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Show THE STORY FROM THE BEGINNING Ruined, financially, by the stock market crash, James Nelson, Boston merchant, breaks the news to his household. Nance, his daughter, nineteen, is on the verge of her introduction to society. A short time before, an elderly cousin of Nelson's, Columbine, had written suggesting that Nance come to her at Pine Ridge, Colo., as a paid companion. The offer had been regarded as a ioke. Now Jack, Nancy's seventeen-year-old brother, urges her to accept the proposition, to relieve their father of a financial burden, and offering to go with her so that she will not feel too lonely. The girl agrees that Jack shall write to Cousin Columbine, and they will await her answer. Columbine wires welcome to both of them, and despite some misgivings mis-givings it is arranged that the two shall go. Welcomed by Cousin Columbine, Colum-bine, they are somewhat dismayed by her unconventional attire and man-'nerisms, man-'nerisms, but realize she has character. A young friend of the old lady. Mark Adam, Is introduced. The desolation (to Nance's city Ideas) of Pine Ridge appalls the girl. The newcomers meet Aurora Tubbs, Cousin Columbine's Colum-bine's cook and housekeeper, and Matthew Adam, Mark's older brother. Cousin Columbine explains her reasons for desiring Nance to come to her, and tells some experiences of her 73 years on the plains. Nance gets better bet-ter acquainted with Matthew Adam, and is Impressed by his evident good sense and his good looks. The absence of interesting reading, both in the house and in the community, gives Nance an inspiration. Writing home, she outlines an idea for a public library at Pine Ridge, with a foundation of contributed books. The family makes plans to comply with her wishes. |