''Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch'' is a 1913 novel by

L. Frank Baum Lyman Frank Baum (; May 15, 1856 – May 6, 1919) was an American author best known for his children's books, particularly ''The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'' and its sequels. He wrote 14 novels in the ''Oz'' series, plus 41 other novels (not includ ...

writing as "Edith Van Dyne". The novel depicts a story of racial tension on the California ranch owned by the progressive-minded Arthur Weldon and Louise Merrick Weldon, who have entrusted their baby, Jane, nicknamed "Toodlums," to a

Mexican Mexican may refer to: Mexico and its culture *Being related to, from, or connected to the country of Mexico, in North America ** People *** Mexicans, inhabitants of the country Mexico and their descendants *** Mexica, ancient indigenous people ...

governess named Inez. Louise's uncle, John Merrick, is not pleased with her choice and brings Mildred Travers, an American nurse from New York to serve as governess. Out of appreciation to Uncle John, the Weldons accept her as nominal head governess with Inez as an assistant, finding her of great value. Inez does not see it that way and becomes very possessive, as well as protective, of baby Jane. The ranch was built by a Spanish lord and contains secret passages within some of the walls. Inez and some other Mexicans insist that the house is haunted, but the Weldons are convinced that the sounds are only of rats. Mildred, in fact, has a connection to the house, as her father was a friend of the former owner, who was delighted to show her the entrances to these passages that no one else has seen.

References

Baum, L. Frank (Edith Van Dyne). ''Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch''. Chicago, The Reilly & Britton Company, 1913.

External links

* Aunt Jane's Nieces books 1913 American novels Novels set in California 1913 children's books {{1910s-ya-novel-stub