semi-tropical night. As Miss Dolores finished her song Carter turned to Miss Helen.
"I'm not going to stay, so there. Whether or not you want me to go along, I'm going. I reckon if Mrs. Corner can stand a change I can." ”

“ Mary Lee was bubbling over with excitement. Her usual calmness had disappeared entirely under pressure of the occasion. She poured forth into Nan's willing ear the story she had heard from Miss Dolores. "Isn't it romantic?" she said at last, pausing to take breath.
"I should think so," returned Nan, briskly beating eggs. "Why, Mary Lee, it is just like Ramona. She was adopted by her aunt and didn't know her father's name and all that. Isn't it queer? Do you suppose she will marry an Indian like Allessandro? Dear me, it is just like a story." ”

“ Every stone seems to have a history, and the very bells peal out some bygone story. One misses that here. There is so much that is startlingly new; it is the oldness, the worn stones, the delightful subdued color which pleases the eye over there. If it were not for the old missions I should find even California garish and crude, I am afraid."
This sounded like rank heresy to Nan, but she was satisfied that Aunt Helen believed what she said.
"It suits many persons better than Italy," Miss Helen went on, "but it doesn't happen to suit me so well. ”

“ The thought of what it meant was upon Nan now and she did not listen to the fairy tale which Mary Lee was taking her turn in reading. The world was full of fairy tales, Nan thought, and they were almost living in one themselves, for was not Aunt Helen the fairy godmother who had made present delights possible. She smiled up at her aunt and left the group to follow the fortunes of sweet Babette while she joined the two who sat a little apart.
"The world is a mighty nice place most anywhere, when you are happy, isn't it, Aunt Helen?" ”

“ Nan, Mary Lee and the señorita left their elders sitting on the veranda, Mrs. Sanders a pleasant, homely woman, being glad to entertain them while the girls and their governess wandered out to the orange grove where the great golden globes of luscious fruit were hanging. "Help yourselves to anything you see," had been Mr. Sanders' hospitable charge, and they did not disregard it when it came to oranges. ”

“ The girls looked at each other. "We would like so much to get a granddaughter for you," said Nan, "and if we were not all so fond of one another you could have one of us, but we would be wicked to leave mother."
"I don't see anything but to keep you out here," replied Mr. Pinckney. "If the climate helps your mother why shouldn't you stay?"
"Oh, we'd like it," said Nan, "but I don't believe mother and Aunt Helen would want to stay forever."
"It's hard to suit everybody, isn't it?" said Mr. Pinckney. "I suppose the day will come when I shall want to go East again myself. ”

“ It promised to be a delightful trip. Each of the girls settled herself according to her liking. Mary Lee with Miss Dolores by her side was supremely happy, while Jean was content to sit on the same seat with these two. Nan could turn to her Aunt Helen on her right and to her mother on her left, so she was suited, while Jack occupied what to her was the place of honor, by Carter's side. His goggles sent her into shrieks of laughter every time he turned his eyes her way. "You look like some funny bug," she told him. "Like a grasshopper on its hind legs, with poppy eyes and a funny cap." ”

“ Nan laughed. "You little goosey, you know there will. You don't suppose Christmas is like a groundhog that only stays out when it doesn't see its shadow. Christmas comes anywhere and in any weather."
This relieved Jean's mind on that score and she settled back in the carriage and began thinking what she would like Santa Claus to bring her while the others looked out upon the road leading by Old Town and thought of the changes which had taken place since Junipero Serra first came that way to plant his mission.
"Shouldn't you like to have been there then?" said Nan to her Aunt Helen. ”

“ Don't you suppose I know how young things eat?"
"Young things!" scoffed Carter. "Is thy servant a colt or a calf?"
"I must be a robin," declared Nan, "I forget how many times its own weight a young robin can eat in the course of twenty-four hours."
"Let's just eat and not talk about it," said Mary Lee.
"Good!" cried Carter. "That's the most sensible remark yet. I second the motion. Tell us some more about Jo Poker, Mary Lee."
"I've told you everything, I believe. He doesn't seem to be an ignorant man, for he knows about all sorts of things and tells you of them in such an interesting way." ”

“ Miss Dolores smiled at her half sadly. "I think I best not go," she said. "I am not used to such societies as teas and merry-makes. I have lived very quietly, you know."
"Yes, but you are too young to keep on living very quietly," said Miss Helen. "You should be young and happy while you may. Mrs. Roberts wants you very much, and so do all of us." ”

“ We all were snoozing away in Virginia and you never dreamed of there being four Corners in the world. Then because Jack stuck in the elevator we stayed over in New Orleans, and because we stayed over we went to the candy shop and there we got acquainted with you, Mr. St. Nick. Then, because Aunt Helen dropped her handkerchief she found the señorita—I beg your pardon, I mustn't say that any more; she's always to be Miss Dolores to us. So things just happen all the time without our planning and who knows what lovely things are ahead of us. ”

“ If you like, yes. I do not object that you say Miss Dolores."
"It makes you seem nearer; it is not so distant and formal as Miss de Garcia, and I love you so much."
"I am pleased if you do," was the reply. "One finds not too many to love one as the years pass, as time rolls on."
"I don't see how any one could help loving you. I should think thousands would," said Mary Lee in the fulness of her devotion.
"My aunt did love me; my grandfazer, too; when I was a child in Mexico."
"Oh, did you live in Mexico?"
"I went many times to visit my grandfazer. He was at one time of California. ”

“ But several rainy days did delay their start and in the meantime Nan and Mary Lee read "Ramona" zealously, becoming more and more fired with indignation at the treatment of the Indians, and more and more interested in the work of the padres.
"I am almost ashamed of being an American," said Nan with vehemence. "I never was before in my life, but when I think of those poor Indians driven out of their homes, and of how those dear old padres worked so hard for them to have their labor for nothing, it makes my blood boil. I am just ashamed of ourselves." ”

“ Nan went on. "I think he needs a doctor, myself."
"Oh, Nan," said Jean reproachfully, "you're spoiling the play. We are just pretending everything. I don't think Mr. St. Nick looks like the pictures of Pharaoh, but he has to do, for there isn't any one else."
"He makes a very good king, I think," remarked Jack busying herself with her long train. "Carter has to be Aaron, you know."
"Do you think I resemble my brother, Nan?" inquired Carter in an anxious tone.
Nan laughed. "You're not so mumpy and dumpy and lumpy looking as Moses." ”

“ Nan's eyes had wandered to where Jack sat. "She is a little rapscallion to go off and leave the salted almonds to take care of themselves. That's just like Jack; she is so eager to help always, but she doesn't stick to things. I'm afraid," continued the girl, "I am a little that way myself, though I am trying to get more stickable. Aunt Helen says that is where girls so often fail. She says they need concentration and that is why she thinks college is good for them. I hate mathematics yet Aunt Helen says I ought to study them particularly just because I don't like to." ”

“ Mary Lee Had Lost all Faith in the Burro.
"But you must, Mary Lee," said Nan. "We aren't near the end yet. We all want to go to the top."
"Well go," said Mary Lee. "I'll wait here."
"By yourself?"
"Why not?"
"Oh, you mustn't; it wouldn't be safe."
"Nothing will hurt me, will it, Mr. O'Neill?" She appealed to the guide.
"Less'n you're skeered of Jack-rabbits and squirls and sich varmints," he replied.
"I'm not scared," maintained Mary Lee stoutly, "not in daylight."
"But you should not stay alone," warned her aunt. "I should not be satisfied to have you." ”

“ Roberts, who was waiting for her. Carter and Mary Lee had gone on ahead.
Charlotte turned to Mrs. Roberts and made the confession: "I would give anything to be as delightfully easy as Nan is. She is never embarrassed and always knows just what to say. She is the brightest girl I ever saw. I don't mean that she is so very, very intellectual, for there are a great many things she has not read, things that most of my girl friends know all about, but she is so originally bright. She never says things for effect or as if she were conscious of herself." ”

“ Each week a different flower was used for decoration and Nan enjoyed hugely the appreciation her efforts brought forth. The twins and Mary Lee were scarcely less eager than their eldest sister and were her able helpers while Li Hung could be depended on for some novelty.
And so the golden days passed happily till it seemed that there must be a limit set to continual play and Miss Helen began to look around for a teacher for her nieces.
"I don't think we want them to study too hard," she said to Mrs. Corner, "but they ought not to get into the habit of thinking life must be only pleasuring." ”

“ Mary Lee and Jean were side by side while Mrs. Corner and Miss Helen occupied a third seat. "Just think, Nan, we were never in sleeping cars before," Jack went on.
"In sleeping cars?" exclaimed Nan. "We've scarcely ever been in any cars; I expect we'll get good and tired of them, too, before we get there."
"Oh, but we are to stop off at New Orleans."
"Yes, and other places, too, maybe: Houston and San Antonio, and Mexico, perhaps." She gave Jack a sudden ecstatic squeeze. "Oh, Jack, aren't we lucky to have an Aunt Helen to do all this for us?" ”

“ Nan admired her immensely and felt the influence of her gentle dignity, but Mary Lee fell in love with her in that fond and foolish way that girls sometimes have. She was always at the gate to watch for her approach; she hoarded up dainties for her until her mother said she believed Mary Lee grudged the entire family anything specially good.
Miss Garcia accepted all these attentions with a grave graciousness, but was not spoiled by them. "She is just like a queen," said Mary Lee. "I'd love to dress her in silks and satins and shower jewels upon her. She dresses so very plainly. ”

“ Nan looked at him interestedly. "Well, I can tell you that it won't be good for you to stay around here. There are too many of us to look after this little girl. Our Chinaman keeps a tub of scalding water ready for you if he catches you, and if you try to run away Mr. Barnwell has his automobile always on hand, and if that isn't enough I can easily call up a policeman. I won't answer for what the Chinaman will do if he once gets hold of you. They can do horrible things, you know. He may be on the lookout now." Nan peeped over the hedge as if to discover the lurking Li Hung. ”

“ For, when a somewhat bald head wears a crown it is apt to sit more uneasily than upon one better covered.
"You must have this serape for a robe," insisted Jack, flinging an Indian blanket around him. "We shall have Miss Dolores for Pharaoh's daughter. The shells are too little. I am to be Miriam and we are going to take the little Chinese image for Moses; Mrs. Bobs said we might."
"We don't have to have the ark of bulrushes now," said Jean.
"Put Moses in Pharaoh's daughter's lap," said Jack. "I wish I knew what her name was."
"I can tell you," said Nan; "it was Thermeutis." ”

“ If I were a youngster I should think it rather monotonous if I couldn't switch around from flying kites to coasting and skating once a year. There are people who can live on climate, but I am not one of them. I enjoy California, bless you, yes, but I enjoy New York, too. Now, let us see, when do you leave here?"
"Aunt Helen thinks day after to-morrow. Carter wants some of us to go on his car with him, but I don't think we shall." ”

“ Shall we stay long at the Camulos ranch, do you suppose? Oh, me, I am so happy; I'd like to be a bird and sing, sing all day."
"Your throat would get mighty dry with the dust," remarked Mary Lee from the opposite seat.
"Oh, you are so dreadfully matter-of-fact, Mary Lee," said Nan descending from her raptures. "Let's talk about Ramona and the missions, Aunt Helen. Do you suppose there was really a Ramona? I like to think so."
"We can pretend there was even if there wasn't," answered her aunt. She was always ready to humor Nan's imagination. ”

“ Hotels are such beastly places, you know."
"They are when one is alone. You must consider us old friends, however," said Miss Helen. "I am so pleased to find out you are Molly's son, and if there is a moment's homesickness, Carter, come right here and we will drive it away."
"You are good, Miss Corner. Won't mother be happy when she knows you are here. I say, I am in luck."
"So are we," said Miss Helen, smiling. "There comes Jack, Mary."
Jack, with hanging head, sidled out the door and came hesitatingly forward as her mother held out her hand. "Don't scold her," begged Carter in an undertone. ”

“ I don't exactly approve of your picking up acquaintances, children; it isn't always safe when you are traveling."
"Oh, but he is perfectly safe; I know he is," Nan assured her; "he wouldn't hurt a kitten, and you will say so when you have seen him. He is so jolly and has such a pleasant face. You and Aunt Helen will like him, I know. It was an awfully nice way to pass away the time; going for pralines, I mean, not butting over old gentlemen. We saw some more queer streets and Mr. Pinckney pointed out several interesting places to us. Are the pralines good, Aunt Helen?" ”

“ What angels are these?" he said.
"They are the ones who belong to this Paradise," said Nan quickly.
"Do we look nice, Mr. St. Nick?" asked Jean. "Do you think my frock is pretty? I have worn it only once before and I have on silk stockings. Do you want to see them?" She held out a silken clad foot. "We are all wearing our very nicest things that came from Europe. We think mother is perfectly lovely, but Mary Lee won't say she looks prettier than the señorita."
"What are we to do, Mrs. Bobs?" Jack asked eagerly. This opportunity to help was dear to her heart. ”