Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville by Edith Van Dyne
page 104 of 213 (48%)
page 104 of 213 (48%)
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instincts, had not Beth accidentally stumbled upon a solution of the
whole mystery? But Patsy would not believe it. If Thomas' open countenance lied, it was hard to put faith in any one. CHAPTER XII. THE BAITING OF PEGGY M'NUTT. By this time the three nieces were so thoroughly impressed with the importance of the task they had undertaken that more ordinary things failed to interest them. Louise longed to solve the mystery. Beth wanted to punish the wrongdoers. Patsy yearned to exonerate the friends whom she imagined unjustly accused. Therefore the triple alliance for detective purposes was a strong one. By mutual agreement they kept the matter secret from Uncle John, for they realized what a triumph it would be to surprise the old gentleman with proofs of their cleverness. To confide in him now would mean to invite no end of ridicule or good natured raillery, for Uncle John had not a grain of imagination or romance in his nature and would be unable to comprehend the delights of this secret investigation. Because he was in the dark the significant looks and unnatural gravity of his nieces in the succeeding days puzzled the poor man greatly. "What's wrong, girls?" he would ask. "Aren't you happy here? Do you miss |
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