Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad

  CHAPTER XXXI

  SAFE HOME

  "To me," said Uncle John, as he stood on the deck and pointed proudly tothe statue of Liberty in New York harbor, "that is the prettiest sightI've seen since I left home."

  "Prettier than the old masters, Uncle?" asked Patsy, mischievously.

  "Yes, or the cathedrals!" he retorted.

  When they reached the dock there was the Major waiting to receive Patsyin a new checked suit with a big flower in his button-hole and a broadsmile on his jolly face.

  And there was Mrs. Merrick, too, with Arthur Weldon beside her, whichproved to Louise that he had succeeded in making his peace with hermother. Also there were the stern-featured custom-house officials intheir uniforms, and the sight of them sent the cold chills flying downUncle John's spine.

  There was no one present to receive Beth, but her uncle tucked her armunderneath his own with a proud gesture and kept her close beside him.For the girl had quite won his loving old heart on this trip, and sheseemed to him more mature and far sweeter than when they had left home.

  But the greetings and the "brigandage" were soon over, and in good timethey were all assembled in the Doyle flat, where the joyous Major hadprepared an elaborate dinner to celebrate the return of the wanderers.

  "We've a million pipes and pocket-books for you, daddy," whisperedPatsy, hugging him for the twentieth time; "and I've got a thousandthings to tell you about our adventures in strange lands."

  "Save 'em till we're alone," said the Major; "they're too good to wasteon a crowd."

  Mr. Merrick was placed at the head of the table to make a speech. It wasbrief and to the point.

  "I promised these young ladies to give them time of their lives," hesaid, "Did I do it, girls?"

  And in a lively chorus they answered:

  "You did, Uncle John!"