Aunt Janes Nieces Out West | Page 6

nature I have aimed at. Those indifferent rich men
are very hard to move and you must figuratively hit them squarely
between the eyes to make them even wink."
They were silent for a time, considering this novel aspect of the picture
business. Then Beth asked:
"Can you tell us, sir, when and where we shall be able to see this
picture?"
"It will be released next Monday."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that we, as manufacturers, supply certain agencies in all the
large cities, who in turn rent our films to the many picture theatres.
When a picture is ready, we send copies to all our agencies and set a
day when they may release it, or give it to their customers to use. In
this way the picture will be shown in all parts of the United States on
the same day--in this case, next Monday."

"Isn't that very quick?"
"Yes. The picture we took yesterday will to-night be shipped, all
complete and ready to run, to forty-four different centers."
"And will any picture theatre in Hollywood or Los Angeles show it?"
"Certainly. It will be at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles and at the Isis
Theatre in Hollywood, for the entire week."
"We shall certainly see it," announced Uncle John.
When Mr. Werner had gone they conversed for some time on the
subject of motion pictures, and the man's remarkable statement
concerning them.
"I had no idea," Beth confessed, "that the industry of making pictures is
so extensive and involves so much thought and detail."
"And money," added Uncle John. "It must be a great expense just to
employ that army of actors."
"I suppose Mr. Werner, being a theatrical man, has drawn the long bow
in his effort to impress us," said Patsy. "I've been thinking over some of
the pictures I've seen recently and I can't imagine a moral, however
intangible or illusive, in connection with any of them. But perhaps I
wasn't observant enough. The next time I go to a picture show I shall
study the plays more carefully."

CHAPTER III
AN ATTRACTIVE GIRL
On Saturday they were treated to a genuine surprise, for when the
omnibus drew up before the hotel entrance it brought Arthur Weldon
and his girl-wife, Louise, who was Uncle John's eldest niece. It also
brought "the Cherub," a wee dimpled baby hugged closely in the arms

of Inez, its Mexican nurse.
Patsy and Beth shrieked in ecstasy as they rushed forward to smother
"Toodlums," as they irreverently called the Cherub, with kisses. Inez, a
handsome, dark-eyed girl, relinquished her burden cheerfully to the two
adoring "aunties," while Uncle John kissed Louise and warmly shook
the hand of her youthful husband.
"What in the world induced you to abandon your beloved ranch?"
inquired Mr. Merrick.
"Don't ask me, sir!" replied Arthur, laughing at the elder gentleman's
astonishment. He was a trim young fellow, with a clean-cut, manly face
and frank, winning manners.
"It's sort of between hay and grass with us, you know," he explained.
"Walnuts all marketed and oranges not ready for the pickers. All our
neighbors have migrated, this way or that, for their regular winter
vacations, and after you all left, Louise and I began to feel lonely. So at
breakfast this morning we decided to flit. At ten o'clock we caught the
express, and here we are--in time for lunch. I hope it's ready, Uncle
John."
It was; but they must get their rooms and settle the baby in her new
quarters before venturing to enter the dining room. So they were late
for the midday meal and found themselves almost the only guests in the
great dining hall.
As they sat at table, chatting merrily together, Arthur asked:
"What are you staring at, Patsy?"
"A lovely girl," said she. "One of the loveliest girls I have ever seen.
Don't look around, Arthur; it might attract their attention."
"How many girls are there?"
"Two; and a lady who seems to be their mother. The other girl is pretty,

too, but much younger than her sister--or friend, for they do not
resemble one another much. They came in a few minutes ago and are
seated at the table in the opposite corner."
"New arrivals, I suppose," remarked Uncle John, who from his position
could observe the group.
"No," said Patsy; "their waitress seems to know them well. But I've
never before seen them in the hotel."
"We are always early at meal time," explained Beth, "and to-day these
people are certainly late. But they are pretty girls, Patsy. For once I
concur in your judgment."
"You arouse my curiosity," said Arthur, speaking quietly, so as not to
be overheard in the far corner. "If I hear more ecstatic praises of these
girls I shall turn around