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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/20945-8.txt b/20945-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8732969 --- /dev/null +++ b/20945-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7687 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Patty Blossom, by Carolyn Wells + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Patty Blossom + + +Author: Carolyn Wells + + + +Release Date: March 30, 2007 [eBook #20945] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY BLOSSOM*** + + +E-text prepared by Al Haines + + + +PATTY BLOSSOM + +by + +CAROLYN WELLS + +Author of +The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, +Two Little Women Series, etc. + + + + + + + +New York +Dodd, Mead and Company +1927 + +Copyright, 1917 +by Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I SAM BLANEY + II A STUDIO PARTY + III PHILIP OBJECTS + IV PATTY STAYS LATE + V AT RED CHIMNEYS + VI A SOCIETY CIRCUS + VII A CLEVER PLAN + VIII A REAL POEM + IX A SHOWER + X MONA'S WEDDING + XI THE CITY STUDIO + XII AN ODD DINNER PARTY + XIII ELISE AND PATTY + XIV PATTY'S DANCE + XV THE CHRISTMAS PARTY + XVI A STOLEN POEM + XVII PATTY'S DECISION + XVIII THE HOUSE SALE + XIX PATTY RUNAWAY + XX BLOSSOM GIRL + + + + +Patty Blossom + + +CHAPTER I + +SAM BLANEY + + "Patty, Patty, pit-a-pat, + Grinning like a Chessy Cat, + +if you don't stop looking so everlasting cheerful, I'll throw something +at you!" + +"Throw," returned Patty, as her grin perceptibly and purposely widened +to the full extent of her scarlet lips. + +"All right!" and Elise threw a sofa cushion and another and another, +following them up with a knitted afghan, a silk slumber robe, and then +beginning on a pile of newspapers. + +Patty, who was lounging on a broad divan, protected her face with a +down pillow, and contentedly endured the avalanche. + +Then, as the enemy's stock of missiles gave out, she sat up, flinging +the impedimenta right and left, and her smiling face and tumbled curls +triumphantly braved further assault. + +"It's snowing like the very dickens," Elise declared, disconsolately. + +"I don't see any snow," and Patty shut her blue eyes tight. + +"Of course you don't, you old goose! If a roaring Bengal tiger stood +in front of you, with full intent of eating you at once, you'd shut +your eyes and say, 'There isn't any tiger there.' That is, if you had +time to get the words out before you slipped down his throat." + +Leisurely, Patty got up, shook her rumpled skirts, and walked to the +window. + +"It does look like snow," she observed, critically eyeing the landscape. + +"Look like snow!" cried Elise; "it's a blizzard, that's what it is!" + +"Well, doesn't a blizzard look like snow? It does to me. And I don't +know anything nicer than a whole long day in the house. I'm having the +time of my life." + +Patty threw herself into a big armchair, in front of the blazing log +fire, and contentedly held out her slippered feet to the glowing warmth. + +"But we were going to play tennis, and----" + +"My dear child, tennis will keep. And what's the use of growling? As +you remark, it is a young blizzard, and we can't possibly stop it, so +let's make the best of it, and have what is known in the kiddy-books as +Indoor Pastimes." + +"Patty, you're enough to exasperate a saint! You and your eternal +cheerfulness!" + +"All right, anything to please," and Patty assumed a doleful +expression, drew down the corners of her mouth, and wrung her hands in +mock despair. + +"Isn't it mean," she wailed; "here's this horrid, hateful old +snowstorm, and we can't go outdoors or anything! I'm mad as a hornet, +as a hatter, as a wet hen, as a March hare, as a--as hops, as--what +else gets awful mad, Elise?" + +"I shall, if you continue to act like an idiot!" + +"My good heavens!" and Patty rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, +"there's no pleasing her--positively _no_ pleasing her! What to do! +What to do!" + +But Elise's face had cleared up, and as she looked from the window, she +smiled gaily. + +"He's coming!" she cried, "Sam's coming!" + +Patty hastily adjusted her dignity and sat up with a formal air to +greet the visitor, while Elise scrabbled up the sofa cushions and +newspapers. + +The girls were down at Lakewood. Patty was the guest of Elise, whose +family had taken a cottage there for the season. That is, it was +called a cottage, but was in reality an immense house, most comfortably +and delightfully appointed. Patty was still supposed to be +convalescing from her recent illness, but, as a matter of fact, she had +regained her health and strength, and, though never robust, was +entirely well. + +The invitation to Pine Laurel, as the house was called, was a welcome +one, and the elder Fairfields were glad to have Patty go there for a +fortnight or so. She had arrived but the day before, and now the +unexpected snowstorm had spoiled the plans for tennis and other outdoor +affairs. Though it was late November, it was early for such a +tempestuous snowstorm, and the weather-wise ones opined that it was a +mere swift and sudden flurry. + +Patty, with her usual adaptability to circumstances, didn't care much, +and felt pretty sure the storm would depart as quickly as it had +gathered. She was quite willing to stay indoors a day or two if need +be, and could easily amuse herself in many ways. Not so Elise. She +was impatient and impetuous, and was always greatly put out if her +plans went awry. But the diversion of an unexpected guest roused her +to animation and she poked the logs to a brighter blaze by way of +welcome. + +After the sound of stamping and whisking off snow in the hall, a young +man came into the pleasant sun-parlour where the girls were. + +It was with difficulty that Patty concealed her amazement as she looked +at him. He was of a type that she had heard of, but had never before +chanced to meet. + +Mechanically, she went through the formalities of the introduction, and +sat staring at him, without realising that she was doing so. + +"Well," said Sam Blaney, at last, "what about it? Do I get a blue +ribbon?" + +"Oh, I beg your pardon!" and Patty blushed at her rudeness. "You see, +you er--you reminded me of somebody I have met----" + +"No, you mean I remind you of somebody you never have met, but are glad +to discover at last." + +Patty laughed outright, for the words so definitely expressed her state +of mind. Thus encouraged, she continued to look at him. + +Blaney was not so extraordinary of appearance, but he presented the +effects of the class known as artistic. His thick, fair hair, while it +could scarcely be called long, was a trifle longer than the +conventional cut. His collar, while not Byronic, was low, and he wore +a Windsor tie, of a sickly, pale green. He was a big man, but +loose-jointed and ungainly of build. His manners were careless, and +his voice was low and soft. He had big grey eyes, which seemed +especially noticeable by reason of enormous tortoise-rimmed glasses, +whose long, thick bows hooked over his ears. + +"You are a poet," Patty said, decisively, after a smiling survey; "and +you are right, I have always wanted to know a live poet." + +"I hope," said Blaney, in a mournful way, "that you don't agree with +those wiseacres who think the only good poet is a dead poet." + +"Oh, goodness, no!" said Patty, quickly. "But most of the poetry with +which I am familiar was written by dead men--that is, they weren't dead +when they wrote it, you know----" + +"But died from the shock?" + +"Now you're making fun of me," and Patty pouted, but as Patty's pout +was only a shade less charming than her smile, the live poet didn't +seem to resent it. + +"Doubtless," he went on, "my work will not be really famous until after +I am dead, but some day I shall read them to you, and get your opinion +as to their hopes for a future." + +"Oh, do read them to Patty," exclaimed Elise; "read them now. That's +the very thing for a stormy day!" + +"Yes," Patty agreed; "if you have an Ode to Spring, or Lines on a +Blooming Daffodil, it would be fine to fling them in the teeth of this +storm." + +"I see you're by way of being a wag, Miss Fairfield," Blaney returned, +good-naturedly. "But you've misapprehended my vein. I write poems, +not jingles." + +"He does," averred Elise, earnestly. "Oh, Sam, do recite some--won't +you?" + +"Not now, Lady fair. The setting isn't right, and the flowers are too +vivid." + +Patty looked at the two large vases of scarlet carnations that stood on +the long, massive table in the middle of the room. She had thought +them a very pleasant and appropriate decoration for the snowy day, but +Blaney's glance at them was disdainful. + +"He's an affected idiot!" she exclaimed to herself. "I don't like him +one bit!" + +"Please like me," said the poet's soft voice, and Patty fairly jumped +to realise that he had read her thought in her face. + +"Oh, I do!" she said, with mock fervour, and a slight flush of +embarrassment at her carelessness. "I like you heaps!" + +"Don't be too set up over that," laughed Elise, "for Patty likes +everybody. She's the greatest little old liker you ever saw! Why, she +even likes people who don't like her." + +"Are there such?" asked Blaney, properly. + +"Yes, indeed," Patty declared; "and I can't help admiring their good +taste." + +"I can't either," and Blaney spoke so seriously, that Patty almost +gasped. + +"That isn't the answer," she smiled; "you should have contradicted me." + +"No," the poet went on; "people who don't like you show real +discrimination. It is because you are so crude and unformed of soul." + +But Patty was too wise to be caught with such chaff. + +"Yes, that's it," she said, and nodded her curly head in assent. + +"You say yes, because you don't know what I'm talking about. But it's +true. If you had your soul scraped and cleaned and properly polished, +you would be well worth liking." + +"Go on! go on!" cried Patty, clapping her hands. "Now I know you're +the real thing in poets! That's the way I thought they would talk! +Say more." + +But Blaney turned sulky. He scowled at Patty, he threw a reproachful +glance at Elise, and the atmosphere suddenly charged with gloom. + +Patty felt that it was her fault and that she had perhaps gone too far. +The man was Elise's guest and it wasn't right to make fun of him, if he +did sound foolish. So, ignoring the past conversation, Patty smiled, +and said, "It is too bad about the storm, isn't it? We had expected to +have such a fine tennis game today. You play, of course?" + +It was a chance shot, but Patty felt pretty sure that such a big, +muscular chap would be fond of outdoor sports and, as it turned out, he +was. Moreover, it would be a grumpy poet, indeed, who wouldn't relent +under the magic of Patty's smile. + +"Yes, I do," he replied, animatedly, and then the talk turned to the +game, and the chances of the storm abating and play being possible in a +day or two. + +"Hello, Blaney," said Roger Farrington, coming into the room. "How's +everything?" + +"All right, Farry. How goes it with you?" + +"Fine. I say, girls, are you game for a little two-cent sleigh ride in +the storm? As soon as it stops snowing, the flakes will melt like +morning dew, and, if we catch a ride at all, it must be immejit. How +about it?" + +"I'd love to go!" cried Patty, her eyes sparkling. "I haven't had a +sleigh ride in ages----" + +"And no telling when you will again," said Roger. "But it's blowing +great guns, and snowing fast. You're sure you want to go?" + +"Course we do," insisted Elise. "Shall we get our things now?" + +"Not quite yet. I'll have to telephone Mr. Livery Man for a rig. This +otherwise well-stocked outfit that we're inhabiting doesn't have such a +thing on the premises as a sleigh. I'll go and see about it." + +"Can't we stop and pick up Alla?" suggested Elise. + +"No," and Sam Blaney shook his head decidedly. "My sister wouldn't +think of putting her nose out-of-doors on a day like this. I'm +surprised that you will, Miss Fairfield." + +"Oh, I'm a tough pine knot. I may not look the part, but I assure you +wind and weather have no terrors for me." + +"That's so," put in Elise. "Patty looks like a chaff which the wind +driveth away, but it would be a pretty strong old wind that could do +it." + +"You can't tell by looks; my sister looks like a strong, hearty girl, +but she's as fragile as a spring crocus." + +"There's nothing fragiler than that," Patty remarked; "I've often tried +to keep the flimsy little things for a few hours, and even in water +they droop and peak and pine all to pieces." + +"That's just like Alla," said Blaney. "She's psychic, you see----" + +"Oh, is she!" cried Patty. "I've always wanted to know a real psychic. +Mayn't I meet her?" + +"Indeed you may, she'll be pleased. Will you come round to the studio +today, while we're out sleighing?" + +"No, not today," said Elise, positively. "Roger wouldn't stand for it. +He'll want to put in all the time there is on the road. And he's going +to New York tonight, I think." + +"Oh, yes," and Blaney remembered. "Let's see, his wedding day is--when +is it?" + +"Not till the fifteenth of December. But he and Mona have so much to +look after and attend to, that he spends most of his time on the road +between here and New York." + +"Isn't Mona coming down here while I'm here?" asked Patty. + +"She promised to," Elise replied, "but Mona's promises are not to be +implicitly depended on just now. She's getting married with all her +time and attention." + +"Well, a wedding like hers is to be does take a lot of planning. And +Mona's looking after everything herself. She's a genius at that sort +of thing, but it seems as if she ought to have some one to help +her,--some relative, I mean." + +"Her father's a big help," said Roger, who had returned just in time to +hear Patty's remark. + +"Yes, I know it, but I mean a woman relative." + +"I know," agreed Roger. "You're right, in a way. But Mona is so +accustomed to managing for herself that I'm pretty sure a meddling +relative would bother her to death." + +"Probably would," agreed Patty. "Do we go sleigh-ridy, Roger?" + +"We do. The fiery steeds will be here in fifteen minutes. Get warm +wraps, for it's blowing like blazes. Shall we go 'round by your +studio, Sam, and drop in on Alla?" + +"No, please. I don't want to seem inhospitable, but I've decided I +want Miss Fairfield to see the studio first under proper conditions. I +want Alla to know when she's coming and----" + +"And have her hair frizzed. I get you. All right. We'll drive 'round +the lake, and see how the going is, and then decide whether to keep on, +or go to some friend's for a cup of tea." + +"You mustn't think my sister is a fuss," said Blaney to Patty, as she +started to leave the room. "But you know the artist soul likes to have +the stage rightly set for an important scene." + +"Yes," said Patty, a little puzzled. + +"Yes. And your advent at my studio is a most important scene----" + +"Why?" asked Patty, bluntly. + +"Because you're important. In fact, I may say you're the most +important person I have ever seen." + +"Really? But if you say things like that, you'll make me vain." + +"You can't well be vainer than you are." + +Patty looked up in sudden anger at this speech, but Blaney's eyes were +quietly amused, and his soft voice was so innocent of offence, that +Patty was uncertain what attitude to assume, and to save the necessity +of a reply she ran from the room and upstairs to get ready for the ride. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A STUDIO PARTY + +As Roger had predicted, the snow departed as quickly as it came, and +two days after their sleigh ride there was scarcely a vestige of white +on the ground. Tennis was again possible and a great game was in +progress on the court at Pine Laurel. Patty and Roger were playing +against Elise and Sam Blaney, and the pairs were well matched. + +But the long-contested victory finally went against Patty, and she +laughingly accepted defeat. + +"Only because Patty's not quite back on her game yet," Roger defended; +"this child has been on the sick list, you know, Sam, and she isn't up +to her own mark." + +"Well, I like that!" cried Patty; "suppose you bear half the blame, +Roger. You see, Mr. Blaney, he is so absorbed in his own Love Game, he +can't play with his old-time skill." + +"All right, Patsy, let it go at that. And it's so, too. I suddenly +remembered something Mona told me to tell you, and it affected my +service." + +"What is it?" asked Elise. "Anything of importance?" + +"Yes; it's this: Mona has decided to sell Red Chimneys, and Philip Van +Reypen thinks it a good plan to buy it for the Children's Home." + +"For gracious' sake!" exclaimed Patty. "That _is_ news! Why doesn't +Phil tell me about it?" + +"That's just it. He's coming down here tomorrow to talk it over with +you. Mona's coming too, you know, and you can all have a powwow." + +"All right," and Patty wagged her head, sagaciously. "It's not a bad +idea at all. I knew Mr. Galbraith was thinking of selling the Spring +Beach place, and it would be a fine house for the kiddies." + +"And are you running a Children's Home?" asked Sam Blaney, as they all +strolled back to the house, and paused on the wide veranda. + +"Too cool for you out here, Patty?" asked Elise. + +"Not a bit of it. I love the outdoors. Somebody find me a sweater and +a rug, and I'll be as happy as a clam." + +Roger brought a red silk sweater from the hall, and a big, soft steamer +rug, and proceeded to tuck Patty up, snugly. + +"Yes," she said, turning to Blaney, and answering his inquiry, "I am +supposed to be organising a Children's Home, but all the hard work is +done for me, and I only say yes or no, to easy questions. You see, a +dear old friend of mine left me a sum of money for the purpose, and I +want to prove a trustworthy steward. But we're not going to do +anything definite until Spring, unless, as Red Chimneys is in the +market, it seems advisable to secure it while we can." + +"Goodness, Patty," said Elise; "you talk like a Board of Managers!" + +"That's what I am; or, rather, I'm Manager of the Board. Is Philip +coming tonight, Roger?" + +"Yes, he'll be here for dinner. And Mona, too. I say, Blaney, we'll +bring 'em along to your party, eh?" + +"Of course. Alla will be delighted to have them. No matter if we're +crowded. You see, Miss Fairfield, our place is small, but our welcome +is vurry, vurry large----" Blaney waved his long arms, as if including +the whole world in his capacious welcome. + +"You're vurry, vurry kind," returned Patty, unconsciously imitating his +peculiar pronunciation. "I'm just crazy to see your studio. It seemed +as if the time would never come. And I want to meet your sister, too. +I know it will be a lovely party. I've never been to a real Bohemian +Studio party." + +"Oh, we don't call it Bohemian, because, you see, it _is_ Bohemian. +Only make-believe Bohemians call themselves so. You'll learn to +distinguish the difference." + +"I hope so. I've always wanted to know what Bohemianism really is." + +"We'll show you tonight. What are you going to wear?" + +"My goodness, I don't know. I hadn't thought about it. Also, I've +never been asked a question like that before." + +"Ah, but it means so much! If your gown should be out of key----" +Blaney rolled up his eyes and spread his hands, as if the thought were +too appalling for words. + +Patty giggled. "I hope it won't be," she said. "But, tell me, what is +the key? Maybe I can strike it." + +"The key," and the poet looked thoughtful, "ah, yes, I have it! The +key will be saffron and ultramarine." + +Patty gasped. "Oh, I haven't a frock to my name in those colours!" + +"But you can harmonise,--yes, harmonise. You will, won't you? If you +didn't, I couldn't bear it." + +"Oh, then I'll harmonise, yes, I promise you I will. I'll find +something that won't make a discord. But can you dictate to all your +guests like this?" + +"Alas, no! Would that I might! And now I must go. Alla will be +wanting me." + +"What is he, anyway?" said Patty, as after his adieux, the poet swung +away, with his queer, loping gait. + +"Bats in his belfry," returned Roger, laughing. "He's the real thing +in high-art souls,--if you get what I mean." + +"Oh, I don't know," demurred Patty; "I think he's sincere." + +"You do! Well, he may be, for all of me. But if he is, give me base +deception, every time! Don't you fall in love with him, Patty, Van +Reypen wouldn't stand for it." + +"I don't know what Mr. Van Reypen has to say about it," returned Patty, +with a heightened colour. "And remember, Roger, not everybody is so +absorbed in loving and being loved as you are!" + +Patty's roguish smile was affectionate as well, for she was fond of +Roger, and also of Mona, and she was deeply interested in their love +affair. Their engagement had been a short one, and now that the +wedding day was so near, the whole Farrington family could think or +talk of little else. And as a house guest and a dear friend, Patty, +too, was enthusiastic and excited about the preparations. + +And then Roger went off to the train to meet Mona, and Philip, who came +down at the same time, and Elise disappeared and Patty sat alone, in +the falling dusk, snugly tucked in her rugs, and feeling very lazy and +comfortable and happy. + +Her thoughts drifted idly from one subject to another, and presently +she heard a step beside her, and felt her hand taken in somebody's warm +clasp. + +"Philip!" she cried, starting up. + +"Yes, my girl, and so glad to see you again. How are you?" + +"Fine. This splendid air and luxurious living has made me all well +again." + +"That's good. But it's too late for you to be out here. Come on in +the house." + +"Yes, I will. Did Mona come?" + +"Yes, we came down together. How that girl is improving!" + +"What do you mean? She always was a fine character." + +"Yes, but she has so much more--er--sweetness and light." + +"That's so. I've noticed it ever since she's been engaged." + +"Well, don't you put on any more sweetness and light when you get +engaged. I simply couldn't stand it! You're chock-a-block full of it +now!" + +"Don't worry. Besides, I've no intention of being engaged. What's the +use, if I'm sweet and light enough now?" + +"You're going to announce your engagement in just fifteen days from +now, my lady. Why, that will be Farrington's wedding day! By Jove, +what an idea! We'll announce it at their wedding!" + +"We'll do nothing of the sort. You take too much for granted." + +"Well, you promised----" + +"I know what I promised. But the fifteenth is a long way off yet." + +"That may be, but it's bound to get here. Come in the house now. It's +too damp for you out here." + +They went in, and found Mona and Elise chattering like two magpies, +with Roger trying to get in a word edgeways. + +"Hello, Patty," cried Mona, springing up to greet her. "My, how fine +you're looking! Lakewood agrees with you all right. And Patty, the +bridesmaids _are_ going to sing, after all. Will you be home in time +for one or two rehearsals?" + +"Yes, indeed. I'll come up whenever you want me, Mona." + +"Good girl. Now I must go and dress for dinner. I'd no idea we'd get +here so late; and Roger says there's a party on for tonight." + +"Yes," laughed Patty; "and it's a party you have to get keyed up to,--I +mean your gown." + +"What are you talking about?" + +"Come along and I'll tell you." + +The two girls went off together, and half an hour later Elise found +them in Patty's room, still talking and no beginning made in the matter +of dressing. + +But later, when the young people left the house to go to the Studio +party, they were resplendent of costume. Patty had told the other +girls what Mr. Blaney had said, and though they scoffed at it, they +agreed not to wear anything that might be too desperately inharmonious. + +Mona was in white, declaring that that could offend nobody. Elise wore +pale yellow, for the same logical reason. Patty had on a gown of soft +chiffon, of old-gold colour, which, she said, was the nearest to +saffron she had ever had or ever hoped to have. + +"I don't like the word saffron," she declared; "somehow it makes me +think of camomile tea." + +"Naturally," said Roger; "I believe they're both yarbs. Blaney might +call this affair a Saffron Tea, and have done with it." + +But the gown was most becoming to Patty. The dull old-gold tints sets +off her fair skin, and her bright gold hair, piled high, was topped +with a gold and amber comb. Round her throat was an old-fashioned +necklace of topazes, lent her by Mrs. Farrington. Altogether, she +looked, Philip declared, positively Burne-Jonesey, and he called her +the Blessed Damosel. + +When at last they entered the Studio of the Blaney brother and sister, +Patty blinked several times, before she could collect her senses. It +was very dimly lighted, and a strange, almost stifling sense of +oppression came over her. This was caused by the burning of various +incense sticks and pastilles which gave out a sweet, spicy odour, and +which made a slight haze of smoke. Becoming a little accustomed to the +gloom, Patty discerned her host, amazingly garbed in an Oriental +burnoose and a voluminous silk turban. He took her hand, made a deep +salaam, and kissed her finger-tips with exaggerated ceremony. + +"My sister, Alla," he said, "Miss Fairfield." + +Patty looked up to see a tall, gaunt woman smiling at her. Miss +Blaney, like her brother, was long, lanky and loose-jointed, and seemed +to desire to accentuate these effects. Her ash-coloured hair was +parted and drawn loosely down to a huge knot at the back of her neck. +A band of gilt filigree was round her head at the temples, and was set +with a huge green stone which rested in the middle of her forehead. +Long barbaric earrings dangled and shook with every movement of her +head, and round her somewhat scrawny neck was coiled an ugly greenish +serpent of some flexible metal formation. For the rest, Miss Blaney +wore a flowing robe of saffron yellow, a most sickly shade, and the +material was frayed and worn as if it had been many times made over. +It hung from her shoulders in billowy folds, and the wearer was +evidently proud of it, for she continually switched its draperies about +and gazed admiringly at them. + +"Frightfully glad to see you," this weird creature was saying, and +Patty caught her breath, and murmured, "Oh, thank you. So kind of you +to ask me." + +"I feel sure I shall adore you," Miss Blaney went on; "you are +_simpatica_,--yes, absolutely _simpatica_." + +"Am I?" and Patty smiled. "And is it nice to be _simpatica_? It +doesn't mean a simpleton, does it?" + +"Oh, how droll! My dear, how droll!" and Miss Blaney went off in +contortions of silent laughter. "Just for that, you must call me Alla. +I always want droll people to call me by my first name. And your name +is----" + +"Patty." + +"Impossible! You can't be named that! Incredible! _Ooh_!" + +Alla ended with a half-breathed shriek. + +"Oh, well," said Patty, hastily, "my name is really Patricia, though no +one ever calls me that." + +"I shall call you that. Patricia! Perfect! You couldn't have been +better dubbed. No, not possibly better dubbed. Patricia, ah, +Patricia!" + +Patty edged away a little. She began to think her hostess was crazy. +But Alla went on: + +"And my brother, Patricia, do you not adore him?" + +"Well, you see, I've only seen him a few times. I can't quite agree +that I adore him, yet." + +"But you will. As soon as you have heard his poems, you will put him +on a pedestal, yes, on a high pedestal. And tonight you will hear him +read his wonderful lines. What a treat you have in store!" + +And then new arrivals claimed Miss Blaney's attention, and Patty turned +aside. She found Philip waiting for her, his eyes dancing with +amusement. + +"What is it all?" he whispered; "a bear garden?" + +"Hush, Phil, don't make me laugh. Did you ever see anything like it?" + +"Well, I've been to Studio jinks, but they were to this as moonlight +unto sunlight and as water unto wine! Shall I take you home?" + +"No, indeed! I want to see the fun. I've never been to a Studio +jinks,--or whatever you call it, and I want to live and learn." + +"All right, Patty. You shall stay as long as you like, but I'll wager +that inside of an hour you'll be begging me to get you out of it." + +"All right, if I do, I shall expect you to take me away. Let's look at +the room." + +They sauntered about, and finally sat down on a Turkish divan, which +proved much lower than they had anticipated. + +"What an uncomfortable thing!" said Patty, "but sit here a minute, +while I look round." + +From the ceiling hung Moorish-looking lamps, which gave almost no +light, and, were of rather dilapidated appearance. The furniture, too, +was not only antique, but wabbly-legged and here and there tied up with +strings or leather thongs. Statuettes were about, broken and dusty; +jugs and bowls of dull brass and copper; rickety screens; enormous +unframed photographs, warped and faded, but bearing splashing and +unintelligible autographs; and draperies of all sorts, from old shawls +to tattered ecclesiastical robes. + +"I see what Mr. Blaney meant by the key of saffron," said Patty, +sagely. "Everything is that colour because of the accumulation of dust +and dirt! I don't believe this place has ever had a good +house-cleaning!" + +"Oh, Patty, my dear child! Don't thus expose your ignorance! Bohemia +never cleans house! The very thought is sacrilege!" + +"Why is it? Some of this old brass stuff would be lovely if it were +cleaned up. And look at that copper kettle! It's positively blue!" + +"But that's what they want, dear," said Van Reypen, smiling at her. +"Howsumever, I'm glad you don't like it. We won't model our home on a +Bohemian plan." + +"And look at the people," went on Patty, in an awe-struck whisper. +"Some of them are decent, like our crowd,--but look at that girl in +orange!" + +The girl in question wore a costume of flame-coloured woolen material +that was indeed striking. Her black hair was in two long braids, and +she was carrying a small musical instrument that Philip said was a +zithern. + +"I don't know," he went on, "but I fancy she will play a sort of +accompaniment to our host's poems. They generally work it that way." + +"Stop making fun, Phil," reproved Patty; "perhaps the poems will be +lovely,--with musical setting." + +"Perhaps," said Philip. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +PHILIP OBJECTS + +The place became crowded. The two rooms occupied by the guests were +small, and the party was a large one. Though not greatly attracted by +the unusual sights and strange people, Patty was interested and +curious. She wanted to see the affair in its entirety, and was glad +when Sam Blaney came over to where she sat by Philip on the divan. + +"I've come to carry you off," Blaney said to her; "you must mingle with +the crowd, if you want to become one of us." + +"I'd like to mingle a little," Patty replied, "but I can't hope to +become one of such a talented bunch as this." + +"They're not all so talented," Blaney assured her, as he led her away, +leaving Philip a bit moody and disapproving. + +"It's their clothes that astound me," said Patty. "Why do they wear +such queer rigs? Almost like a masquerade or fancy-dress ball. You, +for instance; why do you wear this Oriental robe and turban?" + +"Now that you ask me, I don't believe I know! But it's habit, I think. +Yes, that's it, it's just habit. We who possess higher intellect than +our fellows must differentiate ourselves in some way from them, and how +else but by a difference of raiment?" + +"Well, that does explain it, but why such queer raiment? Why not +beautiful garments instead of eccentric ones?" + +"Ah, that's just it! They are beautiful, only you're not of sufficient +intelligence to appreciate their beauty." + +"What!" cried Patty, scarcely able to believe she had heard aright, +"I'm not intelligent enough----" + +"Oh, don't get miffed. Your natural intelligence is all right, you've +plenty of it. But it needs education,--bending in the right direction, +you know. And I'm going to educate you. You're the most promising +subject I've ever seen. I'll make a priestess of you,--a shining +light,--a prophetess----" + +Patty giggled. "If I'm a priestess I may as well be a prophetess, I +suppose. When do these lessons begin?" + +"Now. They have begun. You are unconsciously absorbing this +atmosphere. You are involuntarily becoming more and more of our +cult,--of our inspirations. You are evolving,--you don't realise it, +but you are evolving----" + +"I shall be revolving, if I don't get some fresh air! Why must you +have these incense things smoking, not to mention some of the guests +smoking also, and, incidentally, that Moorish lamp is smoking badly! I +_am_ absorbing your atmosphere, and it is choking me!" + +Patty was in earnest, though she spoke lightly. The unpleasant air +filled her lungs, and she wanted pure oxygen. + +"Oh, all right," and Blaney laughed, indulgently. "You can't expect to +achieve all at once. Come, we'll step out on the veranda for a whiff +of outdoors, and then come back for the program." + +"There's to be a program?" + +"Oh, yes. Most wonderful work, by genius itself. Now, please, Miss +Fairfield, don't resist the influence." + +They were out on the tiny veranda that graced the Blaney's dwelling. +The stars shone down through the pure winter air, and Patty felt as if +she had been rescued from a malarial swamp. But Blaney was impressive. +His deep, soft voice persuaded her against her will that she was +pettish and crude to rebel at the unwholesome atmosphere inside. "You +don't understand," he said gently. "Give us a fair trial. That's all +I ask. I know your inner nature will respond, if you give it its +freedom. Ah, freedom! That's all we aim for,--all we desire." + +Through the window, Patty heard the sound of weird strains of music. + +"Come on," she cried, "I do want to see this thing through. If that's +the program beginning, take me in. I want to hear it." + +They returned to the Studio, and Blaney found two seats which commanded +a view of the platform. The seats were uncomfortable, being small +wooden stools, and the air was still clouded with smoke of various +sorts. But, determinedly, Patty prepared to listen to the revelations +that awaited her. She had long had a curiosity to know what "Bohemia" +meant, and now she expected to find out. They were nowhere near their +own crowd. In fact, she couldn't see Elise or Mona, though Philip was +visible between some rickety armour and a tattered curtain. Very +handsome he looked, too, his dark, and just now gloomy, face thrown +into relief by the "artistic" background. + +"Apparently, Mr. Van Reypen is not enjoying himself," Blaney commented, +with a quiet chuckle. "He's not our sort." + +This remark jarred upon Patty, and she was about to make a spirited +retort, when the music began. + +A girl was at the piano. Her gown, of burlaps, made Patty think it had +been made from an old coffee sack. But it had a marvelous sash of +flaming vermilion velvet, edged with gold fringe, and in her black hair +was stuck a long, bright red quill feather, that gave her an Indian +effect. + +"I think her gown is out of key," Patty whispered, "and I am sure her +music is!" + +Blaney smiled. "She is a law unto herself," he replied, "that is an +arbitrary minor scale, played in sixths and with a contrary motion." + +Patty stared. This was a new departure in music and was interesting. + +"Note the cynicism in the discords," Blaney urged, and Patty began to +wonder if she could be losing her mind or just finding it. + +The performance concluded and a rapt silence followed. It seemed +applause was undesired by these geniuses. + +Philip stirred, restlessly, and looked over at Patty. She looked away, +fearing he would silently express to her his desire to go home, and she +wanted to stay to see more. + +The girl who had played glided to a side seat, and her place was taken +by another young woman, who presented an even more astonishing +appearance. This time, the costume was of a sort of tapestry, heavily +embroidered in brilliant hued silks. It was not unbeautiful, but it +seemed to Patty more appropriate for upholstery purposes than for a +dress. + +The lady recited what may have been poems, and were, according to +Blaney's whispered information, but as they were in some queer foreign +language, they were utterly unintelligible. + +"What was it all about?" Patty asked, as the recitations were at last +over. + +"My dear child, couldn't you gather it all,--all, from the marvellous +attitudinising,--the wonderful intoning----" + +"'Deed I couldn't! I've no idea what she was getting at, and I don't +believe you have, either." + +"Oh, yes, it was the glory of a soul on fire,--an immolation of genius +on the altar of victory----" + +"That sounds to me like rubbish," and Patty smiled frankly into the +eyes of the man addressing her. + +"Not rubbish, Miss Fairfield. Oh, what a pleasure it will be to +enlighten your ignorance! To teach the eyes of your soul to see, the +heart of your soul to beat----" + +Again, it was the voice of the man that commanded her attention. The +tones of Sam Blaney's speaking voice were of such a luring, persuasive +quality that Patty felt herself agreeing and assenting to what she knew +was nonsense. + +But now Van Reypen was striding toward them. Patty saw at a glance +that Phil was at the end of his rope. No more of this nonsense for him. + +She was right. As Blaney's attention was diverted for a moment, Phil +said, "Patty, you're going right straight out of this. It's no place +for you! I'm ashamed to have you here. Get your wraps, and we'll go, +whether the Farringtons are ready or not. We can walk over to Pine +Laurel,--it isn't far. Come." + +"I won't do it!" Patty returned, crisply. "The idea, Phil, of your +ordering me around like that! I want to stay, and I'm going to stay. +You can go, if you like; I'll come home with Roger and the girls." + +"But I don't like it, Patty, and I don't like to have you here. +It's--it's----" + +"Well, what is it? I think it's great fun, and I'm going to see it +out." + +"Even if I ask you not to? Even if I beg you to go----" + +"Even if you beg me on your bended knees! You're silly, Phil. It +can't be wrong if the Farringtons stand for it." + +"It isn't exactly wrong,--not _wrong_, you know,--but, well,--it's +cheap." + +"Oh, fiddlesticks! I like it. I don't mind it's being cheap, I'm +tired of expensive things and glad of a change." + +"Oh, I don't mean that way," and Van Reypen looked genuinely +distressed. "I wouldn't care how poor people were, if they were----" + +"Respectable?" + +"No, not that, these people are respectable, of course. But,--sincere, +that's what I mean. This bunch are fakirs, they pretend to brains and +knowledge and wisdom that they don't possess." + +"And I suppose you do! Have you got all the knowledge and wisdom in +the world?" + +"At least I don't pretend to have the knowledge that I haven't!" + +"But you pretend to have a whole lot of authority over me that you +haven't! I tell you, Phil, I'm not going to be ordered about by you! +I came to this party because I wanted to see it, and I'm going to stay +till it's over, and you can do what you like." + +"All right, then," and Phil looked grave. "I'll go away for a time, +and I'll return and escort you home. What time shall I come back?" + +"You needn't come back at all. I'll go home with Elise, or if not, I +daresay Mr. Blaney will see that I get home safely. Won't you?" she +added, turning to the resplendent figure nearby. + +"Won't I what?" he asked gaily. "But the answer is yes, to anything +you may ask. Even to the half of my kingdom, and then the other half. +To be sure, my kingdom is small, and half of it is my sister's, but you +can command it all." + +"Oh, no, nothing so great as that! Merely to see me back to my +rooftree in safety, if I outstay my escort." + +"You're going to outstay everybody. Why, the fun hasn't begun yet. +Don't dream of going home now!" + +"I won't," and Patty turned deliberately away from Philip and began to +chat with a group of guests to whom she had previously been introduced. + +"Join our ranks," said one vivacious young girl. "We're the +intelligent idiots, perhaps the wisest sages of our time. We're having +a symposium of souls----" + +"Miss Fairfield isn't interested in souls yet," interrupted Blaney, +"she's not unnaturally starving to death. The feast is unusually +delayed tonight." + +"It's coming now," announced Alla. "To the food, all!" + +Philip was nowhere to be seen, nor did Patty see the Farringtons near +her, but feeling glad of the hint of refreshments, she followed where +Blaney led. Soon, she found herself ensconced on a divan, heaped with +pillows, and many people were offering her strange-looking dishes. + +"_Chili con carne_?" said one, "or common or garden Welsh Rabbit?" + +"I never tasted the Chili stuff," laughed Patty, "but I love Welsh +Rabbit. I'll take that, please." + +But, alas, the Welsh Rabbit Patty had in mind was a golden, delectable +confection, light and dainty of character. She was served with a +goodly portion of a darkish, tough substance, of rubbery tendencies and +strong cohesive powers. + +In vain she essayed to eat it; it was unmanageable, and, to her taste, +positively inedible. Yet the others were apparently enjoying it, so +she made valiant efforts to consume her own. + +"Fine, isn't it?" said Alla, with enthusiasm, "why, you're not eating +any! You don't like it! Take this away, Sam, and bring Miss Fairfield +some of the Tamale stuff." + +And then, the Rabbit was succeeded by a concoction so much worse, that +Patty was appalled at the mere sight and odour of it. + +"Oh, please," she said, hastily, "if I might be excused from eating +anything tonight. You see, the perfume of the incense burning is so +unusual for me, that it makes me a little--er, headachy. Don't think +me a silly, will you?" + +Patty's wheedlesome air won them all, and they took away the +highly-spiced, and strongly-flavoured dish. Then Blaney came with a +small cup of thick, muddy-looking coffee. + +"Just the thing for you," he declared, "set you up in a jiffy! Real +Egyptian, no Turkish business. Just the thing for you!" + +Patty gratefully accepted the coffee, but one taste was enough! It was +thick with pulverized coffee grounds, it was sickishly sweet, and it +was strong and black enough to please the blackest Egyptian who ever +desired that brand. + +"Thank you," she said, hastily handing the cup back. "It is so--so +powerful, a little is quite enough. I'm sure that is all I want." + +The others sipped the muddy fluid with apparent relish, and Patty began +to wonder if she wished she had gone home with Philip. At any rate she +was glad he would return for her, and she hoped it would be soon. + +She asked where the Farringtons were. + +"In the other room, I think," said Alla. "We'll find them after +supper. Here are the sweetmeats now. You must try these." + +The sweetmeats were Oriental, of course. There was Turkish Delight and +other sticky, fruity, queer-looking bits, that seemed to Patty just +about the most unappetising candies she had ever seen. + +She refused them, a little positively, for she dreaded being persuaded +to taste them, and it was hard to refuse the insistence of the guests +who offered them. + +"You'll learn," said Miss Norton, the pianist of the program. "It took +me a long time to acquire the taste. But I've got it now," she added, +as she helped herself bountifully to the saccharine bits. + +Supper over, it was rumoured about that now Blaney would himself read +from his own poems. A rustle of enthusiasm spread through the rooms, +and Patty could easily see that this was the great event of the +evening. She was glad now that she had stayed, for surely these poems +would be a revelation of beauty and genius. + +There was a zithern accompaniment by the girl in orange, but it was +soft and unobtrusive, that the lines themselves might not be obscured. + +Standing on the little platform, Blaney, in robes and turban, made a +profound salaam, and then in his melodious voice breathed softly the +following "Love Song ": + + "Thy beauty is a star-- + A star + Afar-- + Ay,--far and far, + Ay, far. + And yet, a bar,-- + A bar + Is between thee and me! + Thee and me---- + Thee and me!" + + +The voice was so lovely that Patty scarcely sensed the words. With the +haunting accompaniment, the whole was like a bit of music, and the +words were negligible. + +But in the hush which followed, Patty began to think that after all the +words didn't amount to much. However, everybody was raving over the +performance, and begging for more. + +"Did you care for it?" Blaney asked of Patty, with what seemed to be a +great longing in his eyes. + +Unwilling to seem disappointed, she replied, "Oh, yes, it was most +significant." + +"I thank you," he said, his eyes alight with pleasure, "you have used +the right word!" + +As Patty had spoken the first noncommittal word that came into her +head, she was thankful it proved acceptable! + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +PATTY STAYS LATE + +"It is so delightful to have you one of us, Patricia," said Alla, +waving her long arms about. "This place is a Cosmic Centre, you know, +and now that you belong to us, you must be here much of the time." + +"But I'm only in Lakewood for a fortnight," said Patty, smiling at her; +"I go back to New York soon." + +"So do we. That is, we go in a few months. But we claim you. You +shall return and visit us here, and we shall be much together in the +city. Oh, we have adopted you, and now you are ours, isn't she, Sam?" + +"Indeed, yes," returned Blaney, enthusiastically; "never was such a +rare soul added to our circle. Priestess Patricia, our star soul!" + +Patty was flattered at the attention she was receiving. She didn't +quite understand what a star soul meant, but she knew she held an +elevated position among these highly intellectual people, and it +dazzled her. + +"I have always had an ambition," she admitted, "for something bigger +and better than my social butterfly life, and with you I hope to +achieve it. But I am ignorant,--you must teach me." + +"We will," promised Miss Norton, "I shall take you in hand as my +special charge. May I call on you tomorrow, and bring you some books +to study?" + +Patty hesitated. When she was a house guest she never made engagements +without consulting her hostess. But she wanted to see and know more of +this new venture, so she said, "I can't promise. But if I find I can +receive you, may I not telephone or send you some message?" + +"Yes, indeed," acquiesced Miss Norton, gladly. + +Then the conversation drifted to the tendencies of modern art, and the +expression of one's ego, and the influence of the aura, and a lot of +subjects that were to Patty as so much Greek. But she was fascinated +by the discourse, and resolved to read and study the books that should +be given her, until she, too, could discuss intelligently these great +subjects. + +The talk was deliberate. Each wise and weighty opinion advanced was +thoughtfully considered and argued, and Patty listened, striving to +comprehend the jargon. Time passed rapidly, and, at last, she realised +that most of the guests had gone, and there remained only about a half +dozen of the most talkative ones. + +Sam Blaney himself was the conversational leader. He went off on long +tirades, and though Patty strove to follow his theories, they seemed to +her vague and incomprehensible. She found herself getting sleepy, +though she would have indignantly repudiated such an idea. + +Another man, Mr. Griscom, slightly differed in opinions with Blaney and +the debates between the two were raptly listened to by the others. + +A chiming clock struck two. + +"Good gracious!" exclaimed Patty, "it can't be two o'clock! Where are +the others? Where is Elise?" + +"They've gone, long ago," said Blaney, smiling. "You know you said I +might take you home, and so I told the Farringtons I would do so. + +"But I didn't mean to stay as late as this! Why, I had no idea it was +after twelve! Oh, please, Mr. Blaney, take me home at once. What will +Mrs. Farrington think? I've never stayed anywhere so late +before,--alone,--I mean." + +"You're not alone, Patricia, dear," said Alla, surprised at Patty's +evident alarm. "You're ours now, you know, and we will care for you +and protect you. Sam will take you home, and if you fear Mrs. +Farrington's reproaches, I will go with you and explain." + +"Oh, not that," and Patty smiled. "I don't fear her, you know. I'm +not a child, and I can do as I like. But it is not my custom to stay +later than the people I came with." + +"But all your customs will change now. We are a law unto ourselves. +Bohemians are free of conventions and rules. Simply tell Mrs. +Farrington that you have joined our circle and you will henceforth be +governed by our ideas and customs. As you say, you are not a child, +you can do as you like." + +"Of course you can," said Mr. Griscom. "I'm going that way, I'll take +you home, if you like." + +"Thank you," said Patty, "but I have accepted Mr. Blaney's escort." + +"That's right," said Blaney, heartily. "Oh, there'll be no +trouble,--no trouble at all. I'll take Miss Fairfield home, and if any +comments are made, they'll be made to me." + +Patty felt uneasy. She didn't know exactly why, for she had done +nothing wrong, but it was so very late, and she wondered what the +Farringtons would think of her. + +She got her wraps and Alla kissed her good-bye. + +"Dear little Patricia," she said, affectionately. "It is all right. +It seems unaccustomed, I know, but you are ours now, and your friends +must get used to it." + +It was only a few blocks to walk over to Pine Laurel, and Patty started +off with Sam Blaney. + +"You're anxious, Miss Fairfield," he said, kindly, "and I'm sorry. Can +I help at all? I assure you I had no thought of your staying with us +longer than you wished. Shall I go in and explain to your friends?" + +"No, thank you, Mr. Blaney," Patty said, after an instant's thought. +"I think, if you please, I would rather you would not come in. If I am +'scolded,' I'd rather stand it alone." + +There were lights in the Farrington house when they arrived. At sound +of their steps on the veranda, the door opened, and Roger appeared. +"That you, Patty?" he said, pleasantly; "Hello, Blaney, will you come +in?" + +"No, thanks; just brought Miss Fairfield home. She seemed to enjoy her +evening." + +"That's good," returned Roger. "Good night, then, if you won't come +in." + +Roger closed the door, and with his hand still on the knob, whispered +to Patty: "You're going to catch it from Phil! But I'll stand by you." + +Patty's eyes flashed. She resented the idea of Van Reypen's authority, +and she was tired and bothered. But Roger's kindly attitude comforted +her, and she smiled at him. + +"Good night, Roger," she said, aloud. "Thank you for waiting up for +me. I'm tired, and I'll go straight to my room. The girls have gone +up, I suppose." + +"Wait a moment, Patty," and Van Reypen appeared in the doorway from the +sun-parlour, where the two men had been sitting, "wait a moment, I want +to speak to you." + +"Not tonight, Phil, please. I'm very tired." + +"You ought to be tired! Staying till all hours with that bunch of +trash! I'm ashamed of you!" + +Patty was thoroughly angry. It took a good deal to make good-natured +Patty angry, but when her temper was roused, it meant a tempest. Also, +she was worn out mentally and physically and, more than all, she +resented Philip's assumption of authority. + +Her blue eyes flashed, and a spot of pink came into each cheek, as she +replied: "It is not of the slightest interest to me whether you are +ashamed of me or not! You are in no way responsible for my actions and +you have no right to reprove or criticise me. I may have broken the +conventions of hospitality, but that is between me and Mrs. Farrington. +Your opinion of me means nothing to me whatever! Good night, Roger." + +Patty held out her hand to Roger, who took it for a moment, with a +smiling good night, and then, with the air of an offended queen, Patty +swept upstairs and entered her own room. + +There she found Mona and Elise, one asleep on the couch, the other +rubbing her eyes as she sat up in a big easy-chair. + +"Goodness, Patty!" said Mona, looking at the clock, "what _have_ you +been up to?" + +Elise blinked and shook herself awake. "We had to wait up to see you," +she said, "so we waited here." + +"I see you did," returned Patty, lightly. "And now your wait is over, +and you've seen me, shall us say good night?" + +"Not much we won't!" declared Elise, now broad awake. "Tell us +everything about it! What did you do there all this time? What did +Phil say? Who brought you home? Do you like that crowd? How can you? +They bore me to death! Oh, Patty, you're going to cry!" + +"I am," declared Patty, and the tears gathered thickly in her eyes. +"I'm all in, and I'm down and out, and I'm mad as hops, and I'm tired, +and I _am_ going to cry. Now, if you've any sense of common humanity, +you'll know enough to go away and let me alone!" + +"Can I help?" asked Mona, looking commiseratingly at Patty. + +"No," and Patty smiled through the fast-flooding tears. "I never need +help to cry!" + +"Come on, then," and Mona took Elise by the arm and led her away, as +they heard Patty's door locked behind them. + +Now, most girls would have thrown themselves down on the pillows to +have their cry out, but Patty was too methodical for that. "I can't +cry comfortably in this rig," she said to herself, beginning to take +off the chiffon gown. + +And it was with tears still unshed that she finally sat at her +dressing-table plaiting her hair for the night. + +"And after all," she remarked to her reflection in the mirror, "I only +want to cry 'cause I'm tired and worn out and--yes, and mad! I'm mad +at Philip, and I'm going to stay mad! He has no right to talk to me +like a Dutch uncle! My own father never spoke to me like that! The +idea! I just simply, plain won't stand it, and that's all there is +about that!" + +And so, after Patty was snugly in bed, cuddled beneath the comforting +down coverlet, she let herself go, and cried to her heart's content; +great, soul-satisfying sobs that quieted her throbbing pulses and +exhausted her strained nerves, until she fell asleep from sheer +weariness. + +And next morning she awoke, smiling. Everything looked bright and +cheery. The sun shone in at her windows, and as she felt somebody +pinching her toes through the blankets, she opened her eyes to see Mona +sitting on the edge of the bed and Elise just coming in at the door. +Mrs. Farrington followed, and Patty sat up in bed with a smiling +welcome for all. + +"Hello, you dear things!" she cried. "You first, Mrs. Farrington. I +want to 'fess up to you. I was baddy girl last night, and I stayed at +the party much later than I meant to, or than I knew, until I suddenly +realised the time. Am I forguv? Oh, do say yes, and _don't_ scold me!" + +Pretty Patty possessed herself of the lady's hand and looked so +penitent and so wheedlesome that Mrs. Farrington was disarmed. + +"Why, of course, dear; it was not really wrong, but young girls ought +to be home by midnight at latest, I think,--and too, ought to come home +with their own people." + +"I know it, Mrs. Farrington, I do know it. I have been brought up +right--honest, I have. But it was a special occasion, you see, and, +too, my own people ran off and left me." + +"Oh, now, Patty," began Elise, "Sam said you sent word for us to do so." + +"Well, I didn't exactly do that, but I did want to stay longer. Oh, +Mrs. Farrington, you've no idea how interesting those psychic souls +are----" + +"What!" + +"Yes, they're psychic, you know----" + +"And what are psychics,--clearly, now, Patty, what _are_ psychics?" + +"Why, they're----they're----" + +"Yes, go on." + +"Well, they're--why, they're _psychics_! That's what they are." + +"Patty, you're an irresistible little goose!" and Mrs. Farrington bent +down to kiss the pretty, flushed face, and then laughingly declared she +had no more time to waste on psychics, and trailed away. + +"Now, tell us all about it, Patsy," said Elise. "I shan't let you get +up till you do." + +"There's not much to tell, Elise; but I liked to learn about the things +they were talking about and so I stayed later than I should have. But +since your mother is so lovely about it, I don't care what any one else +says." + +"Oh, pshaw,--your staying late,--that was nothing. But what did they +do over there so interesting? I can't see any sense in their talk." + +"I can't see much myself, and that's why I want to learn. I'm awfully +ignorant of higher ethics,--and--things like that." + +"Higher ethics? H--m. Is it sort of Uplift ideas?" + +"No, not that exactly." + +"Fudge, you don't know what it is, 'exactly,' and between you and me, I +don't think you have the glimmer of a ghost of an idea what it is all +about! Now, have you?" + +"If I had, I couldn't make you understand! You're antagonistic. You +have to be receptive and responsive and----" + +"Patty, you're a goose! A silly idiot of a goose! But such a dear, +pretty little goose, that with all your faults we love you still! Now, +I'll scoot, and you get dressed, for we're going somewhere today." + +"Where?" + +"Never you mind, Miss Curiosity. Just put on a house dress and come +down to breakfast, and you'll find out." + +Elise ran away, but Mona lingered. + +"Patty," she said, a little gravely, "Philip is terribly upset about +last night." + +"I don't care if he is, Mona. He has no right to be. He has no +authority over me." + +"What! When you've become engaged to him?" + +"I'm not engaged to him at all." + +"He says you are." + +"Did he really say that, Mona?" + +"Not in so many words, but he implied that there was an understanding +between you." + +"Understanding! I hate that word,--used that way! There's a +misunderstanding between us, if there's anything!" + +"But you're going to be engaged to him, aren't you, Patty?" + +"No, I don't think so. Not after last night. Why, he was horrid, +Mona, after I came home. He scolded me, and I wouldn't stay to listen. +I ran upstairs." + +"Oh, Patty, I wish you'd make up with him, and be friends again, and be +engaged to him, and announce it at my wedding." + +"Did he say all that to you last night? Did he make those delightful +plans, and talk them over with you and Roger?" + +"Don't look so furious. It just came about, you see. We were sitting +there, waiting for you to come home, and Phil was saying how he adores +you, and how he wanted your promise, but he had to wait a certain time +before you would say positively. And, of course, we were talking about +my wedding, and I said it would be nice to announce your engagement +then, it's always so picturesque to announce one wedding at another----" + +"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Mona, but if you want an engagement +announced at your wedding I'm afraid you'll have to get some other +girl. You can keep the same man, if you like!" + +"Oh, Patty, don't be cross with me! It wasn't my fault!" + +"That's so, Mona,--I'm a pig! Forgive me, dear. Now, to make up, I'll +tell you just how it is. I have told Philip that I'd give him my +answer in about two weeks. And that will be your wedding day. But my +answer is to be yes, only if he succeeds in teaching me to love him by +that time. And I don't mind telling you, that the way he talked to me +last night doesn't exactly further his cause!" + +"But, Patty, he was angry, you know, and jealous of those foolish +Blaney people." + +"They're not foolish,--and I can't bear men who are jealous. Now, +Mona, girlie, you 'tend to your own suitor. You've quite enough to do +in the next two weeks, without dipping your pretty little fingers in my +pie." + +"Yes," sighed Mona, "I have." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +AT RED CHIMNEYS + +When Patty entered the dining-room, she found the rest already at +breakfast. + +"'Scuse me for being late," she said, as she took her place, "but I was +up late last night." + +She smiled gaily at Philip, whose somewhat frowning face relaxed into +an answering smile. + +"Never mind that, Patty," said Mona, "listen to what we're planning. +Philip thinks it would be a good idea to buy Red Chimneys for the +Kiddies' Home, and we're going to motor over to Spring Beach today to +look at it." + +"Fine! but why go to look at it? We all know exactly what it looks +like----" + +"Yes, Patty," said Philip, "but there are several matters to see about. +I know the house, generally speaking, but I want to look it over with +the idea of a Home in mind. Count up the rooms, get measurements and +so forth, to present in my report to the Board of Managers." + +"All right, I'd like to go. I think it would be fun. Lunch at the +hotel, I suppose." + +"Yes, or take something with us and picnic at the house." + +"Oh, that's lots nicer, don't you think so, Elise?" + +"Well, you see, Patty, it doesn't matter to me which you do, as I'm not +going. I'm sorry, but I've some engagements today that I must keep, +so, if you don't mind, I'm going to ask to be left at home." + +"All right, then it's up to us. What say, Mona? Picnic sandwiches?" + +"Yes, and some Thermos stuff,--soup and chocolate. That will give us +more time to look over the house. There are some things I want to see +about, if it's to leave my possession forever." + +"Why don't you keep it, Mona? Why wouldn't you and Roger like it for a +summer home?" + +"We talked it over, and I'm rather tired of the place. And Roger +prefers going to different places each year. Father told me I could +have the house, and do what I liked with it, sell it or keep it. But +if they want it for this Home arrangement, I think I'll be rather glad +to let it go." + +The quartet started off in high spirits at the prospect of a jolly day. +The big limousine was most comfortable and well equipped. An ample +luncheon was stowed away in hampers, and a skilful and careful +chauffeur drove them at a speedy gait. It was a glorious, clear, cold, +sunshiny day, and the open windows gave them plenty of fresh air. + +Patty, enveloped in furs, nestled in one corner of the wide back seat, +and Mona was in the other. The two men faced them. Not a word had +passed between Patty and Philip about the night before, and Patty +wondered if he intended to let the matter go by without further +reference. + +"You see it's this way," Philip began, addressing Patty; "I haven't +really had an opportunity of telling you about it yet. We don't want +to do anything much in the matter of the Home before Spring. But as +Mona's house is in the market, and as it seems like an ideal place to +have for the children, I thought we'd better look into it, and, if +advisable, buy it and then wait a few months before doing anything +further." + +"I think so, too, Phil," Patty agreed. "I counted up the rooms and it +will easily accommodate twenty or twenty-five kiddies, and that's as +many as we can take care of, isn't it?" + +"I think so; for the present, anyway. And you know, Patty, all you +have to do is to approve or disapprove of the purchase, and what you +say, goes." + +"What an important personage you are, Patty," said Roger. "Your +lightest word is law." + +"It won't be a light word," and Patty looked serious. "I shall +consider the matter carefully, and with all the wisdom and forethought +I can find in my brain. This matter was left to me as a trust, and I'm +not taking it lightly, I can tell you. This purchase of a house is a +permanent move, not a trifling, temporary question. And unless the +place is the very right place,--righter than any other place,--why, we +don't want it, that's all." + +"Bravo, Patty!" and Philip looked at her, admiringly. "You've got a +lot of good sense and judgment under that fur headpiece of yours." + +"Fur headpiece!" cried Patty; "my new chinchilla toque! This is my +dearest possession, if you please." + +"It looks dear," observed Roger. "I believe that chinchilla animal is +quite expensive." + +"It is indeed," declared Mona, "my travelling suit is trimmed with it." + +"Travelling suit?" asked Patty, innocently, "are you going away?" + +"She says so," Roger answered for her. "She says she's going to----" + +"Hush!" cried Mona, "isn't that just like a man! Why, you mustn't tell +where you're going on your wedding trip! It isn't done." + +"No, of course not," chimed in Patty; "but, all the same, after you +reach Palm Beach, let us know, won't you?" + +"I will," declared Roger, "but, do you know, it seems as if the time +would never come!" + +"Nice boy," said Mona, approvingly; "doesn't he make pretty speeches, +Patty?" + +"Lovely. You'll have a beautiful time on your trip. I 'most wish I +was going with you?" + +"Come on, Patty," said Philip, "let's make it a double affair. How +about it?" + +"No, thank you. I haven't any suit trimmed with chinchilla." + +"You've a whole chinchilla coat on now," said Mona. "You could wear +that." + +"What! get married in old clothes! No-sir-ee! The best part of a +wedding is the trousseau. That's the only thing that would ever +persuade _me_ to take the fatal step." + +"It is fun," agreed Mona. "Oh, Patty, my green velvet came home +yesterday! It's simply wonderful! The tunic, you know----" + +"Help! help!" cried Roger. "You girls have got us penned in here where +we can't get away, but if you're going to talk about bias ruffling and +side gores, I shall jump out the window! I warn you." + +"You can't stop 'em, old man," said Van Reypen, gravely, "they've got +to go through with that green velvet, now they've begun on it. +Proceed, Mona. The tunic was trimmed with peplum, wasn't it? and the +bodice was cut _en train_----" + +"You don't deserve to know," Mona told him, "and as for Roger, he'll +see enough of that green velvet, poor man! It's so beautiful, I expect +to wear it on every possible occasion." + +"All right, dear," said Roger, rolling his eyes in mock devotion. +"Whatever you say, goes, my queen, my--y que--ee--n!" + +"Even if I wear a rig like Alla Blaney wore last night?" asked Mona, +laughing. + +"Well, I must draw the line somewhere, and I should say that was the +very place! If you elect to appear in a scarecrow costume of that +type, I shall send you back to your father." + +"No danger," and Mona shook her head. "Why do people want to make +themselves such frights?" + +"Their dress interprets their souls," said Van Reypen, sarcastically, +"and their souls are frights." + +"Nothing of the sort, Phil," flared out Patty; "I'd like you to +remember those people are my friends." + +"Well, my dear, if you choose to have friends with souls like frights, +it is, of course, your privilege; but you must allow me to express my +opinion of them." + +"And so you may,--but not to me." + +"Very well; consider I was talking to Mona,--which I really was." + +"Then continue to talk to her, for I don't want to talk to you." + +"All right, pretty Patty,--pretty little sunny-faced Patty,--all right." + +Philip's voice was teasing and his smile was irritating, and Patty was +angry at him anyway, yet she couldn't help laughing at his speech, for +she looked as cross as a thunder cloud, and she knew it. That is, as +near to the crossness of a thunder cloud as Patty Fairfield could +manage. Her cheeks were reddened by the cold wind and her blue eyes +always looked bluer in a frosty atmosphere. And now, as an +uncontrollable smile parted her scarlet lips, and her white teeth +gleamed, and her dimples came into view, Patty justified Philip's term +of "pretty Patty," but she quickly concealed her smile by sinking her +chin deep into the great fur collar of her coat. + +"Wasn't it a crazy party?" Mona went on, not realising she was on a +dangerous subject. "They all took themselves so seriously." + +"Why shouldn't they?" said Patty, coming up out of her fur cave; "it +might be better if we all took ourselves more seriously,--such a lot of +triflers and sillyheads as we are!" + +"And such a lot of piffle-peddlers and hard-boiled eggs as they are!" +said Philip, fairly snorting in disgust. + +"Oh, very well!" and Patty sank again into the chinchilla cavern. + +Roger touched Mona's foot with his own, and gave her an urgent, +significant glance, as he said, with a determination to change the +subject, "We'll just about get to Red Chimneys in time for luncheon. +Shall we have our picnic before we explore the house? I'm as hungry as +three bears and a hunter." + +"So'm I," agreed Van Reypen, taking the cue. "What's in the hampers? +Unless something pretty substantial, I vote we go to a hotel to feast." + +"No," said Mona, "that wouldn't be half as much fun. It's the +picnicking that's so jolly. If you agree, Patty," she added, for if +Patty had any intention of sulking, there would be little fun in a +picnic. + +But Patty Fairfield was no spoilsport. She was annoyed at Philip, but +that was no reason for her to make the others uncomfortable, and she +responded gaily, "Oh, yes, the picnic is lots more fun. But will the +house be warm enough?" + +"Yes," Mona answered, "we telephoned down last night for Mr. Bates, the +caretaker, to make some fires, and we can pile logs in the big hall +fireplace till we roast alive. We can have the feast in the hall, if +the dining-room is chilly." + +But they found the whole house fairly warm and distinctly cheery and +homey-looking. Bates had aired and dusted it, and had built fires and +altogether the beautiful rooms looked so attractive, that Mona declared +she was half inclined not to give it up, after all. + +"We could rent it some years, Roger," she said, "and live in it some +years, if we wanted to." + +"Just as you say, Mona," he replied; "it's your house. Wait until +spring to decide, if you prefer." + +"All right," said Van Reypen, "but I fear we must decide on the house +we buy before that. For we want to get the place we're to have in +order as soon as Spring pokes her nose in." + +"We'll have luncheon first," Mona decided, "and then discuss the +matter." + +The men opened the hampers, and the girls set the table in the great +hall, near the roaring wood fire that filled the enormous fireplace. +Salads and sandwiches, carefully packed, were in faultless condition, +and the numerous Thermos bottles held hot soup, coffee, and chocolate. +A small freezer of ice cream appeared from somewhere, and a box of +confectionery contented the girls while the men smoked after the repast. + +"It's this way," said Roger, at last, when they had talked over the +whole thing thoroughly, "Mona and I are considering our future,--yes, +even our old age! And, so, there are some points that we want to +discuss alone. Therefore, and wherefore, my friends,--my future wife +and I will, if you please, go apart by ourselves for a bit of +confidential chat." + +"Good gracious, Roger," said Patty, "anybody would think you two were +married already!" + +"Same as," Roger retorted; "especially in matters of real estate, and +future dwelling-houses and such things. But, really, what I'm going to +do, is, to try to persuade, cajole, or coerce Mona into selling the +place; for I know she doesn't really want it, only today, in the +glamour of this firelight glow, it seems attractive to her. So, I must +needs convince her of my superior judgment." + +The two went off, laughing, and Philip sat down again beside Patty. + +"How happy they are together," he said, musingly. + +"Yes; I'm thoroughly glad for them. I never saw a pair better suited +to one another. Roger adores the ground Mona walks on, yet he knows +just how to manage her----" + +"Do you think a man ought to 'manage' the woman he loves?" + +"If necessary, yes. At least he should know how to." + +"And do you think I know how to manage you?" + +"I don't want to be managed,--I can manage myself," Patty smiled, +roguishly. "But since you ask me, Phil, no, I don't think you do know +how to manage me,--not the least little mite!" + +"Teach me then, dear. I'll do just what you say." + +"All right. First, you must not scold me if I like people whom you +don't like." + +"Oh, hang! I had forgotten all about those bumptious lumps! Why +remind me?" + +"Because it's a case in point. If you care for me, you must care for +the things or people that I care for." + +"But, Patty,--since you've brought up the subject, let's have it out. +You _can't_ like those humbugs,--those fake brainsters,--those sap-head +pharisees----" + +"Phil, suppose you stop calling them names, which mean nothing, and +tell me just what it is you have against them." + +"There's everything against them, Patty, and nothing for them. They +pretend to wisdom, knowledge, and genius that they don't possess. They +fake up a lot of patter talk and pass it off for philosophy, or +psychology, or lord knows what! And there isn't an ounce of brains in +the whole fool bunch of them! That's what makes me mad! They fool you +into believing their drivel is wisdom, and it isn't!" + +"How do you know? You haven't such a lot of that sort of knowledge +yourself." + +"What sort of knowledge?" + +"Soul lore----" + +"Patty! Don't you ever use the word _soul_ in the silly way they do! +You have a soul, of course,--an immortal soul. But they don't mean +that. By soul, they mean a puffball of hifalutin ideas, of nonsense +about the occult and psychic, and all that balderdash. Oh, Patty, my +little girl, _don't_ let those idiot people carry away your common +sense and your plain everyday sanity! Don't, I beg of you!" + +"Look here, Phil," and Patty stared at him, thoughtfully; "I'm to give +you an answer to a certain question in about a fortnight, I believe." + +"You are, my Blessed Darling! To be exact, on the fifteenth of +December, this present month, you are to admit,--blushingly, if you +like, but unequivocally,--that I'm the one man in the world for you." + +"Don't be too sure. Do you suppose I _can_ love a man who differs so +in opinion on this matter of--of psychology----" + +"Yes, you blessed goose! You sure can! For, you see, this +poppycock,--I beg your pardon,--this poppychology is but a flash in the +pan, a rift in the lute, a fly in the ointment. Ahem, I'm getting +poetical now! Well, in a short space of period, you will have +forgotten all this rubbish,--er,--soul-rubbish, you know,--and you'll +be thinking only of how glad you are that you love me and I love +you,--just as Mona and Roger are, in these blissful days before their +marriage. Oh, Patty, you are going to marry me, aren't you, dear? I +can't stand it, if you say no." + +Patty looked at him, and a troubled expression filled her blue eyes. + +"I don't know, Philip. Honestly, I don't know. But it seems to me if +I am going to love you such a lot two weeks from now, I ought to care +more than I do now." + +"Oh, that's all right, darling. It'll come all at once. Why, some +day, you'll suddenly discover you love me with every bit and corner of +your dear little blessed heart, and you'll wonder that you only just +realised it." + +"I don't know, Philip. I hope it _will_ be like that--but I don't +know." + +"Don't worry about it, dear, it will be all right," and Van Reypen +smiled into the anxious eyes upraised to his. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A SOCIETY CIRCUS + +"Of course I could do it," Patty agreed, "and I will, if you say so, +Elise. I don't care a lot about it, but if everybody is going in for +the game, I am, too." + +"Yes, do, Patty; it's just in your line, and you can do it a whole lot +better than that girl did last year,--you know whom I mean, Ethel." + +"Yes, Ray Rose----" + +"Ray Rose," said Patty, "what a pretty name!" + +"Pretty girl, too," said Ethel Merritt, who was calling at Pine Laurel. +"Also, she isn't going to like it any too well to have Miss Fairfield +take her part." + +"Oh, is it her part?" asked Patty; "then I won't take it." + +"Yes, you will. It's all right. Nobody wants her and everybody wants +you." + +The subject under discussion was a "Society Circus" to be performed by +the young people of Lakewood, and of great interest to all concerned. + +It was a few days after the Spring Beach trip. Mona had gone back home +and Philip also, and Roger was in New York. Elise was greatly +enthusiastic over the circus plan, and was managing committees, and +arranging details in her usual capable fashion. The affair was a +charity benefit under the auspices of a philanthropic society that gave +some such entertainment every winter. Patty, always ready for any +gaiety, was preparing to take part, though the scheme was a new one to +her. She had never been in a society circus, and wanted the matter +thoroughly explained. + +"It isn't much to explain, Miss Fairfield," Ethel said; "you see, +everybody is an animal or a clown or a bareback rider, or something +that belongs to a circus. Bob Riggs is ringmaster, and they all obey +him. He's awfully funny, and whatever he has to do with, is sure to be +a success." + +"Tell me more about my part," said Patty; "how do I dress?" + +"Well, you see, you're Mlle. Hooperino, and you do fancy dancing and +jump through paper hoops----" + +"What! Oh, I can't do that!" + +"Yes, you can; Bob will show you how. Why, anybody who dances as you +do, can do anything of that sort. And your costume is anything you +like, in the way of tulle skirts, lots of 'em, and a satin bodice, +laced up, you know, and a dinky little cap, and,--oh, anything you +think fetching and attractive." + +"It sounds fun," Patty agreed, "but what about Miss Rose? I don't want +to disappoint her; will she feel annoyed?" + +"She sure will! But never mind that. As soon as Bob saw you dance the +other night, he said you were the one for the part. You must do it." + +"And Ray Rose hasn't been asked this year," put in Elise. "She can't +resent your taking what she never had." + +"She will, though," declared Ethel. "She looks upon that part as hers, +and she won't like Miss Fairfield's having it one bit. But that +doesn't matter. What Bob says, goes; and that's all there is about +that!" + +They talked over the costumes and dances until every question was +settled, and Ethel went away with Patty's promise to do what was +requested of her. + +"But I don't like it," Patty demurred, "on account of that Rose girl. +What is she like, Elise?" + +"Oh, she's the jolliest thing in the world. She won't get mad at +you,--she isn't that sort. But I know what she will do. She'll try to +'get even,' you know,--do something to pay you out for stealing her +glory." + +"What'll she do?" + +"Oh, I don't know. Some practical joke, like as not. She's a sort of +kid, although she's nineteen years old." + +"All right, if she's that sort, I'm not afraid of her. I thought she +was haughty and sarcastic." + +"Oh, no, nothing like that. She's full of mischief and awfully +good-natured. But she'll resent Bob's putting you in her place. Don't +think of it, Patty. It's all a trifle. She'll have some other part, +just as good." + +"Very well, I'll turn me thinks toward me frock. What say to pale blue +tulle, with silver lace by way of trimmin's?" + +"Fine! And after you get yours all planned will you help me with mine?" + +"Will I! I live but for that! You, my Elise, must wear corn colour, +or, say, maize colour, and poppies." + +"Yes, now that you speak of it, that's just what I want. Shall us ask +Philip down, Patty?" + +"No; I'd like to have one time of my life without his revered presence." + +"Look here, Patty, between you and me and the circus, aren't you +expecting to be the eventual Mrs. Philip?" + +"Oh, Elise, don't bother me about such far-away eventualities." + +"All right, I won't, 'cause I know all about that. You're trying him +out, and if he passes his exams, you're going to say yes, pretty soon, +now." + +"Good gracious! I believe my loving friends know more about my affairs +than I do myself!" + +"If we didn't we wouldn't know much! You are the most wabbly-hearted +person I ever knew! Say, Pats, what did you do to big Bill Farnsworth +to send him flying off out West again?" + +"I?" and Patty opened her blue eyes wide at Elise. + +"Yes, you, you saucer-eyed doll! One day, he was shining brightly all +over the place, and the next, he was like a thunder cloud, and departed +straightway for the wild and woolly." + +"Oh, well, Elise, I can't feel sure that it's precisely your affair; +but, as you show a polite interest, I don't mind telling you that we +quarrelled." + +"About Philip Van Reypen." + +"Clairvoyant! Well, if you will have it so,--yes." + +"Oh, Patty, then you do like Phil better than Mr. Farnsworth!" + +"Do I?" + +"You must! or you never would have sent one away because of the other. +And, Patty, you did just right. Phil Van Reypen is worth a dozen of +that Western giant. He's nice, Mr. Farnsworth is, but Philip is so +much more--oh,--aristocratic and--and smart-looking, you know." + +"Bill is smart enough," said Patty, thoughtfully. + +"I don't mean smart in the sense of clever, but----" + +"I know; you mean well-dressed and fashionable." + +"Yes, and correct-mannered, and generally all round a gentleman." + +"Bill Farnsworth is a gentleman." + +"Of course. But not the polished type Philip is. He's an aristocrat." + +"Oh, fiddlestrings. I'm sick and tired of hearing that Phil Van Reypen +is an aristocrat! If I were an aristocrat, I'd try to hide it! +Anyway, I wouldn't advertise it all the time!" + +"Patty! you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Phil doesn't advertise +it!" + +"Well, he doesn't employ you to do it for him, either, so you may as +well stop it. I know all about Phil's aristocracy. And it's all +right. I never said it wasn't. But a man has got to be something more +than an aristocrat before I can fall desperately in love with him. And +I must be desperately in love with the man I promise to marry." + +Patty spoke seriously, and her blue eyes took on a violet light as she +looked out of the window and far away to the sky beyond the pine trees. + +"Of course, you must, Patty. Every girl feels that way. But when Phil +adores you so, how can you resist him?" + +"Now, now, Elise, don't ask leading questions. And, also, let's turn +the tables. When a certain nice young man that I wot of, so adores +you, how can you resist him?" + +"I don't know that I shall," replied Elise, blushing. + +"Oho! Bad as that, eh? Now I see why you're so interested in my +affairs of the heart. Misery loves company." + +"But I'm not miserable." + +"No, of course not. Howsumever, if you insist on asking Philip Van +down to the circus, I shall advise asking one Mr. Kit Cameron." + +"You're a day behind the fair! I've asked him and he can't come." + +"Too bad. But, just for that, I won't have Phil, either. Then we can +both be heart-whole and fancy free." + +"All right. Bob Riggs has taken a large and elegant notion to you, and +I am engaged in the pleasant pastime of subjugating Hal Merritt, so we +shan't want for rustic swains." + +"As if we ever had! But as for me, this circus business seems a piece +of work, and I must apply myself to it, or rejoice in a failure at the +eventful moment." + +"You're right. Let's go over to Mme. Beauvais' and see about her +making our costumes." + +"Come on, we'll go now." + +The next few days the girls devoted all their time to their costumes +and to rehearsals for the circus. It was a more elaborate affair than +Patty had anticipated, and the men who were to represent animals had +marvellous suits of fur that closely imitated the real thing in wild +beasts. + +A bear, who was ordinarily Jack Fenn, captivated Patty from the first, +and when she proposed to dance with him, Bob Riggs caught at the idea. + +"Capital!" he cried, "just the thing, Miss Fairfield. Hit of the +evening, I assure you. Come, begin your rehearsal at once." + +It was not easy, for the bear costume made its wearer clumsy and he +awkwardly tripped and nearly upset Patty. But she good-naturedly tried +the steps over and over until they began to do better. + +"It'll right itself after a few more rehearsals," she said, +encouragingly. "Come over to the Farringtons' mornings, and we'll get +a little extra practice." + +Fenn did so, and, as they perfected the dance, all who saw it +prophesied it would be the hit of the whole affair. + +And everybody was pleased save and except Ray Rose. She had taken +quietly enough the substitution of Patty for herself as _première +danseuse_, and had even said she preferred the part that had been +assigned her. But when the Bear dance began to be talked about with +such enthusiasm, she commenced to find fault. + +"How did you happen to worm yourself into my place, Miss Fairfield?" +she said at a rehearsal. "Did you make up this Bear foolery?" + +"I'm afraid I did, Miss Rose," returned Patty, smiling. "You've no +criticism to make, have you?" + +"None, except that I wanted that part that Mr. Riggs saw fit to give +you, and I'm madder'n hops 'cause I haven't got it." + +"Why, I'll give it to you," and Patty smiled at the pouting girl. + +"Oh, you can't do that now, it's too late." + +"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you wanted it?" + +"Never s'posed you'd give it up, or I would have. But I'll get even +with you!" + +"Now, don't talk like that, for it wasn't my fault that Mr. Riggs +selected me for the part." + +"Well, it was your fault that you took it, and it will be my fault if I +don't make you pay for it!" + +"Is this a threat?" + +"It most certainly is. What are you going to do about it?" + +"Nothing at all,--unless it is carried out. Then I shall defend myself +to the best of my ability. I'm good-natured,--and I am told you +are,--but I've no intention of being annoyed unjustly, and you'll find +that out, Miss Ray Rose! By the way, what a pretty name you have." + +"Do you like it? It's really Ramona, but I've always been called Ray. +I like you a lot, Miss Fairfield, and I'd be sorry to annoy you, +but,--well, perhaps because I do like you so much,--I warn you, I'm +going to get ahead of you on this circus program, if I can." + +"You're a little goose," said Patty, laughing outright at the +determined face and snapping black eyes of Ray Rose. "I do believe you +want to cut up some trick on me, because I stole your part, or it seems +to you I did, and yet, you rather like me, and hate to do it, after +all." + +"How did you know?" cried Ray Rose, astonished. "That's exactly what +was in my mind! Well, honest, if I can conquer my desire to get even +with you, I'll let you alone. But I feel pretty sure I shall do your +act myself." + +"You are the queerest girl I ever saw!" and Patty looked her +astonishment. "Your frankness and your slyness together are the +funniest combination! Just for your queer cleverness, I give you +permission to get my place from me if you can! But don't forget I +offered it to you." + +"That's nothing. Bob Riggs wouldn't let me take it. But if I get it +in some way that he can't help himself, remember that you told me I +might." + +Patty was greatly amused at this conversation, but as other and more +important matters quickly demanded her attention, she promptly forgot +the whole matter. + +The circus proper was to be an evening entertainment, but in the +afternoon of the same day, the entire cast of characters marched up and +down the streets as an advertisement, hoping to attract attention and +rouse curiosity to such an extent that the attendance at the evening +performance would be large. + +The animals presented a fearsome sight. Lions, bears, tigers, monkeys, +a giraffe and a donkey, were followed by clowns, acrobats, trapeze +performers, and jugglers. + +Patty, as _première danseuse_, rode in a gilded chariot drawn by four +gaily caparisoned white horses. She sat enthroned on a high seat, and +waved smiling greetings as she passed. + +Ray Rose, in Pierrette costume, was gay and good-natured, and chummed +up with Patty, in evident forgetfulness of any ill-feeling. + +"She's all right," Patty said to Elise, as they went home after the +parade, and prepared to rest up a little before the evening performance. + +Patty had no sooner reached her room than she was called to the +telephone. The speaker was Ray Rose. + +"Excuse me, Miss Fairfield, but I do want to speak to you a minute. I +think my Pierrette act would be a whole lot prettier, if I had a few +Highland Fling steps in it, don't you?" + +"I do," Patty replied, after a moment's consideration. "Put them in +after the one-step movement." + +"Yes, that's what I meant. May I run over to your house a minute, and +will you show me about the Fling? It won't take a jiffy." + +"Yes, of course. Will you come right away?" + +"I will. But, oh, pshaw,--I'm all dressed in my Pierrette rig; +wouldn't you,--couldn't you come here instead? I'll send the car, it +won't take any time at all." + +"Why, yes, I can come over, and I will, if you want me to so much." +Patty ran to tell Elise she was going, but Elise was not in her room, +so Patty went downstairs to look for her. Before she saw Elise, or +indeed any one else, the Rose car came, a little runabout, with only +the chauffeur. + +Flinging a motor coat from the hall-rack around her, Patty ran out the +door and jumped into the car. + +In a moment she was at Ray Rose's house, and the girl herself stood +smiling in the doorway. + +"Good for you!" she cried, "you're a duck! Come right up to my room." + +Patty followed Ray, who ran lightly up stairs, and threw open the door +of her bedroom. + +"What a lovely room!" Patty exclaimed, as she entered a dainty nest all +pink and white. + +"Yes, isn't it?" agreed Ray, and they stepped inside. "Sit down a +minute," she went on, "I want to get another scarf. I'll be right +back." + +Patty threw herself into a low wicker chair, and, gently closing the +door behind her, Ray disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A CLEVER PLAN + +Patty waited, thinking over the coming performance and mentally +rehearsing her part. It was not really difficult, but it was tricky, +for unless she sprang through the paper-covered hoops at just the right +moment, it would be an awkward blunder. However, after many +rehearsals, she felt pretty sure of herself, and looked forward with +pleasure to the fun. + +She glanced round Ray's room. It was full of attractive odds and ends +in addition to its furniture and regular appointments, which were of +the most elaborate description. Rising, Patty examined some of the +pictures and ornaments, and became so engrossed, that the minutes flew +by unnoticed. On the dressing-table was a silver-framed clock, and a +tinkling chime rang out from it, before Patty had given a thought to +the hour. Quarter-past seven! And the performance was scheduled for +half-past eight. She had waited there for Ray nearly fifteen minutes. +It was very queer. What could have detained her? + +Patty waited restlessly for five minutes longer, and then determined to +go in search of Ray. She turned the doorknob, but the door would not +open! Like a flash the explanation came to her. She was locked in! +Ray had done it, in fulfilment of her threat to "get even" with Patty. + +The summons over there had been a blind, to trick her into the room, +and now she was locked in! + +Patty smiled at the silly ruse. The matter couldn't be serious,--she +could certainly get out some way, and get home in time to don her +costume and get to the circus, even if a little late. Unwilling to +cause unnecessary disturbance, she looked round the room to note the +exits. There was but one other door and that led to a dressing-room, +which in turn had a door opening into a bathroom. That was all. No +more doors were to be seen. The windows had no balconies, and being on +the second floor, there was no chance of escape thereby. + +Patty looked around for a telephone, but saw none. She thought such an +elaborate household would have many of them, but realised that Ray +probably had a sitting-room or boudoir in addition to these rooms and +her telephone would be there. Patty knew the girl was an only child of +doting parents, and that she was spoiled and pampered to an inordinate +degree. + +Patty considered. Doubtless Mr. and Mrs. Rose were not at home, or, if +they were, they would not answer a call, for Ray would have looked +after that. The servants, likewise, must have been ordered not to +release Patty, for Ray Rose was not one to do anything by halves, and +if she had planned to get Patty over there, she had also planned to +keep her there. + +It was ridiculous, it was maddening,--but it was true. Patty was +locked in a room and could not get out. She hadn't heard a key turn, +but it must have done so. Peeping in the keyhole, she could see that +the key was in the lock, from the hall side. + +Endeavouring to use her ingenuity, Patty tried to turn the key from her +side by means of a button-hook, a nail file, a hairpin, and a glove +stretcher. Needless to say her attempts were unsuccessful. + +"I've heard of turning a key in its own lock," she mused, but she found +the feat impossible of achievement. + +Again the chiming little timepiece reminded her that another quarter +hour had flown. + +"Half-past seven!" she thought. "My dear Miss Fairfield, you have got +to do something pretty quick! Get busy! What would your favourite +heroes of wild romance do to get out of such a fix as this?" + +When Patty was baffled, she always talked to herself. But her appeals +to herself or her ingenuity did no good, and after a thorough search +for a means of exit, she concluded to call out. She felt it was an +undignified thing to do, and, too, she felt it would do no good, but +there was no other course to pursue, that she could see. + +So she called, gently at first, and then more loudly, but, as she had +anticipated, there was no response. Going close to the door, she +called again and again, and then concluded it was useless. + +She threw herself into an easy chair, thoroughly angry with Ray Rose, +and chagrined at herself for being led into such a trap. + +"I might have known there was some trickery," she thought, "when that +girl called me over here at the last minute. And she was so sweet and +friendly today, it should have put me on my guard. Elise warned me, +but I never dreamed of anything like this. However, now is no time to +worry over that, I must get out,--that's what I must do, get out!" + +But it seemed hopeless. The case was so simple, that there was no +opportunity for ingenious schemes. There she was, in the beautiful +room, with the only exit to the house, the hall door, securely locked. +The door was of solid mahogany, the knob and lock of a most secure +firmness. Had it been a light or flimsy door, Patty would have rattled +and shaken it, but this door was solid as a rock. Either, she would +have to think up some clever plan, and that quickly, or spend the +entire evening there in solitude. Her quick mind took in these +alternatives, and she thought that if no idea presented itself soon, +she would succumb to the inevitable, and quietly settle down for the +evening. There were pleasant-looking books about, soft couches and +pillows, convenient reading-lamps, and even a box of chocolates on a +table. Matters might be worse, thought philosophical Patty. But she +hated to give up,--to acknowledge herself beaten. + +Once again she opened a window, and looked out. It was on the side of +the house, and toward the rear. + +The house was not set back far from the street; indeed, the sidewalk +was not more than forty feet from the window out of which Patty leaned. +An idea came to her, and going quickly to the table she found a sheet +of paper and a pencil. There was no desk in the room, and she felt +herself lucky to find these things at all. She hastily scribbled a +note, but she made it urgent and definite. Then she looked around for +a missile which she could throw to the street. There were few things +that were available, and she finally selected a heavy hairbrush as the +best. It was of ivory and bore a bold monogram, as did the rest of +Ray's toilet appointments, but Patty took it unhesitatingly, as she had +reached the limit of her patience and consideration. + +She tied the note firmly to the brush, and leaning far out of the +window, waited for a promising passer-by. At last, a young man came +along, and Patty deftly threw the brush so that it landed at his very +feet. Practice at basketball and other such sports had made her +accurate of aim and as the astonished man saw the brush, he naturally +picked it up. + +Patty watched him take off the note and read it, by the light of the +street electric, and after a swift gaze at the house, he started off at +a brisk pace. + +"H'm," said Patty to herself, "not so worse, Miss Fairfield, not so +worse! The axe is laid at the root of the tree!" + +Glancing at the clock, she sat down to wait. It was twenty minutes to +eight, but her heart beat high with hope. If she could outwit Ray Rose +it would be great fun, and she would "pay back" the mischievous girl in +her own coin. + +At ten minutes to eight, the door of the room opened a little way. A +servant of the Rose household put her head in, and said, "This woman +wishes to see you, Miss Fairfield," and Sarah, a maid from the +Farringtons', stood in the doorway. + +"Come in, Sarah," said Patty. "Close that door!" she said to the Rose +servant, so peremptorily, that the order was obeyed at once. + +"Quick!" whispered Patty, and Sarah tore off her long cloak and bonnet +and veil, and Patty as quickly put them on. Then she took the small +basket Sarah had brought, and standing near the door, said, in a clear +voice: "You may go now, Sarah. Tell Miss Elise not to look for me this +evening." + +"Yes, Miss Patty," Sarah responded, and then, as the servant outside +opened the door, Patty slipped through, turning her face so that it +might not be seen. The Rose servant, thinking Sarah had come out, +relocked the door quickly, that the prisoner might not escape, and +Patty went demurely downstairs, and out at the back door, without let +or hindrance. Once in the street, she fairly flew to the hall where +the circus performance was to be given, for she well knew that Ray Rose +had probably already secured her dancing costume from Elise by some +plausible bit of trickery. + +It was but a few moments after eight when Patty walked into the +dressing-room of the amateur performers. + +"For gracious' sake, Patty, where _have_ you been?" cried Elise, who +was sitting before a mirror, making up her face. "Nobody could find +you anywhere!" + +"Here I am, all right," said Patty, blithely. "Where's Ray Rose?" + +"In the next room. Where's your costume? Ray came over and got it +from the house." + +"Oh, she did, did she? All right." + +Patty went into the next room, where several girls sat in their stage +costumes, and all with warm wraps around them. Ray Rose was completely +enveloped in a long cloak that covered her from neck to feet. + +"Hello, Ray," said Patty, pleasantly; "I'll take my costume now, as I +want to get dressed in it." + +If ever there was a surprised looking girl it was Ray at that moment. +She stared at Patty as at an apparition. + +"Where--where did you come from?" she stammered. + +"Oh, I ran over from your house. Your room is lovely, Ray, but I got +awfully tired of it. Now, you get yourself out of my skirts, and hand +them over to me. But first, you go and telephone to your household to +let Sarah, the Farringtons' maid, out of your room, where she may yet +be locked in, for all I know." + +Ray looked bewildered, and Patty, whose eyes were shining with +righteous indignation, took her by the arm, and marched her to the +telephone. Patty herself called up the Rose house, and then, thrusting +the receiver into Ray's hand, said, "Give your order, and be quick +about it." + +"Let the girl out of my room," said Ray, through the transmitter. "It +isn't Miss Fairfield in there now, it's one of the Farrington maids. +Let her go home." + +Patty took the receiver from Ray and hung it up, and then marched her +to the dressing-room, and divested her of her long cloak. + +"Why, Ray Rose!" cried Elise, "if you haven't got Patty's dress on, +yourself! What are you up to?" + +"Never mind, Elise," said Patty, "help us change, there isn't much +time. Ray made a mistake." + +Without a word, Ray took off Patty's voluminous tulle skirts in which +she was arrayed, and handed them over to their rightful owner. As fast +as she received them, Patty put them on, and in ten minutes, was +herself clothed in her rightful property. + +Meantime Ray had no costume to wear. + +"Where's your Pierrette rig?" asked Patty. + +"Over home," said Ray, disconsolately. + +"Go and telephone for them to send it over, if you want it," said +Patty. "Put on your long cloak, and telephone." + +Ray looked at her dubiously for a moment, and then said, "No, I won't. +I'll go home and stay home,--that's what I'll do!" + +"Go ahead," said Patty, blithely, who didn't feel she really owed the +girl any further consideration. "And next time you try to get even +with anybody, pick out some one who'll let you _stay_ even!" + +"You're a hummer!" said Ray, in unwilling admiration. "How did you do +it?" + +"I'll tell you some other time," and Patty laughed in spite of herself +at the admiration on Ray's countenance. "If you're going to get your +costume over here and get into it, you want to hustle." + +"Time enough," returned Ray, carelessly. "My stunt is the sixth on the +program, so there's lots of time." + +This was true, so Patty turned all her attention to reddening her pink +cheeks, while the other girls gathered around in desperate curiosity. + +"What does it all mean?" asked Ethel Merritt. "Do tell us, Miss +Fairfield. Why did Ray wear your dress?" + +"Ask her," said Patty, smiling. "It was a whim of hers, I guess. It +made me a little bother, but all's well that ends well." + +"You are the good-naturedest old goose!" cried Elise, who had an +inkling of what was inexplicable to the others. + +"Might as well," said Patty, serenely. "She's a hummer, Ray Rose is. +She sure is a hummer!" + +And then Patty pronounced herself finished and turned from the mirror +for inspection. + +"Lovely!" approved Elise, "if you admire strongly-marked features!" + +Patty's cheeks and lips were very red, her eyebrows greatly darkened, +and her face thickly coated with powdered chalk. + +"It's awful, I know," she agreed, "but in the strong lights of the +stage and the footlights too, you have to pile it on like that." + +"Of course you do," said Ethel. "Mine looks the same." + +Laughingly gaily, the girls went to take their places on the stage. +Bob Riggs, the ringmaster, was there and assigned them their places. + +Patty's performance was near the beginning of the program. She did a +solo dance, first, a lovely fancy dance that she had learned in New +York, and then she did the grotesque and humorous dances called for by +the occasion. The one that necessitated springing, head first, through +hoops covered with light, thin paper, she did very prettily, striking +the taut paper with just the right force to snap it into a thousand +shreds. + +Her act was wildly applauded by the enthusiastic audience, and would +have been several times repeated but for the scarcity of hoops. + +Later came her grotesque dance with Bruin Boru, the wonderful dancing +bear. Jack Fenn was very funny in his bear-skin costume, and he pawed +and scraped as he ambled ludicrously about, and kept time to the music +with mincing steps or sprawling strides. + +This number was the hit of the evening, and Ray Rose had longed to +perform it herself. But her plan fell through, and in her pretty +Pierrette costume she did a very pleasing song and dance, but her eyes +rested longingly on Patty's frilly skirts. + +The last number was a chariot race. The chariots were of the low, +backless variety, peculiar to circus performances, indeed they had been +procured from a real circus. + +Patty and Ethel Merritt drove two of these, and Bob Riggs and Jack Fenn +the other two. + +But there was no such mad race as is sometimes seen at the real +circuses. The two men drove faster, but Patty and Ethel were content +to fall behind and bring up the rear. In fact, it was in no sense of +the word a race, but merely a picturesque drive of the gorgeous +chariots by the gay drivers. + +As Patty swept round the small arena for the last time, she beckoned to +Ray Rose, who sat, a little disconsolately, near the edge of the stage +platform. + +"Get in!" Patty whispered, as she slowed down, and, obeying without +question, Ray jumped from the stage, right into the chariot, which was +large enough to hold both girls. + +"Grab the reins with me!" Patty cried, and Ray did, and the final +triumphant circuit was made with two laughing drivers holding the +ribbons, to the deafening applause of the hilarious audience. + +Bob Riggs, from his own chariot, pronounced the entertainment over, and +then the performers and audience mingled in a gay crowd, dancing and +feasting till the small hours. + +"I'm sorry," said Ray, penitently, to Patty, as soon as she had a good +chance. "I was a wretch, and you're an angel to speak to me at all." + +"I am," agreed Patty, calmly. "Not one girl in a dozen would forgive +you. It was a horrid thing to do, and you ought to be ashamed of +yourself and you are. I know that. But I choose to forget the whole +affair, and I only ask you never to treat anybody else so meanly." + +"I never will," promised Ray Rose. "I think you have cured me of that +childish trick of 'getting even.'" + +"Yes, till next time," said Patty, laughing. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A REAL POEM + +"It's simply absurd of you, Patty," said Elise, as they reached home +after the circus, "to let Ray Rose off so easily. She cut up an +awfully mean trick, and she ought to be made to suffer for it." + +"Now, now, Elise, it's my own little kettle of fish, and you must keep +out of it. You see, it makes a difference who does a thing. If Ray +Rose were an intimate friend of mine, I should resent her performance +and make a fuss about it. But she is such a casual acquaintance,--why, +probably I shall never see her again after I go away from +Lakewood,--and so I consider it better judgment to ignore her silly +prank, rather than stir up a fuss about it." + +"I don't agree with you, you're all wrong; but tell me the whole story. +What did she do?" + +"You see, she was determined to do that hoop dance, and the only way +she could think of, to get me out of it, was to get me over to her +house and lock me up there. It was a slim chance I had of getting out, +but I managed it. She called me over by telephone, and then locked me +in her bedroom. How did she get my clothes?" + +"Sent a maid over here, saying that you were at her house and wanted +your costume sent over. I thought you were helping her, in your usual +idiotic 'helping hand' way, and I sent the dress and all the +belongings." + +"Well, of course, I knew nothing about all that. So, I suppose the +little minx dressed herself and put on the long cloak and walked off. +She is boss in her own home, I know that, and, as I learned later, her +father and mother were out to dinner, so she ordered the servants to +pay no attention to any call or disturbance I might make. I sized it +up, and I felt pretty sure no screaming or yelling or battering at the +door would do any good, so I pondered on a move of strategy. But I +couldn't think of anything for a long time, and had just about made up +my mind to spend the evening there, when I made one desperate attempt +and it succeeded. I wrote a note to Sarah to come over there and say +she had to give me a certain medicine at that hour, or I would be ill. +And I told her to wear a thick veil and a long cloak. She did all +this, and I just slipped into her cloak and hat and veil and came out +the door in her place, leaving her behind. They thought it was Sarah +who came out, of course." + +"Fine! Patty, you're a genius! How did you get the note to Sarah?" + +"Tied it to Ray's hairbrush and threw it at the feet of a young man who +was going by. On the outside I wrote, 'Please take this quickly to +Sarah Moore at George Farrington's,' and gave the address. I added, +'Hurry, as it is a matter of tremendous importance!' And I'd like to +know who that young man was." + +"Where's the hairbrush?" + +"Sarah brought it back with her, and left it where it belongs. I knew +it might be broken or lost, but I could have replaced it, so I took +that chance. And nothing else seemed just right to throw." + +"But, Patty, it was an awful thing for Ray to do to you." + +"Oh, don't fuss, Elise. Consider the circumstances. I had given her +permission, in a sort of way, to keep me from that stunt if she could, +and she had said, 'If I do, remember you said I might.' So you see, +she was within her rights, in a way, and beside, I tell you I don't +want to stir up a hornets' nest about it. The incident is beneath +notice; and, do you know, I can't help admiring the girl's daring and +ingenuity." + +"Oh, you'd admire a Grizzly Bear, if he succeeded in eating you up! +You're a good-natured goose, Patty." + +"Maybe. But I know the difference between a foolish prank and a real +offence, that must be resented. You're the goose, Elise, not to see +how silly it would be to raise a row against a girl who means nothing +to me, and whom I shall never see again after this visit is over." + +"All right, Pattikins, have it your own way. Ray Rose is a sort of law +unto herself, and she has lots of friends who would take her part." + +"It isn't that, exactly. If I wanted to raise the issue, I'm sure my +side of the matter would be the side of right and justice. But it +isn't worth my time or trouble to take it up. And, then, I did tell +her to go ahead and outwit me, if she could, so there's that on her +side. Now, Elise, about going home. I must go soon, for I want to be +in New York a week before the wedding, and you do, too." + +"Yes, I do. Suppose we stay down here for the skating party day after +tomorrow, and then go to New York the day after that." + +"I think so. Your mother will be going up about then, and the days +will fairly fly until the fifteenth. It seems funny to think of Roger +being married, doesn't it? He's such a boy." + +"I know it. Mona seems older than he, though she isn't." + +"A girl always seems older than a man, even of the same age. I want to +have 'a shower' for Mona before the wedding." + +"Oh, Patty, a shower is so--so----" + +"So chestnutty? I know it. But Mona wants it. Of course she didn't +say so right out, but I divined it. It isn't that she wants the +presents, you know, but Mona has a queer sort of an idea that she must +have everything that anybody else has. And Lillian Van Arsdale had a +shower, so Mona wants one, and I'm going to give it for her." + +"All right. What kind?" + +"Dunno yet, but something strikingly novel and original. I shall set +my great intellect to work on it at once, and invite the people by +notes from here, before I go back to New York." + +"All right, my lady, but if you don't get to bed now, you'll be pale +and holler-eyed tomorrow, and that will upset your placid vanity." + +"Wretch! As if I had a glimmer of a trace of a vestige of that deadly +sin!" + +The girls were very busy during the last few days of Patty's stay in +Lakewood. There were many matters to attend to in connection with the +approaching wedding. Also, Patty had become a favourite in the social +circle and many parties were made especially for her. + +And the day before their departure, Elise gave a little farewell tea, +to which were bidden only the people Patty liked best. + +The Blaneys were there, and, capturing Patty, Sam took her from the +laughing crowd and led her to a secluded alcove of the veranda. It was +a pleasant nook, enclosed with glass panes, and filled with ferns and +palms. + +"Sit thee down," said Blaney, arranging a few cushions in a long low +wicker chair. + +"I'm glad to," and Patty dropped into the seat. "I do think teas are +the limit for tiring people out." + +"You oughtn't to waste yourself on teas. It's a crime," and Blaney +looked positively indignant. + +"What would be the proper caper for my indefatigable energy?" + +"You oughtn't to be energetic at all. For you, just to _be_, is +enough." + +"Not much it isn't! Why, if I just be'd, and didn't do anything else, +I should die of that extreme bored feeling. And, it isn't like you to +recommend such an existence, anyway." + +"I shouldn't for any one else. But you, oh, my lily-fair girl, you are +so beautiful, so peerless----" + +"Good gracious, Mr. Blaney, what has come over you?" Patty sat up +straight, in dismay, for she had no intention of being talked to in +that vein by Sam Blaney. + +"The spell of your presence," he replied; "the spell of your +beauty,--your charm, your----" + +"Please don't," said Patty, "please don't talk to me like that! I +don't like it." + +"No? Then of course I'll stop. But the spell remains. The witchery +of your face, your voice----" + +"There you go again! You promised to stop." + +"How can I, with you as inspiration? My soul expands,--my heart beats +in lilting rhythms, you seem to me a flame goddess----" + +"Just what is a flame goddess?" interrupted Patty, who wanted to +giggle, but was too polite. + +"I see your soul as a flame of fire,--a lambent flame, with tongues of +red and yellow----" + +And now Patty did laugh outright. She couldn't help it. "Oh, my soul +hasn't tongues," she protested. "I'm sure it hasn't, Mr. Blaney." + +"Yes," he repeated, "tongues, silent, untaught tongues,--but with +unknown, unvoiced melodies that await but the torch of sympathy to +sound, lyrically, upon the waiting air." + +"Am I really like that? Do you think I could voice lyrics, myself? I +mean it,--write poetry, you know. I've always wanted to. Do you think +I could, Mr. Blaney?" + +"I know it. Unfolding one's soul in song is not an art, as some +suppose, to be learned,--it is a natural, irrepressible expression of +the inner ego, it is a response to the melodic urge----" + +"Oh, wait a minute, you're getting beyond me. What do all these things +mean? It's so much Greek to me." + +"But you want to learn?" + +"Yes; that is, I'm interested in it. I always did think I'd like to +write poetry. But I don't know the rules." + +"There are no rules. Unfetter your soul, take a pencil,--the words +will come." + +"Really? Can you do that, Mr. Blaney? Could you take a pencil, +_now_,--and just write out your soul, and produce a poem?" + +Patty was very much in earnest. Sam Blaney looked at her, the eager +pleading face urged him, the blue eyes dared a refusal, and the +hovering smile seemed to doubt his ability to prove his own proposition. + +"Of course I could!" he replied. "With you for inspiration, I could +write a poem that would throb and thrill with the eternal heart of the +radiance of the soul's starshine." + +"Then do it," cried Patty; "I believe you, I thoroughly believe you, +but I want to see it. I want the poem for myself. Give it to me." + +Slowly Blaney took a pencil and notebook from his pocket. He sat +gazing at her, and Patty, fairly beaming with eager interest, waited. +For some minutes he sat, silent, almost motionless, and she began to +grow restless. + +"I don't want to hurry you," she said, at last, "but I mustn't stay +here too long. Please write it now, Mr. Blaney. I'm sure you can do +it,--why delay?" + +"Yes, I can do it," he said, "but I want to get the highest, the +divinest inspiration, in order to produce a gem worthy of your +acceptance." + +"Well, don't wait longer for that. Give me your second best, if need +be,--only write something. I've always wanted to see a real, true poet +write a real true poem. I never had a chance before. Now, don't dare +disappoint me!" + +Patty looked very sweet and coaxing, and her voice was earnestly +pleading, not at all implying doubt of his ability or willingness. + +Still Blaney sat, thoughtfully regarding her. + +"Come, come," she said, after another wait, "I shall begin to think you +can't be inspired by my presence, after all! If you are, genius ought +to burn by this time. If not, I suppose we'll have to give it up,--but +it will disappoint me horribly." + +The blue eyes were full of reproach, and Patty began to draw her scarf +round her shoulders and seemed about to rise. + +"No, no," protested Blaney, putting out a hand to detain her, "a +moment,--just a moment,--stay, I have it!" + +He began to scribble rapidly, and, fascinated, Patty watched him. +Occasionally he glanced at her, but it was with a faraway look in his +eyes, and an exalted expression on his face. + +He wrote fast, but not steadily, now and then pausing, as if waiting +for the right word, and then doing two or three lines without +hesitation. Finally, he drew a long sigh, and the poem seemed to be +finished. + +"It is done," he said, "not worthy of your acceptance, but made for +you. Shall I read it to you?" + +"Yes, do," and Patty was thrilled by the fervour in his tones. + +In the soft, low voice that was one of his greatest charms, Blaney read +these lines: + + "I loved her.--Why? I never knew.--Perhaps + Because her face was fair; perhaps because + Her eyes were blue and wore a weary air;-- + Perhaps . . . perhaps because her limpid face + Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein + The dimples found no place to anchor and + Abide; perhaps because her tresses beat + A froth of gold about her throat, and poured + In splendour to the feet that ever seemed + Afloat. Perhaps because of that wild way + Her sudden laughter overleapt propriety; + Or--who will say?--perhaps the way she wept." + + +The lovely voice ceased, and its musical vibrations seemed to hover in +the air after the sound was stilled. + +"It's beautiful," Patty said, at last, in an awed tone; "I had no idea +you could write like that! Why, it's real poetry." + +"You're real poetry," said Blaney, simply, as he put the written paper +in his pocket. + +"No, no," cried Patty, "give it to me. It's mine. You made it for me +and it's mine. Nobody ever made a real poem for me before. I want it." + +"Oh, nonsense, you don't want it." + +"Indeed I do. I must have it." + +"Will you promise not to show it to anybody?" + +"'Course not! I'll show it to everybody!" + +"Then you can't have it. I'm sensitive, I admit, but I can't bear to +have the children of my brain bruited to the world----" + +"I haven't a notion what bruited means, but I promise you I won't do +that. I'll keep it sacredly guarded from human eyes, and read it to +myself when I'm all alone. Why, Mr. Blaney, it's a wonderful poem. +I've simply got to have it, and that's all there is about that!" + +"I give it to you, then, but don't,--please don't show it to the +hilarious populace. It is for you only." + +"All right. I'll keep it for me only. But I haven't half thanked you +for it. I do appreciate it, I assure you, and I feel guilty because I +underrated your talent. But perhaps it is because I saw you do it, +that I care so very much for it. Anyway, I thank you." + +Patty held out her hand in genuine gratitude, and, taking it gently, +Blaney held it a moment as he said, "I claim my reward. May I come to +see you in New York?" + +"Yes, indeed, I'll be awfully glad to have you. And Alla must come, +too. I'll make a party for you as soon as the wedding is over. Will +you be at that?" + +"At the reception, yes. And I shall see you there?" + +"Of course. I say, Mr. Blaney, why don't you write a wedding poem for +Miss Galbraith? She'd love it! She wants everything for her wedding +that can possibly be procured." + +"No. A poem of mine cannot be ordered, as from a caterer!" + +"Oh, forgive me! I didn't mean that. But, I thought you might write +one, because I asked you." + +"No, Miss Fairfield. Anything you want for yourself, but not for +others. A thousand times no! You understand?" + +"Yes, of course. I oughtn't to have asked you. But I'm so delighted +with this poem of mine, that I spoke unthinkingly. Now, I must run +away; Elise is beckoning frantically, and I daresay the guests are +taking leave of me, and I'm not there! Good-bye, Mr. Blaney, until we +meet in New York. And thank you more than I can say for your gift, +your ever-to-be treasured gift." + +"It is my privilege to have offered it and for me to thank you for the +opportunity." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A SHOWER + +"If you ask me," Patty said to Nan, "I think these 'shower' affairs are +ridiculous. All the girls who are coming today will give Mona a +wedding present, so why add a shower gift?" + +"I didn't ask you," returned Nan, "but since you raise the question, +I'll just remark, in passing, that it's part of the performance, and +it's no more ridiculous than lots of the other flummery that goes along +with a this year's model wedding. _I_ didn't have any showers,--but +that was then." + +"Right you are, Lady Gay, and as Mona most especially desired this mark +of esteem from her friends, I'm glad she's going to have it." + +"But I thought showers were usually surprises,--I didn't know the +bride-elect requested one, or even knew of it beforehand." + +"Your think is correct. It's most unusual, but Mona is unusual, and +any surprise in connection with her wedding would be impossible. She +knows it all, and the arrangements are all under her direct +supervision. It's going to be a pretty stunning affair, Nansome." + +"So I gather from what I hear. While you were at Lakewood, I didn't +get much of the news about it, but since your return I've heard of +nothing else." + +"And you won't until after the fifteenth. I declare, Nan, I've had no +time for a real heart to heart talk with you since I got back. I +haven't even told you about the Blaneys." + +"Oh, the highbrow people? No; were they interesting?" + +"Yes, indeed. You'll meet them at the wedding. Now, see here, I've +asked half a dozen of the crowd to stay to dinner tonight after the +shower, so look after the commissariat, won't you?" + +"With pleasure. Who's staying?" + +"Oh, Mona and Roger and Elise and Kit Cameron and Phil,--that's all." + +"Elise and Kit are pretty good friends, aren't they?" + +"Yes, there may be another wedding in the dim future." + +"Be careful, Patty. They say 'Three times a bridesmaid, never a +bride,' you know." + +"Goodness! I must beware. I was bridesmaid for Christine,--and now +for Mona,--then, if I'm bridesmaid for Elise, my last hope vanishes! I +might be her maid of honor, though. Does that count?" + +"Yes, counts just the same. But perhaps you'll be married before +Elise. She isn't engaged yet." + +"Neither am I." + +"Same as." + +"Indeed it _isn't_ same as! Philip made me pretty mad down at +Lakewood. He scorned my new friends, the Blaneys, and he was most +disagreeable about it, too." + +"All right. Far be it from me to hasten your matrimonial alliance. +I'm only too glad to keep you here. It's lonesome enough, days when +you're away." + +"Nice old Nan!" and Patty gave her a whirlwind hug that nearly took her +off her feet. + +Twenty girls were invited to the shower, and Mona arrived first of all. +She came bustling in enveloped in furs, which she unfastened and threw +off as she talked. + +"Everything's going fine!" she announced. "I've attended to the very +smallest details myself, so there'll be no mistakes. There always are +mistakes and oversights at a wedding and mine is going to be the great +exception. My, but I'm tired! I've been chasing about since early +this morning. Spent hours with the floral artist, and had a long +interview with the caterer. But I confab with him every day. I've +changed the menu four times already." + +"You're a goose, Mona," observed Patty, smiling at her enthusiastic +friend, "what do you care what people eat at your wedding, as long as +it's good and proper?" + +"My dear child, I only expect to get married once in my checkered +career, and so I want everything connected with the occasion to be +perfect. I don't want to look back and regret that I didn't have as +much of a symphony in the supper as I did in the orchestra. You don't +know the responsibility of a girl who has to get married and look after +the wedding both. You'll have Mrs. Nan to run the arrangements, but I +haven't anybody but little Mona." + +The bride-elect looked so radiant and capable and generally happy, that +Patty knew better than to waste any sympathy on her. + +"You love it all, Mona," she said, "you're just in your element +ordering decorations and deciding menus; and I suppose you've +superintended the hat-check people and the elevator service." + +"Of course I have. I practically run the whole hotel just at present. +The management have to take a back seat where anything connected with +the fifteenth is concerned." + +"It doesn't seem like a wedding at all," laughed Patty. "It is more +like a pageant." + +"It's a wedding, all right. You'll realise it when you see me go off +with Roger. Oh, Patty, don't think I don't realise and appreciate the +importance and solemnity of the marriage tie, but I do want the +appointments to be perfect and beautiful just _because_ it is my +wedding to Roger. We're very much in love, you know----" + +"I do know it, Mona, and it's all beautiful, and I'm glad you're having +everything just as you want it. You're an old dear, and nobody wishes +you more happiness than I do." + +"Don't talk in that strain, or I'll weep on your shoulder. I'm all +keyed up, you know--honest, Patty, it's pretty awful to have no mother +or aunt or anything. Only just a father, who's heavenly kind and +generous, but no good for advice or consulting talks." + +"All right, Mona girl, we won't indulge in real talk now, for the girls +will begin to come in a minute. Go and primp a little, and then come +down to the drawing-room." + +Patty ran downstairs, Mona soon followed, and then the guests arrived. + +In an effort to have a new sort of a shower, Patty had decreed a lace +shower, and many and varied were the gifts. As Patty had wisely +remarked, lace gave a wide scope. One could choose valuable specimens +of real lace or trifling affairs that were pretty and inexpensive. + +And so, when the time for their exhibition came the score of merry +young people sat breathlessly awaiting the fun. + +In the doorway appeared Elise, in the costume of a Brittany peasant. +She carried a huge white basket ornamented with orange blossoms and +fluttering white ribbons. + +"Laces, lady?" she said, approaching Mona. "Nice, pretty laces. +Handiwork of the humble peasants for the grand lady. Accept,--please." + +With bows and curtseys, Elise opened the basket and placed it at Mona's +feet. + +Delightedly, Mona examined the contents, and at each gift a chorus of +exclamations went up from all the admiring throng. + +Patty's offering was a tablecloth of Filet Antique and Venetian +embroidery, and was among the most beautiful in the lot. + +Elise gave a berthe of rose point, and Nan a Duchesse lace fan. But +most of the gifts were of a simpler nature, and dainty boudoir pillows, +table scarfs, bags, caps, and handkerchiefs made up the filmy shower +and delighted the heart of the recipient. + +Mona was radiant with joy. Although a pampered favourite of fortune, +she was especially fond of receiving gifts, and she loved every +individual lace confection and warmly thanked the donors. + +"The things are heavenly, girls," she cried; "perfectly darling, every +one of them! I can't thank you enough, but my heart is just +overflowing with honest-to-goodness gratitude. Oh, I _do_ love 'em +so!" and gathering the whole lot in her arms, she rocked back and forth +in ecstasy. "How did you ever come to think of a lace shower, Patty? +I love lace more than anything on earth--except Roger,--and I shall +furnish my house with these beauty things. Oh, you are all so good to +me!" + +Tea was served in the dining-room, and Mona graced the head of the +table, with her bridal attendants on either side of her. The place +cards and favours were all suggestive of the wedding occasion, and, for +a centrepiece, two white doves perched on a basket of white roses. + +Mona was in highest spirits and her eyes glistened with pleasure as the +girls assured her of their friendship and love, and wished her all +sorts of future joy and happiness. + +Patty looked at her a little curiously, and then she realised that the +girl had lived a loveless life, and that the sudden change to the +atmosphere of love and friendship had well-nigh turned her head. + +The guests departed, all but Mona and Elise, who were to stay for +dinner, and the three chums went up to Patty's room to chat. + +"I can't believe these things are really mine," said Mona, as she +collected and arranged her laces, preparatory to having them sent home. +"Why is everybody so good to me?" + +"Oh, come now, Mona," said Elise, laughing, "it isn't such wonderful +goodness. People always give things to brides. Patty, if you don't +give me a shower like this, I won't get married at all." + +"Didn't know you thought of it," returned Patty. "But I'll promise the +shower all right. When shall I invite the girls, Elise?" + +"Oh, I haven't picked out the bridegroom yet, so there's no hurry. +I've got to get used to having my brother married, before I think of it +myself. Mona, we'll soon be sisters. Think of that!" + +"I've often thought of it, Elise. I've never had a sister, and I +shan't know just how to act at first. But I hope----" + +"There now, don't get sentimental! Not but what I feel that way, too, +but you'll get weepy in a minute,--and then it's all up with you!" + +"You're so emotional, Mona," said Patty, smiling at her, "and so +capable, and so generally all-round efficient, you're just the one to +get married. Now, when it comes my turn, I don't want all this +hullabaloo,--I think I shall get a good old rope ladder and elope." + +"What! and not have any showers and music and reception and everything?" + +"Oh, well, I don't know. We'll see when the time comes. But just now, +we must put this affair of yours through. I'm glad there are only a +few more days. I couldn't stand this excitement very long. Come on, +girls, get ready for dinner. The boys will come soon. There's the +bell now. If it's Roger, let Mona go down and see him alone. I'm a +fine gooseberry, don't you think so?" + +"It is Roger," Patty announced, a moment later, as she leaned over the +banister to see, "skip along, Mona, we'll be down in ten minutes." + +"Isn't she funny?" said Elise, as Patty returned to her room. "I never +saw anybody so crazy." + +"She's so excited, she doesn't know whether she's on her head or her +heels," agreed Patty. "Her nature is volatile, and she has no sense of +moderation. She wants everything and all there is of it. That's all." + +"She's a good one for Roger. He's inclined to take things lazily. +Mona will be a sort of spur to him." + +"They're all right," agreed Patty. "It's an ideal match. Come on, +Elise, we've given them enough time alone." + +The girls went down, and then Van Reypen and Kit Cameron appeared. + +Dinner was a gay feast, and the elder Fairfields were as much +interested in the chatter as the young people. + +"Assert yourself, Roger," said Mr. Fairfield. "Don't let these girls +monopolize the conversation, with their feminine fripperies and +millinery muddles." + +"Models, Dad, not muddles," laughed Patty. "But we don't talk about +those much now, they're all finished. Oh, Mona, Genevieve's skirt had +to be all made over----" + +"Oh, no," said her father, "you don't talk about them much! Only all +the time, that's all!" + +"Let 'em," said Roger, magnanimously; "I've learned in the last few +days, that the hang of Genevieve's skirt is a matter of enormous +magnitude." + +"Good!" cried Patty, "Mona has begun training you already. When is +your Bachelor dinner, Roger?" + +"Not till Wednesday night. I put it off so Farnsworth could get here." + +"Oh, is he coming? I didn't know he was East." + +"He wasn't. He's coming on on purpose for the event. I wanted him +especially. At least, Mona did." + +"All the same," said Mona. "Oh, yes, of course I wanted Big Bill here. +We've been friends for years, and he must dance at my wedding." + +It was the first time Patty had seen Van Reypen since her return from +Lakewood, and, during the evening, he drew her away from the others and +leading her to the semi-privacy of a big davenport in the library, he +announced he was going to talk to her. + +"Talk away," said Patty, "but I warn you, I've no time or attention for +anything not connected with wedding bells." + +"But this is connected with wedding bells," and Philip's dark eyes +smiled into her own, "only, not Mona's chimes. Our own." + +"Don't, Phil," said Patty, gently, noting his serious look and tone. +"I've got four days yet till the fifteenth, and,--oh, pshaw, I might as +well tell you now, that I'm not going to be engaged to you." + +"Patty!" and Van Reypen's face went white. "You don't mean that." + +"Yes, I do. I've had so much wedding doings for Mona, I'm sick and +tired of it. I don't want to be engaged myself, or hear of anybody +else being engaged, until I forget all about all this fuss and +feathers." + +"There does seem to be an awful lot of fussy feathers, or whatever you +call it, about the affair, doesn't there?" + +"Yes; and I'm glad to do all I can for Mona. I'm enjoying it, too, but +I don't want any wedding of my own for years and years and years." + +"By that time you'll be a pretty old bird. You ticked off a goodly +number of years just then. But, seriously, Patty, I don't want to +bother you----" + +"Well, you _do_ bother me. Why, Phil, every single chance you get, you +talk about----" + +"About my love for you? I mean to, Patty, but you don't give me a +chance. When I try to tell you of my love and devotion, you break +loose about not wanting to be engaged----" + +"Well, of course I do. A girl doesn't want to hear of love and +devotion from a man she isn't engaged to, does she?" + +"I don't know. I hope so, in this case. That is, I hope I'm the man +you're going to be engaged to, and soon, so I can tell you of my love +and devotion. They're deep, Patty, deep and true, and----" + +"Then why did you treat me so horridly down at Lakewood, just because I +enjoyed having to do with people who had some brains and weren't of the +silly, addle-pated type we meet mostly in our own class of society?" + +"But, Patty, dearest, those Blaneys aren't the real things. They +haven't education and genius,--they only pretend they have." + +"Phil, I think you're horrid. They have so. Why, Sam Blaney wrote a +poem that's the most beautiful thing I ever read!" + +"Let me see it." + +"I can't. I promised I wouldn't. It's--it's sort of sacred----" + +"A sacred poem! Blaney?" + +"No, I don't mean religious. But it's sacred to me,--it's--it's a real +poem, you see." + +"Well, he isn't a real poet, by a long chalk! I did think, Patty, that +when you came home from Lakewood you'd forget all that rubbish bunch." + +"How you do love to call them names! I don't think it's nice of you, +one bit. They're going to be at the wedding, and I hope you'll be +decent to them then, as they're my friends." + +"Oh, I'll be decent to them, but I shan't have any time to waste on +them. I've a matter of my own on hand for that night. A girl I wot of +has promised to give me her answer to a question I asked, and, when the +time comes, I can't help thinking that that girl is going to be kind to +me." + +"I dunno," said Patty. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +MONA'S WEDDING + +It was the night of Mona's wedding. The ballroom of the big hotel +where Mona and her father lived was the scene of the ceremony, and this +was already filled with guests. A temporary altar had been erected at +one end of the long room, and was banked with lilies and white +hydrangeas against a background of tall palms. On either side were +tall candles in cathedral candlesticks. + +To the altar led a temporary aisle, formed by stanchions of old silver +candelabra filled with ascension lilies, and joined by garlands of +white blossoms. + +Promptly on time, the bridal cortège appeared. First walked a vested +choir singing a processional. Then the bridesmaids, in palest pink +tulle frocks, each pair carrying between them a long garland of pink +roses, and wearing wreaths of pink roses on their hair. + +Patty and Daisy Dow were the first pair, and very lovely they looked as +they traversed the flower-hung room. Garlands of pink roses were +everywhere, on the walls, from the doorframes and windows, and +gracefully drooping from the ceiling. Next came Elise, Maid of Honor, +in a gown of slightly deeper pink, and then Mona, her father beside her. + +The bride's gown was of point lace with a very long court train of +embroidered satin. Her veil, of old lace, was an heirloom from her +mother, and was held by a wreath of orange blossoms. Roger's gift of a +diamond pendant was her only jewel. + +After the ceremony, as the bridal party retraced their steps, the +bridesmaids sang softly, "O Perfect Love," and then they took their +places for the reception, the orchestra's strains broke forth, and the +festivities began. Having no mother or near feminine relative, Mona +had asked Nan to receive with her, and very gracefully Nan did the +honours. + +"A beautiful wedding," everybody said, and then there arrived many more +guests who had been asked to the reception only. + +The room became crowded and people wandered into the adjoining rooms +which were also for the use of the guests. + +Patty stood in the line of the bridal party and smiled and chatted with +the stream of people who drifted by, murmuring congratulatory phrases. +Mona was supremely happy and she looked it. Not only was she married +to the man she loved, but the wedding was just such a pageant of beauty +and grandeur as she had wished it to be and no smallest item of the +preparations had gone wrong. She stood by Roger's side, now and then +glancing up into his face with a smile of happiness and contentment. + +The bridegroom looked proud and happy. He hadn't cared for so much +elaboration of entertainment, but Mona had wanted it, and so he +acquiesced in all particulars. + +"When will it be all over and we can get away?" he whispered in her ear. + +"Oh, not for hours," returned his new wife. "There's the feast, and +then the dancing,--I don't want to miss a bit of it! Why, Roger, this +is our wedding party." + +"Yes, I gathered as much! All right, dearest, stay as long as you +like." + +"It is a pretty wedding, isn't it, Roger? You like it, don't you?" +Mona looked suddenly troubled. + +"Of course I do, darling. I like it better than any wedding I ever +attended! I've only seen one thing, though,--that's you. Are there +other people here?" + +"Oh, a few! Three or four hundred, anyway. But where's Bill +Farnsworth? I haven't seen him yet." + +"He came in late. I just caught sight of him a minute ago. Probably +he's trying to get through the crowd to us." + +Which was just what Farnsworth was doing. He had arrived during the +ceremony, and had not yet made his way to the bridal party. + +In fact, he was continually stopped in his progress by acquaintances +who greeted him and held him in conversation. + +But at last he reached the bride. + +"My dear Mona," he cried, "don't look so happy! You dazzle me!" + +Mona beamed more joyously than ever, and Roger warmly welcomed +Farnsworth. + +"Splendid affair," Bill went on. "Looks like Fairyland or some +enchanted garden. I was wafted in on the strains of the orchestra, and +I can scarcely hold myself down on terra firma. But I mustn't +monopolise the prince and princess of this magic realm. I'll try for a +few words, later, but now I must make way for the crowd behind me. Oh, +how do you do, Patty? How are you? You're looking splendid. And +Daisy! Well, it's good to see you again. By the way, Daisy, I saw Lou +Standish last week in Arizona. He sent greetings to you." + +"Oh, did you, Bill? Did you see Lou? Tell me more about him." + +Patty turned aside, her gaiety suddenly gone. What did Bill Farnsworth +mean by treating her like that? A blank stare from him would have +surprised her no more than those few careless words, flung at her +hastily, as if she were the merest acquaintance. She felt as if a +bucket of ice water had been splashed on her head and was still +trickling down her shoulders. + +"Come back, Miss Fairfield," she heard somebody saying gaily, and with +a start she realised she had been staring blankly into vacancy so +stunned was she by Farnsworth's manner. + +It was Sam Blaney who spoke, and as he had taken her hand and still +held it, Patty suddenly recovered her poise and spirits. + +"Time's up, Mr. Blaney," she laughed. "You have had my hand fully +three minutes, and that's the limit. Somebody else may want it." + +"Possession is nine points of the law," said Blaney, still retaining +her hand. + +"But appropriation isn't possession," and Patty gently withdrew her +hand from his detaining fingers. + +"No, possession must be granted. Perhaps some time----" + +"Some time----" Patty assented, smiling, and dismissing Blaney, as more +and more people came along. + +But at last the reception was over, and the bridal party went to their +especial table in the supper room. + +Mona, still resplendent in her heavy court train and bridal laces, cut +her wedding cake. She had never looked more beautiful. The long +reception had tired her a little, but though the animation in her face +was not so vivid, there was a lovely radiant light in her eyes, and her +smile was gentle and sweet. + +"Roger on this side of me," she said, arranging her table, "Dad on +this. The rest of you may sit where you like. I've stopped directing +this party,--or any other. I've conducted the little affair of this +evening to a successful conclusion, and now I resign all generalship +and all planning and arranging to my husband. I'm glad to give up all +responsibilities, and I'm going to lead a life of leisure while Roger +looks after things for me." + +"Good little wife!" said Patty. "I foresee happy days and clear +sailing under such regulations." + +"If you keep it up," laughed Kit Cameron. "You're pretty well tired +out now, Mrs. Farrington, but I'm not sure you're going to stand aside +always, when matters of importance arise." + +"Yes, she will," declared Roger. "You see, I shall rule her with a rod +of iron, and she'll be so terrified of me, that she won't dare cross my +lightest whim." + +They all laughed at this, for Roger had the most easy-going of natures +and had never been known to insist upon his own way. + +Patty sat between Van Reypen and Kit Cameron, and opposite her, across +the table, was Bill Farnsworth, next to Daisy Dow. + +His careless, impersonal greeting still rankled in Patty's mind, but, +though it both hurt and angered her, she had no intention of showing +her feelings. So, she went to the other extreme and was madly gay and +merry, laughing and jesting with everybody and enjoying herself to the +utmost. + +She looked adorable. The pale pink of her bridesmaid costume was most +becoming and her wreath of pink roses, which had slipped a little to +one side, gave her the effect of a Queen Titania. Her eyes were like +two blue stars, and a pink flush showed on her cheeks, while her +scarlet lips smiled or pouted with her changing moods. + +"Did you ever see such colouring as that girl has!" murmured Daisy Dow +to Farnsworth. "I never saw such truly gold hair, or such _blue_ blue +eyes, or such a wonderful complexion." + +Daisy spoke whole-heartedly and generously, for she loved Patty, and +she thought her the prettiest girl she knew. + +"She is pretty," agreed Farnsworth. "Tell me about her,--about all the +crowd. I've been away a month and lots can happen in that time. Is +Patty engaged to Van Reypen?" + +"It isn't announced," said Daisy, "but I think she really is. I +shouldn't be surprised if they announce it tonight, after Mona goes +away." + +"Fine chap, Van Reypen. How about the others? Kit and Elise?" + +"Yes, I think so. Though that isn't announced either. Goodness, Bill, +suppose they all get engaged and married and leave me to be the only +old maid in our set!" + +"No fear of that, Daisy. Unless you prefer it so,--and I hope you +won't." + +"You hope that! Why, Bill, if I thought you hoped it----" + +Just then a commotion arose as Mona left the table. + +"Ready, girls," she cried out. "I'm going to toss my bouquet. Hold +out your hands, all of you." + +Obediently, her bridesmaids stood in a row, with their hands held out. +There was no question of catching the flowers, for Mona after +deliberately looking over the lot, tossed it into Patty's hands. "For +you," she said, and, laughing, ran away. + +"Greatness thrust upon me!" Patty laughed, looking at the great bunch +of white orchids and valley lilies, with its fluttering tendrils and +ends of ribbon. "Must I really live up to this favour? Must I really +be a bride myself before the year is up? Of course, if it is +obligatory----" + +She looked up, half shy, and caught Van Reypen's gaze upon her. She +turned toward Farnsworth, but he was looking another way. Plucking one +stem of lilies of the valley from the bunch she tossed it to Phil, who +caught it, kissed it, and put it in his buttonhole. Farnsworth looked +round just in time to see the act, and smiled at her. + +"Didn't mean anything," said Patty, perversely, and then, pulling out +half a dozen more sprays, she threw them indiscriminately around, to +Cameron, and several of the other ushers who were grouped about. +Farnsworth made a slight effort to catch one, but he didn't really try, +and the flower fell to the floor just beyond his reach. He shrugged +his shoulders slightly, but made no move to pick it up. + +Just then Sam Blaney came along, and Patty offered him a flower, and +herself adjusted it in his buttonhole. + +"I'm crazy to talk to you," he said, "but I didn't belong at your +supper table. Can't we go somewhere and have a bit of a chat?" + +"Yes," agreed Patty, "only not too far away from the bride's crowd. +Mona will be going away soon, and I must see her go, of course. Didn't +she look beautiful?" + +"Not in comparison with somebody else I know." + +"I'm a mind reader, Mr. Blaney, and I perceive you mean me. But you're +mistaken. I'm pretty, in a doll-faced way, but Mona is really +beautiful." + +"You know where beauty is, Miss Fairfield. In the eye of the beholder." + +"Let me see. Yes," after she had looked straight into Blaney's eyes, +"yes, you have beauty in your eyes." + +"The reflection of your face," he replied, serenely. "You are a +flower-face; I never saw any one who so well merited the term. I must +write a sonnet to Flower Face." + +"It can't be any better poetry than the verses you wrote to me at +Lakewood. They are exquisite. Mayn't I show them?" + +"Please not. I fancied you would like to keep them just for yourself. +Stay, I have a better name for you. Flower Soul, that's what you are. +That shall be the theme of my sonnet. I think your soul is made of +white lilac." + +"Why do you people always talk about souls?" asked Patty, gaily. "You +don't mean souls really, you know; you mean--well, what do you mean?" + +"No, we don't mean souls in the theological sense, we mean the higher +understanding and finer sensations." + +"Oh," said Patty, not much enlightened. + +"And you are coming to see us soon, aren't you? Alla said you promised +her you would." + +"Yes, I did. And I will come. Do you have regular meetings, like a +club,--or what?" + +"Yes, like a club, but not on set dates. I'll let you know when the +next one--or, stay, I know now. There will be a gathering at our place +next Tuesday night. Will you attend? May I come and fetch you?" + +"Yes, do, I'd love to be there. Gracious, here comes Mona. I must be +with the others." + +Patty hurried across the room to stand with the bridal attendants, and, +looking very handsome in her travelling costume, Mona bade them +good-bye. There was no mad scramble as the bride and groom departed, +but flower petals and confetti were showered on them, which they +good-naturedly allowed. + +"Come along, my lady," said Roger, at last, as Mona delayed to talk to +the girls. + +And then they went away, and some of the guests stayed to dance a +little longer. + +"Come, Patty," said Van Reypen, as the orchestra struck up, "this is +our dance." + +Patty assented, and they went gliding over the perfect floor. + +Philip said nothing while they danced, and Patty, too, was silent. +This was unusual, for Patty generally chattered as she danced. + +"Tired, dear?" said Philip, at last. + +"A little. It has been a long evening." + +"And a strenuous one. I saw you were getting weary as you stood in +that line of receiving so long. Come, let us sit down." + +Philip guided her to a pleasant settee, screened by tall palms, and +seated himself beside her. + +"Poor little girl," he said, "you're all done up. You must go home +soon, Patty. You can't dance any more tonight." + +"Oh, yes, I can. I'm not really tired. It's more excitement and----" + +"And nerves. I know,--Mona getting married means a lot to you. You're +very intimate friends, aren't you?" + +"Yes; and as she has no mother, Nan and I have tried to do all we could +for her, but she is so capable, we couldn't do much, after all." + +"No; I suppose not. Patty, why did she give you her bouquet? I +thought brides threw them, and any one caught them that could." + +"They do, usually." + +"Well, then, why didn't Mona?" + +"Oh, because,--oh, I don't know." + +"You do know, Patty. Was it because she thinks you will be the next +bride of your set? Because she thinks you will marry--me?" + +Phil's eyes were radiant, and his voice trembled as he whispered, "And +will you, dear? Will you, my little Patty? You promised, you know, to +tell me tonight. So, tell me,--and tell me,--yes." + +Patty sat up very straight and looked at him. "Philip," she said, and +her voice was serious; "if I have to decide now, it will be No. I did +say I'd tell you tonight, and I meant to, but I'm all tired and +bothered, and if I'm not careful, I shall cry! So, if you hold me to +my promise, I'll answer you now, but it will be No. I can't say +Yes,--tonight." + +"Then don't say anything. I'll wait, dearest. Oh, Patty, of course, +I'll wait. You are exhausted and nervous and you want to rest. Don't +answer me now, dear, for I don't want that answer you spoke of! Let's +wait a week or so longer, and then make up our mind. Shall us?" + +"Yes, Phil, and thank you for being so good to me." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE CITY STUDIO + +"I'm quite anxious to see this paragon of a poet," said Nan, as she sat +in Patty's room one evening. + +Patty was dressing for the party at the Blaneys', and Sam was coming to +take her. + +"You'll like him, Nan, you can't help it. He is most interesting,--not +a bit like other men. And they have such delightful people at their +parties. They do big things, you know,--really big." + +"Such as what?" + +"Oh, they sing, and play on unusual instruments,--zitherns and +lutes----" + +"That doesn't sound so awfully wonderful." + +"No; I suppose not. But it's the _way_ they do it,--and the--the +atmosphere, you know, and the general exalted effect----" + +"The what?" + +"Oh, I don't know how to express it so you'll understand,--but I like +it all. It's on a higher plane than the usual evening party." + +"Don't they dance?" + +"Yes, some. But more Solo dances, and Interpretative ones. I'm going +to do a splendid dance for them, soon. Mr. Blaney is making it up for +me." + +"Can I see it?" + +"I guess so. I think they mean to have a large audience for that +occasion." + +"What _are_ you doing, Patty? Are you going to wear your hair like +that?" + +"Yes, Sam likes it so." + +"But, my gracious goodness, you look like a crazy person!" + +"Oh, not so bad as that." + +Patty spoke carelessly, but her colour heightened a little. She was +sitting at her toilet mirror, while Nan lounged in an easy chair, near +by. Patty's golden hair was drawn smoothly down from a central part, +and tightly confined at the back of her neck, where it was rolled and +twisted into an immense knot, hard and round, that was exceedingly +unbecoming. + +"It's awful!" declared Nan, "I never saw you look really plain before." + +"It's all right," and Patty tossed her head. "That fluffy, curly +business is a sign of a light-weight brain,--this arrangement is far +more intellectual." + +"And is that your gown!" Nan fairly gasped, as Patty took from her +wardrobe a strange-looking affair of mulberry-coloured woolen goods. + +"Yes, it's really stunning, Nan. I had it made by Alla Blaney's +dressmaker, and it's a triumph." + +"Looks to me as if it had been made by a dressmaker in the house." + +"Not much! It's a marvel of line and type. Wait till it's all on." + +Patty adjusted the shapeless garment, which hung in loose folds from +her shoulders, but which, with its muddy hue and clumsy drapery, was +decidedly unattractive. Over it she put on a sort of tunic of green +and orange damask, edged with glittering sequins. + +"Oh," cried Nan, relieved, "I didn't know it was a fancy dress affair." + +"It isn't," returned Patty. "They all wear this sort of clothes." + +"They _do_? Are they supposed to be brainy?--Blaney, I mean!" + +"Don't be unpleasant, Nancy, it doesn't suit you. And, honestly, I +like these people, and I like to be with them. Now, it would be silly +of me to wear my usual dance frocks where everybody dresses quite +differently. So, don't criticise unkindly, will you?" + +"Of course not, you goosie. But it seems a shame when you look so +pretty in your own clothes, to wear these hideous duds." + +"Thank you for the compliment on the side, but the Cosmic Centre people +think I look rather well in these things. I haven't shown them this +gown yet, but I know they'll love it." + +"It's lucky for you your father isn't at home! He'd make you take it +right straight off." + +"Oh, no, he wouldn't, Nancy-lady. I'm not a little girl any more, to +be scolded and sent to bed. There, I'm ready." + +Patty had added a long string of queer-looking beads, terminating in a +huge pendant of Oriental effect. It was composed of coloured stones +set in dingy metalwork. + +"Where did you get that horror? Gift from the Cosmickers?" + +"Funny, aren't you? No, I bought it myself, out of my hard-saved +income. It's great! I found it at Ossilovi's. He says there isn't +another like it out of Asia." + +"I should hope not! Though I doubt if it ever saw Asia." + +"Nan, you're positively unbearable! One more speech of that sort, and +I'll be right down mad at you." + +"Forgive me, Patty, I did let my feelings run away with me. It's all +right for you to do these things if you want to, but it doesn't seem +like you,--and it jars, somehow." + +They went downstairs, and soon Sam Blaney came to take Patty away. + +Nan greeted him very pleasantly, but inspected him very carefully. He +was not in evening dress, their coterie did not approve of anything so +conventional. This was against him in Nan's eyes, for she was a +stickler for the formalities. But as he threw back his topcoat, and +she saw his voluminous soft silk tie of magenta with vermilion dots, +his low rolling collar, and his longish mane of hair, she felt an +instinctive dislike to the man. Her sense of justice, however, made +her reserve judgment until she knew more of him, and she invited him to +tarry a few moments. + +Blaney sat down, gracefully enough, and chatted casually, but Patty +realised that Nan was looking him over and resented it. And, somehow, +Blaney didn't appear to advantage in the Fairfield drawing-room, as he +did in his own surroundings. His attitude, while polite, was the least +bit careless, and his courtesy was indolent rather than alert. In +fact, he conducted himself as an old friend might have done, but in a +way which was not permissible in a stranger. + +Nan led the conversation to the recent work of some comparatively new +and very worthwhile poets. She asked Blaney his opinion of a certain +poem. + +"Oh, that," and the man hesitated, "well, you see,--I--ah,--that is, +I'm reserving my opinion as to that man's work,--yes, reserving my +opinion." + +"And a good idea, too," agreed Nan. "One shouldn't judge, hastily. +But you've doubtless made up your mind regarding this poet," and she +picked up a book from the table, containing the poems of another modern +and much discussed writer. + +"Oh, yes," said Blaney, "oh, yes, of course. But, if you'll excuse me, +Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not announce my views. You see, I--er--that +is,--I might be quoted wrongly,--misquoted, you know, and it would +militate against my influence,--yes,--militate against my standing. +One must be so careful." + +"Indeed you are right," Nan said, smiling at him; "a poet yourself, you +must be careful of what you say about others." + +"Yes, just that. How quickly you understand." + +Patty and her escort went away, and after a short silence, Blaney said, +"You didn't show Mrs. Fairfield the verses I wrote for you, did you?" + +"No," said Patty, "I promised you I wouldn't." + +"And I didn't mean to doubt your word, but I thought you might think +that your mother--or stepmother, didn't count." + +"No, I haven't shown them to any one. But I wish you weren't so +sensitive about your beautiful work." + +"I wish so, too," and Blaney sighed. "But it's the penalty of----" + +"Of genius, why not say it?" + +"Yes, why not say it? I'm glad you recognise the beauty of truth +spoken in defiance of conventional modesty." + +"Oh, yes, I do think if one is talented, it is silly to deny it." + +"It is. That is why our people are so frankly sane and honest about +their own achievements----" + +"And yet, you're so modest,--I mayn't show your verses!" + +"That's a different matter. You know those were for your eyes alone." + +"I know. I will keep them for myself." + + +The Studio of the Blaneys in the city was much like the one Patty had +seen at Lakewood, only a little more elaborately bizarre. The Moorish +lamps were bigger and dustier: the thick brocade draperies a little +more faded and tattered; the furniture a little more gilded and wobbly. + +Alla came gliding to greet Patty, and gave her an enthusiastic welcome. + +"You darling!" she cried, "you _very_ darling! Look at her, everybody! +Look! Gloat over this bit of perfect perfection! Did you ever _see_ +anything so wonderful?" + +Alla had led Patty to the middle of the room, and she now turned her +round and round, like a dressmaker exhibiting a model. + +Patty felt no embarrassment, for the people all about accepted the +exhibition as a matter of course, and gazed at her in smiling +approbation. Moreover, all the guests were dressed as unconventionally +as Patty, and even more so. There were more queer costumes than she +had seen at the Lakewood party, more weird effects of hairdressing and +more eccentric posing and posturing. The New York branch of these +Bohemians were evidently farther advanced in their cult than the others +she had seen. + +A little bewildered, Patty allowed herself to be ensconced on a crimson +and gold Davenport, and listened to a rattle of conversation that was +partly intelligible, and partly, it seemed to her, absolute nonsense. + +"I am exploiting this gem," Alla announced, indicating Patty herself as +the "gem." "She hasn't quite found herself yet,--but she will soon +command the range of the whole emotional spectrum! She is a wonder! +Her soul is stuffed to bursting with dynamic force! We must train her, +educate her, show her, gently guide her dancing feet in the paths of +beauty,--in the star-strewn paths of cosmic beauty." + +"We will!" shouted a dozen voices. "What can she do?" + +"Dance," replied Alla. "But such dancing! She is a will-o'-the-wisp, +a pixie, a thistledown, a butterfly!" + +"All those and more," said Sam Blaney. "She is a velvet angel, a +rose-coloured leaf in the wind, a fluttering scarf end." + +"What imagery!" murmured somebody, and some one else said, +"Inspiration!" in an awed tone. + +"And now to work," urged Alla. "We must plan for our holiday party. +Shall we have it here?" + +"Here, of course," she was answered. + +"But others of you have larger homes, more pretentious dwellings----" + +"But not the atmosphere. This Studio,--" it was a large-eyed young +musician talking, "this hallowed room has more elevating +tendency,--more inspiring atmosphere than any other. Let us meet here +by all means, and let us have such a program--such a feast of glories +as never before." + +Then another man spoke. He was a tall young chap, with a good-natured +smile, and Patty liked his face. + +"I am an artist," he announced, "and a rattling good artist. I haven't +yet achieved my ultimate recognition, but it will come,--it must come. +I, therefore, I will undertake the task,--the ineffably joyous task of +designing,--of inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield." + +"Do, Grantham," cried Blaney. "No one could do it better. Dream out a +scheme, a picture plan that will be worthy of our little Terpsichore. +A dance that shall be a whirlwind of violets,--a tornado of lilting +veils." + +"Veils!" cried Grantham, "that's the keynote! A Dance of the Year,--a +mad gyration of Time,--of Time, himself, translated into +thistledown,--into scented thistledown." + +"Bravo!" "Glorious!" + +Other praises were shouted, and the place was like a pandemonium. +Patty began to realise the Bohemians were a boisterous lot. She +clapped her hands over her ears in smiling dismay. + +"Quiet!" said Blaney, in his low, exquisite tones, and in an instant +the room was almost silent. + +Committees were appointed to take charge of the Christmas celebration, +and then the program began. + +It was long, and, to Patty, a bit uninteresting. She tried hard to +understand the queer things they read or recited, but it seemed to her +a continuous repetition of sound without sense. She was willing to +admit her own stupidity, and noting the rapt expressions on the faces +round her, she concluded the lack was in herself. The music, too, +though strange and eccentric, didn't seem to her as worth while as it +had done before, though it was decidedly similar. Blaney read some of +his poems, to a zithern accompaniment, but they weren't very +impressive, and not nearly so poetic as the lines he had written for +her. She wondered if she had really inspired him to greater heights of +song than he could attain without her influence. + +He had assured her of this, and she began to think it might be so. + +The supper followed the program. This was not enjoyed by Patty. +Usually, after a dance or concert, she was hungry for some light +refreshment, but in this incense-laden, smoke-heavy atmosphere, she +felt no desire to eat, and had she done so, she could not have relished +the viands. For they were of highly-spiced and foreign-flavoured +sorts, and their principal ingredients were smoked fish, pungent +sauces, and strong cheese, all of which Patty detested. Moreover, the +service was far from dainty. The heavy china, thick glass, and +battered, unreal silver detracted still further from the appetising +effects of the feast. + +But everybody was so genuinely distressed at Patty's lack of appetite +and made such to-do about it, that she forced herself to eat, and even +essayed a cup of their muddy, syrupy coffee. + +And she enjoyed herself. She absorbed much of their jargon and stored +it up in her brain for future use. She unconsciously adapted herself +to their mannerisms and whimsical enthusiasm, and when she went home +everybody praised her and declared her one of them and the best of them. + +"By far the best," said Blaney, as he tucked her into the Fairfield +limousine which, with an accompanying maid, had been sent for her. +"And may I call soon, and reiterate this,--in better and longer lines?" + +"Yes, do," said Patty. "I'd love to have you." + +Nan was waiting up for her. + +"Well, I've seen your new friend?" she said, as Patty flung off her +wrap and stood for a moment by the library table. + +"Yep," said Patty, smiling, "and sumpum tells me, Nan, that you're +going to be disagreeable or disapproving or disappointed or +dis--something or other about him. And I beg of you to don't,--at +least until I get a bite of supper. I couldn't eat their old +delicatessen shop stuff, and I want a decent sandwich and a glass of +milk,--so I do." + +"Why, you poor child! I'll get it for you. Cook has gone to bed, but +I'll forage in the pantry." + +"Do, that's a fairy stepmother. Bring some fruit, too, please." + +Patty went up to her room, and when Nan appeared, shortly, with a most +attractive supper tray, she was in kimono and cap, waiting for it. + +"My, but this is good! I tell you, Nan, those Cosmickers know how to +think, but they don't know a thing about foods." + +"Your Blaney looks well nourished. But, he didn't strike me as very +erudite. Why, Patty, he didn't know who those poets _were_, I asked +him about!" + +"Oh, yes, he did. He didn't want to discuss 'em, that's all." + +"Nonsense! I saw his expression. He didn't know them, I tell you. He +has never read a word of them." + +"Well, he doesn't have to. He can write his own poems." + +"Does he? Is he a poet, really?" + +"Yes, Nan, he is. And he's all right, and Alla is, too. I don't like +all their associate souls, but I like a lot of them, and you would too, +if you saw them in their proper setting. Anyhow, their old symposium +has tired my little brain all up, and with many thanks for your kind +charity,--what there was of it--I'll let you go, if you really feel you +must." + +Nan laughed, for there was deep good feeling between these two, then +she kissed Patty good night and went off with the empty tray. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AN ODD DINNER PARTY + +A few nights later, Patty invited the two Blaneys to dinner. Nan +wanted to meet Alla, and Mr. Fairfield, too, expressed a desire to see +these new friends of Patty's. + +"Me and the two companies is three," said Patty, making up her party, +"and you and Dad are five. Who'd make a good sixth?" + +"Only six?" asked Nan. "Why not a big dinner?" + +"No; I don't think so. You see, the Blaneys don't fit in with +everybody, and I want them to have a good time." + +"Oh, I mean ask their own sort of people." + +Patty looked up, quickly. "Now, Nan, don't be unpleasant. You're +implying that their kind of people are not as nice as our kind, and +that hurts my feelinks, and you know it. I want you wid me on +this,--not agin me." + +"I am, Patty. I don't mean to be horrid. Well, have six, if you like. +Who else?" + +"Chick Channing, I think. He's so adaptable and all-round nice with +everybody. Phil hates the Blaneys, and----" + +"Mr. Farnsworth?" + +"I don't think he'd like them, either. And,--too,--Bill isn't very +chummy with me lately." + +"Why not?" + +"Dunno." + +"Did you quarrel?" + +"Now, Nan, don't ask such leading questions. We didn't exactly +quarrel, and yet again, I suppose we did quarrel,--at least, I did,--he +didn't. I sort of snubbed him, and he took it more seriously than I +meant, if you call that a quarrel. But anyway, he wouldn't stand for +the Blaney crowd, I'm sure of that." + +"All right, ask Chick. As you say, he'll chum with anybody. He's a +splendid dinner guest." + +Channing accepted the invitation with pleasure, and the party was made +up. + +"I don't want anything eccentric or foolish," Patty said to Nan, +regarding the appointments, "but I do want it aesthetic and artistic." + +"You can arrange it as you like, dear," Nan said, kindly, and Patty did. + +The dining-room was dimly lighted, and the table decoration consisted +of an enormous bronze placque, which Patty took down from the hall +wall. This held a small amount of water, and on it floated three +pansies. The table candles wore deep purple shades, and Nan privately +thought the whole effect dull and gloomy enough, but she said no word +of criticism. + +Patty appeared, in a flowing, robe-like costume of pale violet chiffon, +and wore pansies in her hair over each ear. + +"Well!" exclaimed her father, as he saw her, "I thought you could wear +any colour, but take my advice, Kiddie, and never brave lavender again! +It makes you look old and sallow." + +"Nothing of the sort!" denied Patty. "You're unaccustomed to seeing me +in it, that's all." + +Then Channing came, and Patty had to bear his disapproving glances. + +"You're an angel in anything," he said, "but you're least angelic in +that mawkish mauve. You look like a member of the Art Students' Union." + +Patty didn't mind their chaff, and only smiled good-naturedly, and then +the Blaneys came. + +Patty was used to their aesthetic effects, but the others weren't, and +though the greetings were cordial and courteous, the elder Fairfields +needed a moment to recover their poise. But Chick Channing was always +to be depended upon, and he plunged into gay conversation that broke +the ice and did away with all self-consciousness. + +Nor was it surprising that the appearance of the brother and sister +should strike an observer as startling. Alla was swathed in +yellowish-brown stuff. Her gown seemed to have no shape or design, +just draperies that wrapped her about in mummy fashion. Long sleeves +came well down over her hands, a high collar rose over her ears, and +the long skirt twined itself round her feet, till she could scarcely +walk. The material was a woolly serge, and no bit of colour or +trimming relieved the severity. She wore no ornament save a hideous +necklace of great, ugly stones, that fell down as far as her knees, and +carried a dilapidated old fan of peacock feathers. Patty had never +seen her look so unattractive, for even in her eccentric garb, she was +usually picturesque. But in this brown thing she was utterly without +charm. + +Sam Blaney, too, looked ill-dressed and out of place. He had bowed to +convention to the extent of wearing evening clothes, but they were not +of correct cut, and did not fit well, and he wore an absurd tie of soft +silk, of his favourite light green hue, which gave him the appearance +of a caricature. + +However, the two were most affable and agreeable, and their soft, low +voices murmured pleasantries suitable to the occasion. + +At dinner the conversation turned on the approaching Christmas +celebration of the Cosmic Centre. + +"What a funny name," said Channing. "Sounds like a small village in +New England." + +"So it does," returned Sam Blaney, taking the jest in good part. "But +we call our club that modest little name because we think ourselves the +centre of the Universe." + +"I always admire self-respect," said Mr. Fairfield, smiling; "I hold +that a man or a club with full appreciation of self-merit can't go far +wrong." + +"And Cosmic Centre is so very expressive," said Channing. "I don't see +how you could have well found anything more inclusive." + +"Mrs. Fairfield calls you the Cosmickers," put in Patty, smiling at Nan. + +"And a very good name," agreed Alla. "Cosmickers sounds a bit like +picknickers, and often that's what we are." + +"What is your real end and aim?" asked Mr. Fairfield, seriously. + +"Advancement of beauty and appreciation of art," replied Alla, looking +thoughtful and a little affected. + +"Interpretation of beauty," amended her brother. "We endeavour to +imbue our souls with the highest and best emotions and to discard and +disown all that is merely conventional and formal in life or in +thought." + +"Meaning the outward and ordinary signs of clothes and manners?" said +Chick. + +Patty detected the chaffing note in his voice, but his tone was grave +and respectful, and after a quick glance at him, Blaney replied, "Yes, +and the inner graces of poesy and music of the soul." + +"In fact, you use your soul instead of your mind or brain," Chick +continued, and now Patty gave him an imploring glance, meant to beg him +not to guy the Cosmic principles. + +But Alla had no thought of Chick's insincerity. "That is it," she +said. "We use our souls for everything, even physical processes. One +of our geniuses is inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield. Appreciating +her genius for dancing, he is making a masterpiece in which she can +dance with her soul----" + +"Put her whole sole in her dancing," said Chick, with enough emphasis +to point his jest. + +"Yes," went on Alla, unmoved, though Mr. Fairfield nearly choked as he +watched her intent face, "just that. Unless one does use one's soul it +becomes rusted and useless." + +Her face was drawn with intensity, her lifted hand shook a long slender +forefinger at Chick, and that urbane young man had just about all he +could do to preserve his gravity. + +But he went calmly on. "Do you know," he said, "I sometimes think my +soul is a bit rusty." + +"Very likely," said Sam Blaney, who didn't like to be long out of the +conversation. "Suppose you join our coterie and get the rust removed. +Nor am I joking, Mr. Channing. Many there be who laugh at our +earnestness, but only because of their own ignorance." + +"I dare say that is so," put in Fred Fairfield, in sincere tones; +"that's why I'm specially interested in knowing just what you do to +tinker up a rusty soul. Pardon my rude diction, but I am not aesthetic +myself. However, I am deeply interested." + +"I feel sure you are, Mr. Fairfield," and Alla gave him a soulful +glance; "and though it is not easy I will try to give you a hint of our +methods." + +"Let me tell him, Alla," insisted Sam, and he waved her to silence with +a gesture of his long, white hand. "You see, sir, it is not often we +meet such a receptive nature as you kindly show, and I am but too glad +to gratify your most justifiable curiosity and Interest." + +"Me, too," cried Chick. "Pray don't leave me out. I truly want to +know what will clean the rust off my soul." + +Again Patty besought him by urgent glances to beware of offending her +guests, but Chick shook his head, indicating there was no danger. Nor +was there. Though Mr. Fairfield and Channing both were consumed with +merriment at the idea of their rusty souls, the Blaneys were quite in +earnest and proceeded to dilate on their favourite subjects. + +"Once under the influence of our atmosphere and our beliefs," avowed +Blaney, "your soul expands and flowers out like a star!" + +"Oh, how beautiful!" breathed Chick, with such a rapt expression, that +Patty had to put up her napkin quickly to hide her smile. + +"Yes," said Alla, "my brother says wonderful things. His own soul is +ineffably sweet." + +"It must be!" and Chick looked at Blaney with an adoring gaze that +nearly sent Nan into convulsions. + +Patty was scared, for if Chick kept this up the Blaneys must realise +his intent and would be mortally offended. + +"How near Christmas is getting," she interrupted, blithely, determined +to change the subject. "Have you all your gifts ready, Alla?" + +"Patty," said Chick, reprovingly, "how can you introduce commonplace +subjects just now? I'm learning to remove rust stains from my dingy +old soul. By the way, how would it do to scour one's soul with the +sands of time?" + +"Beautiful!" cried Sam. "Wonderful! What imagery! I wish I had +said that!" + +"You may, as often as you like," granted Chick, politely. "I'll be +proud if you'll accept it. Among unrusted souls, there should be no +give and take. My thoughts are yours. I am honoured." + +"You are a delight," said Alla, calmly, looking at Chick, who blushed +at this unexpected compliment. "I have never met any one so quickly +responsive, so immediately _simpatica_." + +"Except me," cried Patty. "You said I was that. Simp--what--d'ye call +it? Now there are two of us, Chick." + +"We are all _simpatica_," said Nan, who, like Patty, began to fear +Chick's chaff would yet offend the guests. And then, she determinedly +led the conversation away from soulful matters and talked of current +events and casual subjects that had no aesthetic significance. + +But it was difficult to keep the Blaneys off their favourite themes and +hard to quell the fun of the irrepressible Chick. + +And so, Nan was rather relieved when at a surprisingly early hour the +two aesthetes took their leave. + +"Oh, Piccalilli blossoms!" cried Chick, when they were fairly out of +hearing, "did you ever see anything like that! Where did you unearth +them, Patty? The lady one, especially! Wow, but she's a five-reel +scream!" + +"Stop that, Chick; I think you're real mean! You made me enough +trouble at the dinner table, and you needn't make fun of my friends +behind their backs." + +"But Patty, such backs! I mean, such friends! Oh, I didn't think I +could restrain my laughter till they went away from here,--but I +managed to do so. Souls! Rusty souls! Wowly-wow-wow!" + +"Chick, stop it. I tell you, I won't have it!" + +"I'll stop in a minute, Patty. Let me laugh a minute, or I'll explode. +I say, Mrs. Fairfield, did you ever see anything like the lady's robe! +I don't often notice costumes of the fair sex, but that was a hummer +from Humville." + +"Don't, Chick," said Nan, noticing Patty's quivering lip; "they're +Patty's friends, and I'd rather you wouldn't ridicule them." + +"I'd rather not myself, honest, Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not, but +what can you do when they come running up, begging to be ridiculed?" + +"They didn't," declared Patty. "Nobody would have thought of +ridiculing them, Chick, if you hadn't. They talked a lot of wisdom +that you couldn't assimilate, and you're envious of their superior +minds, that's what ails you." + +"Patty, Patty," said her father, laughing outright at this, "my dear +child, are you really so infatuated with those people that you believe +what you're saying?" + +"Of course, I am. I don't expect you to understand them, Father, +you're older, and belong to another generation." + +"Good gracious, Patty," cried Nan, gasping, "do you think your father +is too old to understand that drivel?" + +"I do," said Patty, calmly, "and you are too, Nan. It takes the modern +viewpoint, the young soulsight to apprehend the beauty of vision, the +vast--vast----" + +"Horizon," suggested Chick, kindly. + +"Yes, horizon," said Patty; "how did you know, Chick?" + +"Oh, horizons are always vast. Deeps are vasty. Nothing much else is +vast, except once in a while a distance. So I felt safe in chancing +the horizon." + +"Oh, Chick, you are the funniest thing!" said Nan, who was shaking with +laughter at Patty's chagrin. "But," and her voice suddenly became +serious, "I won't stand for your nonsense. I range myself on Patty's +side. These people were our guests. I forbid any slighting allusions +to them. Their ways may not be our ways, but if they are Patty's +friends they are my friends." + +The warm, sincere ring of Nan's voice went to Patty's heart, and she +smiled again. + +"Good for you, you old trump!" she exclaimed, looking gratefully at +Nan. "Now, Dad, you come over, and I can manage Chick, myself." + +Patty was in gay good humour again, and she perched on the arm of her +father's chair, as she proceeded to win him over. + +"You know I can't resist your blandishments, my angel child," he said, +as Patty caressed his handsome iron-grey hair, "but I must admit your +Cosmickers have no message for me." + +"That's just it," cried Patty, triumphantly. "I knew it! They have no +message for you, because you don't understand their language, +you're--Dad, I hate to say it,--but, you're too old!" + +And with a kiss on his frowning forehead, Patty ran to the piano, and +began to play "Silver Threads Among the Gold," to a rag-time +improvisation of her own. + +"Oh, Pattibelle," cried Chick, "what would your vast-horizoned friends +say if they could hear you playing ragtime! I'm sure a lemon-coloured +nocturne or a flaming fugue would be nearer their idea of melody." + +"Play us a fox-trot, Nan," said Patty, jumping up, and in another +minute, as Nan obligingly acquiesced, Patty and Chick were dancing +gaily up and down the room. + +"Forgive me, Patty," said Chick, as they danced out into the hall, "I +wouldn't offend you or your friends for worlds, but they--well, they +struck me funny, you see." + +"They're not funny, Chick. They're the real thing. You can't see it, +I know, and neither can Dad or Nan, but I do." + +"All right, Patty. Go into it if you like. I don't believe it will +hurt you. And like the measles, the harder you have it, the sooner +you'll get over it, and you'll never have it but once. By the way, +they invited me to their Christmas racket,--and I'm going!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ELISE AND PATTY + +"I think you're just as mean as you can be, Patty Fairfield! You won't +come to my tree and you won't have the House Sale, and you won't do a +thing anybody wants you to! I never saw such a disagreeable old thing +as you are!" + +"Why, Elise, you dear little, sweet, 'bused child! Am I as bad as all +that? You do su'prise me! Well, well, I must mend my ways. I've +always had a reputation for good nature, but it seems to be slipping +awa' Jean, like snow in the thaw, Jean,--as the song book says. Now, +my friend and pardner, here's my ultimatum. But smile on me, first, or +I can't talk to you at all. You look like a thunder cloud,--a very +pretty thunder cloud, to be sure,--but still, lowering and threatening. +Brace up, idol of my heart,--shine out, little face, sunning over with +raven black curls,--I seem to be poetically inclined, don't I?" + +Elise laughed in spite of herself. The two girls had been discussing +plans, and as Patty stuck to her determination to spend Christmas Eve +at the Blaneys', Elise was angry, because she was to have her own +Christmas tree that night, and, of course, wanted Patty with her. + +They were in the Farringtons' library. It was nearly dusk, and Patty +was just about to get her hat to go home, when they began the +controversy afresh. + +"I can't help laughing, because you're so silly, but I'm angry at you +all the same," Elise averred, with a shake of her dark, curly head. +"You're so wrapped up in the Blaneys and their idiotic old crowd, that +you have no time or attention for your old friends." + +"It does seem so," mused Patty; "of course, it might be, because the +idiotic crowd are nice and pleasant to me, while my old friends, one of +them, at least, is as cross as a bear with a bumped head." + +"Well, you're enough to make me cross. Here I'm going to have a big +Christmas tree, and a lovely Christmas party, and you won't come to it. +That makes me cross, but to have you throw me over for those ridiculous +Blaneys makes me crosser yet." + +"You can't get much crosser, you're about at the limit." + +"No, I'm not, either. It makes me still crosser that you won't have +the House Sale." + +"Oh, Elise, it's such a nuisance! Turn the whole place upside down and +inside out, for a few dollars! Let's get the money by subscription. +Everybody would be glad to give something for the girls' library." + +"No, they won't. Everybody has been asked for money for charity all +winter, and they're tired of it. But a novel sale would bring in a +lot." + +Patty and Elise were greatly interested in getting a library for the +working girls' club, which they helped support. Patty was usually most +enthusiastic and energetic in furnishing any project for helping this +work along, and Elise was greatly surprised at her present +unwillingness to hold a sale they had been considering. + +"And it's only because you're crazy over that Cosmic Club that you +can't bother with the things that used to interest you. Phil Van +Reypen thinks they're a horrid lot, and so does Chick Channing, and I +do, too." + +"You forget that it was down at your house in Lakewood that I first met +them." + +"No, I don't; but that's no reason you should go over to them so +entirely, and forsake all of your old set. I never liked the Blaneys; +I only wanted you to meet them, to see how queer and eccentric they +were. But I never supposed you'd join their ranks, and become so +infatuated with Sam Blaney----" + +"I'm not infatuated with Sam Blaney!" + +"You are so! You think he's a genius and a poet and a little tin god +on wheels!" + +"Well, all right, Elise, then I do think so. And I've got a right to +think so, if I want to. Now, listen, and stop your foolishness. I +said I'd give you my decision, and this is it. I'll come round here +Christmas Eve after the party at the Blaneys'. I've got to go to that, +for I'm going to dance, and I'm going to be in some 'Living Pictures,' +but I can get away by eleven, or soon after, and that will be in time +for your dance." + +"Well, half a loaf is better than no bread,--I'll have the tree late, +then. After you get here." + +"Oh, no, don't put off your tree! I might not be able to get here much +before midnight." + +"Yes, you will. You've promised me for eleven, and you always keep a +promise,--I know that. I'll send for you, and you must come." + +"All right, I will. Truly, Elise, I want to be at the tree here,--but +I couldn't help the two engagements clashing. Now, also, to show you +that I haven't lost interest in the Girls' Club, I'll have the House +Sale after the holidays are over." + +"Oh, will you, Patty? You're a dear old thing!" + +"And amn't I mean and horrid, and a deserter?" + +"Well, you're a bit of a deserter, and I suppose you'll rush off to a +Cosmic meeting the night of the Sale, and leave me to run it!" + +"_You're_ mean, now, Elise. You know I wouldn't do such a +thing,--unless----" + +"Unless what?" + +"Unless it happened to be on a night of a special meeting of the Cosmic +Centre. In that case, I'd have to go for a little while." + +Just then Van Reypen came in. + +"You here, Patty?" he said. "I've been looking you up. How are you, +Elise? What are you girls confabbing about?" + +"I'm scolding Patty for her desertion of us and her infatuation for +those Blaney people." + +"Confound those Blaney people! I wish they were in Timbuctoo!" + +"Why, Philip, how unkind!" and Patty smiled at him in an exasperating +way. "You _know_ you admire Sam Blaney immensely,--only you're jealous +of him." + +"Admire him! Jealous of him!" Van Reypen fairly glowered with +indignation. "That nincompoop! with long hair and a green neck-tie! +He's a half-witted farmer!" + +Patty's laugh rang out. "Oh, Phil," she cried, "don't be a silly, +yourself! His worst enemy couldn't call Sam a farmer! And I can +assure you, he's far from half-witted." + +"Yes, far less than half," growled Van Reypen. "Oh, Patty, drop 'em, +cut 'em out, give 'em the go-by, won't you?" + +"Thank you, no. I still reserve the right to choose my friends, and I +confess to a liking for those who are kindly disposed toward me." + +"Oh, I'm kindly disposed toward _you_, very much so," declared Phil, +"but your new friends are not included in my kindly disposition." + +"So I gathered," and Patty laughed again. "But, do you know, they feel +that they can struggle along without your admiration and affection." + +"Don't be sarcastic, Patty," and Van Reypen smiled at the haughty +little face turned toward his. + +"No, I won't, Phil. I hate it. And I'm sorry I let myself go like +that. But you do stir me up,--you and Elise." + +"Glad of it," said Elise, "you ought to be stirred up once in a while. +But don't go, Patty. Here comes Daisy,--and, well, if it isn't Bill +Farnsworth with her! I didn't know he was in town. He's in and out so +much, it's hard to keep track of him. Come in, Daisy, take off your +furs. Glad to see you, Bill. Here's Patty Fairfield." + +"So I see," laughed Farnsworth, as he held out his hand. "Going? Why +go yet? Hello, Van Reypen." + +"Hello, Bill. Thought you were on your way to or from Arizona. How do +you know where to vote, anyhow?" + +"Guess at it. But I'm not going to live on the road so much as +formerly. I've cleaned things up a bit, and shall sort of settle in +New York from now on." + +"Good! Glad to give you the freedom of our city. And you, Daisy? Are +you going to live East, also?" + +"Haven't decided yet," and Daisy glanced coquettishly at Farnsworth. +"Maybe so." + +"Don't you go yet, Patty," begged Elise. "Stay a while longer, and +we'll have tea,--chocolate, too, which I know you like better." + +"'Course I'll stay," said Patty; "your chocolate is always the best +ever. Order it up. What beautiful violets, Daisy." + +"Yes, Bill bought them for me as we passed a florist's shop. I adore +violets." + +"What girl doesn't?" laughed Patty. "At least she adores having them +bought for her." + +"I don't," said Elise. "I'd rather have one rose than all the violets +that ever bloomed in the spring, tra-la." + +"What's your favourite flower, Patty?" asked Farnsworth. + +"Sunflowers, but nobody ever sends me any. I just get old orchids and +things." + +"Poor kiddy! I wish I could get a sunflower or two for you. But I +fancy, at this season of the year, they're about as scarce as blue +roses." + +"'It is but an idle quest, Roses red and white are best,'" + +sang Patty, with a smile at Big Bill. + +"Do you know that?" he asked, interestedly. "I never heard you sing +it." + +"Oh, it's one of her best songs," cried Elise; "sing it now, +Patty,--you'll have time before the chocolate comes." + +"Too much bother," said Patty; "we'd have to go in the music room and +all. I'll sing it for you some other time, Little Billee." + +"All right," he responded, carelessly, and again Patty felt a slight +chagrin that he cared so little about the matter. + +Other people drifted in, as the young folks were apt to do at tea time, +and then the chocolate arrived, and Patty found herself provided with a +welcome cup of her favourite beverage. + +It was Farnsworth who brought it to her, and he deliberately took a +seat at her side, a seat that Van Reypen had just vacated. + +"You can't sit there," said Patty, quickly; "Phil will be back in a +minute." + +"Will he?" said Big Bill, as he settled himself comfortably in the +chair. "Do you think he can put me out?" + +"Not unless you want him to," and Patty smiled at the big man, who +looked so strong and powerful. + +"Somehow, I don't. I like it here." + +"Why?" + +"Because I like to look at you. You're looking uncommonly well today. +If I were to guess, I should say you have been having a rumpus with +somebody." + +"What is a rumpus?" inquired Patty, looking innocent. + +"A rumpus, my child, is a tiff, a squabble, a set-to, a racket, a +general scrimmage." + +"I haven't exactly had those things, but, well, I may say I have been +drawn into a somewhat spirited discussion." + +"Ah, I thought so." + +"How did you know? I mean, why did you think so?" + +"By your heightened colour and your generally wrought-up condition. +Why, your heart isn't beating normally yet." + +Patty looked up at him, indignantly, but his blue eyes were very kind +and his smile gentle and even concerned. + +"What was it about, Patty? Who has been tormenting you?" + +"Nobody tormented me, exactly, but they criticise me and they say mean +things about my friends----" + +"Never let them do that! Your friends must be sacred to you,--I mean +from adverse criticism of others." + +"That's what I think, Little Billee. What shall I do, when everybody +ridicules them and calls them names?" + +"Just what I am sure you did do. Flare up like a wrathy kitten and +helplessly paw the air." + +"Of course that's what I did," and Patty laughed at the graphic +description, "but it didn't seem to do much good." + +"Of course it didn't. Standing up for one's friends rarely does much +good, except to satisfy one's own sense of loyalty." + +"Why, what do you mean? Why doesn't it do any good to defend our +friends?" + +"Because if they need our defence, they're probably at fault." + +"But they weren't in this case. It was the Blaneys,--do you know them?" + +"Those mercerised personages I met at Mona's wedding? I haven't the +pleasure of their intimate acquaintance, and something tells me I never +shall have." + +"You mean you don't want it!" + +"Mind reader! Patty, you're positively clairvoyant!" + +"Now, Little Billee, don't you go back on me, too." + +"Go back on you? Never! While this machine is to me! Why, Patty, I'd +defend you to the last ditch, and then fill in the ditch!" + +"Be serious, Billee. You don't know those people, but can't you take +my word for it that they're splendidly worth while? They're geniuses, +and artists." + +"Patty, I'd take your word for anything you know about. But, for +instance, I couldn't take your word that there are blue roses." + +"But there are! That's just what the Cosmic Centre people +are,--they're blue roses! I never thought of it before, but they are." + +"Then beware of them. Blue roses are freaks----" + +"Yes, I know it. But there are worse things in this world than freaks. +I'd rather a man would be a freak than a--a mud turtle!" + +"Are many of your friends mud turtles?" + +"Yes, they are. They stick their heads in the sand----" + +"Look out for your Natural History! You're thinking of ostriches." + +"All the same. Now, Sam Blaney----" + +"Patty! You don't mean to say that chap is _Sam_ Blaney! I thought he +looked a bit familiar! Sam! old Sam Blaney! Well!" + +"What's the matter, Billee? Do you know him?" + +"I used to, when we were boys. Fifteen or more years ago. I doubt if +he'd even remember my name. We went to a public school together. Sam +Blaney! Well!" + +"You exasperating thing! Don't sit there saying 'Well!' and '_Sam_ +Blaney!' but tell me what you know of him." + +"Nothing, child, nothing. I haven't seen or heard of him for--since we +were fourteen years old or so. Where did you pick him up?" + +Patty told of her meeting the Blaneys at Lakewood, and of her +continuing their acquaintance in New York. But suddenly Farnsworth +seemed to lose interest in her story. + +"Never mind the Blaneys," he said. "I want to talk to _you_. What do +you think, my girl? I've won out in that matter of business I've been +at so long." + +"Have you? I'm very glad. I don't know what it was all about, Little +Billee, but if you've succeeded in what you wanted to do, I'm very +glad." + +"Yes, I have. And it means,--it means, Patty, that I shall live in New +York now, all the time." + +"Yes?" + +"Yes. And it means, too, if this interests you, that I'm a rich +man,--a very rich man." + +"That's nice, Bill; I congratulate you." + +"Oh, thank you." Farnsworth's voice had grown suddenly cold, and the +eager light had faded from his blue eyes. He looked at Patty, and +quickly looked away. + +"I thought you might care," he said. + +A strange thought came to Patty. Could he possibly mean that since he +was a rich man, she would smile on his suit? Could he think that she +would accept his attentions more gladly because of his newly acquired +wealth? The idea made her furiously angry. If Farnsworth thought her +that mercenary--if he deemed her so utterly sordid--well, her respect +for him was decidedly lessened! + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +PATTY'S DANCE + +The Christmas Eve party at the Blaneys' was in full swing. A man at +the piano was performing a monologue that was partly spoken, partly +sung. It was cleverly done, and the audience showed its appreciation +by outspoken comments. + +"A little lame on that top note, old chap. S'pose you try it over--ah, +that's better!" + +Patty sat next to Sam Blaney. Chick had expected to come, but Elise +had persuaded him to attend her party instead. This rather pleased +Patty, for she feared Chick's gay banter and she knew he didn't care +for the Cosmic Centre Club and their ways. + +"You are so wonderful!" Blaney was saying, as he looked at her. "I +never cared for Christmas before." + +Patty's gown was a long, sweeping robe of poinsettia red velvet. It +would not have been becoming to most blondes, but Patty's fairness +triumphed over all colour schemes. She wore a girdle of red velvet +poinsettia blossoms and a wreath of small ones encircled her head. + +"You are so beautiful----" Blaney's soft, purring voice went on. + +"Don't make me blush," Patty laughed back. "Pink cheeks spoil the +effect of this red gown. I must stay pale to suit it." + +"Pink or pale, you are perfect! I adore you." + +Embarrassed by the fervour of his tones, Patty turned to talk to the +man at her other side. But he was engrossed in conversation with an +aesthetic damsel, and so she gaily changed the subject. + +"How splendid the rooms look," she said, glancing about. "That grove +of green trees is wonderfully picturesque." + +"That's where you're to dance," Blaney returned. "I looked after it +myself. It's carpeted with pine needles, but they're soft, fresh ones, +not dried ones. I'm sure they'll be comfy." + +"I dunno about dancing on 'em barefoot. I believe I'll wear sandals, +after all." + +"Oh, no, you mustn't. Grantham has designed every detail so +exquisitely, don't fail to follow his directions accurately. Your +number will be the best of all. That's why we put it last. It will be +an enormous hit,--a revelation!" + +"I hope they will like it. I've never danced before these people +before. I've pleased ordinary audiences, but the Cosmos are so +critical--it would break my heart if they didn't approve." + +"Of course they'll approve! They'll go crazy over you. But you must +throw yourself utterly into the spirit of it. We know at once if +you're afraid or over-reserved. Abandon must be your keynote. Real +interpretation of Grantham's wonderful ideas." + +"They are wonderful," agreed Patty. "Mr. Grantham is a true poet. He +sees Nature at her best and with an intuition almost divine." + +Her blue eyes shone with earnestness and Blaney gazed at her in +adoration. + +"You perfect thing!" he murmured; "you have found your right +environment among us. You are wasted on the ordinary, unthinking +masses of society. You are Nature's child. What a pity you must live +a conventional life. Patty, can't you break loose? Can't you give up +your present hampering existence and come and throw in your lot with +ours? Live here. Alla would warmly welcome you as a sister----" + +"And will you be my brother, Sam? I've never had a brother." + +"No, I refuse to be your brother! I'll be--well, say, your guardian. +How'd you like to be my ward?" + +"I didn't know girls ever were wards except in old-fashioned novels. +And there, they always marry their guardians." + +"Well?" + +"Oh, my gracious, is this a proposal!" Something in Blaney's tone had +warned Patty that light banter was the best course, and she rattled on; +"if so, postpone it, please. I really must go very soon and dress for +my dance." + +"I know it. I will wait for a more fitting time and place. You ought +to be wooed in a sylvan glade----" + +"Oh, I'd rather a bosky dell! I've always been crazy to be wooed in a +bosky dell. A leafy bower is the nearest I've come to it." + +"Who wooed you there?" + +"Can't remember exactly. But it was the third from the last,--I think." + +"You little witch! Do you know how fascinating you are?" + +"No; tell me." Patty was in mischievous mood, and looked up demurely +at Blaney. + +"By Jove, I will! As soon as I can get you alone. Run away, now, and +do your dance. And, listen; I command you to think of me at every +step." + +"Can't promise that. It's all I can do to remember Mr. Grantham's +steps; they're fearfully complicated. So--you think of me,--instead." + +With a saucy smile at Blaney, Patty slipped from her place, and went +around to the dressing room. + +"Oh, here you are," cried Alla, who was waiting to help her dress; "I +was just going to send for you. Now, off with your frock." + +Some fifteen or twenty minutes later, the audience sat in breathless +anticipation of Patty's dance. + +Howard Grantham was a great artist, and never before had he been known +to devise a dance for any one. But he had recognised Patty's skill in +the art, and had requested that he be allowed to design a picture dance +for her. The result was to be a surprise to all present, except the +Blaneys, for rehearsals had been jealously kept secret. + +The lights in the room were low, and the stage, which was a small grove +of evergreen trees, was dark. Then, through the trees, appeared slowly +a faint, pink light, as of breaking dawn. Some unseen violins breathed +almost inaudible strains of Spring-song music. + +Two trees at the back were slowly drawn apart as two small, white hands +appeared among their branches. In the opening showed Patty's lovely +face, eyes upturned, scarlet lips parted in a smile that was a joyous +expression of youth and gladness. Still further she drew apart the +lissome trees, and stepped through, a vision of spring itself. Clouds +of chiffon swirled about her, softest dawn-rose in colour, changing of +tints of heliotrope and primrose, as she swayed in graceful, pliant +rhythm. Her slim white arms waved slowly, as the hidden melodies came +faintly from the depth of the grove. Her pretty bare feet shone +whitely among the soft pine needles and the steps of her dance were the +very essence of poetry itself. + +The audience watched in silence, spellbound by the fair sight. Slowly +she moved and swayed; then, as the music quickened, her steps grew more +animated, her smile more bright, the lights were stronger, and the +dance ended in a whirl of graceful pirouette and tossing, fluttering +draperies. With no pause or intermission, Patty was changed to an +impersonation of summer. It was done by the lights. Her robe was +really of white chiffon, and as pink lights had made it appear in rosy +tints, so now a deep yellow light gave the effect of sultry sunlight. + +The music, and likewise the rhythm of the dance, were soft and +languorous as a July noon. Limply hung the draperies, slowly waved the +graceful arms, and at the end, Patty sank slowly, gently, down on a +mound beneath the trees, and, her head pillowed on her arm, closed her +eyes, while the violin notes faded to silence. + +Knowing better than to applaud her, the spectators watched in silence. +A moment, and then a clear bugle-like note sounded. Patty started up, +passed her hand across her brow, opened her eyes, smiled slowly, and +more and more merrily, then sprang up, and as the lights made her +costume appear to be of the gold and russet red of autumn, she burst +into a wild woodland dance such as a veritable Dryad might have +performed. The music was rich, triumphant, and the whole atmosphere +was filled with the glory of the crown of the year. By a clever +contrivance, autumn leaves came fluttering down and Patty's bare feet +nestled in them with childish enjoyment. Her smile was roguish, she +was a witch, an eerie thing. The orange light glowed and shone, and at +the height of a tumultuous burst of music, there was a sudden pause. +Patty stopped still, her smile faded, and the colours changed from +autumn glows to a cold wintry blue. Her gown became white, with blue +shadows, the music was sharp and frosty. Patty danced with staccato +steps, with little shivers of cold. The ground now appeared to be +covered with frost, and her feet recoiled as they touched it. The +music whistled like winter blasts. A fine snow seemed to fall, the +blue shadows faded, all was white, and Patty, whirling, faster and +faster, was like a white fairy, white robes, white arms, white feet, +and a sparkling white veil, that grew more and more voluminous as she +shook out its hidden folds. Faster she went, whirling, twirling, +swirling, like a leaf in the wind, until, completely swathed in the +great white veil, she vanished between the parted trees at the back of +the stage. + +The music ceased, the lights blazed up, the dance was over. A moment +passed as the audience came back to earth, and then the applause was +tremendous. Hands clapped, sonorously, voices shouted "Bravo!" and +other words of plaudit; and "Encore!" was repeatedly demanded. + +But Mr. Grantham had forbidden Patty to return to the stage, even to +acknowledge the laudation. He believed in the better effect of an +unspoiled remembrance of her last tableau. + +So, shaking with excitement and weariness, Patty sank into a chair in +the dressing-room, and Alla began to draw on her stockings. + +"You must rest quietly, dear Patricia, for a half hour at least," she +said, solicitously. "You are quite exhausted. But it was wonderful! +I have never seen anything so beautiful! You will be fêted and praised +to death. I've sent for a cup of coffee, to brace you up." + +"Oh, please not, Alla!" cried Patty, knowing the kind of coffee it +would be. "I don't want it, truly. Just give me a glass of water, and +let me sit still a minute without seeing anybody. It is exhausting to +dance like that." + +"Yes, dear, it is. Now rest quietly, and I'll keep everybody away, +until you feel like seeing them." + +But Patty was keyed up with the excitement of the occasion and +unwilling to rest for very long. So, with Alla's help, she was soon +rearrayed in her red velvet and ready to return to the Studio. + +"I'm ashamed of myself," she said to Alla, "but I'm so vain, I really +want to go out there and hear people tell me that I did well!" + +"That isn't vanity," Alla returned. "That's proper pride. If any one +can do a thing as well as you did that dance, it would be idiocy not to +enjoy hearing appreciative praise." + +"Do you think so?" and Patty looked relieved; "I don't want to be +conceited, but I'm glad if I did well." + +"Wait till you hear what Sam says! He's wild about you, anyway, and +after that dance he'll be crazier over you than ever." + +Patty smiled, happily, and with a final adjustment of her freshly +done-up hair, she declared herself ready to return to the party. + +As hers had been the last number on the program, she was not surprised +to find the audience standing about in groups, or picturesquely posed +on divans, and her appearance was the signal for a new hubbub of +excitement. + +But before she could hear a definite word from any one, a tall, +powerful figure came striding up to her, and big Bill Farnsworth's +unsmiling blue eyes looked straight into her own merry ones. + +Her merriment died away before the sternness of his expression. + +"Get your wraps, Patty," he said, in low but distinct tones. "At once." + +"What for?" and Patty stared at him in amazement. "What has happened?" + +But she had no fear that any untoward accident had befallen, for +Farnsworth showed no sympathy or gentleness in his face, merely a +determined authority. + +"Go at once," Farnsworth repeated, "and get your cloak." + +"I won't do it," she replied, giving him an angry glance. "I don't +want to go home; why should I get my cloak?" + +"Then I'll take you without it," and picking her up in his arms, Big +Bill strode through the throng of people, with as little embarrassment +as if he were walking along the street. Many turned to look at him +with curiosity, some smiled, but the Cosmic souls rarely allowed +themselves to be surprised at anything, however peculiar. + +As they passed Sam Blaney, Patty noticed that he stood, leaning against +the wall, his arms folded, and a strange expression on his face,--half +defiant, half afraid. + +Farnsworth carried Patty down the stairs and out of the house, and +placed her with care, but a bit unceremoniously, in the tonneau of a +waiting motor-car. He jumped in beside her, and pulled the lap robe +over her. The car started at once, and was well under way by the time +Patty found voice enough to express her indignation. + +"You--perfectly--horrid--old--thing!" she gasped, almost crying from +sheer surprise and anger. + +"Yes?" he said, and she detected laughter in his tone, which made her +angrier than ever. + +"I hate you!" she burst forth. + +"Do you, dear?" and Farnsworth rearranged the rug to protect her more +fully. + +There was such gentleness in his touch, such tenderness in his voice, +that Patty's anger melted to plain curiosity. + +"Why did you do that?" she demanded. "Why did you bring me away in +such--such caveman fashion?" + +Farnsworth smiled. "It was a caveman performance, wasn't it? But you +wouldn't come willingly." + +"Of course I wouldn't! Why should I?" + +"For three very good reasons." Farnsworth spoke, gravely. "First, you +were in a place where you didn't belong. I couldn't let you remain +there." + +"It is not your business to say where I belong!" + +"I wouldn't want any one I care for to be in that place." + +"Not even Daisy Dow?" + +"Certainly not Daisy." + +"Oh, not Daisy--of _all_ people! Oh, certainly _not_!" + +"Next, you were doing what you ought not to do." + +"What!" + +"Yes, you were. You danced barefoot before those--those unspeakable +fools!" + +Patty felt uncomfortable. She hadn't herself exactly liked the idea of +that barefoot dance, and hadn't told any one she was going to do it. +She had insisted to Mr. Grantham that she preferred to wear sandals. +But he had talked so beautifully of the naturalness of the whole +conception, the exquisite appropriateness of unshod feet, and the +necessity of her carrying out his design as a whole, that she had +yielded. + +And now that Bill Farnsworth spoke of it in this rude way, it seemed to +divest the dance of all its aesthetic beauty, and make of it a horrid, +silly performance. + +She tried to speak, tried to reply in indignant or angry vein, but she +couldn't articulate at all. A lump came into her throat, big tears +formed in her eyes, and a sob that she tried in vain to suppress shook +her whole body. + +She felt Farnsworth's arm go protectingly round her. Not caressingly, +but with an assurance of care and assumption of responsibility. + +Then, he pulled off the glove from his other hand with his teeth, and +after a dive into a pocket, produced and shook out a big, white, +comforting square of soft linen, and Patty gratefully buried her face +in it. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE CHRISTMAS PARTY + +"Much obliged, Billee," Patty said, at last, as she handed back a +somewhat damp handkerchief, and Farnsworth stuffed it in his pocket. +"Where are you taking me?" + +"Where do you want to go?" + +"Back where you brought me from, please." + +"Well, you can't go there. Will you go home, or to the Farringtons'?" + +A quick side glance at the stern face beside her showed Patty that +there was no chance of her going back to the Blaneys', so she said, +with great dignity, "I'll go to Elise's, then. But I want you to +understand that I resent your treatment, that I detest you for using +your strength to interfere with my pleasure, and that I absolutely +sever all friendship or acquaintance with you, now and forever!" + +"Bad as that? Well, well, you _must_ be annoyed." + +"Annoyed! _annoyed_! why, I----" + +"There now, Posy Face, quiet down a bit, we're almost at the house. +You don't want to go in looking like a--a weeping willow! You'll spoil +the effect of that red frock, if your eyes are red, too, and your +cheeks all tear-stained. Here, have a fresh handkerchief." + +Farnsworth produced another big white linen affair, and unfolding it +with a flourish, held it up to Patty's face. + +"I never saw anybody have so many clean handkerchiefs! Do you carry a +dozen?" + +"Always glad to help ladies in distress. Are you often so lachrymose?" + +"Oh Little Billee, _don't_ be so everlasting good-natured, when I feel +so cross. _Why_ did you bring me away from that place, when I was +having such a good time? And the best part was just about to begin!" + +"Now, Patty, listen--while the listening's good. Here we are at +Elise's; I want you to go in, gay and smiling, and not cause any +curious comment. So let the Blaney discussion wait, and I'll tell you +all about it, first chance we get. You don't want everybody to know +that you left the Cosmic Club a--er,--a bit unintentionally, do you? +Then, forget it, for the moment, and put on a Merry Christmas manner. +You'll be glad you did, afterward." + +Farnsworth's talk was sound sense, and Patty knew it. She already felt +a little relieved at getting away from Sam Blaney and back with her own +crowd. So she shook off her petulance and her anger, and when she +entered the Farringtons' drawing-room, no smile that greeted her was +brighter than her own in response. + +"Why, Pattibelle," cried Chick Channing, "welcome home! I feared we +had lost you to the high-geared Highbrows. Merry Christmas and many of +'em! Come sit by my side, little darling----" + +"No, come sit by us," insisted Elise, from the other side of the room. +"You're a dear, to come so early, Patty. How did it happen?" + +"Oh, I just _couldn't_ stay there any longer," said Patty, very +truthfully. "Am I in time for the Christmas tree?" + +"Indeed you are," returned Elise; "also for the feast and the dancing +and the Mistletoe Bough." + +"Good!" and Patty joined the laughing group, of which she immediately +became the centre. Her red velvet gown, though unusual, was not so +eccentric as to appear peculiar in this setting, and the girls began to +express admiration. + +Nor were the men unappreciative. + +"A real Yuletide frock, Patty," said Phil Van Reypen, approvingly. +"Didn't know you could wear that colour." + +"I couldn't," laughed Patty, "in daylight. But the electrics even +things up, somehow, and my complexion takes on a harmonising tint of +brick red." + +"Because you are a brick," put in Channing. "Did you get many +Christmas gifts, Patty? Did you get my small votive offering?" + +"Did I get many gifts! My boudoir looks like a World's Fair! Yes, +Chick, I got your present. Let me see, it was the padded calf Emerson, +wasn't it?" + +"It was not! If you got that, it probably came from your Cosmetic +friends. I sent you--oh, if you didn't even open it----" + +"But I did, Chickadee. It was a heavenly jade hatpin, an exquisite bit +of carving. I just adore it, and I shall never wear any other. So +cheer up, life is still worth living!" + +Patty was in high spirits. It was partly reaction from the artificial +atmosphere of the Studio, and partly her real enjoyment of the festive +occasion of Elise's Christmas party. The Farrington parties were +always on an elaborate scale, and this was no exception. + +"I wish Roger and Mona were here," Patty said, "I sort of miss them." + +"So do I," chimed in Daisy Dow. "But the honeymoon shining on the +sands at Palm Beach still holds them under its influence." + +"They must be happy," observed Kit Cameron. "Think of it! Christmas +and a bridal trip and the Sunny South,--all at once." + +"It is a large order," laughed Patty. "But Mona likes a lot of things +at once. That girl has no sense of moderation. When are they coming +home, Elise?" + +"Don't know. No signs of it yet. Come on, people, now we're going to +have the tree!" + +The orchestra played a march, and the crowd trooped into the great hall +known as the Casino. There awaited them a resplendent Christmas tree, +glittering with frosted decorations and glowing with electric lights. + +Van Reypen had quietly taken possession of Patty as a partner, and he +guided her to a pleasant seat where she could see all the +entertainment. For great doings had been arranged to please the +guests, and a short program was carried out. + +Waits sang old English carols, mummers cut up queer antics, servitors +brought in the Boar's Head and Wassail Bowl, and finally it was +announced that all present would participate in the old-fashioned dance +of Sir Roger de Coverley. + +Patty enjoyed it all. She loved to see this sort of thing when it was +well done, and in this instance every detail was faultless. Van Reypen +quite shared her enthusiasm, and was vigorously clapping his hands over +some jest of a mummer, when Big Bill Farnsworth came up to Patty, made +a low bow, his hand on his breast, and whisked her off to the dance +before she fairly realised what had happened. + +"Why--I can't!" she exclaimed, as she found herself standing opposite +her smiling partner. "I'm--I'm engaged to Philip!" + +"I know you are," returned Farnsworth, gravely, "but you can give me +one dance." + +Patty blushed, furiously. "Oh, I didn't mean engaged _that_ way," she +said, "I meant engaged for this dance." + +"No," corrected Farnsworth, still smiling, "you did mean you are +engaged to him _that_ way, but _not_ for this dance." + +"Well, he hadn't actually asked me," said Patty, doubtfully, "but I +know he took it for granted----" + +"It isn't wise to take too much for granted--there! see, he has just +discovered your absence." + +Sure enough, Van Reypen, who had been engrossed with the mummer's +chaff, turned back to where Patty had sat, and his look of amazement at +her absence was funny to see. + +Glancing about, he saw her standing in line, opposite Farnsworth. At +first, he looked wrathful, then accepting his position with a good +grace, he smiled at them both. + +"Little deserter!" he said to her, as he sauntered past her, in search +of another partner. + +"Deserter, yourself!" she returned. "You completely forgot my +existence!" + +"I didn't, but I am duly punished for seeming to do so. But I claim +you for a supper partner, so make a memorandum of that!" + +Patty smiled an assent, and the dance began. + +"Don't you like this better than that smoky, incense-smelly atmosphere +of the Studio?" Farnsworth said to Patty, as they walked through the +stately figures of the dance. + +"This is a home of wealth and grandeur," said Patty, "but wealth and +grandeur are not the most desirable things in the world." + +"What are?" + +"Brains and----" + +"Yes, brains and breeding. But your high-browed, lowbred----" + +"Billee, I've stood a lot from you tonight; now, I refuse to stand any +more. You will please stop saying things that you know offend me." + +"Forgive me, Patty, I forgot myself." + +"Then it's forgive and forget between us. I'll do the forgiving +because you did the forgetting. But I've forgiven you all I'm going +to. So don't make any more necessary." + +"I'll try not to," and then the subject of the earlier evening was not +mentioned again. + +The dance concluded, Farnsworth stood for a moment, still holding +Patty's hand after their last sweeping curtsey, and he said, "Will you +be my supper partner, too? Please do." + +"I can't," and Patty laughed up at him. "I'm really engaged to Phil." + +"Oh, are you, Patty?" cried Daisy, who was just passing, with Kit +Cameron. "I said you'd announce it tonight! What fun! But why are +you telling Big Bill all by himself first? You ought to tell all the +crowd at once. I'll do it for you. Come on, Kit, let's spread the +news! We've Patty's own word for it." + +The two ran off, laughing, and Patty looked a bit dismayed. "Kit's +such a scamp," she said, ruefully, "he'll tell that all over the +room----" + +"Isn't it true?" + +"Would you care if it were?" + +"I care for anything that concerns you or your happiness." + +"Or any one else or any one else's happiness! Oh, I know you, Bill +Farnsworth, you want everybody to be happy." + +"Of course I do!" and the big man laughed, heartily. "Is that a crime? +But most of all I care to have one little foolish, petulant +Blossom-girl happy." + +"Well, then, why don't you make her so? Why aren't you kind and nice +to her, instead of being horrid about her friends and her dancing, and +acting like a great Lord of something-or-other, frowning on her +innocent amusements!" + +"Oh, Patty, what an arraignment! But never mind that. May I take you +to the supper room?" + +"Oh, here you are, Light of my eyes!" and Van Reypen came up and +offered his arm. + +With a smile of farewell to Farnsworth, Patty accepted Philip's escort +and walked off. + +"What's this report Cameron and Daisy Dow are spreading?" asked Van +Reypen, looking at her, quizzically, but with a glance full of meaning. +"They say you and I are to announce our engagement tonight. I'm so +delighted to hear it, I can't see straight; but I want your +corroboration of the rumour. Oh, Patty, darling girl, you _do_ mean +it, don't you?" + +Philip had drawn her to one side, away from the crowd, and in a +palm-screened alcove, he stood beside her, his handsome face glowing +with eagerness, as he anticipated yet feared her reply. + +"Nonsense, Phil. It happened that I told Bill Farnsworth I was engaged +to you for supper, and Daisy overheard, and she and Kit tried to tease +me, that's all." + +"But since it happened that way,--since the report is current,--don't +you think,--doesn't it seem as if this would be an awfully good chance +to make it a true report?" + +"No, sir! A girl can't get engaged all in a minute, and _en route_ to +a supper room, at that! Besides, I'm hungry." + +"You can't put me off that way! You may think to be hungry interferes +with romance. Not a bit of it! You say you'll marry me, and I'll get +you all the supper you want, and, incidentally, eat a good square meal +myself. There!" + +Van Reypen had great charm. His great dark eyes were fixed on Patty, +and in their depths she could read his big, true love, unembarrassed by +the place or the occasion. He knew only that he was pleading with the +girl he loved, suing for his life's happiness, a happiness that lay in +the little rosy palm of Patty Fairfield's hand. + +"Darling," he whispered, taking the little hand in both his own, +"Patty, darling, do say yes, at last. Don't keep me in suspense. +Don't bother about learning to love me, and all that. Just come to +me,--tell me you will,--and I know you'll love me. You can't help it, +dear, when I love you so. Why, Patty, I've got to have you! You don't +know how I want you. You've so twined yourself into my heart that you +seem part of me already. Dear, _dear_ little girl, my love, my +sweetheart----" + +Philip's arm went round Patty's shoulder, and he drew her to him. + +"Phil!" cried Patty, starting back. "Don't, please don't." + +"I won't, dear,--I won't call you mine until you say I may,--but, oh, +Patty!" + +His voice was so full of deep feeling, his eves pleaded so longingly +for her consent, that Patty's heart went out to him. She was sorry for +him, and she honestly longed to say the word that would give him joy +and gladness forever. But that very feeling taught her the truth about +herself. She knew, in one sudden, illuminating flash, that she didn't +and couldn't love Philip Van Reypen in the way she was sure she wanted +to love and would love the man she should marry. + +Nor could she speak lightly or carelessly to him now. It was a crisis. +A good, true man had offered her his love and his life. It was not a +slight thing to be tossed aside as a trifle. If she accepted it, well; +but if not, she must tell him so kindly, and must tell him why. And +Patty didn't know why. In fact, she wasn't sure she didn't want Phil, +after all. He was very big-hearted,--very splendid. + +"What are you thinking of, girlie?" he asked, gently, as he watched the +changing expressions on her face. + +"I'm trying to be honest with myself, Phil. I'm trying to think out +why it is that I don't say yes to you at once. I suppose you think me +heartless and cold to think it out like this, but, I'm in earnest----" + +"So am I, dear, very much in earnest. And, I think, my own Heart's +Dearest, that you're nearer to loving me now than you've ever been. +Nearer saying yes than ever before. And, so, I'm not going to let you +answer now. This isn't the time or place. Somebody may come looking +for us at any moment. You have given me hope, Patty--unconsciously, +you've given me hope for the first time. I'll be satisfied with that, +for now. And, I'll see you soon, in your own home, to hear the rest +from your own lips. Oh, Patty, how _can_ I wait? I can't! Say yes, +_now_,--say it, Patty!" + +"No, Phil," and Patty gave him a lovely smile, while her blue eyes +shone like stars; "no, you were right, before. Not here--not now. +Come, let us join the others,--and you come to see me at home--soon." + +"Your own sweet way is mine, Patty," and Van Reypen kissed the +trembling little hand he held. "Now, brace up, dear; remember, they'll +all be watching us, even chaffing us. Can you meet them?" + +"Yes," and Patty assumed her old mischievous smile. "Carry things off +with a high hand, Phil. That's the way to meet them." + +Together they sauntered to the supper room, and, as they had expected, +were met by a storm of chaff. + +"Where have you two been? 'Fess up, now!" + +"Flirting," replied Van Reypen, coolly. "Haven't we, Patty?" + +"Yes, if you call such a mild affair worthy of the name," and Patty's +nonchalant air and unembarrassed manner gave no further inducement for +teasing. + +"Let's sit here," Phil went on, selecting seats at a small table, with +some casual friends, and then his resources of conversation and Patty's +gay chatter did away with all chance for personal allusions. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A STOLEN POEM + +After supper there was dancing, and Patty was besieged by would-be +partners. Good-naturedly she fractioned her dances, and even divided +the short intermissions between them. Everybody wanted to dance with +the smiling little person in red velvet, and her pretty gaiety salved +the wounds of those whom she was obliged to refuse. + +At last, Farnsworth came to her, and his determined expression told +Patty he was about to lay down the law. + +Sure enough, he took her hand in his, drew it through his arm, and led +her out of the dancing room. + +"Without even a 'by your leave?'" and Patty looked up at him, +inquiringly. + +"Without it or with it. But you can't dance any more tonight. You're +so tired you can scarcely stand up now." + +"That's so, now that you speak of it. But I hadn't realised it." + +"Of course you hadn't. You're crazy, when it comes to dancing!" + +"Well, you're not. You haven't danced with me once tonight, except +that old country dance." + +"Did you want me to? Were you lacking for partners?" + +"_Me_! Lacking for partners! Am I, usually?" + +"Oh, Patty, what a little Vanity Box you are! No, you never lack for +partners or attention or flattery,--all you ever lack is a little +common sense." + +"Why-ee! Little Billee! I've always prided myself on my common sense. +But where are you taking me?" + +"Not very far. There's a comfy window-seat in this little reception +room, where you can rest a bit, then I'm going to send you home." + +"Oh, you are! And who constituted you my Major Domo, or Commanding +Officer, or Father Superior, or whoever it is that orders people about?" + +"I don't order; I persuade, or induce, by power of my irresistible +charm." Farnsworth's blue eyes twinkled, and Patty laughed outright, +as she said, "Yes, I noticed the irresistibility as I left the Blaneys' +tonight!" + +"And, that's the very subject I was about to discourse upon,--the +Blaneys, I mean. But first, let me make you comfy." + +Farnsworth led Patty to the spacious, cushioned window-seat, and piled +soft pillows at her back, and tucked an ottoman beneath her feet, and +then sat down beside her. The little room was deserted by the dancers, +and though some of the guests strolled in and out, occasionally, there +was ample opportunity for real conversation. + +"It's this way, Patty," Farnsworth began. "I know Sam Blaney, and you +don't. I knew him years ago, and though I've not seen him of late +years, he's the same old two and sixpence." + +"And a very attractive two and sixpence," declared Patty, an obstinate +expression coming into her face. "You see, Little Billee, either you +like wise, brainy people, or you don't. I do." + +"I know you do, and so do I. But the Blaney crowd are neither wise nor +brainy. They are frauds." + +"Do you mean conscious frauds? Wilfully deceptive?" + +"To a certain degree, yes. They do fool themselves, sometimes, into +thinking they are sincere, but they can't even fool themselves all the +time,--let alone other people." + +"Your observations do not interest me." Patty's air was lofty, she +looked away into space, as if bored to death with her companion. + +"Would it interest you to know that I know Sam Blaney to be a fraud and +a dishonest man?" + +"I have heard you say that one's friends should be sacred from +disparaging remarks." + +"True enough. But, in the first place, Blaney isn't my friend, and +even if he were, I should sacrifice him or his friendship for you." + +"Why?" + +"Never mind why. Oh, Patty, rely on my judgment, rely on my word in +this matter, and don't have anything more to do with that rubbish +bunch!" + +"Look here, Little Billee, if that's all the subject you can find to +talk about, I believe I'd rather go back and dance. I'm rested now." + +"Sit still, Lady Gay. While we're on this subject, we're going to +fight it to a finish." + +"You mean you're going to fight me to a finish. Go on, it won't take +long." + +"You poor little girl,--you are tired, I know. Well, to make a long +story short, then, you must break with these Cosmic people, because, if +you don't, it will harm your social standing and injure your +reputation." + +"Why? They're absolutely correct and high-minded. They're a little +unconventional, maybe, but they're interesting and worth while." + +"But they're frauds, Patty. And they've taken you up, because you're a +social favourite, and you add lustre to their list." + +"And they don't care for me, personally!" + +"Now, don't flare up. Of course they like you, personally,--who +doesn't? But they make you think you're brainy and soulful and a +little old deep-thinker--and,--you're not, you know." + +"Well! You _are_ complimentary! What am I, pray? An ignoramus?" + +"Hardly that. You're the sweetest, loveliest girl God ever made, but +you're not a blue-stocking. You're not college bred, or even +well-read." + +"Do you know you're a very horrid person? Do you know I wouldn't stand +such talk from many people?" + +"I should hope not. Very few people know you well enough or love you +well enough to tell you these truths." + +"I know somebody who loves me too much to talk to me like that." + +"Van Reypen, of course. But, Patty, he doesn't approve of the Blaney +crowd, either, and you know it." + +"That's because he doesn't understand them, and----" + +"Wait a minute. Just what do you mean by understand them? They speak +English, I suppose." + +"How dense you are! There is much beside language of _words_ to be +understood by kindred----" + +"Don't you dare say souls!" + +"I will,--I _do_ say _souls_! That's what has no meaning for you!" + +"Go on, Posy Face! You're pretty stunning when you get really stirred +up!" + +Farnsworth's face broke into a broad smile, and Patty was so amazed at +his sudden change of manner that it irritated her. + +"Oh, I am, am I! Well, other people have thought so, too. To the +extent of putting it into poetry--real poetry!" + +"Such as what?" + +Farnsworth was so cynical of tone, that Patty broke her pledge of +secrecy to the small extent of quoting a few words from the poem Blaney +had given her. + +"Such as this," she cried: + + "----perhaps because her limpid face + Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein + The dimples found no place to anchor and + Abide." + +"That is poetry, indeed!" agreed Farnsworth, looking at her +quizzically. "Did you say it was written to you?" + +"Yes, Sam Blaney wrote it, to me. I didn't mean to tell you, it's a +confidential matter,--but you were so horrid about him----" + +"Wait a minute, Patty. Is that an original poem, that Blaney wrote for +you alone?" + +"Yes, it is. I promised not to tell it to anybody, so I'll ask you to +say nothing about it." + +"Tell me more of it." + +"No, I won't. I promised not to." + +"You needn't. _I'll_ tell _you_ what comes next: + + '----perhaps because her tresses beat + A froth of gold about her throat, and poured + In splendour to the feet that ever seemed + Afloat.' + +Isn't that it?" + +"Yes! How did you know?" Patty's startled eyes were wide in amazement. + +"You dear little goose. I hate to give you a shock, Posy-girl, but +those lines were written by a not altogether obscure poet,--one James +Whitcomb Riley." + +"What! It's no such thing! Mr. Blaney wrote them about me! They +begin----" + +"Wait! Don't break your promise of confidence. They begin: + +"'I loved her.--Why? I never knew.' Don't they?" + +"Yes, that's the poem Sam Blaney wrote for me---- + +"But he chanced to write it after Riley did--not before. Strange they +were so similarly inspired, wasn't it?" + +"William Farnsworth, do you mean to tell me that that is a poem of +Riley's,--and Sam Blaney palmed it off on me as his own!" + +"It looks that way, Patty. At any rate, those are Riley's lines. I've +known the thing for years. It's a favourite of mine." + +"But I've a book of Riley's,--it isn't in that." + +"My child, you mustn't get annoyed with me, when I tell you you're not +deeply versed in book-lore,--or deeply booked in verse-lore! For it's +true. I admit that is not one of the poet's best known bits,--it's in +'Flying Islands of the Night,'--but it is so exquisite that it ought to +be better known. And, by the way, Patty, if you thought Blaney did +that gem, I don't wonder you admired him. But, dear little girl, do +you see now that the man is capable of deception?" + +Patty looked deeply troubled. "You're sure, Billee,--you're _positive_ +about this?" + +"As sure as I am of my own name." + +"Then I want nothing more to do with Sam Blaney or any of his crowd. +I'll never forgive it. Why, he wrote the poem while I sat looking at +him,--just as fast as he could scribble." + +"Doesn't that seem to prove it? He knew Riley's lines, and wrote them +down. I doubt if the greatest poet that ever lived scribbled lines +like that, offhand." + +"Of course they couldn't! You've done it, Little Billee. You've +smashed my idols, blown up my air castles, knocked the pedestals from +under my heroes----" + +"I'm sorry, dear,--but when they are unworthy idols and heroes----" + +"And they are! I see it all now. I banked on Mr. Blaney's genius +mostly on account of that poem. But, as you say, the very fact that he +made me promise not to show it to anybody--but I don't need to prove +it. You tell me it's Riley's, and there's no further question about +it." + +"I'll send you the book, Patty. You'll enjoy it all." + +Patty smiled. "I don't want it in corroboration of your assertion, but +I'd love to have it. I'd like to know more poetry, Billee. As you so +delicately hinted, my education on such matters is a little lacking." + +"That's your own fault," said Farnsworth, bluntly. "Poetry isn't a +thing to learn at school,--but alone, and at odd times and moments." + +"It seems queer," and the earnest little face gazed into his, "for you +to know such a lot about poetry. You're so----" + +"Go on; don't mind hurting me. So uncouth, awkward, clumsy, lacking +in--er--understanding, wasn't it?" + +Farnsworth spoke bitterly, and his deep blue eyes were clouded. + +"No," Patty returned, gently, "no, I didn't mean all those horrid +things, and you know it! I meant, you're so busy with your mines and +things, and so wrapped up in your business that it's surprising to know +you have time for poetry." + +"It's _my_ theory that one can always find time for anything he really +wants to do?" + +"Can he? Do you suppose, then, you could find time to teach me a +little bit about poetry, and how to study it,--or, don't you really +want to do this?" + +Farnsworth looked at her, and a great and tender light came into his +eyes. Then, with a quick smile, he said, lightly, "Yes, indeed; I'll +make out a list of books for you tomorrow. May I send them to you?" + +Patty was aware of a sudden lack of enthusiasm in Farnsworth's manner, +and with equal coolness, she said, "Thank you, that won't be necessary. +Just send the list, and I can get them. And, now I think I must begin +to commence to think about considering going home." + +"Yes, it's late. Who's taking you?" + +"I'm going with Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. They kindly asked me." + +"Very well. Will you go now?" + +"Yes, please. And, I--I want to thank you for setting me straight +about the Blaneys." + +"Don't include Alla. I doubt if she'd do a deceptive thing. But all +the same, Patty, she's no friend for you. You don't care for her, do +you?" + +"No; I did at first, she interested me----" + +"I know; 'interested you strangely,' as the novelists say." + +"Yes, just that. She is so queer and unusual and----" + +"Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, freakish." + +"I suppose so. But I liked it all, at first. I don't mind owning up I +was getting a little tired of it. It didn't----" + +"It didn't make good, did it? But you're through with it now. How +will you break it all off, without unpleasantness--for you?" + +"Oh, I can manage that by my tactful nature. I mean, with Alla. I +shan't bother to be specially tactful with Sam. Need I be?" + +"No. When a man has practised a fraud like that on you, he deserves no +consideration whatever." + +"And tell me, Little Billee, tell me quickly, for I must really be +going, how did you walk in there and kidnap me so easily?" + +"I had a sort of notion that you ought to be looked after. Channing +was here, laughing over some of the details of the Blaney party that he +had heard of, and when he told about your dance,--well, Patty, I'll be +honest with you. I wanted to see that dance. You know how I love your +dancing. Also, I wanted to know just what the dance was,--for I know +Grantham." + +"The dance was all right, Billee?" + +"Yes, perfectly all right, only I'd rather you'd worn sandals. But it +was a wonderful dance,--exquisite, poetic, all that is beautiful. I +went in, reminded Sam of our old acquaintance, and he welcomed me +decently, if not over-cordially. I saw one or two numbers on the +program before yours, and I concluded I didn't want you mixed up with +that bunch. They're right enough, but their unconventionality and +ultra Bohemianism are not the element in which Patty Fairfield belongs. +Then came your dance. Unspeakably lovely, all that it ought to be, but +not for that herd of idiots! So, I made up my mind I'd persuade you to +go home with me,--pretty much instanter! I told Blaney I intended to +take you. He was mad all through, and denied my right to ask you to +leave his party. But,--well, I reminded him of a few of our past +memories--memories fraught with sadness!--to put it poetically,--and he +made no further objections to my carrying out my own sweet will----" + +"And so you carried out----" + +"My own sweet girl! Exactly! Patty, you little rogue, you musn't +bewitch me like that! If you do, I'll pick you up again, and carry you +off--oh, here comes Mrs. Morrison. Have _you_ come to carry Patty off?" + +"Yes," and Mrs. Morrison looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Patty, dear, +but really----" + +"It's time! Yes, I know it, and I'm quite ready to go. Good night, +Little Billee." + +"Good night, Patty. Get a good rest, for you really need it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +PATTY'S DECISION + +"You see, Nan, it isn't fair. I don't feel honest to keep Phil in +uncertainty, when I don't think--no, I really _don't_ think I'm going +to marry him." + +"But good gracious, Patty, you ought to know by this time! Either you +care for him or you don't." + +"Nan, I've only learned of late that when people say 'care for' they +mean love. I think it's a silly phrase,--why, I care for lots of +things----" + +"There are a good many things you've only learned of late, Patty, and a +good many more you've still to learn. But I really think you ought to +make up your mind about Phil Van Reypen." + +"Well, amn't I making it up as fast as I can? I'm going right at it +now, in dead earnest, and you've got to help me." + +Nan smiled at the anxious face that looked into her own. + +They were in Patty's boudoir, the morning after the Christmas party. A +breakfast tray, with contents only partly demolished, was pushed away, +as the importance of the discussion made food seem an intrusive factor. + +Patty's cap was askew on her hastily knotted-up curls, and she gathered +about her the voluminous folds of a billowy, blue silk affair, that was +her latest acquisition in the way of négligées. + +"My child," said Nan, "you have given yourself away. If you want any +help in making up your mind, you are not in love with that young man. +You don't 'care for' him, in the technical sense of the term." + +"But he's very nice, Nancy. He's a big-hearted, fine-minded----" + +"Upstanding, clean-cut American gentleman. Let me help you out. Yes, +Patty, he's all those things and more. But if you don't love him you +mustn't marry him. You're old enough to know your own mind." + +"I'm not such an ancient!" + +"Don't be silly! You're nearly twenty-one----" + +"Just twenty and a half." + +"Well, all right, twenty and a half. But that's not like seventeen. +You're young for your years, I think. But anyway, you've seen enough +of men to know if Phil Van Reypen is 'Lord of your life,--your +King,--your Star!' Is he?" + +"Not much he isn't! Why, Nan, he's an awfully nice chap, but no +'Philip, My King!' There, you see I can quote poetry as well as you. +Oh, Nan, Bill Farnsworth knows an awful lot about poetry! Would you +think he would?" + +"Now, Patty, keep to the subject in hand. Fred and I both think you +ought to be engaged to Philip, or else tell him you won't be. It isn't +fair to him, to act as you do." + +"I know it, you angel stepmother, and so, I'm going to decide, right +now,--with much quickness. Heigho! Which shall it be? Patty Van +Reypen,--or stay an old maid all my life." + +"Oh, I dare say there are others. You may possibly have another chance +at matrimony." + +"Nan," and Patty turned suddenly grave, "I don't like that--a chance at +matrimony. I mean, if one gets engaged, it ought to be to a man she +loves so much that she doesn't think of it as a 'chance.' It ought to +be the one and only." + +"Why, that's just what I'm trying to say, dear. Now, is Phil the one +and only?" + +"No, ma'am. Not by no manner of means, he isn't. Nixie, he is not!" + +"That mass of negatives sounds rather conclusive to me. So, with that +as a premise, I'm going to advise you, even urge you to tell him so +with unmistakable definiteness." + +"But, Nan, it makes him feel so bad." + +"That is the trouble, Patty. Every true woman hates to disappoint the +man who truly loves her. And Phil adores you. His love is deep and +sincere. He would make you very happy--if you loved him. If not, it +would only mean unhappiness for you both. And, so, it is really kinder +to him to tell him so frankly and let him give up any false hopes." + +"I know it, and I'm going to do it. But I don't know just how. You +see, Nan, he is so persistent,--and in such a nice, kind way. When I +tell him that, he'll only say that he won't consider it final, and +we'll wait and see. Then the argument begins all over again." + +"And so, I tell you, at the risk of repeating myself, that you must +make up your own mind positively first; then, if an adverse decision, +you must tell him, so positively that he can't misunderstand. _Then_, +if he refuses to give up all hope, it isn't your fault." + +"That's good, sound talk, Nan, and I will try to do just as you say. +But--well, here's the thing in a nutshell. I like Phil so much that I +hate to tell him I can't love him." + +"Then get that out of the nutshell, and put this in. If you like him +so much, it's your duty to tell him you can't love him. Heavens, +Patty, have you no idea of other people's rights?" + +"I don't believe I have, Nan. I'm a spoiled child, I admit it. You +and Dad spoil me, and all my friends do, too. I'm made to believe that +the sun rises and sets in silly little Patty Fairfield, and it has made +me a vain, conceited, selfish, insufferable _Pig_! That's what it has +done!" + +"Oh, Patty, you little idiot! Nothing of the sort. You're,--since you +doubtless meant to be contradicted,--you're a dear thing, and there +isn't a selfish bone in your body. If people adore you, it's because +of your sunny, sweet nature, and your absolute thoughtfulness and +kindness to others. Don't be foolish _that_ way. But regarding this +matter of Philip, I know you see it as I do. And it's really your kind +heart and your dislike of hurting anybody's feelings that makes you +hate so to tell him what you must tell him." + +"Yes, Nan, I must tell him. I know it myself. I know that I like him +lots, and I'd be awfully sorry not to be friends with him, but I don't +want to marry him." + +"Do you want to marry anybody else?" + +"I hardly know how to answer that. I suppose every girl would rather +be married than not, if it's to just the right man. But one thing is +certain, Philip isn't the right man." + +Patty sighed, and the far-away look in her eyes made Nan wonder if +there was a "right man" whose image was enshrined in the girl's heart. +But she only said, "Then, dear, tell him so." + +"I will," said Patty, but she looked very serious and troubled over it. + +However, she did tell him so. When Van Reypen called that evening +Patty answered his plea with a decisive No. She was very gentle and +kindly, but she gave him no ray of hope, no suggestion of a change of +decision. + +Philip took it gravely, but was unwilling to admit it was final. He +knew from Patty's demeanour that she meant it to be, but he hoped he +could yet win her by further devotion and patience. She told him this +was impossible, but he only smiled and expressed his determination to +try it. + +"I take your word for it, dear," he said. "I know you mean just what +you say, that you don't love me enough to give yourself to me. And I +won't urge you, or tease you. Just let me remain your friend, and let +me see you, occasionally. I promise not to intrude when I'm not +wanted. And though I expect nothing, there's no law against hoping, +you know." + +Phil's winsome smile was so cheery and yet so wistful, that Patty's +heart was touched anew. But she said, "It must be just friends, Phil. +I like you lots, you know that, but I can't be always fearful that----" + +"That I'll break loose and become unmanageable! You needn't, dear. I +promise to abide by your decision, unless I can make you want to change +it. Now, forget it all, for the present, and let's be friends and +chums and comrades and all those nice things, that don't bother +curly-headed little girls and make them look troubled and sad. But, I +want to thank you and bless you, dear, for your sweet kindliness to me. +Why, you might have sent me flying about my business with nothing more +than a curt No. I'm glad you didn't do that!" + +"I don't treat my friends like that," and Patty smiled, relieved that +the ordeal was practically over. "Now, will you help us with the House +Sale?" + +"In a _minute_! But tell me what house is to be sold?" + +"Oh, no, we don't sell any house. It's really a sort of Bazaar, but +instead of holding it in a hall or any big place, we have it in a +house,--this house, in fact." + +"Here?" + +"Yes, next week. It's a horrid nuisance,--the getting ready and +clearing up afterward, I mean,--but we want to make money for the +library of our working girls' club." + +"Let me give you the money you'd make, and then don't have the Bazaar +thing." + +"You're awfully good, Phil, and I'd like to do that. But it wouldn't +work. The Club would just take your contribution and then go calmly on +and have a Bazaar or something beside." + +"But it would let _you_ out. You needn't have it here." + +"That would be selfish. I'm too selfish as it is. No, I'll have the +sale here. Of course, the committee will help, and all that, but well, +you know what committees are." + +"Yes, they let the chairman do everything and then they criticise. And +I'll bet you're chairman, aren't you?" + +"Yes," Patty laughed. "How you do catch on! But I'm not shifting +responsibility. Indeed, I'd rather do it all, if I could do it my own +way. But they all tell me what to do, and then whatever's wrong is my +fault." + +"I know. All committees are like that. Well, just do the best you can +and let me help all I can. Is there much I can do?" + +"Why, yes, I think so. At least there will be on the day of the Sale. +Come round then and we'll set you to work." + +"Glad to. What is to be sold? Can't I buy some things?" + +"Yes, indeed. It's a novel sale, in this way: There are wares all over +the house. In the library we'll sell books, and in the dining-room, +food, and, also, china and glass and fancy linens." + +"And in the drawing-room here?" + +"Oh, here we'll have the bric-à-brac and pictures and small pieces of +furniture,--all these things have been donated, you know. And up in +the bedrooms we're to have things to wear, and lace pillows and dresser +scarfs and all such things; oh, and hats! And in my boudoir there'll +be wonderful kimonos and breakfast caps, and work-baskets and bags and +really lovely things." + +"I believe you'll enjoy it all. You're enthusiastic already. Let me +give you some things for it. Wouldn't you like a few curios and bronze +bits from Aunty Van's collections?" + +"Oh, we would! But you oughtn't to spare them." + +"I've such quantities, a few will never be missed. Come over and pick +them out yourself. Bring Elise or whoever is on the committee with +you." + +"Thank you, Phil, you're awfully good. It will be an immense help. +It's easy enough to get fancy things, and even dining-room things; and +we've oceans of books and desk fittings and such things. But it's +hardest of all to get the very things you offer. And they'll sell, +splendidly." + +"And you girls dress appropriately, I suppose." + +"Yes, of course we never lose a chance of dressing up. Elise will be +in cap and gown, in the library. Marie Homer, in full evening regalia, +in here. Several as waitresses in the dining-room; flower-girls in the +halls; oh, yes, we even use the kitchen. We have cooks there, and +they'll sell all sorts of aluminum cook dishes and laundry things. +It's really very well planned and I s'pose it will be fun. In the +little reception room we have all sorts of motor things,--robes, coats, +lunch-baskets, cushions, all the best and newest motor accessories. +General Sports goods, too, I believe. Daisy's running that." + +"And where are you?" + +"Up in my own boudoir. I'm to wear a gorgeous Chinese kimono and one +fascinating cap after another, selling them off of my head to the eager +throngs of purchasers!" + +"Fine! You'll do a rushing business. I'll give you some wares to sell +up there, too. Say, some Oriental couch cushions, and some Persian +slippers, and things from Auntie's wardrobe." + +"Do you think you ought to?" + +"Why, of course. All her things are mine, and there are such +quantities of really valuable stuffs and trinkets I don't know what to +do with them. And as to Aunty Van's own wishes, I know she would have +been glad to have them used in this way,--especially for you." + +Patty looked up at him, quickly. She well remembered Mrs. Van Reypen's +affection for her, and what form it took. + +"Phil," she said, "I don't want you to give these things for my +sake----" + +"Now, don't you worry, Curlyhead, I give them solely and wholly for the +good of the cause. Indeed, if you weren't connected with the affair, +I'd give twice as many!" + +Philip's smile contradicted this awful taradiddle, and Patty rejoiced +at his nonsense. Much as she wanted his gifts for the Sale, she didn't +want to feel that it placed her under special obligations to him. + +Just then the doorbell sounded, and in a moment Daisy Dow and Bill +Farnsworth appeared. They were in gay spirits, having been to see a +new comic opera, which proved such a bore that they left before it was +over. + +"Such rubbish!" Daisy exclaimed. "Old jokes, old music, old dances. +So I proposed we leave it to its fate and run up here. Glad to see us, +Patty?" + +"Yes, indeed! Just listen while I tell you of all the things I've +wheedled out of Philip for our Sale." + +"Gorgeous!" cried Daisy, after hearing the list. "Haven't you some for +my room, Mr. Van Reypen?" + +"I'm sure I have. You can use anything sporty?" + +"Anything." + +"Then I'll give you a first-class tennis set. I'll order it sent up +from Ball and Bat's, or you can pick it out there yourself." + +Daisy noticed that Van Reypen did not give her any of his aunt's +heirlooms, but she gratefully accepted the offered gift. + +"What shall I give you, Patty?" asked Bill. "What's your specialty?" + +"Négligées and boudoir caps," said Patty, demurely; "have you any?" + +"Something just as good. Want some Indian moccasins and Navajo +blankets----" + +"Now, Bill," said Daisy, "you promised me the Navajo, for a motor robe." + +"All right. I'll give each good little girl one. Then Patty, how'd +you like some real Hopi baskets?" + +"Beautiful! You boys are awfully good to us. We'll have a wonderful +sale." + +"If only people come to buy," demurred Daisy. + +"Oh, they'll come fast enough. We'll make oceans of money! I'm just +beginning to get into the notion of the thing." + +"Will those queer friends of yours be here?" + +"What queer friends?" + +"Those soully ones. I've never seen them, but I've heard a lot about +them." + +"From Chick Channing, I suppose," said Patty, coolly. "How that boy +does love to exaggerate. I don't know, Daisy, whether they'll be here +or not. If they are, use your wiles to sell them a lot of things out +of your room, won't you?" + +"Yes, I will, for I don't believe they'll care for your lace caps and +pillows." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE HOUSE SALE + +The House Sale was in full swing. It had been well advertised, and the +object was a popular one, and throngs of willing buyers crowded the +Fairfield house. + +The family belongings had, many of them, been carried to the upper +floors, and the first and second stories given over to the Bazaar. + +The beds had been removed and the bedrooms were veritable stores of all +sorts of light and dainty apparel and feminine trinkets. The rooms +downstairs were filled with fine wares and were crowded with +purchasers. The girls, dressed to suit their calling, were brisk and +busy salesladies, and everywhere was laughter and merry chat. + +Daisy, in a stunning new sports suit, looked with satisfaction on her +stacks of golf accoutrements, skates, tennis sets, and side lines of +bright caps and sweaters for both sexes. And her wares simply melted +away. She laughingly put up her prices, but so attractive were the +goods that they sold quickly. + +Elise, too, did a rushing business in the library. She had several +assistants, and they were all kept at work by the kind patrons. Many +worthwhile books had been given the girls, and there were beside, +library furnishings, and a few autographed books and letters that +commanded large prices. A set of Riley's works was on sale, and these +Farnsworth bought, requesting that they remain in their place until his +further directions. + +"Whatever are you going to do with them, Bill?" asked Elise, who looked +like a pretty Portia in her cap and gown. + +"Why not peruse them myself?" he returned. + +"But I chance to know that you have a set of Riley." + +"Well, maybe, I'll give them to somebody as a gift. If I can't find +anybody to accept them, I'll turn them over to your girls' library." + +"Oh, I dare say you can give them away. A beautiful set like that! +Why, they're Russia bound!" + +"Why, so they are!" + +"As if he didn't know that!" exclaimed one of the girls to Elise, as +Farnsworth sauntered away. "Why, he gave that set to the sale!" + +"He did! And then bought them back again!" + +"Yes, that's just what he has done." + +"Oh, well, then, he does mean to give them to somebody,--somebody in +particular." + +And Farnsworth certainly did mean to give them to somebody in +particular. He designed them as a gift for Patty. He knew she would +enjoy the poems, and he chose the edition with great care. Then, to +enhance the value, he made it a present to the Club Sale, and promptly +bought it back. + +The big Westerner made his way through the crowds, stopping here and +there to buy a flower or a trinket from the beguiling vendors. He +looked in at the dining-room, and saw the long table set with marvelous +confections, each to be sold with its dish of fine china or crystal. +Also, on side tables were center-pieces, doilies, and napkins of all +varieties of embroidery and decoration. A large back veranda had been +arranged as a refreshment room, and here Farnsworth discovered Nan and +Mr. Fairfield eating ice cream. + +"Join us," they begged, but a smiling headshake was the negative reply. + +"I'm on a still hunt for Patty. I'm told she's upstairs." + +"Yes, in her own rooms," said Nan. "But you can't get in, the place is +jammed. Wait till she has sold off a lot of stuff, then there'll be at +least standing room. I've just come down from there and I never saw +such a crowd." + +"I'm fairly good at stemming crowds,--I think I'll go up." + +Farnsworth squared his broad shoulders and started up the stairway. + +By tactful manoeuvring, rather than by muscular strength, he gained his +goal, and stood in the doorway of Patty's boudoir. + +She was showing off a boudoir set to a prospective purchaser. It was +of pale blue brocaded satin, edged with swansdown. There was a +fetching lace cap with blue bows and little yellow rosebuds; also +dainty blue slippers with rosebuds on them. Gaily, Patty donned the +lovely garments, over her fluffy white frock, and pirouetted before her +own cheval glass. + +"You see," she said, in wheedling, saleslady tones, "it is a work of +art! _Ma foi_! but it is _chic_! _n'est-ce pas_? Excuse my fearful +French, but I can't sell this Parisian rig in English!" + +"It is just darling!" declared the lady who was looking at it. "Of +course I'll take it. I never saw one I liked so well." + +Farnsworth stood watching the scene, thinking how much Patty's winning +personality added to the charm of the robe, and wondering if she would +accept the books he had bought for her. + +The sale concluded, Patty thanked her patron, and in a moment was +called upon to repeat the performance, as indeed she had been doing +most of the evening. This time it was not so willing a buyer. + +A gaunt, elderly spinster, with elaborately coiffed white hair and +ostentatious costume, demanded a kimono that should be just her style +and of embroidered crêpe de chine. + +"Here is a lovely one in heliotrope," said Patty, smiling as she +brought one of the prettiest ones she had. + +"Heliotrope!" the lady almost screamed. "Do I then look so old? Am I +in the sere and yellow? Why do you offer me heliotrope?" + +"Oh, don't you care for it?" said Patty, pleasantly; "it's one of my +favourite colours. What colour do you like best?" + +"I like amber, but, of course, you wouldn't have that. Green, now?" + +"No, we don't seem to have those. We've mostly pink and blue." + +"Old-fashioned! Why don't you have amber or russet?" + +"I wish we had. I'd love to give you what you want. How about white?" + +"Namby pamby! But show me what you have. I'm determined to get +something." + +"If you only cared for blue," and Patty sighed. "Here's a new box yet +unopened, but it says on the end, 'Light Blue.' So that wouldn't do." + +"Oh, well, let me see it." + +Patty opened the Japanese looking box, and out from the tissue papers +fell a dream of a kimono. Of palest blue silk, it was covered with +embroidered apple blossoms, not in a set design, but powdered over it, +as if wafted there by a summer breeze. The conventional Japanese +flowers are cherry blooms, but these were true apple blossoms, softly +pink and white, the very loveliest gown Patty had ever seen. + +Farnsworth was looking on, and he, too, caught sight of the exquisite +design. He looked quickly at Patty, and, in dumb show, begged her not +to sell the garment. Nor had she any intention of doing so. The +moment she saw it, she wanted it for herself, and began hastily to fold +it back in its box. + +"Wait! Stop!" cried the lady; "I think I want that." + +"It's already sold," said Big Bill, stepping forward. "Isn't that the +one I ordered, Miss Fairfield?" + +"Is it?" said Patty, helplessly, wanting to laugh at the way the lady +looked daggers at Bill, yet not knowing quite what to say. + +"It is. Kindly lay it aside for me. Mark it Farnsworth." + +"Do nothing of the sort!" snapped the lady. "You said that was an +unopened box. It can't belong to any one then. I will take it. How +much is it?" + +Patty thought quickly. She had received a green kimono for Christmas, +which she had not worn, and didn't care for. It had been sent her by a +distant cousin, who would never know or care what she did with it. + +"All right," she said, "take it if you like. You have the first right +to it." + +Farnsworth looked disturbed, but did not combat Patty's decision. + +"But," Patty went on, "I think I have a green one, after all. I've +just remembered it. You can take your choice." + +Stepping aside to her own wardrobe, Patty brought out a box and shook +out a very pretty green gown. She put it on, and, draping it +gracefully, stood, with her head on one side, observing the effect. +She then looked doubtfully at the lady, and said, "I dare say you like +the blue one better, after all. This is a very pale green." + +"It's a lovely green! Just the shade I like best. If you're willing, +I'll take the green one, by all means." + +"Whichever you choose," and Patty swished the green folds around to +catch the light. Very becoming it was, and on pretty Patty it looked a +dream of loveliness. + +"It's just bewitching," declared the gratified purchaser, and she paid +for it and left her address to have it sent home. + +"Good work!" said Farnsworth, laughing, as the lady passed on to look +at other tempting wares. "You hypnotised her into taking the green +one. I say, Patty, I want to make you a present of that apple-blossom +wrap; mayn't I?" + +"It isn't a wrap," said Patty, disdainfully, "it's a kimono, and the +very prettiest one I ever saw." + +"All right. I don't care what the dinky thing's name is. It's the +most exquisite colouring, and it suits you down to the ground." + +"It fits me down to the ground, too," laughed Patty, flinging the robe +on again, and gathering up its lustrous folds. It was too long for +her, but that, of course, could be remedied. + +"Yes, you'll have to take a reef in it. Will you accept it, Little +Apple Blossom?" + +"It's very expensive," Patty demurred, looking over her shoulder at the +graceful lines of the garment. + +"That doesn't matter," and Farnsworth pulled out a roll of bills from +his pocket. + +Patty gave him a scornful look. "Don't be so ostentatious!" she +flouted. "I didn't mean you couldn't afford it. I mean, I don't care +to accept a gift of such value. I know,--we all know--you have the +wealth of the Indies!" + +Farnsworth looked at her in sheer amazement, a deep red flush stealing +over his face. Then, for a moment, he held her eyes with his own, +looking steadily at her. + +"Very well," he said, gently, returning his money to his pocket. "I +won't give it to you, if you don't want me to." + +"Oh, gracious to goodness! what a kimono!" cried Daisy Dow, who came +flying into the room, "I never saw such a beauty! I want it! Is it +yours, Patty? No? Oh, you're just trying it on." + +"I'm considering its purchase," said Farnsworth, "if I can find +somebody to give it to. Do you like it, Daisy?" + +"Do I _like_ it! It's the loveliest thing in the whole Sale! By the +way, just look at the presents I've had!" + +Sure enough, Daisy was adorned with two or three gay-coloured sport +sashes, over her arm were two silk sweaters, and she carried a basket, +in which was a collection of gloves, ties, handkerchiefs, scarfs, and +various odds and ends of sport apparel. + +"What are you doing up here, anyway?" demanded Patty. "Who's looking +after your room?" + +"All sold out! Not a mite of anything left to sell. I came near +disposing of your own pictures that still hang on the wall, and your +tables and chairs. Are you really looking for somebody to buy that +for, Bill? Well, it might as well be me!" + +Daisy laughed gaily, and held out her hands for the kimono. + +But Patty drew the blue folds around her and shook her yellow curls. +"Possession is nine points of the law," she laughingly said. "I'm +going to buy this thing myself." + +"You can't," said Farnsworth, looking amused at the situation. "First +come, first served. I asked for it before you thought of buying it. +Now, I claim my purchase, and I shall give it to one or other of you +two girls. I offered it to Patty first, so it is for her to say. If +she refuses, I offer it to Daisy." + +So gay was his manner, so light his tone, that Patty couldn't resent +his words, but a twinkle in his eye made her realise that he knew he +was cornering her. He knew how she admired the kimono. It would be +difficult if not impossible to duplicate it. She must accept it from +him or see Daisy triumphantly walk off with it. + +The latter alternative was surely unthinkable! So Patty said, with +exaggerated meekness, "Thank you, Little Billee, I accept it with +pleasure. You are very kind." + +Farnsworth burst out laughing at the mild tone and the shy, downcast +eyes, whereupon Patty favoured him with an innocent stare, saying, +"What is the matter?" + +"A whole lot is the matter!" Daisy answered for him. "I wanted that +robe, and now you've gone and got it, Patty Fairfield! You're the girl +who gets everything! All right, Bill, just for that, you've got to +give me the set of books you bought from Elise, and had saved for you. +Will you?" + +"If you say I've got to,--why ask me will I?" he returned, +good-naturedly. "I am as wax in the hands of you two. Certainly, +Daisy, I'll be honoured if you'll accept the books." + +"What are they?" asked Patty, carelessly, as she still bent her +attention to the embroideries of her new acquisition. + +"Oh, it's a set of Riley. A wonderful set,--bound in Russia leather." + +Patty looked up, quickly. She felt a conviction that Farnsworth had +bought these books for her. To be sure she wouldn't want to accept two +handsome presents from him, yet the idea of his so easily passing them +over to Daisy annoyed her. + +"Riley!" she exclaimed, involuntarily. "Why didn't you give those to +me, instead of this gown?" + +"The books are better suited to Daisy," he returned, "and the gown +suits nobody but you." + +"Oh, because Daisy is more intellectual, I suppose, and I'm----" + +"Yes, and you're just a little piece of vanity, who cares only for +dress and finery." + +Farnsworth was having his innings now. Patty had hurt his feelings, +and she knew it; and so, he was teasing her in return. + +Daisy laughed at Patty's unmistakable chagrin, and ran away downstairs +to claim her books. + +It so chanced that there was no one else in Patty's boudoir at that +moment. Everybody had flocked to the next room to see a new +consignment of treasures displayed, and Farnsworth and Patty were alone. + +"Yes," he said, looking straight at her, "I did buy the Riley set for +you. But as you're so averse to accepting my ostentatious offerings, I +thought better to give it to Daisy. And I had another reason, too." + +"I'm glad you did," said Patty, coldly; "and I wish you had given her +this also." + +She began to draw off the kimono, but Farnsworth took a step toward +her, and with one big swoop, gathered her into his arms. + +"Apple Blossom!" he whispered, "my little Apple Blossom girl!" + +So impulsive and all-embracing was the action, so swift the kiss that +fell on Patty's pink cheek, and so quickly was she released, that she +stood, gasping from breathlessness, and astonishment, as others began +to return to the room. + +Van Reypen was among them, and he called out to Patty: + +"We've come for you. If your things aren't all sold, let somebody else +look after them. We're going to supper now, and we want all our crowd +together." + +Gratefully, Patty turned to him, her head still in a whirl from +Farnsworth's audacity, and with Philip she went downstairs. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +PATTY RUNAWAY + +The next day was Saturday, and Patty woke to a somewhat dismantled and +disordered room. Her bed had been restored to its place, after the +guests had departed the night before, but other appointments were a bit +lacking. Nan had forbidden her to rise until noon, for the Bazaar had +meant a large expenditure of strength and nerve force, and Patty was +not robust. + +Before she rang for her morning chocolate, she thought over the events +of the previous evening. She was furiously angry at Farnsworth. So +much so, that she could think of little else. + +"How dared he?" she exclaimed to herself. "The idea of his thinking I +am the sort of girl he can pick up and kiss like that!" + +And then her face grew pink with blushes and she buried it in a pillow +because she realised she was not nearly so indignant as she ought to be! + +"Good heavens!" she thought, frantically. "Am I in love with Little +Billee? With a Westerner? A self-made man? Why, he can't hold a +candle to Phil for birth and name! And yet--oh, no, I'm not in love +with him! He's too--too--he takes too much for granted. It's got to +stop! Think how he carried me out of the Studio party! And last +night! No wonder he walked off home without seeing me again! I wonder +what he will offer by way of apology or explanation. I believe I'll +ask him!" + +Patty reached out her hand for the telephone, and suddenly stopped. + +"I can't!" she whispered to herself, shame-facedly, "I--I don't want +any apology from him. I--I--oh, fiddlesticks! I don't know _what_ to +do! Guess I'll have a talk with Nan--no, I won't. It was all very +well to talk to her about Phil,--because I didn't care about him. But +I do care about Billee. Oh! do I 'care for' him? I don't know--but +I'm not going to think about it. It gets me all mixed up. I wonder--I +wish I could go away. I will! I guess I can do as I've a mind to!" + +After a little further thought, and a determined wag of the head, Patty +rang her bell, and when the maid came she said, "Bring my chocolate, +please, and then get out a suitcase, and pack it for me." + +"Yes, Miss Patty," replied Jane, and until her breakfast came, Patty's +mind worked rapidly. + +"Jane, I'm going to elope," she announced, as the maid reappeared with +a tray. + +"Yes, Miss Patty," and though Jane's eyes flew wide open, she made no +verbal comment. + +"Don't look as if you had been shot!" said Patty, laughing; "I'm going +alone, but you are to help me get off. Pack the things I tell you and +then order the little car for me. I'm not going to tell you where I'm +going, for I don't want any one to know. But after I'm gone, you may +give Mrs. Fairfield a note I will leave with you. Understand?" + +"Yes, Miss Patty," and Jane began at once to lay out the desired +clothing. + +"And," Patty went on, "if any one calls or telephones or asks for me in +any way, just say that I've gone away for a few days to recuperate +after the exertions of the House Sale." + +She carried out her plan with no trouble at all. Jane took down the +suitcase, Patty went down, too, by the back stairs, and got into the +car unseen, and was driven to the Grand Central Station. + +Admonishing the chauffeur to tell no one where he took her, Patty +bought a ticket for Fern Falls, and in a few hours amazed Adele +Kenerley by walking in at her front door. + +"Patty Fairfield! You angel child! Where _did_ you drop from? The +blue skies?" + +"Not quite. I flew up from New York to beg the hospitality of your +roof for a few days." + +"For as long as we can keep you. You dear old thing! How well you +look!" + +"Don't say that! I'm here to recuperate after a strenuous gay season +and a particularly tiring Bazaar thing last night." + +"Oh, yes, Bazaars are the most tiresome things in the world! You ought +never to go to them." + +"This one came to me. It was at our house. I'll tell you all about it +later. But, honestly, Adele, I was just ready to perfectly fly this +morning! My nerves gave out, my muscles are all lame and tired, and +then, my brain gave way. So, sez I, why not flee away to that haven of +rest what I wot of,--and here I am flewn!" + +"Well, I'm jolly glad to see you. Jim will be overjoyed, too. Come +right up to your own room, and take off your things, while I go and +speak to Cook. Anything particular you want for lunch?" + +"No, thank you. Any old thing, so long as it's good. As if you ever +had anything that wasn't salt of the earth!" + +"Oh, Patty! You don't eat salt of the earth! Unless you're a +cannibal!" + +"I'd like to know what kind of salt you do eat, then! Run along, +Adele, and order a dressy luncheon. I am pretty hungry." + +Mrs. Kenerley went off, and Patty stood for a moment, looking out of +the window. "I did just the right thing," she said to herself. "Up +here, where it's so quiet and peaceful, I can think things out, and +know just where I stand. Down home, I shouldn't have had a minute to +myself. It is beautiful here. So peaceful and calm." + +Patty turned, as some one entered her room, and saw a maid, ready to +unpack for her. + +"I've only a suitcase, Tessie," she smiled. "I'm here but for two or +three days." + +"Yes, Miss Fairfield. It's good to see you again. What will you put +on?" + +"The little rose Georgette, please. Why, here are two of my frocks in +this wardrobe!" + +"Yes, you left them last summer, and Mrs. Kenerley said to leave them +there against your next visit." + +"Good work! Here's a white crêpe de chine. Just the thing for +tomorrow. No guests, are there, Tessie?" + +"None, Miss Fairfield. Some ladies left this morning." + +"Now, tell me all about it," said Adele, coming back. "You may go, +Tessie. I'll look after Miss Fairfield." + +Tessie went away, and the two friends sat down for a chat. + +"First of all, Adele," Patty said, "I don't want any one to know where +I am. I want a few days of absolute freedom from interruption,--I've +some things to think out." + +"H'm," said Adele. "Who is he?" + +Patty turned pink. "Nobody," she returned; "or, if it's anybody, it's +Phil Van Reypen; he wants me to marry him, and I don't know whether to +or not." + +Adele looked at Patty's transparent face, and knew she was not telling +the whole truth. "You won't," she said, astutely. "But never mind why +you came, dear; tell me as much or as little as you wish. And nobody +shall know of your whereabouts, I promise you that. We'll have a +lovely, comfy time, just by ourselves." + +"And I'll tell you this much, Adele; if Bill Farnsworth telephones, on +no account tell him I'm here. Please tell him I'm _not_!" + +"Oh, fie, fie, Patty; tell a naughty story?" + +"Sometimes a naughty story is justifiable; or, well, if you can't +conscientiously do it, let me know if he threatens to come up here and +I'll scoot off somewhere else." + +"I think I see you! I'll leave it to Jim. He'll manage it +diplomatically. And perhaps Bill won't telephone." + +"No, most likely not. But he may. He doesn't know I'm here,--nobody +does,--but I suppose this will be the first place anybody would suspect +me of being." + +"I think very likely. Come on, now, I'll help you dress for lunch. +What a beautiful kimono! Where did you get that?" + +"At the Sale last night. Oh, we had wonderful things. Everybody +donated, you know, and then came and bought the things. Philip gave us +some of Aunty Van Reypen's bronzes and ivory carvings. I think we'll +make a lot of money." + +"And you ran away the morning after! Didn't you want to know how the +funds summed up?" + +"Oh, yes; but the house was in such a fearful state! Furniture all +moved and things every which way. I was glad to disappear until it +gets into shape again." + +"And doesn't Mrs. Fairfield or your father know where you are?" + +"Well, I left a note for Nan, and I didn't tell her just where I was +going, so she could tell people that I hadn't; but I gave her +sufficient hints, so she can form a fairly correct notion of my +destination." + +"All right, Pattykins, I'll look after you, and no one shall learn from +me where you are,--least of all, that terrible ogre, Bill Farnsworth!" + +Patty smiled, and the two friends went downstairs. Jim Kenerley was +beaming with welcomes, and declared that he, too, would keep the secret +of Patty's presence under his roof, even at the point of the bayonet. + +But, alas, for good intentions! + +That afternoon, Kenerley sought his wife, consternation in every line +of his good-looking countenance. + +"Where's Patty?" he asked, abruptly. + +"I sent her off for a nap. She's all tired out. Why?" + +"Well, Farnsworth is on his way up here." + +"What? Why did you let him come?" + +"Couldn't help it. You see it was this way. The clerk, or somebody at +his hotel telephoned, and said that Mr. Farnsworth had suddenly decided +to run up here, and that he hadn't time to telephone and then get his +train. So he instructed the clerk to get me and tell me Bill was on +the way. He'll be here a little after seven. What shall we do?" + +"Mercy! I don't know. Let me think. Patty is awfully angry with him +about something, and I've promised her not to let him know where she +is." + +"Lovers' quarrel?" + +"I don't know. I haven't had a real talk with Patty yet, she's so +fagged out. I want her to rest up. But she says she's bothered about +Philip Van Reypen." + +"Then depend upon it, it's somebody else! Farnsworth, probably." + +"She could do a lot worse than to marry Bill." + +"Indeed she could! But, all the same, if Patty doesn't want him here, +he mustn't come." + +"That's all very well, but how will you prevent it?" + +"I don't know. Meet him with a shotgun?" + +"Now, be serious, Jim. We must protect Patty at any cost. Can't we +telegraph him on the train?" + +"Not a chance. Do you think he knows she's here?" + +"He can't know it. He may suspect it. Well, he'll have to come, and +he'll have to stay over night; we can't send him packing, with no +decent excuse." + +"Tell him Cook has the smallpox." + +"Don't be silly! I can manage it, I think. Yes, with your help, it +can be done." + +"My dear Adele, I offer my help in its entirety, and then some." + +"I'll need all that--maybe more. It's no easy job, but I'll try it, +rather than have Patty disturbed." + +"Might a mere man ask the nature of your plans?" + +Adele Kenerley looked affectionately at her husband. "Yes, but you +mustn't hoot at them. Yours not to question why, yours not to make +objection." + +"Mine only to do or die, like those other heroes, I suppose." + +"Yes, but you're to do, not die. The die is cast! I've cast it. Now, +stop fooling, Jim, and listen to me. Those two people shall be in this +house at the same time, and neither will suspect that the other is +here." + +"Impossible!" + +"There was a gentleman once, named Napoleon. He remarked, 'If it is +possible, it must be done. If it is impossible, it _shall_ be done!' +That's my motto." + +"Good for you, General! Go ahead. Command me, Madame!" + +"Well, and now listen, Jim, and be serious. We'll have two dinners +tonight----" + +"Whew! I can't stand everything!" + +"Silence, sir! We'll have dinner at six; and then I'll tuck Patty in +bed early, to get her rest. Then, Bill will get here about seven, and +we'll have another dinner for him. I can look after tomorrow +morning,---- Patty will breakfast in her room. Then, about eleven +o'clock or noon, you must take Bill for a long motor ride, lunch +somewhere on the road. I'll have Patty lunch here with me. Then, I'll +put her away for an afternoon nap, and we must then have dinner for +Bill and,--make him go home. I couldn't keep it up any longer than +that." + +"I should say not! Regular Box and Cox game. But it may be we can put +it over. I'll do all I can. But s'pose he won't go home tomorrow +afternoon?" + +"Make him. Even if you have to telephone to his hotel to send a hurry +wire for him." + +"Capital! I'll do that, if I have to. All right, little woman, you +act as Patty's jailer, and I'll look after Farnsworth." + +And so, at five o'clock, Adele went to Patty's room. She found that +young woman, robed in her apple blossom gown, asleep, with her head on +a much crumpled pillow. There were traces of tears on the pink cheeks, +but the blue eyes were tightly closed. + +"Wake up, Pattibelle," said Adele, gently patting her shoulder. "We're +to have an early dinner, 'cause Jim has to go off to some meeting or +other, and I thought you wouldn't mind." + +"Mind? Of course not," and Patty sprang up, very wide-awake. "I won't +dress much, Adele." + +"No; wear the same frock you had on for lunch. Twist up that yellow +mop of yours, and come along down, now. I want you to take a stroll +around the domain while there's a scrap of daylight left." + +The hour before dinner soon passed, and then, laughing with merriment, +the hosts and guest went in to dinner. + +The Kenerleys were in specially gay spirits, it seemed to Patty, and +she held her own in fun and repartee. + +"You must stay a long time, Patty," Jim declared. "You're more fun +than a barrel of monkeys! I'm awfully glad you came." + +"So'm I," assented Patty; "I wanted to get away from the giddy whirl, +and lead the simple life for a few days." + +"Sometimes the simple life is very complicated," observed Kenerley, and +he glanced at the clock. + +Adele took the hint. "You want to get away, don't you, dear?" she +said. "And we've been dawdling over dessert! Patty, I shan't give you +any coffee tonight. I'm afraid it will keep you awake, and you need +sleep. My, but you're hollow-eyed! I suppose you've kept late hours +all winter." + +"Pretty much. But I sleep a good deal, too. And I feel all right, +now. I'm not going to bed before you come back, Jim." + +"Indeed you are!" cried Adele. "Now, not a word from you, Miss! I'm +your nurse at present, and you will obey my orders!" + +Kenerley started off to drive to the station for Farnsworth. He felt +sure his wife would have Patty out of the way when they returned, but +he didn't know just how she'd manage it. + +Nor was it easy. But Adele wandered about the house with her guest, +and finally declared the moonlight view was prettier from Patty's +windows than anywhere else. She lured the girl upstairs, and then +cleverly persuaded her to don a dressing-gown and lie down, while she, +Adele, looked after some household matters, and she would then return +for a confab. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +BLOSSOM GIRL + +Such a clever and resourceful housekeeper as Adele Kenerley found no +trouble in arranging a second dinner for half-past seven, although one +had been served at six. Patty safely out of the way, Adele presided at +the board with a light-hearted gaiety that surprised even her husband. + +Farnsworth, too, was in good spirits, though both the Kenerleys +detected a roving eye and an alert ear that made them think he +suspected, or at least hoped, that Patty was there. But he said +nothing that indicated his thoughts except to ask on arrival if there +were other guests. + +"As you see," said Adele. "But I'm flattering myself that you came +this time just to visit the Kenerleys." + +"What more could one desire?" returned Farnsworth. And the +conversation continued in a light and impersonal tone. Patty's name +was mentioned, and innocently enough. Adele asked how she was. + +"Well, I trust," said Farnsworth. "I was at her house at a Sale +affair, last night, and she was all right then. Very much all right. +But today, I called up the house, and they said she had gone away. I +don't know where." + +"And you thought she was up here! Oh, Big Bill, and I thought you came +to see us!" Adele looked deeply chagrined. + +"I'm jolly glad to see you, Adele, but to be honest, that little Patty +person has turned my head." + +"Truly, Bill?" + +"Very truly, Adele. It's one thing or the other with me now. I must +find her and if she says me nay, I go back to Arizona for good and all. +No more East for me." + +Jim Kenerley, catching the earnest note in Farnsworth's voice, had all +he could do to keep from telling him then and there of Patty's presence +under that same roof, but a decided head-shake from Adele restrained +him. + +For Adele felt in honour bound to keep Patty's secret, unless the girl +herself released her from her promise. + +As soon as she could, Adele excused herself and left the two men to +smoke and chat together. She went to Patty's room, determined to find +out the true state of affairs. But Patty was asleep, and so profoundly +did she slumber that it seemed a shame to waken her. + +So the game went on. Adele went back downstairs, and the three friends +spent a pleasant evening together. At bedtime Farnsworth declared his +intention of leaving in the morning, and sure that he would do so, +Adele hospitably urged him to remain till after dinner. To her +surprise, he acquiesced, and said he would go down to New York on a +late afternoon train. + +"Now, you have done it!" said Kenerley to his wife, after their guest +had gone to his room. + +"I know it, Jim. It was all my fault! But I never dreamed he'd stay +over so easily! Oh, if I'd only let him go on the morning train!" + +"We'll have to keep up the hide and seek." + +"Yes, and we can do it. Only it would have been so much easier the +other way." + +"Perhaps Patty will relent." + +"Not she! If you had seen her eyes flash, when she spoke of him. +She's desperately angry with him, for some reason. But tomorrow +morning will be all right. And I'll plan the day. There'll be no +trouble." + +Adele's clever managing made her words good. Patty had breakfast in +her room, of course, and at nine o'clock, Farnsworth and the Kenerleys +had their own morning meal. A pleasant affair it was in the sunny +dining-room, and, without seeming to do so, Adele tactfully gave her +guest an opportunity to depart, by saying that Jim had to go for a long +trip in the motor. + +But Farnsworth said, "Good! I'll go along. Unless I'm in the way, old +chap?" + +"Not at all," returned Kenerley, cordially, and that matter was settled. + +The two men left about eleven, and Adele went to Patty's room. + +"I'm all over my tired-outness," declared a very fresh-looking, rosy +young person. "I've had my tub, and now I'm going to dress up and +behave like a good citizen. You're a duck, Adele, to put up with a +worn-out wreck, as I was yesterday, but now I'm myself again. I want +to go for a motor ride, and for a walk, and eat a big luncheon, and +come back to life, generally." + +"Good for you! And have you settled all the troublesome affairs that +were bothering you?" + +"How did you know I had any?" + +"Now, don't confide in me unless you want to." Wily Adele knew the +touch of perversity in Patty's make-up. + +"Oh, there's nothing much to confide. I got fearfully mad at Bill +Farnsworth, and I ran up here to get away from him. That's the story +of my life." + +"What was the bone of contention?" + +"Well, I suppose I was. Also, he was very rude and unmannerly. +Also,--and this is why I hate him so,--he's suddenly grown rich, Adele, +and he's terribly ostentatious about it----" + +"Bill Farnsworth ostentatious! I don't believe it!" + +"Yes, he is. He showed off big rolls of money at the Sale----" + +"But, Patty, he was buying things, wasn't he?" + +"I don't care if he was. And, besides, Adele, he--well, he implied, if +he didn't say it straight out, that now he was rich, maybe I'd marry +him! As if I was a fortune-hunter!" + +"Oh, Patty, you little goose! Bill has always been poor, or at least, +he had only a moderate income. I can see how he would be glad if he +had good fortune, to offer it to you. Poor Bill! You mistook his +meaning, I'm sure." + +"No, I didn't, and I hate him, and I never want to hear his name +mentioned again!" + +"Nor see him?" + +"Mercy, no! And now, drop the subject. I tell you I came up here to +get away from him! He's in love with Daisy Dow, anyway." + +"What makes you think so?" + +"Oh, he's always with her. And he gave her some lovely books that he +had bought on purpose for me! And, Daisy says things all the time that +prove it. I don't want anything to do with another girl's rustic +swain. That I don't!" + +"Just a minute, Patty. Do you really consider Bill a +rustic,--uncultured, and all that, I mean?" + +Patty looked serious. "No, Adele, I don't. He hasn't a certain +polish, that some men have, but he is a thorough gentleman and a +splendid man. I must say that, in all honesty. But he is a +domineering, head-strong nature, and he couldn't make any girl happy!" + +"Oh, couldn't he!" said Adele, but she said it to herself, not aloud. + +The subject was really dropped then, and Patty began to dress for +luncheon. + +"I'm going to put on this white crêpe de chine," she said. "I found it +hanging in the wardrobe, left from last summer. I'd almost forgotten I +had it. It's a pretty frock, isn't it?" + +"Yes. But, I grieve to state, Pattibelle, we'll be alone at lunch, you +and I. Jim has gone miles off in the country, and won't be back before +six or so." + +"Whatever for?" + +"Oh,--on some business." + +"Business! On Sunday?" + +"He's looking at a car he's thinking of buying. The man could only see +him today." + +"Oh, well, all right. But I'll dress up anyway, for my own +self-respect. I like myself better in a pretty gown, and I'm not going +to take naps all day today, I can tell you." + +Patty flew around, making her toilette, and humming little snatches of +song. Adele thought she had never seen her look so pretty. The white +frock was soft and filmy; the round neck a trifle low, the frilled +sleeves showing her dimpled arms, and a soft sash made of a breadth of +palest pink silk, round the waist. + +"You're a dream!" declared Adele. "It's a shame to waste such a vision +of beauty on me. I believe I'll telephone for Bob Peyton to come over +to lunch." + +"No, don't. I'd rather not have him. I like to be alone with you much +better. Ask him over for dinner, if you like." + +So the two lunched alone, and then came the difficult crisis. + +Patty flatly rebelled against Adele's suggestion that she take an +afternoon nap to be fresh for the evening. + +"What's the matter with you, Adele?" she laughed. "Do you think I'm a +dormouse? Or a bear who wants to hibernate? I'm as wide-awake as you +are!" + +"It isn't that, Patty," and poor Adele was at her wits' end, "but +you're really run down--er--nerve exhaustion, you know----" + +"Well, _your_ nerve isn't exhausted! To make me go to bed by day,--all +the whole time!" + +"Now, Patsy, don't be stubborn. Give me my way, this once. If you'll +go to your room, and stay there and rest quietly till five o'clock, I +won't say another word about your resting, while you're here. But +you're--really,--you're so improved since you came, that I want to +complete the cure. Scoot off, now, and then at five o'clock Jim will +be back, and we'll have lots of fun." + +"It's nearly half-past two, now. Well, I don't see much else to do, so +I'll go. But remember, it's the last of this foolishness." + +"I'll remember. Run along now, and don't show your face below stairs +till five. Cross your heart?" + +"Yep. Cross my heart and hope to never! By-by." + +Patty ran upstairs and closed her room door behind her. Never really +at a loss to entertain herself, she read some magazines, wrote two or +three letters that had been long owing, and then mooned around looking +out of her windows at the distant hills, bright with winter sunshine. +She opened the long French window to the balcony and stepped out. It +was snappily cold, so she went back long enough to catch up a wrap. +The apple blossom kimono was the first thing she saw, so she slipped +into it, and went out on the balcony. The bracing air was delightful, +and she walked up and down, drawing long deep breaths of ozone. There +was a low railing round the little balcony and Patty sat down on it. +The ground was only about eight feet below her, for the house was built +on a side hill, and the slope was abrupt. + +"I could almost lean down and pick violets," she mused, "if there were +any to pick. But it's nowhere near spring, yet." + +She drew her wrap more closely about her and rose to go in the house +again. + +"Well!" came in an explosive voice, just below her. Patty looked down +and saw Farnsworth standing there, his face radiant with glad surprise. + +"Little Billee!" she exclaimed, impulsively leaning over the rail. +"What are you here for?" + +"_You_! And I can't wait another minute! _Jump_!" + +Not pausing to think, impelled by his quick command, Patty stepped over +the rail and jumped. + +Farnsworth caught her deftly in his arms just as her feet touched the +ground, and held her there. + +"Look at me," he said, and his always musical voice had a ring in it +Patty had never heard before. + +The golden head, bowed against his broad chest, lifted a little, and +Patty's blue eyes shone into his own. Steadily he looked for a moment, +and then said, quietly, but exultantly, "You love me! Oh, my Patty +Blossom!" + +Patty stood very still. It seemed to her that the end of the world had +come--or the beginning,--she wasn't sure which. + +"Come," said Farnsworth, still with that glad, exultant note of triumph +in his voice. He led her to the house, walking quickly and with +springing step. + +Adele was in the hall as they entered. + +"Good heavens!" she said, helplessly, as she stared at them. + +"Adele," Farnsworth's words fairly rang out, "don't stop us. We're +just getting engaged, and we want a few minutes alone." + +"I should say so!" and half dazed at the suddenness of the news, Adele +opened the door of a little reception room, and let them in. Then she +closed it, and ran hot haste to find Jim. + +A wood fire was blazing and Patty threw off the silk wrap. + +"Apple Blossom," said Farnsworth, as he took it from her, and tossed it +over a sofa, "my Blossom girl!" + +He took the soft, trembling little figure in his arms, the pretty white +frock sadly crushed in his strong embrace. + +"My Love, my Patty Blossom!" he murmured, and then, with his first kiss +on her quivering, scarlet lips, Patty knew that she "cared for" this +big, tender giant, with her whole heart, and she began to realise how +he loved her. + +"Patty! darling! I have loved you so long, but I had no idea what it +would mean to know you love me!" + +"What does it mean?" she said, softly. + +"It means heaven! Great, blue, sunshiny, cloudless heaven! Oh, my +little girl, I can't tell you all it means, there aren't any words big +enough. You do love me, don't you? How do you know you do?" + +"Because I jumped," and the blue eyes smiled at him. "I jumped because +I couldn't help it." + +"You jumped because you loved me! I oughtn't to have let you do it; +good gracious, Patty, you might have broken yourself to bits! I spoke +from impulse." + +"And I jumped from impulse. And,--I'm glad I did!" + +"You little Love! Are you? Patty, how can you love a great, uncouth +man like me?" + +"You're not uncouth, Little Billee, and you only said that to be +contradicted! But I do contradict it. You're not big and uncouth at +all. Well, I s'pose you _are_ big,--but it's a nice, cunning little +bigness----" + +"There, there, that'll be about all of that! Now, tell me why you ran +away from me." + +"I didn't know at the time. But I know now." + +"You do? Why, then? + +"Because I was in love with you, and I was afraid you'd find it out." + +"But you didn't know it yourself?" + +"N--no; that is, I wouldn't own up to it to myself, and I was awfully +afraid myself would find it out." + +"You little goose----" + +"Blossom goose?" + +"Yes. Blossom goose,--Blossom girl,--Oh, Patty Blossom, how _can_ I +make you have a glimmer of a gleam of an idea how I love you!" + +"Little Billee! if you give me all your kisses now, what shall we do +all the rest of our lives?" + +"Poor little Apple Blossom! Am I a big bear? Well, sit beside me here +on this cosy sofa place, and I'll tell you what we'll do all the rest +of our lives." + +And so enchanted was Patty with the plans unfolded for her, that it was +more than an hour later that she remembered to ask, "Why did you give +Daisy the books you bought for me?" + +"Shall I tell you, dear? I told you at the time I had a reason. +Because, just then, something in your eyes gave me hope, gave me a tiny +hint of hope that you would take _my_ set of Riley books and me along +with it!" + +"Oh, Little Billee! Did I really throw myself at your head?" + +"No, Patty; no, my child, never think for a minute you did that! But +you gave me a look that made me feel emboldened to throw myself at your +feet. Then you ran away before I could do so." + +"Yes, I was afraid you would. How did you know I was here?" + +"Didn't know it; but I thought it the most likely place. How the +Kenerleys fooled me! I owe Jim one for that!" + +"No, you don't! They only did what I made them do. I vowed I wouldn't +see you, and they must not let you know I was here." + +"Did you think you could elude me long, Sweetheart?" + +"I don't know what I thought----" + +"You were afraid to look in your own heart, weren't you?" + +"Yes, I was. But I'm not now." + +"No, you don't seem to be! For a newly engaged young person you take +to it like a duck to water." + +"Only because it's _you_. I wouldn't with anybody else." + +"I should hope not! And you're not afraid of me any more?" + +"'Perfect love casteth out fear.'" + +"Oh, Blossom, you do say the sweetest things! And do you forgive me my +horrid ostentation?" + +"You must forgive _me_ for that, Little Billee. I had no business to +act so." + +"You were all right, dear. I'm not to the money born, you know. And +when I was successful, financially, I had _no_ thought but of pleasure +it might give you. But I expressed myself unfortunately. I'm not a +'society man,' Patty." + +"You're the dearest man in all the world. My big, beautiful Sir +Galahad. My own Little Billee." + +"Haven't you two got engaged yet?" called Adele, plaintively, through +the keyhole. "You've been two hours at it! Come on out, and let us +help." + +"Run away and play," called back Farnsworth, but Patty released herself +from his clasping arms, and said, "It hasn't been two hours, any such +thing, Adele; but we will come out now. We've been engaged a long +time." + +Big Bill rose, towering above his little fiancée. + +"You little scrap of loveliness!" he exclaimed, "what have you done to +me, to bewitch me so? You were always beautiful, but now +you're--you're----" + +"Well, what?" and Patty's radiant face looked up lovingly into his own. + +"There are no words dear enough," and Farnsworth's voice thrilled with +love and reverence, "no terms sweet enough, but just,--my Patty +Blossom." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY BLOSSOM*** + + +******* This file should be named 20945-8.txt or 20945-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/9/4/20945 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/20945-8.zip b/20945-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..85acd00 --- /dev/null +++ b/20945-8.zip diff --git a/20945.txt b/20945.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9d2442a --- /dev/null +++ b/20945.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7687 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Patty Blossom, by Carolyn Wells + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Patty Blossom + + +Author: Carolyn Wells + + + +Release Date: March 30, 2007 [eBook #20945] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY BLOSSOM*** + + +E-text prepared by Al Haines + + + +PATTY BLOSSOM + +by + +CAROLYN WELLS + +Author of +The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, +Two Little Women Series, etc. + + + + + + + +New York +Dodd, Mead and Company +1927 + +Copyright, 1917 +by Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I SAM BLANEY + II A STUDIO PARTY + III PHILIP OBJECTS + IV PATTY STAYS LATE + V AT RED CHIMNEYS + VI A SOCIETY CIRCUS + VII A CLEVER PLAN + VIII A REAL POEM + IX A SHOWER + X MONA'S WEDDING + XI THE CITY STUDIO + XII AN ODD DINNER PARTY + XIII ELISE AND PATTY + XIV PATTY'S DANCE + XV THE CHRISTMAS PARTY + XVI A STOLEN POEM + XVII PATTY'S DECISION + XVIII THE HOUSE SALE + XIX PATTY RUNAWAY + XX BLOSSOM GIRL + + + + +Patty Blossom + + +CHAPTER I + +SAM BLANEY + + "Patty, Patty, pit-a-pat, + Grinning like a Chessy Cat, + +if you don't stop looking so everlasting cheerful, I'll throw something +at you!" + +"Throw," returned Patty, as her grin perceptibly and purposely widened +to the full extent of her scarlet lips. + +"All right!" and Elise threw a sofa cushion and another and another, +following them up with a knitted afghan, a silk slumber robe, and then +beginning on a pile of newspapers. + +Patty, who was lounging on a broad divan, protected her face with a +down pillow, and contentedly endured the avalanche. + +Then, as the enemy's stock of missiles gave out, she sat up, flinging +the impedimenta right and left, and her smiling face and tumbled curls +triumphantly braved further assault. + +"It's snowing like the very dickens," Elise declared, disconsolately. + +"I don't see any snow," and Patty shut her blue eyes tight. + +"Of course you don't, you old goose! If a roaring Bengal tiger stood +in front of you, with full intent of eating you at once, you'd shut +your eyes and say, 'There isn't any tiger there.' That is, if you had +time to get the words out before you slipped down his throat." + +Leisurely, Patty got up, shook her rumpled skirts, and walked to the +window. + +"It does look like snow," she observed, critically eyeing the landscape. + +"Look like snow!" cried Elise; "it's a blizzard, that's what it is!" + +"Well, doesn't a blizzard look like snow? It does to me. And I don't +know anything nicer than a whole long day in the house. I'm having the +time of my life." + +Patty threw herself into a big armchair, in front of the blazing log +fire, and contentedly held out her slippered feet to the glowing warmth. + +"But we were going to play tennis, and----" + +"My dear child, tennis will keep. And what's the use of growling? As +you remark, it is a young blizzard, and we can't possibly stop it, so +let's make the best of it, and have what is known in the kiddy-books as +Indoor Pastimes." + +"Patty, you're enough to exasperate a saint! You and your eternal +cheerfulness!" + +"All right, anything to please," and Patty assumed a doleful +expression, drew down the corners of her mouth, and wrung her hands in +mock despair. + +"Isn't it mean," she wailed; "here's this horrid, hateful old +snowstorm, and we can't go outdoors or anything! I'm mad as a hornet, +as a hatter, as a wet hen, as a March hare, as a--as hops, as--what +else gets awful mad, Elise?" + +"I shall, if you continue to act like an idiot!" + +"My good heavens!" and Patty rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, +"there's no pleasing her--positively _no_ pleasing her! What to do! +What to do!" + +But Elise's face had cleared up, and as she looked from the window, she +smiled gaily. + +"He's coming!" she cried, "Sam's coming!" + +Patty hastily adjusted her dignity and sat up with a formal air to +greet the visitor, while Elise scrabbled up the sofa cushions and +newspapers. + +The girls were down at Lakewood. Patty was the guest of Elise, whose +family had taken a cottage there for the season. That is, it was +called a cottage, but was in reality an immense house, most comfortably +and delightfully appointed. Patty was still supposed to be +convalescing from her recent illness, but, as a matter of fact, she had +regained her health and strength, and, though never robust, was +entirely well. + +The invitation to Pine Laurel, as the house was called, was a welcome +one, and the elder Fairfields were glad to have Patty go there for a +fortnight or so. She had arrived but the day before, and now the +unexpected snowstorm had spoiled the plans for tennis and other outdoor +affairs. Though it was late November, it was early for such a +tempestuous snowstorm, and the weather-wise ones opined that it was a +mere swift and sudden flurry. + +Patty, with her usual adaptability to circumstances, didn't care much, +and felt pretty sure the storm would depart as quickly as it had +gathered. She was quite willing to stay indoors a day or two if need +be, and could easily amuse herself in many ways. Not so Elise. She +was impatient and impetuous, and was always greatly put out if her +plans went awry. But the diversion of an unexpected guest roused her +to animation and she poked the logs to a brighter blaze by way of +welcome. + +After the sound of stamping and whisking off snow in the hall, a young +man came into the pleasant sun-parlour where the girls were. + +It was with difficulty that Patty concealed her amazement as she looked +at him. He was of a type that she had heard of, but had never before +chanced to meet. + +Mechanically, she went through the formalities of the introduction, and +sat staring at him, without realising that she was doing so. + +"Well," said Sam Blaney, at last, "what about it? Do I get a blue +ribbon?" + +"Oh, I beg your pardon!" and Patty blushed at her rudeness. "You see, +you er--you reminded me of somebody I have met----" + +"No, you mean I remind you of somebody you never have met, but are glad +to discover at last." + +Patty laughed outright, for the words so definitely expressed her state +of mind. Thus encouraged, she continued to look at him. + +Blaney was not so extraordinary of appearance, but he presented the +effects of the class known as artistic. His thick, fair hair, while it +could scarcely be called long, was a trifle longer than the +conventional cut. His collar, while not Byronic, was low, and he wore +a Windsor tie, of a sickly, pale green. He was a big man, but +loose-jointed and ungainly of build. His manners were careless, and +his voice was low and soft. He had big grey eyes, which seemed +especially noticeable by reason of enormous tortoise-rimmed glasses, +whose long, thick bows hooked over his ears. + +"You are a poet," Patty said, decisively, after a smiling survey; "and +you are right, I have always wanted to know a live poet." + +"I hope," said Blaney, in a mournful way, "that you don't agree with +those wiseacres who think the only good poet is a dead poet." + +"Oh, goodness, no!" said Patty, quickly. "But most of the poetry with +which I am familiar was written by dead men--that is, they weren't dead +when they wrote it, you know----" + +"But died from the shock?" + +"Now you're making fun of me," and Patty pouted, but as Patty's pout +was only a shade less charming than her smile, the live poet didn't +seem to resent it. + +"Doubtless," he went on, "my work will not be really famous until after +I am dead, but some day I shall read them to you, and get your opinion +as to their hopes for a future." + +"Oh, do read them to Patty," exclaimed Elise; "read them now. That's +the very thing for a stormy day!" + +"Yes," Patty agreed; "if you have an Ode to Spring, or Lines on a +Blooming Daffodil, it would be fine to fling them in the teeth of this +storm." + +"I see you're by way of being a wag, Miss Fairfield," Blaney returned, +good-naturedly. "But you've misapprehended my vein. I write poems, +not jingles." + +"He does," averred Elise, earnestly. "Oh, Sam, do recite some--won't +you?" + +"Not now, Lady fair. The setting isn't right, and the flowers are too +vivid." + +Patty looked at the two large vases of scarlet carnations that stood on +the long, massive table in the middle of the room. She had thought +them a very pleasant and appropriate decoration for the snowy day, but +Blaney's glance at them was disdainful. + +"He's an affected idiot!" she exclaimed to herself. "I don't like him +one bit!" + +"Please like me," said the poet's soft voice, and Patty fairly jumped +to realise that he had read her thought in her face. + +"Oh, I do!" she said, with mock fervour, and a slight flush of +embarrassment at her carelessness. "I like you heaps!" + +"Don't be too set up over that," laughed Elise, "for Patty likes +everybody. She's the greatest little old liker you ever saw! Why, she +even likes people who don't like her." + +"Are there such?" asked Blaney, properly. + +"Yes, indeed," Patty declared; "and I can't help admiring their good +taste." + +"I can't either," and Blaney spoke so seriously, that Patty almost +gasped. + +"That isn't the answer," she smiled; "you should have contradicted me." + +"No," the poet went on; "people who don't like you show real +discrimination. It is because you are so crude and unformed of soul." + +But Patty was too wise to be caught with such chaff. + +"Yes, that's it," she said, and nodded her curly head in assent. + +"You say yes, because you don't know what I'm talking about. But it's +true. If you had your soul scraped and cleaned and properly polished, +you would be well worth liking." + +"Go on! go on!" cried Patty, clapping her hands. "Now I know you're +the real thing in poets! That's the way I thought they would talk! +Say more." + +But Blaney turned sulky. He scowled at Patty, he threw a reproachful +glance at Elise, and the atmosphere suddenly charged with gloom. + +Patty felt that it was her fault and that she had perhaps gone too far. +The man was Elise's guest and it wasn't right to make fun of him, if he +did sound foolish. So, ignoring the past conversation, Patty smiled, +and said, "It is too bad about the storm, isn't it? We had expected to +have such a fine tennis game today. You play, of course?" + +It was a chance shot, but Patty felt pretty sure that such a big, +muscular chap would be fond of outdoor sports and, as it turned out, he +was. Moreover, it would be a grumpy poet, indeed, who wouldn't relent +under the magic of Patty's smile. + +"Yes, I do," he replied, animatedly, and then the talk turned to the +game, and the chances of the storm abating and play being possible in a +day or two. + +"Hello, Blaney," said Roger Farrington, coming into the room. "How's +everything?" + +"All right, Farry. How goes it with you?" + +"Fine. I say, girls, are you game for a little two-cent sleigh ride in +the storm? As soon as it stops snowing, the flakes will melt like +morning dew, and, if we catch a ride at all, it must be immejit. How +about it?" + +"I'd love to go!" cried Patty, her eyes sparkling. "I haven't had a +sleigh ride in ages----" + +"And no telling when you will again," said Roger. "But it's blowing +great guns, and snowing fast. You're sure you want to go?" + +"Course we do," insisted Elise. "Shall we get our things now?" + +"Not quite yet. I'll have to telephone Mr. Livery Man for a rig. This +otherwise well-stocked outfit that we're inhabiting doesn't have such a +thing on the premises as a sleigh. I'll go and see about it." + +"Can't we stop and pick up Alla?" suggested Elise. + +"No," and Sam Blaney shook his head decidedly. "My sister wouldn't +think of putting her nose out-of-doors on a day like this. I'm +surprised that you will, Miss Fairfield." + +"Oh, I'm a tough pine knot. I may not look the part, but I assure you +wind and weather have no terrors for me." + +"That's so," put in Elise. "Patty looks like a chaff which the wind +driveth away, but it would be a pretty strong old wind that could do +it." + +"You can't tell by looks; my sister looks like a strong, hearty girl, +but she's as fragile as a spring crocus." + +"There's nothing fragiler than that," Patty remarked; "I've often tried +to keep the flimsy little things for a few hours, and even in water +they droop and peak and pine all to pieces." + +"That's just like Alla," said Blaney. "She's psychic, you see----" + +"Oh, is she!" cried Patty. "I've always wanted to know a real psychic. +Mayn't I meet her?" + +"Indeed you may, she'll be pleased. Will you come round to the studio +today, while we're out sleighing?" + +"No, not today," said Elise, positively. "Roger wouldn't stand for it. +He'll want to put in all the time there is on the road. And he's going +to New York tonight, I think." + +"Oh, yes," and Blaney remembered. "Let's see, his wedding day is--when +is it?" + +"Not till the fifteenth of December. But he and Mona have so much to +look after and attend to, that he spends most of his time on the road +between here and New York." + +"Isn't Mona coming down here while I'm here?" asked Patty. + +"She promised to," Elise replied, "but Mona's promises are not to be +implicitly depended on just now. She's getting married with all her +time and attention." + +"Well, a wedding like hers is to be does take a lot of planning. And +Mona's looking after everything herself. She's a genius at that sort +of thing, but it seems as if she ought to have some one to help +her,--some relative, I mean." + +"Her father's a big help," said Roger, who had returned just in time to +hear Patty's remark. + +"Yes, I know it, but I mean a woman relative." + +"I know," agreed Roger. "You're right, in a way. But Mona is so +accustomed to managing for herself that I'm pretty sure a meddling +relative would bother her to death." + +"Probably would," agreed Patty. "Do we go sleigh-ridy, Roger?" + +"We do. The fiery steeds will be here in fifteen minutes. Get warm +wraps, for it's blowing like blazes. Shall we go 'round by your +studio, Sam, and drop in on Alla?" + +"No, please. I don't want to seem inhospitable, but I've decided I +want Miss Fairfield to see the studio first under proper conditions. I +want Alla to know when she's coming and----" + +"And have her hair frizzed. I get you. All right. We'll drive 'round +the lake, and see how the going is, and then decide whether to keep on, +or go to some friend's for a cup of tea." + +"You mustn't think my sister is a fuss," said Blaney to Patty, as she +started to leave the room. "But you know the artist soul likes to have +the stage rightly set for an important scene." + +"Yes," said Patty, a little puzzled. + +"Yes. And your advent at my studio is a most important scene----" + +"Why?" asked Patty, bluntly. + +"Because you're important. In fact, I may say you're the most +important person I have ever seen." + +"Really? But if you say things like that, you'll make me vain." + +"You can't well be vainer than you are." + +Patty looked up in sudden anger at this speech, but Blaney's eyes were +quietly amused, and his soft voice was so innocent of offence, that +Patty was uncertain what attitude to assume, and to save the necessity +of a reply she ran from the room and upstairs to get ready for the ride. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A STUDIO PARTY + +As Roger had predicted, the snow departed as quickly as it came, and +two days after their sleigh ride there was scarcely a vestige of white +on the ground. Tennis was again possible and a great game was in +progress on the court at Pine Laurel. Patty and Roger were playing +against Elise and Sam Blaney, and the pairs were well matched. + +But the long-contested victory finally went against Patty, and she +laughingly accepted defeat. + +"Only because Patty's not quite back on her game yet," Roger defended; +"this child has been on the sick list, you know, Sam, and she isn't up +to her own mark." + +"Well, I like that!" cried Patty; "suppose you bear half the blame, +Roger. You see, Mr. Blaney, he is so absorbed in his own Love Game, he +can't play with his old-time skill." + +"All right, Patsy, let it go at that. And it's so, too. I suddenly +remembered something Mona told me to tell you, and it affected my +service." + +"What is it?" asked Elise. "Anything of importance?" + +"Yes; it's this: Mona has decided to sell Red Chimneys, and Philip Van +Reypen thinks it a good plan to buy it for the Children's Home." + +"For gracious' sake!" exclaimed Patty. "That _is_ news! Why doesn't +Phil tell me about it?" + +"That's just it. He's coming down here tomorrow to talk it over with +you. Mona's coming too, you know, and you can all have a powwow." + +"All right," and Patty wagged her head, sagaciously. "It's not a bad +idea at all. I knew Mr. Galbraith was thinking of selling the Spring +Beach place, and it would be a fine house for the kiddies." + +"And are you running a Children's Home?" asked Sam Blaney, as they all +strolled back to the house, and paused on the wide veranda. + +"Too cool for you out here, Patty?" asked Elise. + +"Not a bit of it. I love the outdoors. Somebody find me a sweater and +a rug, and I'll be as happy as a clam." + +Roger brought a red silk sweater from the hall, and a big, soft steamer +rug, and proceeded to tuck Patty up, snugly. + +"Yes," she said, turning to Blaney, and answering his inquiry, "I am +supposed to be organising a Children's Home, but all the hard work is +done for me, and I only say yes or no, to easy questions. You see, a +dear old friend of mine left me a sum of money for the purpose, and I +want to prove a trustworthy steward. But we're not going to do +anything definite until Spring, unless, as Red Chimneys is in the +market, it seems advisable to secure it while we can." + +"Goodness, Patty," said Elise; "you talk like a Board of Managers!" + +"That's what I am; or, rather, I'm Manager of the Board. Is Philip +coming tonight, Roger?" + +"Yes, he'll be here for dinner. And Mona, too. I say, Blaney, we'll +bring 'em along to your party, eh?" + +"Of course. Alla will be delighted to have them. No matter if we're +crowded. You see, Miss Fairfield, our place is small, but our welcome +is vurry, vurry large----" Blaney waved his long arms, as if including +the whole world in his capacious welcome. + +"You're vurry, vurry kind," returned Patty, unconsciously imitating his +peculiar pronunciation. "I'm just crazy to see your studio. It seemed +as if the time would never come. And I want to meet your sister, too. +I know it will be a lovely party. I've never been to a real Bohemian +Studio party." + +"Oh, we don't call it Bohemian, because, you see, it _is_ Bohemian. +Only make-believe Bohemians call themselves so. You'll learn to +distinguish the difference." + +"I hope so. I've always wanted to know what Bohemianism really is." + +"We'll show you tonight. What are you going to wear?" + +"My goodness, I don't know. I hadn't thought about it. Also, I've +never been asked a question like that before." + +"Ah, but it means so much! If your gown should be out of key----" +Blaney rolled up his eyes and spread his hands, as if the thought were +too appalling for words. + +Patty giggled. "I hope it won't be," she said. "But, tell me, what is +the key? Maybe I can strike it." + +"The key," and the poet looked thoughtful, "ah, yes, I have it! The +key will be saffron and ultramarine." + +Patty gasped. "Oh, I haven't a frock to my name in those colours!" + +"But you can harmonise,--yes, harmonise. You will, won't you? If you +didn't, I couldn't bear it." + +"Oh, then I'll harmonise, yes, I promise you I will. I'll find +something that won't make a discord. But can you dictate to all your +guests like this?" + +"Alas, no! Would that I might! And now I must go. Alla will be +wanting me." + +"What is he, anyway?" said Patty, as after his adieux, the poet swung +away, with his queer, loping gait. + +"Bats in his belfry," returned Roger, laughing. "He's the real thing +in high-art souls,--if you get what I mean." + +"Oh, I don't know," demurred Patty; "I think he's sincere." + +"You do! Well, he may be, for all of me. But if he is, give me base +deception, every time! Don't you fall in love with him, Patty, Van +Reypen wouldn't stand for it." + +"I don't know what Mr. Van Reypen has to say about it," returned Patty, +with a heightened colour. "And remember, Roger, not everybody is so +absorbed in loving and being loved as you are!" + +Patty's roguish smile was affectionate as well, for she was fond of +Roger, and also of Mona, and she was deeply interested in their love +affair. Their engagement had been a short one, and now that the +wedding day was so near, the whole Farrington family could think or +talk of little else. And as a house guest and a dear friend, Patty, +too, was enthusiastic and excited about the preparations. + +And then Roger went off to the train to meet Mona, and Philip, who came +down at the same time, and Elise disappeared and Patty sat alone, in +the falling dusk, snugly tucked in her rugs, and feeling very lazy and +comfortable and happy. + +Her thoughts drifted idly from one subject to another, and presently +she heard a step beside her, and felt her hand taken in somebody's warm +clasp. + +"Philip!" she cried, starting up. + +"Yes, my girl, and so glad to see you again. How are you?" + +"Fine. This splendid air and luxurious living has made me all well +again." + +"That's good. But it's too late for you to be out here. Come on in +the house." + +"Yes, I will. Did Mona come?" + +"Yes, we came down together. How that girl is improving!" + +"What do you mean? She always was a fine character." + +"Yes, but she has so much more--er--sweetness and light." + +"That's so. I've noticed it ever since she's been engaged." + +"Well, don't you put on any more sweetness and light when you get +engaged. I simply couldn't stand it! You're chock-a-block full of it +now!" + +"Don't worry. Besides, I've no intention of being engaged. What's the +use, if I'm sweet and light enough now?" + +"You're going to announce your engagement in just fifteen days from +now, my lady. Why, that will be Farrington's wedding day! By Jove, +what an idea! We'll announce it at their wedding!" + +"We'll do nothing of the sort. You take too much for granted." + +"Well, you promised----" + +"I know what I promised. But the fifteenth is a long way off yet." + +"That may be, but it's bound to get here. Come in the house now. It's +too damp for you out here." + +They went in, and found Mona and Elise chattering like two magpies, +with Roger trying to get in a word edgeways. + +"Hello, Patty," cried Mona, springing up to greet her. "My, how fine +you're looking! Lakewood agrees with you all right. And Patty, the +bridesmaids _are_ going to sing, after all. Will you be home in time +for one or two rehearsals?" + +"Yes, indeed. I'll come up whenever you want me, Mona." + +"Good girl. Now I must go and dress for dinner. I'd no idea we'd get +here so late; and Roger says there's a party on for tonight." + +"Yes," laughed Patty; "and it's a party you have to get keyed up to,--I +mean your gown." + +"What are you talking about?" + +"Come along and I'll tell you." + +The two girls went off together, and half an hour later Elise found +them in Patty's room, still talking and no beginning made in the matter +of dressing. + +But later, when the young people left the house to go to the Studio +party, they were resplendent of costume. Patty had told the other +girls what Mr. Blaney had said, and though they scoffed at it, they +agreed not to wear anything that might be too desperately inharmonious. + +Mona was in white, declaring that that could offend nobody. Elise wore +pale yellow, for the same logical reason. Patty had on a gown of soft +chiffon, of old-gold colour, which, she said, was the nearest to +saffron she had ever had or ever hoped to have. + +"I don't like the word saffron," she declared; "somehow it makes me +think of camomile tea." + +"Naturally," said Roger; "I believe they're both yarbs. Blaney might +call this affair a Saffron Tea, and have done with it." + +But the gown was most becoming to Patty. The dull old-gold tints sets +off her fair skin, and her bright gold hair, piled high, was topped +with a gold and amber comb. Round her throat was an old-fashioned +necklace of topazes, lent her by Mrs. Farrington. Altogether, she +looked, Philip declared, positively Burne-Jonesey, and he called her +the Blessed Damosel. + +When at last they entered the Studio of the Blaney brother and sister, +Patty blinked several times, before she could collect her senses. It +was very dimly lighted, and a strange, almost stifling sense of +oppression came over her. This was caused by the burning of various +incense sticks and pastilles which gave out a sweet, spicy odour, and +which made a slight haze of smoke. Becoming a little accustomed to the +gloom, Patty discerned her host, amazingly garbed in an Oriental +burnoose and a voluminous silk turban. He took her hand, made a deep +salaam, and kissed her finger-tips with exaggerated ceremony. + +"My sister, Alla," he said, "Miss Fairfield." + +Patty looked up to see a tall, gaunt woman smiling at her. Miss +Blaney, like her brother, was long, lanky and loose-jointed, and seemed +to desire to accentuate these effects. Her ash-coloured hair was +parted and drawn loosely down to a huge knot at the back of her neck. +A band of gilt filigree was round her head at the temples, and was set +with a huge green stone which rested in the middle of her forehead. +Long barbaric earrings dangled and shook with every movement of her +head, and round her somewhat scrawny neck was coiled an ugly greenish +serpent of some flexible metal formation. For the rest, Miss Blaney +wore a flowing robe of saffron yellow, a most sickly shade, and the +material was frayed and worn as if it had been many times made over. +It hung from her shoulders in billowy folds, and the wearer was +evidently proud of it, for she continually switched its draperies about +and gazed admiringly at them. + +"Frightfully glad to see you," this weird creature was saying, and +Patty caught her breath, and murmured, "Oh, thank you. So kind of you +to ask me." + +"I feel sure I shall adore you," Miss Blaney went on; "you are +_simpatica_,--yes, absolutely _simpatica_." + +"Am I?" and Patty smiled. "And is it nice to be _simpatica_? It +doesn't mean a simpleton, does it?" + +"Oh, how droll! My dear, how droll!" and Miss Blaney went off in +contortions of silent laughter. "Just for that, you must call me Alla. +I always want droll people to call me by my first name. And your name +is----" + +"Patty." + +"Impossible! You can't be named that! Incredible! _Ooh_!" + +Alla ended with a half-breathed shriek. + +"Oh, well," said Patty, hastily, "my name is really Patricia, though no +one ever calls me that." + +"I shall call you that. Patricia! Perfect! You couldn't have been +better dubbed. No, not possibly better dubbed. Patricia, ah, +Patricia!" + +Patty edged away a little. She began to think her hostess was crazy. +But Alla went on: + +"And my brother, Patricia, do you not adore him?" + +"Well, you see, I've only seen him a few times. I can't quite agree +that I adore him, yet." + +"But you will. As soon as you have heard his poems, you will put him +on a pedestal, yes, on a high pedestal. And tonight you will hear him +read his wonderful lines. What a treat you have in store!" + +And then new arrivals claimed Miss Blaney's attention, and Patty turned +aside. She found Philip waiting for her, his eyes dancing with +amusement. + +"What is it all?" he whispered; "a bear garden?" + +"Hush, Phil, don't make me laugh. Did you ever see anything like it?" + +"Well, I've been to Studio jinks, but they were to this as moonlight +unto sunlight and as water unto wine! Shall I take you home?" + +"No, indeed! I want to see the fun. I've never been to a Studio +jinks,--or whatever you call it, and I want to live and learn." + +"All right, Patty. You shall stay as long as you like, but I'll wager +that inside of an hour you'll be begging me to get you out of it." + +"All right, if I do, I shall expect you to take me away. Let's look at +the room." + +They sauntered about, and finally sat down on a Turkish divan, which +proved much lower than they had anticipated. + +"What an uncomfortable thing!" said Patty, "but sit here a minute, +while I look round." + +From the ceiling hung Moorish-looking lamps, which gave almost no +light, and, were of rather dilapidated appearance. The furniture, too, +was not only antique, but wabbly-legged and here and there tied up with +strings or leather thongs. Statuettes were about, broken and dusty; +jugs and bowls of dull brass and copper; rickety screens; enormous +unframed photographs, warped and faded, but bearing splashing and +unintelligible autographs; and draperies of all sorts, from old shawls +to tattered ecclesiastical robes. + +"I see what Mr. Blaney meant by the key of saffron," said Patty, +sagely. "Everything is that colour because of the accumulation of dust +and dirt! I don't believe this place has ever had a good +house-cleaning!" + +"Oh, Patty, my dear child! Don't thus expose your ignorance! Bohemia +never cleans house! The very thought is sacrilege!" + +"Why is it? Some of this old brass stuff would be lovely if it were +cleaned up. And look at that copper kettle! It's positively blue!" + +"But that's what they want, dear," said Van Reypen, smiling at her. +"Howsumever, I'm glad you don't like it. We won't model our home on a +Bohemian plan." + +"And look at the people," went on Patty, in an awe-struck whisper. +"Some of them are decent, like our crowd,--but look at that girl in +orange!" + +The girl in question wore a costume of flame-coloured woolen material +that was indeed striking. Her black hair was in two long braids, and +she was carrying a small musical instrument that Philip said was a +zithern. + +"I don't know," he went on, "but I fancy she will play a sort of +accompaniment to our host's poems. They generally work it that way." + +"Stop making fun, Phil," reproved Patty; "perhaps the poems will be +lovely,--with musical setting." + +"Perhaps," said Philip. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +PHILIP OBJECTS + +The place became crowded. The two rooms occupied by the guests were +small, and the party was a large one. Though not greatly attracted by +the unusual sights and strange people, Patty was interested and +curious. She wanted to see the affair in its entirety, and was glad +when Sam Blaney came over to where she sat by Philip on the divan. + +"I've come to carry you off," Blaney said to her; "you must mingle with +the crowd, if you want to become one of us." + +"I'd like to mingle a little," Patty replied, "but I can't hope to +become one of such a talented bunch as this." + +"They're not all so talented," Blaney assured her, as he led her away, +leaving Philip a bit moody and disapproving. + +"It's their clothes that astound me," said Patty. "Why do they wear +such queer rigs? Almost like a masquerade or fancy-dress ball. You, +for instance; why do you wear this Oriental robe and turban?" + +"Now that you ask me, I don't believe I know! But it's habit, I think. +Yes, that's it, it's just habit. We who possess higher intellect than +our fellows must differentiate ourselves in some way from them, and how +else but by a difference of raiment?" + +"Well, that does explain it, but why such queer raiment? Why not +beautiful garments instead of eccentric ones?" + +"Ah, that's just it! They are beautiful, only you're not of sufficient +intelligence to appreciate their beauty." + +"What!" cried Patty, scarcely able to believe she had heard aright, +"I'm not intelligent enough----" + +"Oh, don't get miffed. Your natural intelligence is all right, you've +plenty of it. But it needs education,--bending in the right direction, +you know. And I'm going to educate you. You're the most promising +subject I've ever seen. I'll make a priestess of you,--a shining +light,--a prophetess----" + +Patty giggled. "If I'm a priestess I may as well be a prophetess, I +suppose. When do these lessons begin?" + +"Now. They have begun. You are unconsciously absorbing this +atmosphere. You are involuntarily becoming more and more of our +cult,--of our inspirations. You are evolving,--you don't realise it, +but you are evolving----" + +"I shall be revolving, if I don't get some fresh air! Why must you +have these incense things smoking, not to mention some of the guests +smoking also, and, incidentally, that Moorish lamp is smoking badly! I +_am_ absorbing your atmosphere, and it is choking me!" + +Patty was in earnest, though she spoke lightly. The unpleasant air +filled her lungs, and she wanted pure oxygen. + +"Oh, all right," and Blaney laughed, indulgently. "You can't expect to +achieve all at once. Come, we'll step out on the veranda for a whiff +of outdoors, and then come back for the program." + +"There's to be a program?" + +"Oh, yes. Most wonderful work, by genius itself. Now, please, Miss +Fairfield, don't resist the influence." + +They were out on the tiny veranda that graced the Blaney's dwelling. +The stars shone down through the pure winter air, and Patty felt as if +she had been rescued from a malarial swamp. But Blaney was impressive. +His deep, soft voice persuaded her against her will that she was +pettish and crude to rebel at the unwholesome atmosphere inside. "You +don't understand," he said gently. "Give us a fair trial. That's all +I ask. I know your inner nature will respond, if you give it its +freedom. Ah, freedom! That's all we aim for,--all we desire." + +Through the window, Patty heard the sound of weird strains of music. + +"Come on," she cried, "I do want to see this thing through. If that's +the program beginning, take me in. I want to hear it." + +They returned to the Studio, and Blaney found two seats which commanded +a view of the platform. The seats were uncomfortable, being small +wooden stools, and the air was still clouded with smoke of various +sorts. But, determinedly, Patty prepared to listen to the revelations +that awaited her. She had long had a curiosity to know what "Bohemia" +meant, and now she expected to find out. They were nowhere near their +own crowd. In fact, she couldn't see Elise or Mona, though Philip was +visible between some rickety armour and a tattered curtain. Very +handsome he looked, too, his dark, and just now gloomy, face thrown +into relief by the "artistic" background. + +"Apparently, Mr. Van Reypen is not enjoying himself," Blaney commented, +with a quiet chuckle. "He's not our sort." + +This remark jarred upon Patty, and she was about to make a spirited +retort, when the music began. + +A girl was at the piano. Her gown, of burlaps, made Patty think it had +been made from an old coffee sack. But it had a marvelous sash of +flaming vermilion velvet, edged with gold fringe, and in her black hair +was stuck a long, bright red quill feather, that gave her an Indian +effect. + +"I think her gown is out of key," Patty whispered, "and I am sure her +music is!" + +Blaney smiled. "She is a law unto herself," he replied, "that is an +arbitrary minor scale, played in sixths and with a contrary motion." + +Patty stared. This was a new departure in music and was interesting. + +"Note the cynicism in the discords," Blaney urged, and Patty began to +wonder if she could be losing her mind or just finding it. + +The performance concluded and a rapt silence followed. It seemed +applause was undesired by these geniuses. + +Philip stirred, restlessly, and looked over at Patty. She looked away, +fearing he would silently express to her his desire to go home, and she +wanted to stay to see more. + +The girl who had played glided to a side seat, and her place was taken +by another young woman, who presented an even more astonishing +appearance. This time, the costume was of a sort of tapestry, heavily +embroidered in brilliant hued silks. It was not unbeautiful, but it +seemed to Patty more appropriate for upholstery purposes than for a +dress. + +The lady recited what may have been poems, and were, according to +Blaney's whispered information, but as they were in some queer foreign +language, they were utterly unintelligible. + +"What was it all about?" Patty asked, as the recitations were at last +over. + +"My dear child, couldn't you gather it all,--all, from the marvellous +attitudinising,--the wonderful intoning----" + +"'Deed I couldn't! I've no idea what she was getting at, and I don't +believe you have, either." + +"Oh, yes, it was the glory of a soul on fire,--an immolation of genius +on the altar of victory----" + +"That sounds to me like rubbish," and Patty smiled frankly into the +eyes of the man addressing her. + +"Not rubbish, Miss Fairfield. Oh, what a pleasure it will be to +enlighten your ignorance! To teach the eyes of your soul to see, the +heart of your soul to beat----" + +Again, it was the voice of the man that commanded her attention. The +tones of Sam Blaney's speaking voice were of such a luring, persuasive +quality that Patty felt herself agreeing and assenting to what she knew +was nonsense. + +But now Van Reypen was striding toward them. Patty saw at a glance +that Phil was at the end of his rope. No more of this nonsense for him. + +She was right. As Blaney's attention was diverted for a moment, Phil +said, "Patty, you're going right straight out of this. It's no place +for you! I'm ashamed to have you here. Get your wraps, and we'll go, +whether the Farringtons are ready or not. We can walk over to Pine +Laurel,--it isn't far. Come." + +"I won't do it!" Patty returned, crisply. "The idea, Phil, of your +ordering me around like that! I want to stay, and I'm going to stay. +You can go, if you like; I'll come home with Roger and the girls." + +"But I don't like it, Patty, and I don't like to have you here. +It's--it's----" + +"Well, what is it? I think it's great fun, and I'm going to see it +out." + +"Even if I ask you not to? Even if I beg you to go----" + +"Even if you beg me on your bended knees! You're silly, Phil. It +can't be wrong if the Farringtons stand for it." + +"It isn't exactly wrong,--not _wrong_, you know,--but, well,--it's +cheap." + +"Oh, fiddlesticks! I like it. I don't mind it's being cheap, I'm +tired of expensive things and glad of a change." + +"Oh, I don't mean that way," and Van Reypen looked genuinely +distressed. "I wouldn't care how poor people were, if they were----" + +"Respectable?" + +"No, not that, these people are respectable, of course. But,--sincere, +that's what I mean. This bunch are fakirs, they pretend to brains and +knowledge and wisdom that they don't possess." + +"And I suppose you do! Have you got all the knowledge and wisdom in +the world?" + +"At least I don't pretend to have the knowledge that I haven't!" + +"But you pretend to have a whole lot of authority over me that you +haven't! I tell you, Phil, I'm not going to be ordered about by you! +I came to this party because I wanted to see it, and I'm going to stay +till it's over, and you can do what you like." + +"All right, then," and Phil looked grave. "I'll go away for a time, +and I'll return and escort you home. What time shall I come back?" + +"You needn't come back at all. I'll go home with Elise, or if not, I +daresay Mr. Blaney will see that I get home safely. Won't you?" she +added, turning to the resplendent figure nearby. + +"Won't I what?" he asked gaily. "But the answer is yes, to anything +you may ask. Even to the half of my kingdom, and then the other half. +To be sure, my kingdom is small, and half of it is my sister's, but you +can command it all." + +"Oh, no, nothing so great as that! Merely to see me back to my +rooftree in safety, if I outstay my escort." + +"You're going to outstay everybody. Why, the fun hasn't begun yet. +Don't dream of going home now!" + +"I won't," and Patty turned deliberately away from Philip and began to +chat with a group of guests to whom she had previously been introduced. + +"Join our ranks," said one vivacious young girl. "We're the +intelligent idiots, perhaps the wisest sages of our time. We're having +a symposium of souls----" + +"Miss Fairfield isn't interested in souls yet," interrupted Blaney, +"she's not unnaturally starving to death. The feast is unusually +delayed tonight." + +"It's coming now," announced Alla. "To the food, all!" + +Philip was nowhere to be seen, nor did Patty see the Farringtons near +her, but feeling glad of the hint of refreshments, she followed where +Blaney led. Soon, she found herself ensconced on a divan, heaped with +pillows, and many people were offering her strange-looking dishes. + +"_Chili con carne_?" said one, "or common or garden Welsh Rabbit?" + +"I never tasted the Chili stuff," laughed Patty, "but I love Welsh +Rabbit. I'll take that, please." + +But, alas, the Welsh Rabbit Patty had in mind was a golden, delectable +confection, light and dainty of character. She was served with a +goodly portion of a darkish, tough substance, of rubbery tendencies and +strong cohesive powers. + +In vain she essayed to eat it; it was unmanageable, and, to her taste, +positively inedible. Yet the others were apparently enjoying it, so +she made valiant efforts to consume her own. + +"Fine, isn't it?" said Alla, with enthusiasm, "why, you're not eating +any! You don't like it! Take this away, Sam, and bring Miss Fairfield +some of the Tamale stuff." + +And then, the Rabbit was succeeded by a concoction so much worse, that +Patty was appalled at the mere sight and odour of it. + +"Oh, please," she said, hastily, "if I might be excused from eating +anything tonight. You see, the perfume of the incense burning is so +unusual for me, that it makes me a little--er, headachy. Don't think +me a silly, will you?" + +Patty's wheedlesome air won them all, and they took away the +highly-spiced, and strongly-flavoured dish. Then Blaney came with a +small cup of thick, muddy-looking coffee. + +"Just the thing for you," he declared, "set you up in a jiffy! Real +Egyptian, no Turkish business. Just the thing for you!" + +Patty gratefully accepted the coffee, but one taste was enough! It was +thick with pulverized coffee grounds, it was sickishly sweet, and it +was strong and black enough to please the blackest Egyptian who ever +desired that brand. + +"Thank you," she said, hastily handing the cup back. "It is so--so +powerful, a little is quite enough. I'm sure that is all I want." + +The others sipped the muddy fluid with apparent relish, and Patty began +to wonder if she wished she had gone home with Philip. At any rate she +was glad he would return for her, and she hoped it would be soon. + +She asked where the Farringtons were. + +"In the other room, I think," said Alla. "We'll find them after +supper. Here are the sweetmeats now. You must try these." + +The sweetmeats were Oriental, of course. There was Turkish Delight and +other sticky, fruity, queer-looking bits, that seemed to Patty just +about the most unappetising candies she had ever seen. + +She refused them, a little positively, for she dreaded being persuaded +to taste them, and it was hard to refuse the insistence of the guests +who offered them. + +"You'll learn," said Miss Norton, the pianist of the program. "It took +me a long time to acquire the taste. But I've got it now," she added, +as she helped herself bountifully to the saccharine bits. + +Supper over, it was rumoured about that now Blaney would himself read +from his own poems. A rustle of enthusiasm spread through the rooms, +and Patty could easily see that this was the great event of the +evening. She was glad now that she had stayed, for surely these poems +would be a revelation of beauty and genius. + +There was a zithern accompaniment by the girl in orange, but it was +soft and unobtrusive, that the lines themselves might not be obscured. + +Standing on the little platform, Blaney, in robes and turban, made a +profound salaam, and then in his melodious voice breathed softly the +following "Love Song ": + + "Thy beauty is a star-- + A star + Afar-- + Ay,--far and far, + Ay, far. + And yet, a bar,-- + A bar + Is between thee and me! + Thee and me---- + Thee and me!" + + +The voice was so lovely that Patty scarcely sensed the words. With the +haunting accompaniment, the whole was like a bit of music, and the +words were negligible. + +But in the hush which followed, Patty began to think that after all the +words didn't amount to much. However, everybody was raving over the +performance, and begging for more. + +"Did you care for it?" Blaney asked of Patty, with what seemed to be a +great longing in his eyes. + +Unwilling to seem disappointed, she replied, "Oh, yes, it was most +significant." + +"I thank you," he said, his eyes alight with pleasure, "you have used +the right word!" + +As Patty had spoken the first noncommittal word that came into her +head, she was thankful it proved acceptable! + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +PATTY STAYS LATE + +"It is so delightful to have you one of us, Patricia," said Alla, +waving her long arms about. "This place is a Cosmic Centre, you know, +and now that you belong to us, you must be here much of the time." + +"But I'm only in Lakewood for a fortnight," said Patty, smiling at her; +"I go back to New York soon." + +"So do we. That is, we go in a few months. But we claim you. You +shall return and visit us here, and we shall be much together in the +city. Oh, we have adopted you, and now you are ours, isn't she, Sam?" + +"Indeed, yes," returned Blaney, enthusiastically; "never was such a +rare soul added to our circle. Priestess Patricia, our star soul!" + +Patty was flattered at the attention she was receiving. She didn't +quite understand what a star soul meant, but she knew she held an +elevated position among these highly intellectual people, and it +dazzled her. + +"I have always had an ambition," she admitted, "for something bigger +and better than my social butterfly life, and with you I hope to +achieve it. But I am ignorant,--you must teach me." + +"We will," promised Miss Norton, "I shall take you in hand as my +special charge. May I call on you tomorrow, and bring you some books +to study?" + +Patty hesitated. When she was a house guest she never made engagements +without consulting her hostess. But she wanted to see and know more of +this new venture, so she said, "I can't promise. But if I find I can +receive you, may I not telephone or send you some message?" + +"Yes, indeed," acquiesced Miss Norton, gladly. + +Then the conversation drifted to the tendencies of modern art, and the +expression of one's ego, and the influence of the aura, and a lot of +subjects that were to Patty as so much Greek. But she was fascinated +by the discourse, and resolved to read and study the books that should +be given her, until she, too, could discuss intelligently these great +subjects. + +The talk was deliberate. Each wise and weighty opinion advanced was +thoughtfully considered and argued, and Patty listened, striving to +comprehend the jargon. Time passed rapidly, and, at last, she realised +that most of the guests had gone, and there remained only about a half +dozen of the most talkative ones. + +Sam Blaney himself was the conversational leader. He went off on long +tirades, and though Patty strove to follow his theories, they seemed to +her vague and incomprehensible. She found herself getting sleepy, +though she would have indignantly repudiated such an idea. + +Another man, Mr. Griscom, slightly differed in opinions with Blaney and +the debates between the two were raptly listened to by the others. + +A chiming clock struck two. + +"Good gracious!" exclaimed Patty, "it can't be two o'clock! Where are +the others? Where is Elise?" + +"They've gone, long ago," said Blaney, smiling. "You know you said I +might take you home, and so I told the Farringtons I would do so. + +"But I didn't mean to stay as late as this! Why, I had no idea it was +after twelve! Oh, please, Mr. Blaney, take me home at once. What will +Mrs. Farrington think? I've never stayed anywhere so late +before,--alone,--I mean." + +"You're not alone, Patricia, dear," said Alla, surprised at Patty's +evident alarm. "You're ours now, you know, and we will care for you +and protect you. Sam will take you home, and if you fear Mrs. +Farrington's reproaches, I will go with you and explain." + +"Oh, not that," and Patty smiled. "I don't fear her, you know. I'm +not a child, and I can do as I like. But it is not my custom to stay +later than the people I came with." + +"But all your customs will change now. We are a law unto ourselves. +Bohemians are free of conventions and rules. Simply tell Mrs. +Farrington that you have joined our circle and you will henceforth be +governed by our ideas and customs. As you say, you are not a child, +you can do as you like." + +"Of course you can," said Mr. Griscom. "I'm going that way, I'll take +you home, if you like." + +"Thank you," said Patty, "but I have accepted Mr. Blaney's escort." + +"That's right," said Blaney, heartily. "Oh, there'll be no +trouble,--no trouble at all. I'll take Miss Fairfield home, and if any +comments are made, they'll be made to me." + +Patty felt uneasy. She didn't know exactly why, for she had done +nothing wrong, but it was so very late, and she wondered what the +Farringtons would think of her. + +She got her wraps and Alla kissed her good-bye. + +"Dear little Patricia," she said, affectionately. "It is all right. +It seems unaccustomed, I know, but you are ours now, and your friends +must get used to it." + +It was only a few blocks to walk over to Pine Laurel, and Patty started +off with Sam Blaney. + +"You're anxious, Miss Fairfield," he said, kindly, "and I'm sorry. Can +I help at all? I assure you I had no thought of your staying with us +longer than you wished. Shall I go in and explain to your friends?" + +"No, thank you, Mr. Blaney," Patty said, after an instant's thought. +"I think, if you please, I would rather you would not come in. If I am +'scolded,' I'd rather stand it alone." + +There were lights in the Farrington house when they arrived. At sound +of their steps on the veranda, the door opened, and Roger appeared. +"That you, Patty?" he said, pleasantly; "Hello, Blaney, will you come +in?" + +"No, thanks; just brought Miss Fairfield home. She seemed to enjoy her +evening." + +"That's good," returned Roger. "Good night, then, if you won't come +in." + +Roger closed the door, and with his hand still on the knob, whispered +to Patty: "You're going to catch it from Phil! But I'll stand by you." + +Patty's eyes flashed. She resented the idea of Van Reypen's authority, +and she was tired and bothered. But Roger's kindly attitude comforted +her, and she smiled at him. + +"Good night, Roger," she said, aloud. "Thank you for waiting up for +me. I'm tired, and I'll go straight to my room. The girls have gone +up, I suppose." + +"Wait a moment, Patty," and Van Reypen appeared in the doorway from the +sun-parlour, where the two men had been sitting, "wait a moment, I want +to speak to you." + +"Not tonight, Phil, please. I'm very tired." + +"You ought to be tired! Staying till all hours with that bunch of +trash! I'm ashamed of you!" + +Patty was thoroughly angry. It took a good deal to make good-natured +Patty angry, but when her temper was roused, it meant a tempest. Also, +she was worn out mentally and physically and, more than all, she +resented Philip's assumption of authority. + +Her blue eyes flashed, and a spot of pink came into each cheek, as she +replied: "It is not of the slightest interest to me whether you are +ashamed of me or not! You are in no way responsible for my actions and +you have no right to reprove or criticise me. I may have broken the +conventions of hospitality, but that is between me and Mrs. Farrington. +Your opinion of me means nothing to me whatever! Good night, Roger." + +Patty held out her hand to Roger, who took it for a moment, with a +smiling good night, and then, with the air of an offended queen, Patty +swept upstairs and entered her own room. + +There she found Mona and Elise, one asleep on the couch, the other +rubbing her eyes as she sat up in a big easy-chair. + +"Goodness, Patty!" said Mona, looking at the clock, "what _have_ you +been up to?" + +Elise blinked and shook herself awake. "We had to wait up to see you," +she said, "so we waited here." + +"I see you did," returned Patty, lightly. "And now your wait is over, +and you've seen me, shall us say good night?" + +"Not much we won't!" declared Elise, now broad awake. "Tell us +everything about it! What did you do there all this time? What did +Phil say? Who brought you home? Do you like that crowd? How can you? +They bore me to death! Oh, Patty, you're going to cry!" + +"I am," declared Patty, and the tears gathered thickly in her eyes. +"I'm all in, and I'm down and out, and I'm mad as hops, and I'm tired, +and I _am_ going to cry. Now, if you've any sense of common humanity, +you'll know enough to go away and let me alone!" + +"Can I help?" asked Mona, looking commiseratingly at Patty. + +"No," and Patty smiled through the fast-flooding tears. "I never need +help to cry!" + +"Come on, then," and Mona took Elise by the arm and led her away, as +they heard Patty's door locked behind them. + +Now, most girls would have thrown themselves down on the pillows to +have their cry out, but Patty was too methodical for that. "I can't +cry comfortably in this rig," she said to herself, beginning to take +off the chiffon gown. + +And it was with tears still unshed that she finally sat at her +dressing-table plaiting her hair for the night. + +"And after all," she remarked to her reflection in the mirror, "I only +want to cry 'cause I'm tired and worn out and--yes, and mad! I'm mad +at Philip, and I'm going to stay mad! He has no right to talk to me +like a Dutch uncle! My own father never spoke to me like that! The +idea! I just simply, plain won't stand it, and that's all there is +about that!" + +And so, after Patty was snugly in bed, cuddled beneath the comforting +down coverlet, she let herself go, and cried to her heart's content; +great, soul-satisfying sobs that quieted her throbbing pulses and +exhausted her strained nerves, until she fell asleep from sheer +weariness. + +And next morning she awoke, smiling. Everything looked bright and +cheery. The sun shone in at her windows, and as she felt somebody +pinching her toes through the blankets, she opened her eyes to see Mona +sitting on the edge of the bed and Elise just coming in at the door. +Mrs. Farrington followed, and Patty sat up in bed with a smiling +welcome for all. + +"Hello, you dear things!" she cried. "You first, Mrs. Farrington. I +want to 'fess up to you. I was baddy girl last night, and I stayed at +the party much later than I meant to, or than I knew, until I suddenly +realised the time. Am I forguv? Oh, do say yes, and _don't_ scold me!" + +Pretty Patty possessed herself of the lady's hand and looked so +penitent and so wheedlesome that Mrs. Farrington was disarmed. + +"Why, of course, dear; it was not really wrong, but young girls ought +to be home by midnight at latest, I think,--and too, ought to come home +with their own people." + +"I know it, Mrs. Farrington, I do know it. I have been brought up +right--honest, I have. But it was a special occasion, you see, and, +too, my own people ran off and left me." + +"Oh, now, Patty," began Elise, "Sam said you sent word for us to do so." + +"Well, I didn't exactly do that, but I did want to stay longer. Oh, +Mrs. Farrington, you've no idea how interesting those psychic souls +are----" + +"What!" + +"Yes, they're psychic, you know----" + +"And what are psychics,--clearly, now, Patty, what _are_ psychics?" + +"Why, they're----they're----" + +"Yes, go on." + +"Well, they're--why, they're _psychics_! That's what they are." + +"Patty, you're an irresistible little goose!" and Mrs. Farrington bent +down to kiss the pretty, flushed face, and then laughingly declared she +had no more time to waste on psychics, and trailed away. + +"Now, tell us all about it, Patsy," said Elise. "I shan't let you get +up till you do." + +"There's not much to tell, Elise; but I liked to learn about the things +they were talking about and so I stayed later than I should have. But +since your mother is so lovely about it, I don't care what any one else +says." + +"Oh, pshaw,--your staying late,--that was nothing. But what did they +do over there so interesting? I can't see any sense in their talk." + +"I can't see much myself, and that's why I want to learn. I'm awfully +ignorant of higher ethics,--and--things like that." + +"Higher ethics? H--m. Is it sort of Uplift ideas?" + +"No, not that exactly." + +"Fudge, you don't know what it is, 'exactly,' and between you and me, I +don't think you have the glimmer of a ghost of an idea what it is all +about! Now, have you?" + +"If I had, I couldn't make you understand! You're antagonistic. You +have to be receptive and responsive and----" + +"Patty, you're a goose! A silly idiot of a goose! But such a dear, +pretty little goose, that with all your faults we love you still! Now, +I'll scoot, and you get dressed, for we're going somewhere today." + +"Where?" + +"Never you mind, Miss Curiosity. Just put on a house dress and come +down to breakfast, and you'll find out." + +Elise ran away, but Mona lingered. + +"Patty," she said, a little gravely, "Philip is terribly upset about +last night." + +"I don't care if he is, Mona. He has no right to be. He has no +authority over me." + +"What! When you've become engaged to him?" + +"I'm not engaged to him at all." + +"He says you are." + +"Did he really say that, Mona?" + +"Not in so many words, but he implied that there was an understanding +between you." + +"Understanding! I hate that word,--used that way! There's a +misunderstanding between us, if there's anything!" + +"But you're going to be engaged to him, aren't you, Patty?" + +"No, I don't think so. Not after last night. Why, he was horrid, +Mona, after I came home. He scolded me, and I wouldn't stay to listen. +I ran upstairs." + +"Oh, Patty, I wish you'd make up with him, and be friends again, and be +engaged to him, and announce it at my wedding." + +"Did he say all that to you last night? Did he make those delightful +plans, and talk them over with you and Roger?" + +"Don't look so furious. It just came about, you see. We were sitting +there, waiting for you to come home, and Phil was saying how he adores +you, and how he wanted your promise, but he had to wait a certain time +before you would say positively. And, of course, we were talking about +my wedding, and I said it would be nice to announce your engagement +then, it's always so picturesque to announce one wedding at another----" + +"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Mona, but if you want an engagement +announced at your wedding I'm afraid you'll have to get some other +girl. You can keep the same man, if you like!" + +"Oh, Patty, don't be cross with me! It wasn't my fault!" + +"That's so, Mona,--I'm a pig! Forgive me, dear. Now, to make up, I'll +tell you just how it is. I have told Philip that I'd give him my +answer in about two weeks. And that will be your wedding day. But my +answer is to be yes, only if he succeeds in teaching me to love him by +that time. And I don't mind telling you, that the way he talked to me +last night doesn't exactly further his cause!" + +"But, Patty, he was angry, you know, and jealous of those foolish +Blaney people." + +"They're not foolish,--and I can't bear men who are jealous. Now, +Mona, girlie, you 'tend to your own suitor. You've quite enough to do +in the next two weeks, without dipping your pretty little fingers in my +pie." + +"Yes," sighed Mona, "I have." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +AT RED CHIMNEYS + +When Patty entered the dining-room, she found the rest already at +breakfast. + +"'Scuse me for being late," she said, as she took her place, "but I was +up late last night." + +She smiled gaily at Philip, whose somewhat frowning face relaxed into +an answering smile. + +"Never mind that, Patty," said Mona, "listen to what we're planning. +Philip thinks it would be a good idea to buy Red Chimneys for the +Kiddies' Home, and we're going to motor over to Spring Beach today to +look at it." + +"Fine! but why go to look at it? We all know exactly what it looks +like----" + +"Yes, Patty," said Philip, "but there are several matters to see about. +I know the house, generally speaking, but I want to look it over with +the idea of a Home in mind. Count up the rooms, get measurements and +so forth, to present in my report to the Board of Managers." + +"All right, I'd like to go. I think it would be fun. Lunch at the +hotel, I suppose." + +"Yes, or take something with us and picnic at the house." + +"Oh, that's lots nicer, don't you think so, Elise?" + +"Well, you see, Patty, it doesn't matter to me which you do, as I'm not +going. I'm sorry, but I've some engagements today that I must keep, +so, if you don't mind, I'm going to ask to be left at home." + +"All right, then it's up to us. What say, Mona? Picnic sandwiches?" + +"Yes, and some Thermos stuff,--soup and chocolate. That will give us +more time to look over the house. There are some things I want to see +about, if it's to leave my possession forever." + +"Why don't you keep it, Mona? Why wouldn't you and Roger like it for a +summer home?" + +"We talked it over, and I'm rather tired of the place. And Roger +prefers going to different places each year. Father told me I could +have the house, and do what I liked with it, sell it or keep it. But +if they want it for this Home arrangement, I think I'll be rather glad +to let it go." + +The quartet started off in high spirits at the prospect of a jolly day. +The big limousine was most comfortable and well equipped. An ample +luncheon was stowed away in hampers, and a skilful and careful +chauffeur drove them at a speedy gait. It was a glorious, clear, cold, +sunshiny day, and the open windows gave them plenty of fresh air. + +Patty, enveloped in furs, nestled in one corner of the wide back seat, +and Mona was in the other. The two men faced them. Not a word had +passed between Patty and Philip about the night before, and Patty +wondered if he intended to let the matter go by without further +reference. + +"You see it's this way," Philip began, addressing Patty; "I haven't +really had an opportunity of telling you about it yet. We don't want +to do anything much in the matter of the Home before Spring. But as +Mona's house is in the market, and as it seems like an ideal place to +have for the children, I thought we'd better look into it, and, if +advisable, buy it and then wait a few months before doing anything +further." + +"I think so, too, Phil," Patty agreed. "I counted up the rooms and it +will easily accommodate twenty or twenty-five kiddies, and that's as +many as we can take care of, isn't it?" + +"I think so; for the present, anyway. And you know, Patty, all you +have to do is to approve or disapprove of the purchase, and what you +say, goes." + +"What an important personage you are, Patty," said Roger. "Your +lightest word is law." + +"It won't be a light word," and Patty looked serious. "I shall +consider the matter carefully, and with all the wisdom and forethought +I can find in my brain. This matter was left to me as a trust, and I'm +not taking it lightly, I can tell you. This purchase of a house is a +permanent move, not a trifling, temporary question. And unless the +place is the very right place,--righter than any other place,--why, we +don't want it, that's all." + +"Bravo, Patty!" and Philip looked at her, admiringly. "You've got a +lot of good sense and judgment under that fur headpiece of yours." + +"Fur headpiece!" cried Patty; "my new chinchilla toque! This is my +dearest possession, if you please." + +"It looks dear," observed Roger. "I believe that chinchilla animal is +quite expensive." + +"It is indeed," declared Mona, "my travelling suit is trimmed with it." + +"Travelling suit?" asked Patty, innocently, "are you going away?" + +"She says so," Roger answered for her. "She says she's going to----" + +"Hush!" cried Mona, "isn't that just like a man! Why, you mustn't tell +where you're going on your wedding trip! It isn't done." + +"No, of course not," chimed in Patty; "but, all the same, after you +reach Palm Beach, let us know, won't you?" + +"I will," declared Roger, "but, do you know, it seems as if the time +would never come!" + +"Nice boy," said Mona, approvingly; "doesn't he make pretty speeches, +Patty?" + +"Lovely. You'll have a beautiful time on your trip. I 'most wish I +was going with you?" + +"Come on, Patty," said Philip, "let's make it a double affair. How +about it?" + +"No, thank you. I haven't any suit trimmed with chinchilla." + +"You've a whole chinchilla coat on now," said Mona. "You could wear +that." + +"What! get married in old clothes! No-sir-ee! The best part of a +wedding is the trousseau. That's the only thing that would ever +persuade _me_ to take the fatal step." + +"It is fun," agreed Mona. "Oh, Patty, my green velvet came home +yesterday! It's simply wonderful! The tunic, you know----" + +"Help! help!" cried Roger. "You girls have got us penned in here where +we can't get away, but if you're going to talk about bias ruffling and +side gores, I shall jump out the window! I warn you." + +"You can't stop 'em, old man," said Van Reypen, gravely, "they've got +to go through with that green velvet, now they've begun on it. +Proceed, Mona. The tunic was trimmed with peplum, wasn't it? and the +bodice was cut _en train_----" + +"You don't deserve to know," Mona told him, "and as for Roger, he'll +see enough of that green velvet, poor man! It's so beautiful, I expect +to wear it on every possible occasion." + +"All right, dear," said Roger, rolling his eyes in mock devotion. +"Whatever you say, goes, my queen, my--y que--ee--n!" + +"Even if I wear a rig like Alla Blaney wore last night?" asked Mona, +laughing. + +"Well, I must draw the line somewhere, and I should say that was the +very place! If you elect to appear in a scarecrow costume of that +type, I shall send you back to your father." + +"No danger," and Mona shook her head. "Why do people want to make +themselves such frights?" + +"Their dress interprets their souls," said Van Reypen, sarcastically, +"and their souls are frights." + +"Nothing of the sort, Phil," flared out Patty; "I'd like you to +remember those people are my friends." + +"Well, my dear, if you choose to have friends with souls like frights, +it is, of course, your privilege; but you must allow me to express my +opinion of them." + +"And so you may,--but not to me." + +"Very well; consider I was talking to Mona,--which I really was." + +"Then continue to talk to her, for I don't want to talk to you." + +"All right, pretty Patty,--pretty little sunny-faced Patty,--all right." + +Philip's voice was teasing and his smile was irritating, and Patty was +angry at him anyway, yet she couldn't help laughing at his speech, for +she looked as cross as a thunder cloud, and she knew it. That is, as +near to the crossness of a thunder cloud as Patty Fairfield could +manage. Her cheeks were reddened by the cold wind and her blue eyes +always looked bluer in a frosty atmosphere. And now, as an +uncontrollable smile parted her scarlet lips, and her white teeth +gleamed, and her dimples came into view, Patty justified Philip's term +of "pretty Patty," but she quickly concealed her smile by sinking her +chin deep into the great fur collar of her coat. + +"Wasn't it a crazy party?" Mona went on, not realising she was on a +dangerous subject. "They all took themselves so seriously." + +"Why shouldn't they?" said Patty, coming up out of her fur cave; "it +might be better if we all took ourselves more seriously,--such a lot of +triflers and sillyheads as we are!" + +"And such a lot of piffle-peddlers and hard-boiled eggs as they are!" +said Philip, fairly snorting in disgust. + +"Oh, very well!" and Patty sank again into the chinchilla cavern. + +Roger touched Mona's foot with his own, and gave her an urgent, +significant glance, as he said, with a determination to change the +subject, "We'll just about get to Red Chimneys in time for luncheon. +Shall we have our picnic before we explore the house? I'm as hungry as +three bears and a hunter." + +"So'm I," agreed Van Reypen, taking the cue. "What's in the hampers? +Unless something pretty substantial, I vote we go to a hotel to feast." + +"No," said Mona, "that wouldn't be half as much fun. It's the +picnicking that's so jolly. If you agree, Patty," she added, for if +Patty had any intention of sulking, there would be little fun in a +picnic. + +But Patty Fairfield was no spoilsport. She was annoyed at Philip, but +that was no reason for her to make the others uncomfortable, and she +responded gaily, "Oh, yes, the picnic is lots more fun. But will the +house be warm enough?" + +"Yes," Mona answered, "we telephoned down last night for Mr. Bates, the +caretaker, to make some fires, and we can pile logs in the big hall +fireplace till we roast alive. We can have the feast in the hall, if +the dining-room is chilly." + +But they found the whole house fairly warm and distinctly cheery and +homey-looking. Bates had aired and dusted it, and had built fires and +altogether the beautiful rooms looked so attractive, that Mona declared +she was half inclined not to give it up, after all. + +"We could rent it some years, Roger," she said, "and live in it some +years, if we wanted to." + +"Just as you say, Mona," he replied; "it's your house. Wait until +spring to decide, if you prefer." + +"All right," said Van Reypen, "but I fear we must decide on the house +we buy before that. For we want to get the place we're to have in +order as soon as Spring pokes her nose in." + +"We'll have luncheon first," Mona decided, "and then discuss the +matter." + +The men opened the hampers, and the girls set the table in the great +hall, near the roaring wood fire that filled the enormous fireplace. +Salads and sandwiches, carefully packed, were in faultless condition, +and the numerous Thermos bottles held hot soup, coffee, and chocolate. +A small freezer of ice cream appeared from somewhere, and a box of +confectionery contented the girls while the men smoked after the repast. + +"It's this way," said Roger, at last, when they had talked over the +whole thing thoroughly, "Mona and I are considering our future,--yes, +even our old age! And, so, there are some points that we want to +discuss alone. Therefore, and wherefore, my friends,--my future wife +and I will, if you please, go apart by ourselves for a bit of +confidential chat." + +"Good gracious, Roger," said Patty, "anybody would think you two were +married already!" + +"Same as," Roger retorted; "especially in matters of real estate, and +future dwelling-houses and such things. But, really, what I'm going to +do, is, to try to persuade, cajole, or coerce Mona into selling the +place; for I know she doesn't really want it, only today, in the +glamour of this firelight glow, it seems attractive to her. So, I must +needs convince her of my superior judgment." + +The two went off, laughing, and Philip sat down again beside Patty. + +"How happy they are together," he said, musingly. + +"Yes; I'm thoroughly glad for them. I never saw a pair better suited +to one another. Roger adores the ground Mona walks on, yet he knows +just how to manage her----" + +"Do you think a man ought to 'manage' the woman he loves?" + +"If necessary, yes. At least he should know how to." + +"And do you think I know how to manage you?" + +"I don't want to be managed,--I can manage myself," Patty smiled, +roguishly. "But since you ask me, Phil, no, I don't think you do know +how to manage me,--not the least little mite!" + +"Teach me then, dear. I'll do just what you say." + +"All right. First, you must not scold me if I like people whom you +don't like." + +"Oh, hang! I had forgotten all about those bumptious lumps! Why +remind me?" + +"Because it's a case in point. If you care for me, you must care for +the things or people that I care for." + +"But, Patty,--since you've brought up the subject, let's have it out. +You _can't_ like those humbugs,--those fake brainsters,--those sap-head +pharisees----" + +"Phil, suppose you stop calling them names, which mean nothing, and +tell me just what it is you have against them." + +"There's everything against them, Patty, and nothing for them. They +pretend to wisdom, knowledge, and genius that they don't possess. They +fake up a lot of patter talk and pass it off for philosophy, or +psychology, or lord knows what! And there isn't an ounce of brains in +the whole fool bunch of them! That's what makes me mad! They fool you +into believing their drivel is wisdom, and it isn't!" + +"How do you know? You haven't such a lot of that sort of knowledge +yourself." + +"What sort of knowledge?" + +"Soul lore----" + +"Patty! Don't you ever use the word _soul_ in the silly way they do! +You have a soul, of course,--an immortal soul. But they don't mean +that. By soul, they mean a puffball of hifalutin ideas, of nonsense +about the occult and psychic, and all that balderdash. Oh, Patty, my +little girl, _don't_ let those idiot people carry away your common +sense and your plain everyday sanity! Don't, I beg of you!" + +"Look here, Phil," and Patty stared at him, thoughtfully; "I'm to give +you an answer to a certain question in about a fortnight, I believe." + +"You are, my Blessed Darling! To be exact, on the fifteenth of +December, this present month, you are to admit,--blushingly, if you +like, but unequivocally,--that I'm the one man in the world for you." + +"Don't be too sure. Do you suppose I _can_ love a man who differs so +in opinion on this matter of--of psychology----" + +"Yes, you blessed goose! You sure can! For, you see, this +poppycock,--I beg your pardon,--this poppychology is but a flash in the +pan, a rift in the lute, a fly in the ointment. Ahem, I'm getting +poetical now! Well, in a short space of period, you will have +forgotten all this rubbish,--er,--soul-rubbish, you know,--and you'll +be thinking only of how glad you are that you love me and I love +you,--just as Mona and Roger are, in these blissful days before their +marriage. Oh, Patty, you are going to marry me, aren't you, dear? I +can't stand it, if you say no." + +Patty looked at him, and a troubled expression filled her blue eyes. + +"I don't know, Philip. Honestly, I don't know. But it seems to me if +I am going to love you such a lot two weeks from now, I ought to care +more than I do now." + +"Oh, that's all right, darling. It'll come all at once. Why, some +day, you'll suddenly discover you love me with every bit and corner of +your dear little blessed heart, and you'll wonder that you only just +realised it." + +"I don't know, Philip. I hope it _will_ be like that--but I don't +know." + +"Don't worry about it, dear, it will be all right," and Van Reypen +smiled into the anxious eyes upraised to his. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A SOCIETY CIRCUS + +"Of course I could do it," Patty agreed, "and I will, if you say so, +Elise. I don't care a lot about it, but if everybody is going in for +the game, I am, too." + +"Yes, do, Patty; it's just in your line, and you can do it a whole lot +better than that girl did last year,--you know whom I mean, Ethel." + +"Yes, Ray Rose----" + +"Ray Rose," said Patty, "what a pretty name!" + +"Pretty girl, too," said Ethel Merritt, who was calling at Pine Laurel. +"Also, she isn't going to like it any too well to have Miss Fairfield +take her part." + +"Oh, is it her part?" asked Patty; "then I won't take it." + +"Yes, you will. It's all right. Nobody wants her and everybody wants +you." + +The subject under discussion was a "Society Circus" to be performed by +the young people of Lakewood, and of great interest to all concerned. + +It was a few days after the Spring Beach trip. Mona had gone back home +and Philip also, and Roger was in New York. Elise was greatly +enthusiastic over the circus plan, and was managing committees, and +arranging details in her usual capable fashion. The affair was a +charity benefit under the auspices of a philanthropic society that gave +some such entertainment every winter. Patty, always ready for any +gaiety, was preparing to take part, though the scheme was a new one to +her. She had never been in a society circus, and wanted the matter +thoroughly explained. + +"It isn't much to explain, Miss Fairfield," Ethel said; "you see, +everybody is an animal or a clown or a bareback rider, or something +that belongs to a circus. Bob Riggs is ringmaster, and they all obey +him. He's awfully funny, and whatever he has to do with, is sure to be +a success." + +"Tell me more about my part," said Patty; "how do I dress?" + +"Well, you see, you're Mlle. Hooperino, and you do fancy dancing and +jump through paper hoops----" + +"What! Oh, I can't do that!" + +"Yes, you can; Bob will show you how. Why, anybody who dances as you +do, can do anything of that sort. And your costume is anything you +like, in the way of tulle skirts, lots of 'em, and a satin bodice, +laced up, you know, and a dinky little cap, and,--oh, anything you +think fetching and attractive." + +"It sounds fun," Patty agreed, "but what about Miss Rose? I don't want +to disappoint her; will she feel annoyed?" + +"She sure will! But never mind that. As soon as Bob saw you dance the +other night, he said you were the one for the part. You must do it." + +"And Ray Rose hasn't been asked this year," put in Elise. "She can't +resent your taking what she never had." + +"She will, though," declared Ethel. "She looks upon that part as hers, +and she won't like Miss Fairfield's having it one bit. But that +doesn't matter. What Bob says, goes; and that's all there is about +that!" + +They talked over the costumes and dances until every question was +settled, and Ethel went away with Patty's promise to do what was +requested of her. + +"But I don't like it," Patty demurred, "on account of that Rose girl. +What is she like, Elise?" + +"Oh, she's the jolliest thing in the world. She won't get mad at +you,--she isn't that sort. But I know what she will do. She'll try to +'get even,' you know,--do something to pay you out for stealing her +glory." + +"What'll she do?" + +"Oh, I don't know. Some practical joke, like as not. She's a sort of +kid, although she's nineteen years old." + +"All right, if she's that sort, I'm not afraid of her. I thought she +was haughty and sarcastic." + +"Oh, no, nothing like that. She's full of mischief and awfully +good-natured. But she'll resent Bob's putting you in her place. Don't +think of it, Patty. It's all a trifle. She'll have some other part, +just as good." + +"Very well, I'll turn me thinks toward me frock. What say to pale blue +tulle, with silver lace by way of trimmin's?" + +"Fine! And after you get yours all planned will you help me with mine?" + +"Will I! I live but for that! You, my Elise, must wear corn colour, +or, say, maize colour, and poppies." + +"Yes, now that you speak of it, that's just what I want. Shall us ask +Philip down, Patty?" + +"No; I'd like to have one time of my life without his revered presence." + +"Look here, Patty, between you and me and the circus, aren't you +expecting to be the eventual Mrs. Philip?" + +"Oh, Elise, don't bother me about such far-away eventualities." + +"All right, I won't, 'cause I know all about that. You're trying him +out, and if he passes his exams, you're going to say yes, pretty soon, +now." + +"Good gracious! I believe my loving friends know more about my affairs +than I do myself!" + +"If we didn't we wouldn't know much! You are the most wabbly-hearted +person I ever knew! Say, Pats, what did you do to big Bill Farnsworth +to send him flying off out West again?" + +"I?" and Patty opened her blue eyes wide at Elise. + +"Yes, you, you saucer-eyed doll! One day, he was shining brightly all +over the place, and the next, he was like a thunder cloud, and departed +straightway for the wild and woolly." + +"Oh, well, Elise, I can't feel sure that it's precisely your affair; +but, as you show a polite interest, I don't mind telling you that we +quarrelled." + +"About Philip Van Reypen." + +"Clairvoyant! Well, if you will have it so,--yes." + +"Oh, Patty, then you do like Phil better than Mr. Farnsworth!" + +"Do I?" + +"You must! or you never would have sent one away because of the other. +And, Patty, you did just right. Phil Van Reypen is worth a dozen of +that Western giant. He's nice, Mr. Farnsworth is, but Philip is so +much more--oh,--aristocratic and--and smart-looking, you know." + +"Bill is smart enough," said Patty, thoughtfully. + +"I don't mean smart in the sense of clever, but----" + +"I know; you mean well-dressed and fashionable." + +"Yes, and correct-mannered, and generally all round a gentleman." + +"Bill Farnsworth is a gentleman." + +"Of course. But not the polished type Philip is. He's an aristocrat." + +"Oh, fiddlestrings. I'm sick and tired of hearing that Phil Van Reypen +is an aristocrat! If I were an aristocrat, I'd try to hide it! +Anyway, I wouldn't advertise it all the time!" + +"Patty! you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Phil doesn't advertise +it!" + +"Well, he doesn't employ you to do it for him, either, so you may as +well stop it. I know all about Phil's aristocracy. And it's all +right. I never said it wasn't. But a man has got to be something more +than an aristocrat before I can fall desperately in love with him. And +I must be desperately in love with the man I promise to marry." + +Patty spoke seriously, and her blue eyes took on a violet light as she +looked out of the window and far away to the sky beyond the pine trees. + +"Of course, you must, Patty. Every girl feels that way. But when Phil +adores you so, how can you resist him?" + +"Now, now, Elise, don't ask leading questions. And, also, let's turn +the tables. When a certain nice young man that I wot of, so adores +you, how can you resist him?" + +"I don't know that I shall," replied Elise, blushing. + +"Oho! Bad as that, eh? Now I see why you're so interested in my +affairs of the heart. Misery loves company." + +"But I'm not miserable." + +"No, of course not. Howsumever, if you insist on asking Philip Van +down to the circus, I shall advise asking one Mr. Kit Cameron." + +"You're a day behind the fair! I've asked him and he can't come." + +"Too bad. But, just for that, I won't have Phil, either. Then we can +both be heart-whole and fancy free." + +"All right. Bob Riggs has taken a large and elegant notion to you, and +I am engaged in the pleasant pastime of subjugating Hal Merritt, so we +shan't want for rustic swains." + +"As if we ever had! But as for me, this circus business seems a piece +of work, and I must apply myself to it, or rejoice in a failure at the +eventful moment." + +"You're right. Let's go over to Mme. Beauvais' and see about her +making our costumes." + +"Come on, we'll go now." + +The next few days the girls devoted all their time to their costumes +and to rehearsals for the circus. It was a more elaborate affair than +Patty had anticipated, and the men who were to represent animals had +marvellous suits of fur that closely imitated the real thing in wild +beasts. + +A bear, who was ordinarily Jack Fenn, captivated Patty from the first, +and when she proposed to dance with him, Bob Riggs caught at the idea. + +"Capital!" he cried, "just the thing, Miss Fairfield. Hit of the +evening, I assure you. Come, begin your rehearsal at once." + +It was not easy, for the bear costume made its wearer clumsy and he +awkwardly tripped and nearly upset Patty. But she good-naturedly tried +the steps over and over until they began to do better. + +"It'll right itself after a few more rehearsals," she said, +encouragingly. "Come over to the Farringtons' mornings, and we'll get +a little extra practice." + +Fenn did so, and, as they perfected the dance, all who saw it +prophesied it would be the hit of the whole affair. + +And everybody was pleased save and except Ray Rose. She had taken +quietly enough the substitution of Patty for herself as _premiere +danseuse_, and had even said she preferred the part that had been +assigned her. But when the Bear dance began to be talked about with +such enthusiasm, she commenced to find fault. + +"How did you happen to worm yourself into my place, Miss Fairfield?" +she said at a rehearsal. "Did you make up this Bear foolery?" + +"I'm afraid I did, Miss Rose," returned Patty, smiling. "You've no +criticism to make, have you?" + +"None, except that I wanted that part that Mr. Riggs saw fit to give +you, and I'm madder'n hops 'cause I haven't got it." + +"Why, I'll give it to you," and Patty smiled at the pouting girl. + +"Oh, you can't do that now, it's too late." + +"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you wanted it?" + +"Never s'posed you'd give it up, or I would have. But I'll get even +with you!" + +"Now, don't talk like that, for it wasn't my fault that Mr. Riggs +selected me for the part." + +"Well, it was your fault that you took it, and it will be my fault if I +don't make you pay for it!" + +"Is this a threat?" + +"It most certainly is. What are you going to do about it?" + +"Nothing at all,--unless it is carried out. Then I shall defend myself +to the best of my ability. I'm good-natured,--and I am told you +are,--but I've no intention of being annoyed unjustly, and you'll find +that out, Miss Ray Rose! By the way, what a pretty name you have." + +"Do you like it? It's really Ramona, but I've always been called Ray. +I like you a lot, Miss Fairfield, and I'd be sorry to annoy you, +but,--well, perhaps because I do like you so much,--I warn you, I'm +going to get ahead of you on this circus program, if I can." + +"You're a little goose," said Patty, laughing outright at the +determined face and snapping black eyes of Ray Rose. "I do believe you +want to cut up some trick on me, because I stole your part, or it seems +to you I did, and yet, you rather like me, and hate to do it, after +all." + +"How did you know?" cried Ray Rose, astonished. "That's exactly what +was in my mind! Well, honest, if I can conquer my desire to get even +with you, I'll let you alone. But I feel pretty sure I shall do your +act myself." + +"You are the queerest girl I ever saw!" and Patty looked her +astonishment. "Your frankness and your slyness together are the +funniest combination! Just for your queer cleverness, I give you +permission to get my place from me if you can! But don't forget I +offered it to you." + +"That's nothing. Bob Riggs wouldn't let me take it. But if I get it +in some way that he can't help himself, remember that you told me I +might." + +Patty was greatly amused at this conversation, but as other and more +important matters quickly demanded her attention, she promptly forgot +the whole matter. + +The circus proper was to be an evening entertainment, but in the +afternoon of the same day, the entire cast of characters marched up and +down the streets as an advertisement, hoping to attract attention and +rouse curiosity to such an extent that the attendance at the evening +performance would be large. + +The animals presented a fearsome sight. Lions, bears, tigers, monkeys, +a giraffe and a donkey, were followed by clowns, acrobats, trapeze +performers, and jugglers. + +Patty, as _premiere danseuse_, rode in a gilded chariot drawn by four +gaily caparisoned white horses. She sat enthroned on a high seat, and +waved smiling greetings as she passed. + +Ray Rose, in Pierrette costume, was gay and good-natured, and chummed +up with Patty, in evident forgetfulness of any ill-feeling. + +"She's all right," Patty said to Elise, as they went home after the +parade, and prepared to rest up a little before the evening performance. + +Patty had no sooner reached her room than she was called to the +telephone. The speaker was Ray Rose. + +"Excuse me, Miss Fairfield, but I do want to speak to you a minute. I +think my Pierrette act would be a whole lot prettier, if I had a few +Highland Fling steps in it, don't you?" + +"I do," Patty replied, after a moment's consideration. "Put them in +after the one-step movement." + +"Yes, that's what I meant. May I run over to your house a minute, and +will you show me about the Fling? It won't take a jiffy." + +"Yes, of course. Will you come right away?" + +"I will. But, oh, pshaw,--I'm all dressed in my Pierrette rig; +wouldn't you,--couldn't you come here instead? I'll send the car, it +won't take any time at all." + +"Why, yes, I can come over, and I will, if you want me to so much." +Patty ran to tell Elise she was going, but Elise was not in her room, +so Patty went downstairs to look for her. Before she saw Elise, or +indeed any one else, the Rose car came, a little runabout, with only +the chauffeur. + +Flinging a motor coat from the hall-rack around her, Patty ran out the +door and jumped into the car. + +In a moment she was at Ray Rose's house, and the girl herself stood +smiling in the doorway. + +"Good for you!" she cried, "you're a duck! Come right up to my room." + +Patty followed Ray, who ran lightly up stairs, and threw open the door +of her bedroom. + +"What a lovely room!" Patty exclaimed, as she entered a dainty nest all +pink and white. + +"Yes, isn't it?" agreed Ray, and they stepped inside. "Sit down a +minute," she went on, "I want to get another scarf. I'll be right +back." + +Patty threw herself into a low wicker chair, and, gently closing the +door behind her, Ray disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A CLEVER PLAN + +Patty waited, thinking over the coming performance and mentally +rehearsing her part. It was not really difficult, but it was tricky, +for unless she sprang through the paper-covered hoops at just the right +moment, it would be an awkward blunder. However, after many +rehearsals, she felt pretty sure of herself, and looked forward with +pleasure to the fun. + +She glanced round Ray's room. It was full of attractive odds and ends +in addition to its furniture and regular appointments, which were of +the most elaborate description. Rising, Patty examined some of the +pictures and ornaments, and became so engrossed, that the minutes flew +by unnoticed. On the dressing-table was a silver-framed clock, and a +tinkling chime rang out from it, before Patty had given a thought to +the hour. Quarter-past seven! And the performance was scheduled for +half-past eight. She had waited there for Ray nearly fifteen minutes. +It was very queer. What could have detained her? + +Patty waited restlessly for five minutes longer, and then determined to +go in search of Ray. She turned the doorknob, but the door would not +open! Like a flash the explanation came to her. She was locked in! +Ray had done it, in fulfilment of her threat to "get even" with Patty. + +The summons over there had been a blind, to trick her into the room, +and now she was locked in! + +Patty smiled at the silly ruse. The matter couldn't be serious,--she +could certainly get out some way, and get home in time to don her +costume and get to the circus, even if a little late. Unwilling to +cause unnecessary disturbance, she looked round the room to note the +exits. There was but one other door and that led to a dressing-room, +which in turn had a door opening into a bathroom. That was all. No +more doors were to be seen. The windows had no balconies, and being on +the second floor, there was no chance of escape thereby. + +Patty looked around for a telephone, but saw none. She thought such an +elaborate household would have many of them, but realised that Ray +probably had a sitting-room or boudoir in addition to these rooms and +her telephone would be there. Patty knew the girl was an only child of +doting parents, and that she was spoiled and pampered to an inordinate +degree. + +Patty considered. Doubtless Mr. and Mrs. Rose were not at home, or, if +they were, they would not answer a call, for Ray would have looked +after that. The servants, likewise, must have been ordered not to +release Patty, for Ray Rose was not one to do anything by halves, and +if she had planned to get Patty over there, she had also planned to +keep her there. + +It was ridiculous, it was maddening,--but it was true. Patty was +locked in a room and could not get out. She hadn't heard a key turn, +but it must have done so. Peeping in the keyhole, she could see that +the key was in the lock, from the hall side. + +Endeavouring to use her ingenuity, Patty tried to turn the key from her +side by means of a button-hook, a nail file, a hairpin, and a glove +stretcher. Needless to say her attempts were unsuccessful. + +"I've heard of turning a key in its own lock," she mused, but she found +the feat impossible of achievement. + +Again the chiming little timepiece reminded her that another quarter +hour had flown. + +"Half-past seven!" she thought. "My dear Miss Fairfield, you have got +to do something pretty quick! Get busy! What would your favourite +heroes of wild romance do to get out of such a fix as this?" + +When Patty was baffled, she always talked to herself. But her appeals +to herself or her ingenuity did no good, and after a thorough search +for a means of exit, she concluded to call out. She felt it was an +undignified thing to do, and, too, she felt it would do no good, but +there was no other course to pursue, that she could see. + +So she called, gently at first, and then more loudly, but, as she had +anticipated, there was no response. Going close to the door, she +called again and again, and then concluded it was useless. + +She threw herself into an easy chair, thoroughly angry with Ray Rose, +and chagrined at herself for being led into such a trap. + +"I might have known there was some trickery," she thought, "when that +girl called me over here at the last minute. And she was so sweet and +friendly today, it should have put me on my guard. Elise warned me, +but I never dreamed of anything like this. However, now is no time to +worry over that, I must get out,--that's what I must do, get out!" + +But it seemed hopeless. The case was so simple, that there was no +opportunity for ingenious schemes. There she was, in the beautiful +room, with the only exit to the house, the hall door, securely locked. +The door was of solid mahogany, the knob and lock of a most secure +firmness. Had it been a light or flimsy door, Patty would have rattled +and shaken it, but this door was solid as a rock. Either, she would +have to think up some clever plan, and that quickly, or spend the +entire evening there in solitude. Her quick mind took in these +alternatives, and she thought that if no idea presented itself soon, +she would succumb to the inevitable, and quietly settle down for the +evening. There were pleasant-looking books about, soft couches and +pillows, convenient reading-lamps, and even a box of chocolates on a +table. Matters might be worse, thought philosophical Patty. But she +hated to give up,--to acknowledge herself beaten. + +Once again she opened a window, and looked out. It was on the side of +the house, and toward the rear. + +The house was not set back far from the street; indeed, the sidewalk +was not more than forty feet from the window out of which Patty leaned. +An idea came to her, and going quickly to the table she found a sheet +of paper and a pencil. There was no desk in the room, and she felt +herself lucky to find these things at all. She hastily scribbled a +note, but she made it urgent and definite. Then she looked around for +a missile which she could throw to the street. There were few things +that were available, and she finally selected a heavy hairbrush as the +best. It was of ivory and bore a bold monogram, as did the rest of +Ray's toilet appointments, but Patty took it unhesitatingly, as she had +reached the limit of her patience and consideration. + +She tied the note firmly to the brush, and leaning far out of the +window, waited for a promising passer-by. At last, a young man came +along, and Patty deftly threw the brush so that it landed at his very +feet. Practice at basketball and other such sports had made her +accurate of aim and as the astonished man saw the brush, he naturally +picked it up. + +Patty watched him take off the note and read it, by the light of the +street electric, and after a swift gaze at the house, he started off at +a brisk pace. + +"H'm," said Patty to herself, "not so worse, Miss Fairfield, not so +worse! The axe is laid at the root of the tree!" + +Glancing at the clock, she sat down to wait. It was twenty minutes to +eight, but her heart beat high with hope. If she could outwit Ray Rose +it would be great fun, and she would "pay back" the mischievous girl in +her own coin. + +At ten minutes to eight, the door of the room opened a little way. A +servant of the Rose household put her head in, and said, "This woman +wishes to see you, Miss Fairfield," and Sarah, a maid from the +Farringtons', stood in the doorway. + +"Come in, Sarah," said Patty. "Close that door!" she said to the Rose +servant, so peremptorily, that the order was obeyed at once. + +"Quick!" whispered Patty, and Sarah tore off her long cloak and bonnet +and veil, and Patty as quickly put them on. Then she took the small +basket Sarah had brought, and standing near the door, said, in a clear +voice: "You may go now, Sarah. Tell Miss Elise not to look for me this +evening." + +"Yes, Miss Patty," Sarah responded, and then, as the servant outside +opened the door, Patty slipped through, turning her face so that it +might not be seen. The Rose servant, thinking Sarah had come out, +relocked the door quickly, that the prisoner might not escape, and +Patty went demurely downstairs, and out at the back door, without let +or hindrance. Once in the street, she fairly flew to the hall where +the circus performance was to be given, for she well knew that Ray Rose +had probably already secured her dancing costume from Elise by some +plausible bit of trickery. + +It was but a few moments after eight when Patty walked into the +dressing-room of the amateur performers. + +"For gracious' sake, Patty, where _have_ you been?" cried Elise, who +was sitting before a mirror, making up her face. "Nobody could find +you anywhere!" + +"Here I am, all right," said Patty, blithely. "Where's Ray Rose?" + +"In the next room. Where's your costume? Ray came over and got it +from the house." + +"Oh, she did, did she? All right." + +Patty went into the next room, where several girls sat in their stage +costumes, and all with warm wraps around them. Ray Rose was completely +enveloped in a long cloak that covered her from neck to feet. + +"Hello, Ray," said Patty, pleasantly; "I'll take my costume now, as I +want to get dressed in it." + +If ever there was a surprised looking girl it was Ray at that moment. +She stared at Patty as at an apparition. + +"Where--where did you come from?" she stammered. + +"Oh, I ran over from your house. Your room is lovely, Ray, but I got +awfully tired of it. Now, you get yourself out of my skirts, and hand +them over to me. But first, you go and telephone to your household to +let Sarah, the Farringtons' maid, out of your room, where she may yet +be locked in, for all I know." + +Ray looked bewildered, and Patty, whose eyes were shining with +righteous indignation, took her by the arm, and marched her to the +telephone. Patty herself called up the Rose house, and then, thrusting +the receiver into Ray's hand, said, "Give your order, and be quick +about it." + +"Let the girl out of my room," said Ray, through the transmitter. "It +isn't Miss Fairfield in there now, it's one of the Farrington maids. +Let her go home." + +Patty took the receiver from Ray and hung it up, and then marched her +to the dressing-room, and divested her of her long cloak. + +"Why, Ray Rose!" cried Elise, "if you haven't got Patty's dress on, +yourself! What are you up to?" + +"Never mind, Elise," said Patty, "help us change, there isn't much +time. Ray made a mistake." + +Without a word, Ray took off Patty's voluminous tulle skirts in which +she was arrayed, and handed them over to their rightful owner. As fast +as she received them, Patty put them on, and in ten minutes, was +herself clothed in her rightful property. + +Meantime Ray had no costume to wear. + +"Where's your Pierrette rig?" asked Patty. + +"Over home," said Ray, disconsolately. + +"Go and telephone for them to send it over, if you want it," said +Patty. "Put on your long cloak, and telephone." + +Ray looked at her dubiously for a moment, and then said, "No, I won't. +I'll go home and stay home,--that's what I'll do!" + +"Go ahead," said Patty, blithely, who didn't feel she really owed the +girl any further consideration. "And next time you try to get even +with anybody, pick out some one who'll let you _stay_ even!" + +"You're a hummer!" said Ray, in unwilling admiration. "How did you do +it?" + +"I'll tell you some other time," and Patty laughed in spite of herself +at the admiration on Ray's countenance. "If you're going to get your +costume over here and get into it, you want to hustle." + +"Time enough," returned Ray, carelessly. "My stunt is the sixth on the +program, so there's lots of time." + +This was true, so Patty turned all her attention to reddening her pink +cheeks, while the other girls gathered around in desperate curiosity. + +"What does it all mean?" asked Ethel Merritt. "Do tell us, Miss +Fairfield. Why did Ray wear your dress?" + +"Ask her," said Patty, smiling. "It was a whim of hers, I guess. It +made me a little bother, but all's well that ends well." + +"You are the good-naturedest old goose!" cried Elise, who had an +inkling of what was inexplicable to the others. + +"Might as well," said Patty, serenely. "She's a hummer, Ray Rose is. +She sure is a hummer!" + +And then Patty pronounced herself finished and turned from the mirror +for inspection. + +"Lovely!" approved Elise, "if you admire strongly-marked features!" + +Patty's cheeks and lips were very red, her eyebrows greatly darkened, +and her face thickly coated with powdered chalk. + +"It's awful, I know," she agreed, "but in the strong lights of the +stage and the footlights too, you have to pile it on like that." + +"Of course you do," said Ethel. "Mine looks the same." + +Laughingly gaily, the girls went to take their places on the stage. +Bob Riggs, the ringmaster, was there and assigned them their places. + +Patty's performance was near the beginning of the program. She did a +solo dance, first, a lovely fancy dance that she had learned in New +York, and then she did the grotesque and humorous dances called for by +the occasion. The one that necessitated springing, head first, through +hoops covered with light, thin paper, she did very prettily, striking +the taut paper with just the right force to snap it into a thousand +shreds. + +Her act was wildly applauded by the enthusiastic audience, and would +have been several times repeated but for the scarcity of hoops. + +Later came her grotesque dance with Bruin Boru, the wonderful dancing +bear. Jack Fenn was very funny in his bear-skin costume, and he pawed +and scraped as he ambled ludicrously about, and kept time to the music +with mincing steps or sprawling strides. + +This number was the hit of the evening, and Ray Rose had longed to +perform it herself. But her plan fell through, and in her pretty +Pierrette costume she did a very pleasing song and dance, but her eyes +rested longingly on Patty's frilly skirts. + +The last number was a chariot race. The chariots were of the low, +backless variety, peculiar to circus performances, indeed they had been +procured from a real circus. + +Patty and Ethel Merritt drove two of these, and Bob Riggs and Jack Fenn +the other two. + +But there was no such mad race as is sometimes seen at the real +circuses. The two men drove faster, but Patty and Ethel were content +to fall behind and bring up the rear. In fact, it was in no sense of +the word a race, but merely a picturesque drive of the gorgeous +chariots by the gay drivers. + +As Patty swept round the small arena for the last time, she beckoned to +Ray Rose, who sat, a little disconsolately, near the edge of the stage +platform. + +"Get in!" Patty whispered, as she slowed down, and, obeying without +question, Ray jumped from the stage, right into the chariot, which was +large enough to hold both girls. + +"Grab the reins with me!" Patty cried, and Ray did, and the final +triumphant circuit was made with two laughing drivers holding the +ribbons, to the deafening applause of the hilarious audience. + +Bob Riggs, from his own chariot, pronounced the entertainment over, and +then the performers and audience mingled in a gay crowd, dancing and +feasting till the small hours. + +"I'm sorry," said Ray, penitently, to Patty, as soon as she had a good +chance. "I was a wretch, and you're an angel to speak to me at all." + +"I am," agreed Patty, calmly. "Not one girl in a dozen would forgive +you. It was a horrid thing to do, and you ought to be ashamed of +yourself and you are. I know that. But I choose to forget the whole +affair, and I only ask you never to treat anybody else so meanly." + +"I never will," promised Ray Rose. "I think you have cured me of that +childish trick of 'getting even.'" + +"Yes, till next time," said Patty, laughing. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A REAL POEM + +"It's simply absurd of you, Patty," said Elise, as they reached home +after the circus, "to let Ray Rose off so easily. She cut up an +awfully mean trick, and she ought to be made to suffer for it." + +"Now, now, Elise, it's my own little kettle of fish, and you must keep +out of it. You see, it makes a difference who does a thing. If Ray +Rose were an intimate friend of mine, I should resent her performance +and make a fuss about it. But she is such a casual acquaintance,--why, +probably I shall never see her again after I go away from +Lakewood,--and so I consider it better judgment to ignore her silly +prank, rather than stir up a fuss about it." + +"I don't agree with you, you're all wrong; but tell me the whole story. +What did she do?" + +"You see, she was determined to do that hoop dance, and the only way +she could think of, to get me out of it, was to get me over to her +house and lock me up there. It was a slim chance I had of getting out, +but I managed it. She called me over by telephone, and then locked me +in her bedroom. How did she get my clothes?" + +"Sent a maid over here, saying that you were at her house and wanted +your costume sent over. I thought you were helping her, in your usual +idiotic 'helping hand' way, and I sent the dress and all the +belongings." + +"Well, of course, I knew nothing about all that. So, I suppose the +little minx dressed herself and put on the long cloak and walked off. +She is boss in her own home, I know that, and, as I learned later, her +father and mother were out to dinner, so she ordered the servants to +pay no attention to any call or disturbance I might make. I sized it +up, and I felt pretty sure no screaming or yelling or battering at the +door would do any good, so I pondered on a move of strategy. But I +couldn't think of anything for a long time, and had just about made up +my mind to spend the evening there, when I made one desperate attempt +and it succeeded. I wrote a note to Sarah to come over there and say +she had to give me a certain medicine at that hour, or I would be ill. +And I told her to wear a thick veil and a long cloak. She did all +this, and I just slipped into her cloak and hat and veil and came out +the door in her place, leaving her behind. They thought it was Sarah +who came out, of course." + +"Fine! Patty, you're a genius! How did you get the note to Sarah?" + +"Tied it to Ray's hairbrush and threw it at the feet of a young man who +was going by. On the outside I wrote, 'Please take this quickly to +Sarah Moore at George Farrington's,' and gave the address. I added, +'Hurry, as it is a matter of tremendous importance!' And I'd like to +know who that young man was." + +"Where's the hairbrush?" + +"Sarah brought it back with her, and left it where it belongs. I knew +it might be broken or lost, but I could have replaced it, so I took +that chance. And nothing else seemed just right to throw." + +"But, Patty, it was an awful thing for Ray to do to you." + +"Oh, don't fuss, Elise. Consider the circumstances. I had given her +permission, in a sort of way, to keep me from that stunt if she could, +and she had said, 'If I do, remember you said I might.' So you see, +she was within her rights, in a way, and beside, I tell you I don't +want to stir up a hornets' nest about it. The incident is beneath +notice; and, do you know, I can't help admiring the girl's daring and +ingenuity." + +"Oh, you'd admire a Grizzly Bear, if he succeeded in eating you up! +You're a good-natured goose, Patty." + +"Maybe. But I know the difference between a foolish prank and a real +offence, that must be resented. You're the goose, Elise, not to see +how silly it would be to raise a row against a girl who means nothing +to me, and whom I shall never see again after this visit is over." + +"All right, Pattikins, have it your own way. Ray Rose is a sort of law +unto herself, and she has lots of friends who would take her part." + +"It isn't that, exactly. If I wanted to raise the issue, I'm sure my +side of the matter would be the side of right and justice. But it +isn't worth my time or trouble to take it up. And, then, I did tell +her to go ahead and outwit me, if she could, so there's that on her +side. Now, Elise, about going home. I must go soon, for I want to be +in New York a week before the wedding, and you do, too." + +"Yes, I do. Suppose we stay down here for the skating party day after +tomorrow, and then go to New York the day after that." + +"I think so. Your mother will be going up about then, and the days +will fairly fly until the fifteenth. It seems funny to think of Roger +being married, doesn't it? He's such a boy." + +"I know it. Mona seems older than he, though she isn't." + +"A girl always seems older than a man, even of the same age. I want to +have 'a shower' for Mona before the wedding." + +"Oh, Patty, a shower is so--so----" + +"So chestnutty? I know it. But Mona wants it. Of course she didn't +say so right out, but I divined it. It isn't that she wants the +presents, you know, but Mona has a queer sort of an idea that she must +have everything that anybody else has. And Lillian Van Arsdale had a +shower, so Mona wants one, and I'm going to give it for her." + +"All right. What kind?" + +"Dunno yet, but something strikingly novel and original. I shall set +my great intellect to work on it at once, and invite the people by +notes from here, before I go back to New York." + +"All right, my lady, but if you don't get to bed now, you'll be pale +and holler-eyed tomorrow, and that will upset your placid vanity." + +"Wretch! As if I had a glimmer of a trace of a vestige of that deadly +sin!" + +The girls were very busy during the last few days of Patty's stay in +Lakewood. There were many matters to attend to in connection with the +approaching wedding. Also, Patty had become a favourite in the social +circle and many parties were made especially for her. + +And the day before their departure, Elise gave a little farewell tea, +to which were bidden only the people Patty liked best. + +The Blaneys were there, and, capturing Patty, Sam took her from the +laughing crowd and led her to a secluded alcove of the veranda. It was +a pleasant nook, enclosed with glass panes, and filled with ferns and +palms. + +"Sit thee down," said Blaney, arranging a few cushions in a long low +wicker chair. + +"I'm glad to," and Patty dropped into the seat. "I do think teas are +the limit for tiring people out." + +"You oughtn't to waste yourself on teas. It's a crime," and Blaney +looked positively indignant. + +"What would be the proper caper for my indefatigable energy?" + +"You oughtn't to be energetic at all. For you, just to _be_, is +enough." + +"Not much it isn't! Why, if I just be'd, and didn't do anything else, +I should die of that extreme bored feeling. And, it isn't like you to +recommend such an existence, anyway." + +"I shouldn't for any one else. But you, oh, my lily-fair girl, you are +so beautiful, so peerless----" + +"Good gracious, Mr. Blaney, what has come over you?" Patty sat up +straight, in dismay, for she had no intention of being talked to in +that vein by Sam Blaney. + +"The spell of your presence," he replied; "the spell of your +beauty,--your charm, your----" + +"Please don't," said Patty, "please don't talk to me like that! I +don't like it." + +"No? Then of course I'll stop. But the spell remains. The witchery +of your face, your voice----" + +"There you go again! You promised to stop." + +"How can I, with you as inspiration? My soul expands,--my heart beats +in lilting rhythms, you seem to me a flame goddess----" + +"Just what is a flame goddess?" interrupted Patty, who wanted to +giggle, but was too polite. + +"I see your soul as a flame of fire,--a lambent flame, with tongues of +red and yellow----" + +And now Patty did laugh outright. She couldn't help it. "Oh, my soul +hasn't tongues," she protested. "I'm sure it hasn't, Mr. Blaney." + +"Yes," he repeated, "tongues, silent, untaught tongues,--but with +unknown, unvoiced melodies that await but the torch of sympathy to +sound, lyrically, upon the waiting air." + +"Am I really like that? Do you think I could voice lyrics, myself? I +mean it,--write poetry, you know. I've always wanted to. Do you think +I could, Mr. Blaney?" + +"I know it. Unfolding one's soul in song is not an art, as some +suppose, to be learned,--it is a natural, irrepressible expression of +the inner ego, it is a response to the melodic urge----" + +"Oh, wait a minute, you're getting beyond me. What do all these things +mean? It's so much Greek to me." + +"But you want to learn?" + +"Yes; that is, I'm interested in it. I always did think I'd like to +write poetry. But I don't know the rules." + +"There are no rules. Unfetter your soul, take a pencil,--the words +will come." + +"Really? Can you do that, Mr. Blaney? Could you take a pencil, +_now_,--and just write out your soul, and produce a poem?" + +Patty was very much in earnest. Sam Blaney looked at her, the eager +pleading face urged him, the blue eyes dared a refusal, and the +hovering smile seemed to doubt his ability to prove his own proposition. + +"Of course I could!" he replied. "With you for inspiration, I could +write a poem that would throb and thrill with the eternal heart of the +radiance of the soul's starshine." + +"Then do it," cried Patty; "I believe you, I thoroughly believe you, +but I want to see it. I want the poem for myself. Give it to me." + +Slowly Blaney took a pencil and notebook from his pocket. He sat +gazing at her, and Patty, fairly beaming with eager interest, waited. +For some minutes he sat, silent, almost motionless, and she began to +grow restless. + +"I don't want to hurry you," she said, at last, "but I mustn't stay +here too long. Please write it now, Mr. Blaney. I'm sure you can do +it,--why delay?" + +"Yes, I can do it," he said, "but I want to get the highest, the +divinest inspiration, in order to produce a gem worthy of your +acceptance." + +"Well, don't wait longer for that. Give me your second best, if need +be,--only write something. I've always wanted to see a real, true poet +write a real true poem. I never had a chance before. Now, don't dare +disappoint me!" + +Patty looked very sweet and coaxing, and her voice was earnestly +pleading, not at all implying doubt of his ability or willingness. + +Still Blaney sat, thoughtfully regarding her. + +"Come, come," she said, after another wait, "I shall begin to think you +can't be inspired by my presence, after all! If you are, genius ought +to burn by this time. If not, I suppose we'll have to give it up,--but +it will disappoint me horribly." + +The blue eyes were full of reproach, and Patty began to draw her scarf +round her shoulders and seemed about to rise. + +"No, no," protested Blaney, putting out a hand to detain her, "a +moment,--just a moment,--stay, I have it!" + +He began to scribble rapidly, and, fascinated, Patty watched him. +Occasionally he glanced at her, but it was with a faraway look in his +eyes, and an exalted expression on his face. + +He wrote fast, but not steadily, now and then pausing, as if waiting +for the right word, and then doing two or three lines without +hesitation. Finally, he drew a long sigh, and the poem seemed to be +finished. + +"It is done," he said, "not worthy of your acceptance, but made for +you. Shall I read it to you?" + +"Yes, do," and Patty was thrilled by the fervour in his tones. + +In the soft, low voice that was one of his greatest charms, Blaney read +these lines: + + "I loved her.--Why? I never knew.--Perhaps + Because her face was fair; perhaps because + Her eyes were blue and wore a weary air;-- + Perhaps . . . perhaps because her limpid face + Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein + The dimples found no place to anchor and + Abide; perhaps because her tresses beat + A froth of gold about her throat, and poured + In splendour to the feet that ever seemed + Afloat. Perhaps because of that wild way + Her sudden laughter overleapt propriety; + Or--who will say?--perhaps the way she wept." + + +The lovely voice ceased, and its musical vibrations seemed to hover in +the air after the sound was stilled. + +"It's beautiful," Patty said, at last, in an awed tone; "I had no idea +you could write like that! Why, it's real poetry." + +"You're real poetry," said Blaney, simply, as he put the written paper +in his pocket. + +"No, no," cried Patty, "give it to me. It's mine. You made it for me +and it's mine. Nobody ever made a real poem for me before. I want it." + +"Oh, nonsense, you don't want it." + +"Indeed I do. I must have it." + +"Will you promise not to show it to anybody?" + +"'Course not! I'll show it to everybody!" + +"Then you can't have it. I'm sensitive, I admit, but I can't bear to +have the children of my brain bruited to the world----" + +"I haven't a notion what bruited means, but I promise you I won't do +that. I'll keep it sacredly guarded from human eyes, and read it to +myself when I'm all alone. Why, Mr. Blaney, it's a wonderful poem. +I've simply got to have it, and that's all there is about that!" + +"I give it to you, then, but don't,--please don't show it to the +hilarious populace. It is for you only." + +"All right. I'll keep it for me only. But I haven't half thanked you +for it. I do appreciate it, I assure you, and I feel guilty because I +underrated your talent. But perhaps it is because I saw you do it, +that I care so very much for it. Anyway, I thank you." + +Patty held out her hand in genuine gratitude, and, taking it gently, +Blaney held it a moment as he said, "I claim my reward. May I come to +see you in New York?" + +"Yes, indeed, I'll be awfully glad to have you. And Alla must come, +too. I'll make a party for you as soon as the wedding is over. Will +you be at that?" + +"At the reception, yes. And I shall see you there?" + +"Of course. I say, Mr. Blaney, why don't you write a wedding poem for +Miss Galbraith? She'd love it! She wants everything for her wedding +that can possibly be procured." + +"No. A poem of mine cannot be ordered, as from a caterer!" + +"Oh, forgive me! I didn't mean that. But, I thought you might write +one, because I asked you." + +"No, Miss Fairfield. Anything you want for yourself, but not for +others. A thousand times no! You understand?" + +"Yes, of course. I oughtn't to have asked you. But I'm so delighted +with this poem of mine, that I spoke unthinkingly. Now, I must run +away; Elise is beckoning frantically, and I daresay the guests are +taking leave of me, and I'm not there! Good-bye, Mr. Blaney, until we +meet in New York. And thank you more than I can say for your gift, +your ever-to-be treasured gift." + +"It is my privilege to have offered it and for me to thank you for the +opportunity." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A SHOWER + +"If you ask me," Patty said to Nan, "I think these 'shower' affairs are +ridiculous. All the girls who are coming today will give Mona a +wedding present, so why add a shower gift?" + +"I didn't ask you," returned Nan, "but since you raise the question, +I'll just remark, in passing, that it's part of the performance, and +it's no more ridiculous than lots of the other flummery that goes along +with a this year's model wedding. _I_ didn't have any showers,--but +that was then." + +"Right you are, Lady Gay, and as Mona most especially desired this mark +of esteem from her friends, I'm glad she's going to have it." + +"But I thought showers were usually surprises,--I didn't know the +bride-elect requested one, or even knew of it beforehand." + +"Your think is correct. It's most unusual, but Mona is unusual, and +any surprise in connection with her wedding would be impossible. She +knows it all, and the arrangements are all under her direct +supervision. It's going to be a pretty stunning affair, Nansome." + +"So I gather from what I hear. While you were at Lakewood, I didn't +get much of the news about it, but since your return I've heard of +nothing else." + +"And you won't until after the fifteenth. I declare, Nan, I've had no +time for a real heart to heart talk with you since I got back. I +haven't even told you about the Blaneys." + +"Oh, the highbrow people? No; were they interesting?" + +"Yes, indeed. You'll meet them at the wedding. Now, see here, I've +asked half a dozen of the crowd to stay to dinner tonight after the +shower, so look after the commissariat, won't you?" + +"With pleasure. Who's staying?" + +"Oh, Mona and Roger and Elise and Kit Cameron and Phil,--that's all." + +"Elise and Kit are pretty good friends, aren't they?" + +"Yes, there may be another wedding in the dim future." + +"Be careful, Patty. They say 'Three times a bridesmaid, never a +bride,' you know." + +"Goodness! I must beware. I was bridesmaid for Christine,--and now +for Mona,--then, if I'm bridesmaid for Elise, my last hope vanishes! I +might be her maid of honor, though. Does that count?" + +"Yes, counts just the same. But perhaps you'll be married before +Elise. She isn't engaged yet." + +"Neither am I." + +"Same as." + +"Indeed it _isn't_ same as! Philip made me pretty mad down at +Lakewood. He scorned my new friends, the Blaneys, and he was most +disagreeable about it, too." + +"All right. Far be it from me to hasten your matrimonial alliance. +I'm only too glad to keep you here. It's lonesome enough, days when +you're away." + +"Nice old Nan!" and Patty gave her a whirlwind hug that nearly took her +off her feet. + +Twenty girls were invited to the shower, and Mona arrived first of all. +She came bustling in enveloped in furs, which she unfastened and threw +off as she talked. + +"Everything's going fine!" she announced. "I've attended to the very +smallest details myself, so there'll be no mistakes. There always are +mistakes and oversights at a wedding and mine is going to be the great +exception. My, but I'm tired! I've been chasing about since early +this morning. Spent hours with the floral artist, and had a long +interview with the caterer. But I confab with him every day. I've +changed the menu four times already." + +"You're a goose, Mona," observed Patty, smiling at her enthusiastic +friend, "what do you care what people eat at your wedding, as long as +it's good and proper?" + +"My dear child, I only expect to get married once in my checkered +career, and so I want everything connected with the occasion to be +perfect. I don't want to look back and regret that I didn't have as +much of a symphony in the supper as I did in the orchestra. You don't +know the responsibility of a girl who has to get married and look after +the wedding both. You'll have Mrs. Nan to run the arrangements, but I +haven't anybody but little Mona." + +The bride-elect looked so radiant and capable and generally happy, that +Patty knew better than to waste any sympathy on her. + +"You love it all, Mona," she said, "you're just in your element +ordering decorations and deciding menus; and I suppose you've +superintended the hat-check people and the elevator service." + +"Of course I have. I practically run the whole hotel just at present. +The management have to take a back seat where anything connected with +the fifteenth is concerned." + +"It doesn't seem like a wedding at all," laughed Patty. "It is more +like a pageant." + +"It's a wedding, all right. You'll realise it when you see me go off +with Roger. Oh, Patty, don't think I don't realise and appreciate the +importance and solemnity of the marriage tie, but I do want the +appointments to be perfect and beautiful just _because_ it is my +wedding to Roger. We're very much in love, you know----" + +"I do know it, Mona, and it's all beautiful, and I'm glad you're having +everything just as you want it. You're an old dear, and nobody wishes +you more happiness than I do." + +"Don't talk in that strain, or I'll weep on your shoulder. I'm all +keyed up, you know--honest, Patty, it's pretty awful to have no mother +or aunt or anything. Only just a father, who's heavenly kind and +generous, but no good for advice or consulting talks." + +"All right, Mona girl, we won't indulge in real talk now, for the girls +will begin to come in a minute. Go and primp a little, and then come +down to the drawing-room." + +Patty ran downstairs, Mona soon followed, and then the guests arrived. + +In an effort to have a new sort of a shower, Patty had decreed a lace +shower, and many and varied were the gifts. As Patty had wisely +remarked, lace gave a wide scope. One could choose valuable specimens +of real lace or trifling affairs that were pretty and inexpensive. + +And so, when the time for their exhibition came the score of merry +young people sat breathlessly awaiting the fun. + +In the doorway appeared Elise, in the costume of a Brittany peasant. +She carried a huge white basket ornamented with orange blossoms and +fluttering white ribbons. + +"Laces, lady?" she said, approaching Mona. "Nice, pretty laces. +Handiwork of the humble peasants for the grand lady. Accept,--please." + +With bows and curtseys, Elise opened the basket and placed it at Mona's +feet. + +Delightedly, Mona examined the contents, and at each gift a chorus of +exclamations went up from all the admiring throng. + +Patty's offering was a tablecloth of Filet Antique and Venetian +embroidery, and was among the most beautiful in the lot. + +Elise gave a berthe of rose point, and Nan a Duchesse lace fan. But +most of the gifts were of a simpler nature, and dainty boudoir pillows, +table scarfs, bags, caps, and handkerchiefs made up the filmy shower +and delighted the heart of the recipient. + +Mona was radiant with joy. Although a pampered favourite of fortune, +she was especially fond of receiving gifts, and she loved every +individual lace confection and warmly thanked the donors. + +"The things are heavenly, girls," she cried; "perfectly darling, every +one of them! I can't thank you enough, but my heart is just +overflowing with honest-to-goodness gratitude. Oh, I _do_ love 'em +so!" and gathering the whole lot in her arms, she rocked back and forth +in ecstasy. "How did you ever come to think of a lace shower, Patty? +I love lace more than anything on earth--except Roger,--and I shall +furnish my house with these beauty things. Oh, you are all so good to +me!" + +Tea was served in the dining-room, and Mona graced the head of the +table, with her bridal attendants on either side of her. The place +cards and favours were all suggestive of the wedding occasion, and, for +a centrepiece, two white doves perched on a basket of white roses. + +Mona was in highest spirits and her eyes glistened with pleasure as the +girls assured her of their friendship and love, and wished her all +sorts of future joy and happiness. + +Patty looked at her a little curiously, and then she realised that the +girl had lived a loveless life, and that the sudden change to the +atmosphere of love and friendship had well-nigh turned her head. + +The guests departed, all but Mona and Elise, who were to stay for +dinner, and the three chums went up to Patty's room to chat. + +"I can't believe these things are really mine," said Mona, as she +collected and arranged her laces, preparatory to having them sent home. +"Why is everybody so good to me?" + +"Oh, come now, Mona," said Elise, laughing, "it isn't such wonderful +goodness. People always give things to brides. Patty, if you don't +give me a shower like this, I won't get married at all." + +"Didn't know you thought of it," returned Patty. "But I'll promise the +shower all right. When shall I invite the girls, Elise?" + +"Oh, I haven't picked out the bridegroom yet, so there's no hurry. +I've got to get used to having my brother married, before I think of it +myself. Mona, we'll soon be sisters. Think of that!" + +"I've often thought of it, Elise. I've never had a sister, and I +shan't know just how to act at first. But I hope----" + +"There now, don't get sentimental! Not but what I feel that way, too, +but you'll get weepy in a minute,--and then it's all up with you!" + +"You're so emotional, Mona," said Patty, smiling at her, "and so +capable, and so generally all-round efficient, you're just the one to +get married. Now, when it comes my turn, I don't want all this +hullabaloo,--I think I shall get a good old rope ladder and elope." + +"What! and not have any showers and music and reception and everything?" + +"Oh, well, I don't know. We'll see when the time comes. But just now, +we must put this affair of yours through. I'm glad there are only a +few more days. I couldn't stand this excitement very long. Come on, +girls, get ready for dinner. The boys will come soon. There's the +bell now. If it's Roger, let Mona go down and see him alone. I'm a +fine gooseberry, don't you think so?" + +"It is Roger," Patty announced, a moment later, as she leaned over the +banister to see, "skip along, Mona, we'll be down in ten minutes." + +"Isn't she funny?" said Elise, as Patty returned to her room. "I never +saw anybody so crazy." + +"She's so excited, she doesn't know whether she's on her head or her +heels," agreed Patty. "Her nature is volatile, and she has no sense of +moderation. She wants everything and all there is of it. That's all." + +"She's a good one for Roger. He's inclined to take things lazily. +Mona will be a sort of spur to him." + +"They're all right," agreed Patty. "It's an ideal match. Come on, +Elise, we've given them enough time alone." + +The girls went down, and then Van Reypen and Kit Cameron appeared. + +Dinner was a gay feast, and the elder Fairfields were as much +interested in the chatter as the young people. + +"Assert yourself, Roger," said Mr. Fairfield. "Don't let these girls +monopolize the conversation, with their feminine fripperies and +millinery muddles." + +"Models, Dad, not muddles," laughed Patty. "But we don't talk about +those much now, they're all finished. Oh, Mona, Genevieve's skirt had +to be all made over----" + +"Oh, no," said her father, "you don't talk about them much! Only all +the time, that's all!" + +"Let 'em," said Roger, magnanimously; "I've learned in the last few +days, that the hang of Genevieve's skirt is a matter of enormous +magnitude." + +"Good!" cried Patty, "Mona has begun training you already. When is +your Bachelor dinner, Roger?" + +"Not till Wednesday night. I put it off so Farnsworth could get here." + +"Oh, is he coming? I didn't know he was East." + +"He wasn't. He's coming on on purpose for the event. I wanted him +especially. At least, Mona did." + +"All the same," said Mona. "Oh, yes, of course I wanted Big Bill here. +We've been friends for years, and he must dance at my wedding." + +It was the first time Patty had seen Van Reypen since her return from +Lakewood, and, during the evening, he drew her away from the others and +leading her to the semi-privacy of a big davenport in the library, he +announced he was going to talk to her. + +"Talk away," said Patty, "but I warn you, I've no time or attention for +anything not connected with wedding bells." + +"But this is connected with wedding bells," and Philip's dark eyes +smiled into her own, "only, not Mona's chimes. Our own." + +"Don't, Phil," said Patty, gently, noting his serious look and tone. +"I've got four days yet till the fifteenth, and,--oh, pshaw, I might as +well tell you now, that I'm not going to be engaged to you." + +"Patty!" and Van Reypen's face went white. "You don't mean that." + +"Yes, I do. I've had so much wedding doings for Mona, I'm sick and +tired of it. I don't want to be engaged myself, or hear of anybody +else being engaged, until I forget all about all this fuss and +feathers." + +"There does seem to be an awful lot of fussy feathers, or whatever you +call it, about the affair, doesn't there?" + +"Yes; and I'm glad to do all I can for Mona. I'm enjoying it, too, but +I don't want any wedding of my own for years and years and years." + +"By that time you'll be a pretty old bird. You ticked off a goodly +number of years just then. But, seriously, Patty, I don't want to +bother you----" + +"Well, you _do_ bother me. Why, Phil, every single chance you get, you +talk about----" + +"About my love for you? I mean to, Patty, but you don't give me a +chance. When I try to tell you of my love and devotion, you break +loose about not wanting to be engaged----" + +"Well, of course I do. A girl doesn't want to hear of love and +devotion from a man she isn't engaged to, does she?" + +"I don't know. I hope so, in this case. That is, I hope I'm the man +you're going to be engaged to, and soon, so I can tell you of my love +and devotion. They're deep, Patty, deep and true, and----" + +"Then why did you treat me so horridly down at Lakewood, just because I +enjoyed having to do with people who had some brains and weren't of the +silly, addle-pated type we meet mostly in our own class of society?" + +"But, Patty, dearest, those Blaneys aren't the real things. They +haven't education and genius,--they only pretend they have." + +"Phil, I think you're horrid. They have so. Why, Sam Blaney wrote a +poem that's the most beautiful thing I ever read!" + +"Let me see it." + +"I can't. I promised I wouldn't. It's--it's sort of sacred----" + +"A sacred poem! Blaney?" + +"No, I don't mean religious. But it's sacred to me,--it's--it's a real +poem, you see." + +"Well, he isn't a real poet, by a long chalk! I did think, Patty, that +when you came home from Lakewood you'd forget all that rubbish bunch." + +"How you do love to call them names! I don't think it's nice of you, +one bit. They're going to be at the wedding, and I hope you'll be +decent to them then, as they're my friends." + +"Oh, I'll be decent to them, but I shan't have any time to waste on +them. I've a matter of my own on hand for that night. A girl I wot of +has promised to give me her answer to a question I asked, and, when the +time comes, I can't help thinking that that girl is going to be kind to +me." + +"I dunno," said Patty. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +MONA'S WEDDING + +It was the night of Mona's wedding. The ballroom of the big hotel +where Mona and her father lived was the scene of the ceremony, and this +was already filled with guests. A temporary altar had been erected at +one end of the long room, and was banked with lilies and white +hydrangeas against a background of tall palms. On either side were +tall candles in cathedral candlesticks. + +To the altar led a temporary aisle, formed by stanchions of old silver +candelabra filled with ascension lilies, and joined by garlands of +white blossoms. + +Promptly on time, the bridal cortege appeared. First walked a vested +choir singing a processional. Then the bridesmaids, in palest pink +tulle frocks, each pair carrying between them a long garland of pink +roses, and wearing wreaths of pink roses on their hair. + +Patty and Daisy Dow were the first pair, and very lovely they looked as +they traversed the flower-hung room. Garlands of pink roses were +everywhere, on the walls, from the doorframes and windows, and +gracefully drooping from the ceiling. Next came Elise, Maid of Honor, +in a gown of slightly deeper pink, and then Mona, her father beside her. + +The bride's gown was of point lace with a very long court train of +embroidered satin. Her veil, of old lace, was an heirloom from her +mother, and was held by a wreath of orange blossoms. Roger's gift of a +diamond pendant was her only jewel. + +After the ceremony, as the bridal party retraced their steps, the +bridesmaids sang softly, "O Perfect Love," and then they took their +places for the reception, the orchestra's strains broke forth, and the +festivities began. Having no mother or near feminine relative, Mona +had asked Nan to receive with her, and very gracefully Nan did the +honours. + +"A beautiful wedding," everybody said, and then there arrived many more +guests who had been asked to the reception only. + +The room became crowded and people wandered into the adjoining rooms +which were also for the use of the guests. + +Patty stood in the line of the bridal party and smiled and chatted with +the stream of people who drifted by, murmuring congratulatory phrases. +Mona was supremely happy and she looked it. Not only was she married +to the man she loved, but the wedding was just such a pageant of beauty +and grandeur as she had wished it to be and no smallest item of the +preparations had gone wrong. She stood by Roger's side, now and then +glancing up into his face with a smile of happiness and contentment. + +The bridegroom looked proud and happy. He hadn't cared for so much +elaboration of entertainment, but Mona had wanted it, and so he +acquiesced in all particulars. + +"When will it be all over and we can get away?" he whispered in her ear. + +"Oh, not for hours," returned his new wife. "There's the feast, and +then the dancing,--I don't want to miss a bit of it! Why, Roger, this +is our wedding party." + +"Yes, I gathered as much! All right, dearest, stay as long as you +like." + +"It is a pretty wedding, isn't it, Roger? You like it, don't you?" +Mona looked suddenly troubled. + +"Of course I do, darling. I like it better than any wedding I ever +attended! I've only seen one thing, though,--that's you. Are there +other people here?" + +"Oh, a few! Three or four hundred, anyway. But where's Bill +Farnsworth? I haven't seen him yet." + +"He came in late. I just caught sight of him a minute ago. Probably +he's trying to get through the crowd to us." + +Which was just what Farnsworth was doing. He had arrived during the +ceremony, and had not yet made his way to the bridal party. + +In fact, he was continually stopped in his progress by acquaintances +who greeted him and held him in conversation. + +But at last he reached the bride. + +"My dear Mona," he cried, "don't look so happy! You dazzle me!" + +Mona beamed more joyously than ever, and Roger warmly welcomed +Farnsworth. + +"Splendid affair," Bill went on. "Looks like Fairyland or some +enchanted garden. I was wafted in on the strains of the orchestra, and +I can scarcely hold myself down on terra firma. But I mustn't +monopolise the prince and princess of this magic realm. I'll try for a +few words, later, but now I must make way for the crowd behind me. Oh, +how do you do, Patty? How are you? You're looking splendid. And +Daisy! Well, it's good to see you again. By the way, Daisy, I saw Lou +Standish last week in Arizona. He sent greetings to you." + +"Oh, did you, Bill? Did you see Lou? Tell me more about him." + +Patty turned aside, her gaiety suddenly gone. What did Bill Farnsworth +mean by treating her like that? A blank stare from him would have +surprised her no more than those few careless words, flung at her +hastily, as if she were the merest acquaintance. She felt as if a +bucket of ice water had been splashed on her head and was still +trickling down her shoulders. + +"Come back, Miss Fairfield," she heard somebody saying gaily, and with +a start she realised she had been staring blankly into vacancy so +stunned was she by Farnsworth's manner. + +It was Sam Blaney who spoke, and as he had taken her hand and still +held it, Patty suddenly recovered her poise and spirits. + +"Time's up, Mr. Blaney," she laughed. "You have had my hand fully +three minutes, and that's the limit. Somebody else may want it." + +"Possession is nine points of the law," said Blaney, still retaining +her hand. + +"But appropriation isn't possession," and Patty gently withdrew her +hand from his detaining fingers. + +"No, possession must be granted. Perhaps some time----" + +"Some time----" Patty assented, smiling, and dismissing Blaney, as more +and more people came along. + +But at last the reception was over, and the bridal party went to their +especial table in the supper room. + +Mona, still resplendent in her heavy court train and bridal laces, cut +her wedding cake. She had never looked more beautiful. The long +reception had tired her a little, but though the animation in her face +was not so vivid, there was a lovely radiant light in her eyes, and her +smile was gentle and sweet. + +"Roger on this side of me," she said, arranging her table, "Dad on +this. The rest of you may sit where you like. I've stopped directing +this party,--or any other. I've conducted the little affair of this +evening to a successful conclusion, and now I resign all generalship +and all planning and arranging to my husband. I'm glad to give up all +responsibilities, and I'm going to lead a life of leisure while Roger +looks after things for me." + +"Good little wife!" said Patty. "I foresee happy days and clear +sailing under such regulations." + +"If you keep it up," laughed Kit Cameron. "You're pretty well tired +out now, Mrs. Farrington, but I'm not sure you're going to stand aside +always, when matters of importance arise." + +"Yes, she will," declared Roger. "You see, I shall rule her with a rod +of iron, and she'll be so terrified of me, that she won't dare cross my +lightest whim." + +They all laughed at this, for Roger had the most easy-going of natures +and had never been known to insist upon his own way. + +Patty sat between Van Reypen and Kit Cameron, and opposite her, across +the table, was Bill Farnsworth, next to Daisy Dow. + +His careless, impersonal greeting still rankled in Patty's mind, but, +though it both hurt and angered her, she had no intention of showing +her feelings. So, she went to the other extreme and was madly gay and +merry, laughing and jesting with everybody and enjoying herself to the +utmost. + +She looked adorable. The pale pink of her bridesmaid costume was most +becoming and her wreath of pink roses, which had slipped a little to +one side, gave her the effect of a Queen Titania. Her eyes were like +two blue stars, and a pink flush showed on her cheeks, while her +scarlet lips smiled or pouted with her changing moods. + +"Did you ever see such colouring as that girl has!" murmured Daisy Dow +to Farnsworth. "I never saw such truly gold hair, or such _blue_ blue +eyes, or such a wonderful complexion." + +Daisy spoke whole-heartedly and generously, for she loved Patty, and +she thought her the prettiest girl she knew. + +"She is pretty," agreed Farnsworth. "Tell me about her,--about all the +crowd. I've been away a month and lots can happen in that time. Is +Patty engaged to Van Reypen?" + +"It isn't announced," said Daisy, "but I think she really is. I +shouldn't be surprised if they announce it tonight, after Mona goes +away." + +"Fine chap, Van Reypen. How about the others? Kit and Elise?" + +"Yes, I think so. Though that isn't announced either. Goodness, Bill, +suppose they all get engaged and married and leave me to be the only +old maid in our set!" + +"No fear of that, Daisy. Unless you prefer it so,--and I hope you +won't." + +"You hope that! Why, Bill, if I thought you hoped it----" + +Just then a commotion arose as Mona left the table. + +"Ready, girls," she cried out. "I'm going to toss my bouquet. Hold +out your hands, all of you." + +Obediently, her bridesmaids stood in a row, with their hands held out. +There was no question of catching the flowers, for Mona after +deliberately looking over the lot, tossed it into Patty's hands. "For +you," she said, and, laughing, ran away. + +"Greatness thrust upon me!" Patty laughed, looking at the great bunch +of white orchids and valley lilies, with its fluttering tendrils and +ends of ribbon. "Must I really live up to this favour? Must I really +be a bride myself before the year is up? Of course, if it is +obligatory----" + +She looked up, half shy, and caught Van Reypen's gaze upon her. She +turned toward Farnsworth, but he was looking another way. Plucking one +stem of lilies of the valley from the bunch she tossed it to Phil, who +caught it, kissed it, and put it in his buttonhole. Farnsworth looked +round just in time to see the act, and smiled at her. + +"Didn't mean anything," said Patty, perversely, and then, pulling out +half a dozen more sprays, she threw them indiscriminately around, to +Cameron, and several of the other ushers who were grouped about. +Farnsworth made a slight effort to catch one, but he didn't really try, +and the flower fell to the floor just beyond his reach. He shrugged +his shoulders slightly, but made no move to pick it up. + +Just then Sam Blaney came along, and Patty offered him a flower, and +herself adjusted it in his buttonhole. + +"I'm crazy to talk to you," he said, "but I didn't belong at your +supper table. Can't we go somewhere and have a bit of a chat?" + +"Yes," agreed Patty, "only not too far away from the bride's crowd. +Mona will be going away soon, and I must see her go, of course. Didn't +she look beautiful?" + +"Not in comparison with somebody else I know." + +"I'm a mind reader, Mr. Blaney, and I perceive you mean me. But you're +mistaken. I'm pretty, in a doll-faced way, but Mona is really +beautiful." + +"You know where beauty is, Miss Fairfield. In the eye of the beholder." + +"Let me see. Yes," after she had looked straight into Blaney's eyes, +"yes, you have beauty in your eyes." + +"The reflection of your face," he replied, serenely. "You are a +flower-face; I never saw any one who so well merited the term. I must +write a sonnet to Flower Face." + +"It can't be any better poetry than the verses you wrote to me at +Lakewood. They are exquisite. Mayn't I show them?" + +"Please not. I fancied you would like to keep them just for yourself. +Stay, I have a better name for you. Flower Soul, that's what you are. +That shall be the theme of my sonnet. I think your soul is made of +white lilac." + +"Why do you people always talk about souls?" asked Patty, gaily. "You +don't mean souls really, you know; you mean--well, what do you mean?" + +"No, we don't mean souls in the theological sense, we mean the higher +understanding and finer sensations." + +"Oh," said Patty, not much enlightened. + +"And you are coming to see us soon, aren't you? Alla said you promised +her you would." + +"Yes, I did. And I will come. Do you have regular meetings, like a +club,--or what?" + +"Yes, like a club, but not on set dates. I'll let you know when the +next one--or, stay, I know now. There will be a gathering at our place +next Tuesday night. Will you attend? May I come and fetch you?" + +"Yes, do, I'd love to be there. Gracious, here comes Mona. I must be +with the others." + +Patty hurried across the room to stand with the bridal attendants, and, +looking very handsome in her travelling costume, Mona bade them +good-bye. There was no mad scramble as the bride and groom departed, +but flower petals and confetti were showered on them, which they +good-naturedly allowed. + +"Come along, my lady," said Roger, at last, as Mona delayed to talk to +the girls. + +And then they went away, and some of the guests stayed to dance a +little longer. + +"Come, Patty," said Van Reypen, as the orchestra struck up, "this is +our dance." + +Patty assented, and they went gliding over the perfect floor. + +Philip said nothing while they danced, and Patty, too, was silent. +This was unusual, for Patty generally chattered as she danced. + +"Tired, dear?" said Philip, at last. + +"A little. It has been a long evening." + +"And a strenuous one. I saw you were getting weary as you stood in +that line of receiving so long. Come, let us sit down." + +Philip guided her to a pleasant settee, screened by tall palms, and +seated himself beside her. + +"Poor little girl," he said, "you're all done up. You must go home +soon, Patty. You can't dance any more tonight." + +"Oh, yes, I can. I'm not really tired. It's more excitement and----" + +"And nerves. I know,--Mona getting married means a lot to you. You're +very intimate friends, aren't you?" + +"Yes; and as she has no mother, Nan and I have tried to do all we could +for her, but she is so capable, we couldn't do much, after all." + +"No; I suppose not. Patty, why did she give you her bouquet? I +thought brides threw them, and any one caught them that could." + +"They do, usually." + +"Well, then, why didn't Mona?" + +"Oh, because,--oh, I don't know." + +"You do know, Patty. Was it because she thinks you will be the next +bride of your set? Because she thinks you will marry--me?" + +Phil's eyes were radiant, and his voice trembled as he whispered, "And +will you, dear? Will you, my little Patty? You promised, you know, to +tell me tonight. So, tell me,--and tell me,--yes." + +Patty sat up very straight and looked at him. "Philip," she said, and +her voice was serious; "if I have to decide now, it will be No. I did +say I'd tell you tonight, and I meant to, but I'm all tired and +bothered, and if I'm not careful, I shall cry! So, if you hold me to +my promise, I'll answer you now, but it will be No. I can't say +Yes,--tonight." + +"Then don't say anything. I'll wait, dearest. Oh, Patty, of course, +I'll wait. You are exhausted and nervous and you want to rest. Don't +answer me now, dear, for I don't want that answer you spoke of! Let's +wait a week or so longer, and then make up our mind. Shall us?" + +"Yes, Phil, and thank you for being so good to me." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE CITY STUDIO + +"I'm quite anxious to see this paragon of a poet," said Nan, as she sat +in Patty's room one evening. + +Patty was dressing for the party at the Blaneys', and Sam was coming to +take her. + +"You'll like him, Nan, you can't help it. He is most interesting,--not +a bit like other men. And they have such delightful people at their +parties. They do big things, you know,--really big." + +"Such as what?" + +"Oh, they sing, and play on unusual instruments,--zitherns and +lutes----" + +"That doesn't sound so awfully wonderful." + +"No; I suppose not. But it's the _way_ they do it,--and the--the +atmosphere, you know, and the general exalted effect----" + +"The what?" + +"Oh, I don't know how to express it so you'll understand,--but I like +it all. It's on a higher plane than the usual evening party." + +"Don't they dance?" + +"Yes, some. But more Solo dances, and Interpretative ones. I'm going +to do a splendid dance for them, soon. Mr. Blaney is making it up for +me." + +"Can I see it?" + +"I guess so. I think they mean to have a large audience for that +occasion." + +"What _are_ you doing, Patty? Are you going to wear your hair like +that?" + +"Yes, Sam likes it so." + +"But, my gracious goodness, you look like a crazy person!" + +"Oh, not so bad as that." + +Patty spoke carelessly, but her colour heightened a little. She was +sitting at her toilet mirror, while Nan lounged in an easy chair, near +by. Patty's golden hair was drawn smoothly down from a central part, +and tightly confined at the back of her neck, where it was rolled and +twisted into an immense knot, hard and round, that was exceedingly +unbecoming. + +"It's awful!" declared Nan, "I never saw you look really plain before." + +"It's all right," and Patty tossed her head. "That fluffy, curly +business is a sign of a light-weight brain,--this arrangement is far +more intellectual." + +"And is that your gown!" Nan fairly gasped, as Patty took from her +wardrobe a strange-looking affair of mulberry-coloured woolen goods. + +"Yes, it's really stunning, Nan. I had it made by Alla Blaney's +dressmaker, and it's a triumph." + +"Looks to me as if it had been made by a dressmaker in the house." + +"Not much! It's a marvel of line and type. Wait till it's all on." + +Patty adjusted the shapeless garment, which hung in loose folds from +her shoulders, but which, with its muddy hue and clumsy drapery, was +decidedly unattractive. Over it she put on a sort of tunic of green +and orange damask, edged with glittering sequins. + +"Oh," cried Nan, relieved, "I didn't know it was a fancy dress affair." + +"It isn't," returned Patty. "They all wear this sort of clothes." + +"They _do_? Are they supposed to be brainy?--Blaney, I mean!" + +"Don't be unpleasant, Nancy, it doesn't suit you. And, honestly, I +like these people, and I like to be with them. Now, it would be silly +of me to wear my usual dance frocks where everybody dresses quite +differently. So, don't criticise unkindly, will you?" + +"Of course not, you goosie. But it seems a shame when you look so +pretty in your own clothes, to wear these hideous duds." + +"Thank you for the compliment on the side, but the Cosmic Centre people +think I look rather well in these things. I haven't shown them this +gown yet, but I know they'll love it." + +"It's lucky for you your father isn't at home! He'd make you take it +right straight off." + +"Oh, no, he wouldn't, Nancy-lady. I'm not a little girl any more, to +be scolded and sent to bed. There, I'm ready." + +Patty had added a long string of queer-looking beads, terminating in a +huge pendant of Oriental effect. It was composed of coloured stones +set in dingy metalwork. + +"Where did you get that horror? Gift from the Cosmickers?" + +"Funny, aren't you? No, I bought it myself, out of my hard-saved +income. It's great! I found it at Ossilovi's. He says there isn't +another like it out of Asia." + +"I should hope not! Though I doubt if it ever saw Asia." + +"Nan, you're positively unbearable! One more speech of that sort, and +I'll be right down mad at you." + +"Forgive me, Patty, I did let my feelings run away with me. It's all +right for you to do these things if you want to, but it doesn't seem +like you,--and it jars, somehow." + +They went downstairs, and soon Sam Blaney came to take Patty away. + +Nan greeted him very pleasantly, but inspected him very carefully. He +was not in evening dress, their coterie did not approve of anything so +conventional. This was against him in Nan's eyes, for she was a +stickler for the formalities. But as he threw back his topcoat, and +she saw his voluminous soft silk tie of magenta with vermilion dots, +his low rolling collar, and his longish mane of hair, she felt an +instinctive dislike to the man. Her sense of justice, however, made +her reserve judgment until she knew more of him, and she invited him to +tarry a few moments. + +Blaney sat down, gracefully enough, and chatted casually, but Patty +realised that Nan was looking him over and resented it. And, somehow, +Blaney didn't appear to advantage in the Fairfield drawing-room, as he +did in his own surroundings. His attitude, while polite, was the least +bit careless, and his courtesy was indolent rather than alert. In +fact, he conducted himself as an old friend might have done, but in a +way which was not permissible in a stranger. + +Nan led the conversation to the recent work of some comparatively new +and very worthwhile poets. She asked Blaney his opinion of a certain +poem. + +"Oh, that," and the man hesitated, "well, you see,--I--ah,--that is, +I'm reserving my opinion as to that man's work,--yes, reserving my +opinion." + +"And a good idea, too," agreed Nan. "One shouldn't judge, hastily. +But you've doubtless made up your mind regarding this poet," and she +picked up a book from the table, containing the poems of another modern +and much discussed writer. + +"Oh, yes," said Blaney, "oh, yes, of course. But, if you'll excuse me, +Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not announce my views. You see, I--er--that +is,--I might be quoted wrongly,--misquoted, you know, and it would +militate against my influence,--yes,--militate against my standing. +One must be so careful." + +"Indeed you are right," Nan said, smiling at him; "a poet yourself, you +must be careful of what you say about others." + +"Yes, just that. How quickly you understand." + +Patty and her escort went away, and after a short silence, Blaney said, +"You didn't show Mrs. Fairfield the verses I wrote for you, did you?" + +"No," said Patty, "I promised you I wouldn't." + +"And I didn't mean to doubt your word, but I thought you might think +that your mother--or stepmother, didn't count." + +"No, I haven't shown them to any one. But I wish you weren't so +sensitive about your beautiful work." + +"I wish so, too," and Blaney sighed. "But it's the penalty of----" + +"Of genius, why not say it?" + +"Yes, why not say it? I'm glad you recognise the beauty of truth +spoken in defiance of conventional modesty." + +"Oh, yes, I do think if one is talented, it is silly to deny it." + +"It is. That is why our people are so frankly sane and honest about +their own achievements----" + +"And yet, you're so modest,--I mayn't show your verses!" + +"That's a different matter. You know those were for your eyes alone." + +"I know. I will keep them for myself." + + +The Studio of the Blaneys in the city was much like the one Patty had +seen at Lakewood, only a little more elaborately bizarre. The Moorish +lamps were bigger and dustier: the thick brocade draperies a little +more faded and tattered; the furniture a little more gilded and wobbly. + +Alla came gliding to greet Patty, and gave her an enthusiastic welcome. + +"You darling!" she cried, "you _very_ darling! Look at her, everybody! +Look! Gloat over this bit of perfect perfection! Did you ever _see_ +anything so wonderful?" + +Alla had led Patty to the middle of the room, and she now turned her +round and round, like a dressmaker exhibiting a model. + +Patty felt no embarrassment, for the people all about accepted the +exhibition as a matter of course, and gazed at her in smiling +approbation. Moreover, all the guests were dressed as unconventionally +as Patty, and even more so. There were more queer costumes than she +had seen at the Lakewood party, more weird effects of hairdressing and +more eccentric posing and posturing. The New York branch of these +Bohemians were evidently farther advanced in their cult than the others +she had seen. + +A little bewildered, Patty allowed herself to be ensconced on a crimson +and gold Davenport, and listened to a rattle of conversation that was +partly intelligible, and partly, it seemed to her, absolute nonsense. + +"I am exploiting this gem," Alla announced, indicating Patty herself as +the "gem." "She hasn't quite found herself yet,--but she will soon +command the range of the whole emotional spectrum! She is a wonder! +Her soul is stuffed to bursting with dynamic force! We must train her, +educate her, show her, gently guide her dancing feet in the paths of +beauty,--in the star-strewn paths of cosmic beauty." + +"We will!" shouted a dozen voices. "What can she do?" + +"Dance," replied Alla. "But such dancing! She is a will-o'-the-wisp, +a pixie, a thistledown, a butterfly!" + +"All those and more," said Sam Blaney. "She is a velvet angel, a +rose-coloured leaf in the wind, a fluttering scarf end." + +"What imagery!" murmured somebody, and some one else said, +"Inspiration!" in an awed tone. + +"And now to work," urged Alla. "We must plan for our holiday party. +Shall we have it here?" + +"Here, of course," she was answered. + +"But others of you have larger homes, more pretentious dwellings----" + +"But not the atmosphere. This Studio,--" it was a large-eyed young +musician talking, "this hallowed room has more elevating +tendency,--more inspiring atmosphere than any other. Let us meet here +by all means, and let us have such a program--such a feast of glories +as never before." + +Then another man spoke. He was a tall young chap, with a good-natured +smile, and Patty liked his face. + +"I am an artist," he announced, "and a rattling good artist. I haven't +yet achieved my ultimate recognition, but it will come,--it must come. +I, therefore, I will undertake the task,--the ineffably joyous task of +designing,--of inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield." + +"Do, Grantham," cried Blaney. "No one could do it better. Dream out a +scheme, a picture plan that will be worthy of our little Terpsichore. +A dance that shall be a whirlwind of violets,--a tornado of lilting +veils." + +"Veils!" cried Grantham, "that's the keynote! A Dance of the Year,--a +mad gyration of Time,--of Time, himself, translated into +thistledown,--into scented thistledown." + +"Bravo!" "Glorious!" + +Other praises were shouted, and the place was like a pandemonium. +Patty began to realise the Bohemians were a boisterous lot. She +clapped her hands over her ears in smiling dismay. + +"Quiet!" said Blaney, in his low, exquisite tones, and in an instant +the room was almost silent. + +Committees were appointed to take charge of the Christmas celebration, +and then the program began. + +It was long, and, to Patty, a bit uninteresting. She tried hard to +understand the queer things they read or recited, but it seemed to her +a continuous repetition of sound without sense. She was willing to +admit her own stupidity, and noting the rapt expressions on the faces +round her, she concluded the lack was in herself. The music, too, +though strange and eccentric, didn't seem to her as worth while as it +had done before, though it was decidedly similar. Blaney read some of +his poems, to a zithern accompaniment, but they weren't very +impressive, and not nearly so poetic as the lines he had written for +her. She wondered if she had really inspired him to greater heights of +song than he could attain without her influence. + +He had assured her of this, and she began to think it might be so. + +The supper followed the program. This was not enjoyed by Patty. +Usually, after a dance or concert, she was hungry for some light +refreshment, but in this incense-laden, smoke-heavy atmosphere, she +felt no desire to eat, and had she done so, she could not have relished +the viands. For they were of highly-spiced and foreign-flavoured +sorts, and their principal ingredients were smoked fish, pungent +sauces, and strong cheese, all of which Patty detested. Moreover, the +service was far from dainty. The heavy china, thick glass, and +battered, unreal silver detracted still further from the appetising +effects of the feast. + +But everybody was so genuinely distressed at Patty's lack of appetite +and made such to-do about it, that she forced herself to eat, and even +essayed a cup of their muddy, syrupy coffee. + +And she enjoyed herself. She absorbed much of their jargon and stored +it up in her brain for future use. She unconsciously adapted herself +to their mannerisms and whimsical enthusiasm, and when she went home +everybody praised her and declared her one of them and the best of them. + +"By far the best," said Blaney, as he tucked her into the Fairfield +limousine which, with an accompanying maid, had been sent for her. +"And may I call soon, and reiterate this,--in better and longer lines?" + +"Yes, do," said Patty. "I'd love to have you." + +Nan was waiting up for her. + +"Well, I've seen your new friend?" she said, as Patty flung off her +wrap and stood for a moment by the library table. + +"Yep," said Patty, smiling, "and sumpum tells me, Nan, that you're +going to be disagreeable or disapproving or disappointed or +dis--something or other about him. And I beg of you to don't,--at +least until I get a bite of supper. I couldn't eat their old +delicatessen shop stuff, and I want a decent sandwich and a glass of +milk,--so I do." + +"Why, you poor child! I'll get it for you. Cook has gone to bed, but +I'll forage in the pantry." + +"Do, that's a fairy stepmother. Bring some fruit, too, please." + +Patty went up to her room, and when Nan appeared, shortly, with a most +attractive supper tray, she was in kimono and cap, waiting for it. + +"My, but this is good! I tell you, Nan, those Cosmickers know how to +think, but they don't know a thing about foods." + +"Your Blaney looks well nourished. But, he didn't strike me as very +erudite. Why, Patty, he didn't know who those poets _were_, I asked +him about!" + +"Oh, yes, he did. He didn't want to discuss 'em, that's all." + +"Nonsense! I saw his expression. He didn't know them, I tell you. He +has never read a word of them." + +"Well, he doesn't have to. He can write his own poems." + +"Does he? Is he a poet, really?" + +"Yes, Nan, he is. And he's all right, and Alla is, too. I don't like +all their associate souls, but I like a lot of them, and you would too, +if you saw them in their proper setting. Anyhow, their old symposium +has tired my little brain all up, and with many thanks for your kind +charity,--what there was of it--I'll let you go, if you really feel you +must." + +Nan laughed, for there was deep good feeling between these two, then +she kissed Patty good night and went off with the empty tray. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AN ODD DINNER PARTY + +A few nights later, Patty invited the two Blaneys to dinner. Nan +wanted to meet Alla, and Mr. Fairfield, too, expressed a desire to see +these new friends of Patty's. + +"Me and the two companies is three," said Patty, making up her party, +"and you and Dad are five. Who'd make a good sixth?" + +"Only six?" asked Nan. "Why not a big dinner?" + +"No; I don't think so. You see, the Blaneys don't fit in with +everybody, and I want them to have a good time." + +"Oh, I mean ask their own sort of people." + +Patty looked up, quickly. "Now, Nan, don't be unpleasant. You're +implying that their kind of people are not as nice as our kind, and +that hurts my feelinks, and you know it. I want you wid me on +this,--not agin me." + +"I am, Patty. I don't mean to be horrid. Well, have six, if you like. +Who else?" + +"Chick Channing, I think. He's so adaptable and all-round nice with +everybody. Phil hates the Blaneys, and----" + +"Mr. Farnsworth?" + +"I don't think he'd like them, either. And,--too,--Bill isn't very +chummy with me lately." + +"Why not?" + +"Dunno." + +"Did you quarrel?" + +"Now, Nan, don't ask such leading questions. We didn't exactly +quarrel, and yet again, I suppose we did quarrel,--at least, I did,--he +didn't. I sort of snubbed him, and he took it more seriously than I +meant, if you call that a quarrel. But anyway, he wouldn't stand for +the Blaney crowd, I'm sure of that." + +"All right, ask Chick. As you say, he'll chum with anybody. He's a +splendid dinner guest." + +Channing accepted the invitation with pleasure, and the party was made +up. + +"I don't want anything eccentric or foolish," Patty said to Nan, +regarding the appointments, "but I do want it aesthetic and artistic." + +"You can arrange it as you like, dear," Nan said, kindly, and Patty did. + +The dining-room was dimly lighted, and the table decoration consisted +of an enormous bronze placque, which Patty took down from the hall +wall. This held a small amount of water, and on it floated three +pansies. The table candles wore deep purple shades, and Nan privately +thought the whole effect dull and gloomy enough, but she said no word +of criticism. + +Patty appeared, in a flowing, robe-like costume of pale violet chiffon, +and wore pansies in her hair over each ear. + +"Well!" exclaimed her father, as he saw her, "I thought you could wear +any colour, but take my advice, Kiddie, and never brave lavender again! +It makes you look old and sallow." + +"Nothing of the sort!" denied Patty. "You're unaccustomed to seeing me +in it, that's all." + +Then Channing came, and Patty had to bear his disapproving glances. + +"You're an angel in anything," he said, "but you're least angelic in +that mawkish mauve. You look like a member of the Art Students' Union." + +Patty didn't mind their chaff, and only smiled good-naturedly, and then +the Blaneys came. + +Patty was used to their aesthetic effects, but the others weren't, and +though the greetings were cordial and courteous, the elder Fairfields +needed a moment to recover their poise. But Chick Channing was always +to be depended upon, and he plunged into gay conversation that broke +the ice and did away with all self-consciousness. + +Nor was it surprising that the appearance of the brother and sister +should strike an observer as startling. Alla was swathed in +yellowish-brown stuff. Her gown seemed to have no shape or design, +just draperies that wrapped her about in mummy fashion. Long sleeves +came well down over her hands, a high collar rose over her ears, and +the long skirt twined itself round her feet, till she could scarcely +walk. The material was a woolly serge, and no bit of colour or +trimming relieved the severity. She wore no ornament save a hideous +necklace of great, ugly stones, that fell down as far as her knees, and +carried a dilapidated old fan of peacock feathers. Patty had never +seen her look so unattractive, for even in her eccentric garb, she was +usually picturesque. But in this brown thing she was utterly without +charm. + +Sam Blaney, too, looked ill-dressed and out of place. He had bowed to +convention to the extent of wearing evening clothes, but they were not +of correct cut, and did not fit well, and he wore an absurd tie of soft +silk, of his favourite light green hue, which gave him the appearance +of a caricature. + +However, the two were most affable and agreeable, and their soft, low +voices murmured pleasantries suitable to the occasion. + +At dinner the conversation turned on the approaching Christmas +celebration of the Cosmic Centre. + +"What a funny name," said Channing. "Sounds like a small village in +New England." + +"So it does," returned Sam Blaney, taking the jest in good part. "But +we call our club that modest little name because we think ourselves the +centre of the Universe." + +"I always admire self-respect," said Mr. Fairfield, smiling; "I hold +that a man or a club with full appreciation of self-merit can't go far +wrong." + +"And Cosmic Centre is so very expressive," said Channing. "I don't see +how you could have well found anything more inclusive." + +"Mrs. Fairfield calls you the Cosmickers," put in Patty, smiling at Nan. + +"And a very good name," agreed Alla. "Cosmickers sounds a bit like +picknickers, and often that's what we are." + +"What is your real end and aim?" asked Mr. Fairfield, seriously. + +"Advancement of beauty and appreciation of art," replied Alla, looking +thoughtful and a little affected. + +"Interpretation of beauty," amended her brother. "We endeavour to +imbue our souls with the highest and best emotions and to discard and +disown all that is merely conventional and formal in life or in +thought." + +"Meaning the outward and ordinary signs of clothes and manners?" said +Chick. + +Patty detected the chaffing note in his voice, but his tone was grave +and respectful, and after a quick glance at him, Blaney replied, "Yes, +and the inner graces of poesy and music of the soul." + +"In fact, you use your soul instead of your mind or brain," Chick +continued, and now Patty gave him an imploring glance, meant to beg him +not to guy the Cosmic principles. + +But Alla had no thought of Chick's insincerity. "That is it," she +said. "We use our souls for everything, even physical processes. One +of our geniuses is inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield. Appreciating +her genius for dancing, he is making a masterpiece in which she can +dance with her soul----" + +"Put her whole sole in her dancing," said Chick, with enough emphasis +to point his jest. + +"Yes," went on Alla, unmoved, though Mr. Fairfield nearly choked as he +watched her intent face, "just that. Unless one does use one's soul it +becomes rusted and useless." + +Her face was drawn with intensity, her lifted hand shook a long slender +forefinger at Chick, and that urbane young man had just about all he +could do to preserve his gravity. + +But he went calmly on. "Do you know," he said, "I sometimes think my +soul is a bit rusty." + +"Very likely," said Sam Blaney, who didn't like to be long out of the +conversation. "Suppose you join our coterie and get the rust removed. +Nor am I joking, Mr. Channing. Many there be who laugh at our +earnestness, but only because of their own ignorance." + +"I dare say that is so," put in Fred Fairfield, in sincere tones; +"that's why I'm specially interested in knowing just what you do to +tinker up a rusty soul. Pardon my rude diction, but I am not aesthetic +myself. However, I am deeply interested." + +"I feel sure you are, Mr. Fairfield," and Alla gave him a soulful +glance; "and though it is not easy I will try to give you a hint of our +methods." + +"Let me tell him, Alla," insisted Sam, and he waved her to silence with +a gesture of his long, white hand. "You see, sir, it is not often we +meet such a receptive nature as you kindly show, and I am but too glad +to gratify your most justifiable curiosity and Interest." + +"Me, too," cried Chick. "Pray don't leave me out. I truly want to +know what will clean the rust off my soul." + +Again Patty besought him by urgent glances to beware of offending her +guests, but Chick shook his head, indicating there was no danger. Nor +was there. Though Mr. Fairfield and Channing both were consumed with +merriment at the idea of their rusty souls, the Blaneys were quite in +earnest and proceeded to dilate on their favourite subjects. + +"Once under the influence of our atmosphere and our beliefs," avowed +Blaney, "your soul expands and flowers out like a star!" + +"Oh, how beautiful!" breathed Chick, with such a rapt expression, that +Patty had to put up her napkin quickly to hide her smile. + +"Yes," said Alla, "my brother says wonderful things. His own soul is +ineffably sweet." + +"It must be!" and Chick looked at Blaney with an adoring gaze that +nearly sent Nan into convulsions. + +Patty was scared, for if Chick kept this up the Blaneys must realise +his intent and would be mortally offended. + +"How near Christmas is getting," she interrupted, blithely, determined +to change the subject. "Have you all your gifts ready, Alla?" + +"Patty," said Chick, reprovingly, "how can you introduce commonplace +subjects just now? I'm learning to remove rust stains from my dingy +old soul. By the way, how would it do to scour one's soul with the +sands of time?" + +"Beautiful!" cried Sam. "Wonderful! What imagery! I wish I had +said that!" + +"You may, as often as you like," granted Chick, politely. "I'll be +proud if you'll accept it. Among unrusted souls, there should be no +give and take. My thoughts are yours. I am honoured." + +"You are a delight," said Alla, calmly, looking at Chick, who blushed +at this unexpected compliment. "I have never met any one so quickly +responsive, so immediately _simpatica_." + +"Except me," cried Patty. "You said I was that. Simp--what--d'ye call +it? Now there are two of us, Chick." + +"We are all _simpatica_," said Nan, who, like Patty, began to fear +Chick's chaff would yet offend the guests. And then, she determinedly +led the conversation away from soulful matters and talked of current +events and casual subjects that had no aesthetic significance. + +But it was difficult to keep the Blaneys off their favourite themes and +hard to quell the fun of the irrepressible Chick. + +And so, Nan was rather relieved when at a surprisingly early hour the +two aesthetes took their leave. + +"Oh, Piccalilli blossoms!" cried Chick, when they were fairly out of +hearing, "did you ever see anything like that! Where did you unearth +them, Patty? The lady one, especially! Wow, but she's a five-reel +scream!" + +"Stop that, Chick; I think you're real mean! You made me enough +trouble at the dinner table, and you needn't make fun of my friends +behind their backs." + +"But Patty, such backs! I mean, such friends! Oh, I didn't think I +could restrain my laughter till they went away from here,--but I +managed to do so. Souls! Rusty souls! Wowly-wow-wow!" + +"Chick, stop it. I tell you, I won't have it!" + +"I'll stop in a minute, Patty. Let me laugh a minute, or I'll explode. +I say, Mrs. Fairfield, did you ever see anything like the lady's robe! +I don't often notice costumes of the fair sex, but that was a hummer +from Humville." + +"Don't, Chick," said Nan, noticing Patty's quivering lip; "they're +Patty's friends, and I'd rather you wouldn't ridicule them." + +"I'd rather not myself, honest, Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not, but +what can you do when they come running up, begging to be ridiculed?" + +"They didn't," declared Patty. "Nobody would have thought of +ridiculing them, Chick, if you hadn't. They talked a lot of wisdom +that you couldn't assimilate, and you're envious of their superior +minds, that's what ails you." + +"Patty, Patty," said her father, laughing outright at this, "my dear +child, are you really so infatuated with those people that you believe +what you're saying?" + +"Of course, I am. I don't expect you to understand them, Father, +you're older, and belong to another generation." + +"Good gracious, Patty," cried Nan, gasping, "do you think your father +is too old to understand that drivel?" + +"I do," said Patty, calmly, "and you are too, Nan. It takes the modern +viewpoint, the young soulsight to apprehend the beauty of vision, the +vast--vast----" + +"Horizon," suggested Chick, kindly. + +"Yes, horizon," said Patty; "how did you know, Chick?" + +"Oh, horizons are always vast. Deeps are vasty. Nothing much else is +vast, except once in a while a distance. So I felt safe in chancing +the horizon." + +"Oh, Chick, you are the funniest thing!" said Nan, who was shaking with +laughter at Patty's chagrin. "But," and her voice suddenly became +serious, "I won't stand for your nonsense. I range myself on Patty's +side. These people were our guests. I forbid any slighting allusions +to them. Their ways may not be our ways, but if they are Patty's +friends they are my friends." + +The warm, sincere ring of Nan's voice went to Patty's heart, and she +smiled again. + +"Good for you, you old trump!" she exclaimed, looking gratefully at +Nan. "Now, Dad, you come over, and I can manage Chick, myself." + +Patty was in gay good humour again, and she perched on the arm of her +father's chair, as she proceeded to win him over. + +"You know I can't resist your blandishments, my angel child," he said, +as Patty caressed his handsome iron-grey hair, "but I must admit your +Cosmickers have no message for me." + +"That's just it," cried Patty, triumphantly. "I knew it! They have no +message for you, because you don't understand their language, +you're--Dad, I hate to say it,--but, you're too old!" + +And with a kiss on his frowning forehead, Patty ran to the piano, and +began to play "Silver Threads Among the Gold," to a rag-time +improvisation of her own. + +"Oh, Pattibelle," cried Chick, "what would your vast-horizoned friends +say if they could hear you playing ragtime! I'm sure a lemon-coloured +nocturne or a flaming fugue would be nearer their idea of melody." + +"Play us a fox-trot, Nan," said Patty, jumping up, and in another +minute, as Nan obligingly acquiesced, Patty and Chick were dancing +gaily up and down the room. + +"Forgive me, Patty," said Chick, as they danced out into the hall, "I +wouldn't offend you or your friends for worlds, but they--well, they +struck me funny, you see." + +"They're not funny, Chick. They're the real thing. You can't see it, +I know, and neither can Dad or Nan, but I do." + +"All right, Patty. Go into it if you like. I don't believe it will +hurt you. And like the measles, the harder you have it, the sooner +you'll get over it, and you'll never have it but once. By the way, +they invited me to their Christmas racket,--and I'm going!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ELISE AND PATTY + +"I think you're just as mean as you can be, Patty Fairfield! You won't +come to my tree and you won't have the House Sale, and you won't do a +thing anybody wants you to! I never saw such a disagreeable old thing +as you are!" + +"Why, Elise, you dear little, sweet, 'bused child! Am I as bad as all +that? You do su'prise me! Well, well, I must mend my ways. I've +always had a reputation for good nature, but it seems to be slipping +awa' Jean, like snow in the thaw, Jean,--as the song book says. Now, +my friend and pardner, here's my ultimatum. But smile on me, first, or +I can't talk to you at all. You look like a thunder cloud,--a very +pretty thunder cloud, to be sure,--but still, lowering and threatening. +Brace up, idol of my heart,--shine out, little face, sunning over with +raven black curls,--I seem to be poetically inclined, don't I?" + +Elise laughed in spite of herself. The two girls had been discussing +plans, and as Patty stuck to her determination to spend Christmas Eve +at the Blaneys', Elise was angry, because she was to have her own +Christmas tree that night, and, of course, wanted Patty with her. + +They were in the Farringtons' library. It was nearly dusk, and Patty +was just about to get her hat to go home, when they began the +controversy afresh. + +"I can't help laughing, because you're so silly, but I'm angry at you +all the same," Elise averred, with a shake of her dark, curly head. +"You're so wrapped up in the Blaneys and their idiotic old crowd, that +you have no time or attention for your old friends." + +"It does seem so," mused Patty; "of course, it might be, because the +idiotic crowd are nice and pleasant to me, while my old friends, one of +them, at least, is as cross as a bear with a bumped head." + +"Well, you're enough to make me cross. Here I'm going to have a big +Christmas tree, and a lovely Christmas party, and you won't come to it. +That makes me cross, but to have you throw me over for those ridiculous +Blaneys makes me crosser yet." + +"You can't get much crosser, you're about at the limit." + +"No, I'm not, either. It makes me still crosser that you won't have +the House Sale." + +"Oh, Elise, it's such a nuisance! Turn the whole place upside down and +inside out, for a few dollars! Let's get the money by subscription. +Everybody would be glad to give something for the girls' library." + +"No, they won't. Everybody has been asked for money for charity all +winter, and they're tired of it. But a novel sale would bring in a +lot." + +Patty and Elise were greatly interested in getting a library for the +working girls' club, which they helped support. Patty was usually most +enthusiastic and energetic in furnishing any project for helping this +work along, and Elise was greatly surprised at her present +unwillingness to hold a sale they had been considering. + +"And it's only because you're crazy over that Cosmic Club that you +can't bother with the things that used to interest you. Phil Van +Reypen thinks they're a horrid lot, and so does Chick Channing, and I +do, too." + +"You forget that it was down at your house in Lakewood that I first met +them." + +"No, I don't; but that's no reason you should go over to them so +entirely, and forsake all of your old set. I never liked the Blaneys; +I only wanted you to meet them, to see how queer and eccentric they +were. But I never supposed you'd join their ranks, and become so +infatuated with Sam Blaney----" + +"I'm not infatuated with Sam Blaney!" + +"You are so! You think he's a genius and a poet and a little tin god +on wheels!" + +"Well, all right, Elise, then I do think so. And I've got a right to +think so, if I want to. Now, listen, and stop your foolishness. I +said I'd give you my decision, and this is it. I'll come round here +Christmas Eve after the party at the Blaneys'. I've got to go to that, +for I'm going to dance, and I'm going to be in some 'Living Pictures,' +but I can get away by eleven, or soon after, and that will be in time +for your dance." + +"Well, half a loaf is better than no bread,--I'll have the tree late, +then. After you get here." + +"Oh, no, don't put off your tree! I might not be able to get here much +before midnight." + +"Yes, you will. You've promised me for eleven, and you always keep a +promise,--I know that. I'll send for you, and you must come." + +"All right, I will. Truly, Elise, I want to be at the tree here,--but +I couldn't help the two engagements clashing. Now, also, to show you +that I haven't lost interest in the Girls' Club, I'll have the House +Sale after the holidays are over." + +"Oh, will you, Patty? You're a dear old thing!" + +"And amn't I mean and horrid, and a deserter?" + +"Well, you're a bit of a deserter, and I suppose you'll rush off to a +Cosmic meeting the night of the Sale, and leave me to run it!" + +"_You're_ mean, now, Elise. You know I wouldn't do such a +thing,--unless----" + +"Unless what?" + +"Unless it happened to be on a night of a special meeting of the Cosmic +Centre. In that case, I'd have to go for a little while." + +Just then Van Reypen came in. + +"You here, Patty?" he said. "I've been looking you up. How are you, +Elise? What are you girls confabbing about?" + +"I'm scolding Patty for her desertion of us and her infatuation for +those Blaney people." + +"Confound those Blaney people! I wish they were in Timbuctoo!" + +"Why, Philip, how unkind!" and Patty smiled at him in an exasperating +way. "You _know_ you admire Sam Blaney immensely,--only you're jealous +of him." + +"Admire him! Jealous of him!" Van Reypen fairly glowered with +indignation. "That nincompoop! with long hair and a green neck-tie! +He's a half-witted farmer!" + +Patty's laugh rang out. "Oh, Phil," she cried, "don't be a silly, +yourself! His worst enemy couldn't call Sam a farmer! And I can +assure you, he's far from half-witted." + +"Yes, far less than half," growled Van Reypen. "Oh, Patty, drop 'em, +cut 'em out, give 'em the go-by, won't you?" + +"Thank you, no. I still reserve the right to choose my friends, and I +confess to a liking for those who are kindly disposed toward me." + +"Oh, I'm kindly disposed toward _you_, very much so," declared Phil, +"but your new friends are not included in my kindly disposition." + +"So I gathered," and Patty laughed again. "But, do you know, they feel +that they can struggle along without your admiration and affection." + +"Don't be sarcastic, Patty," and Van Reypen smiled at the haughty +little face turned toward his. + +"No, I won't, Phil. I hate it. And I'm sorry I let myself go like +that. But you do stir me up,--you and Elise." + +"Glad of it," said Elise, "you ought to be stirred up once in a while. +But don't go, Patty. Here comes Daisy,--and, well, if it isn't Bill +Farnsworth with her! I didn't know he was in town. He's in and out so +much, it's hard to keep track of him. Come in, Daisy, take off your +furs. Glad to see you, Bill. Here's Patty Fairfield." + +"So I see," laughed Farnsworth, as he held out his hand. "Going? Why +go yet? Hello, Van Reypen." + +"Hello, Bill. Thought you were on your way to or from Arizona. How do +you know where to vote, anyhow?" + +"Guess at it. But I'm not going to live on the road so much as +formerly. I've cleaned things up a bit, and shall sort of settle in +New York from now on." + +"Good! Glad to give you the freedom of our city. And you, Daisy? Are +you going to live East, also?" + +"Haven't decided yet," and Daisy glanced coquettishly at Farnsworth. +"Maybe so." + +"Don't you go yet, Patty," begged Elise. "Stay a while longer, and +we'll have tea,--chocolate, too, which I know you like better." + +"'Course I'll stay," said Patty; "your chocolate is always the best +ever. Order it up. What beautiful violets, Daisy." + +"Yes, Bill bought them for me as we passed a florist's shop. I adore +violets." + +"What girl doesn't?" laughed Patty. "At least she adores having them +bought for her." + +"I don't," said Elise. "I'd rather have one rose than all the violets +that ever bloomed in the spring, tra-la." + +"What's your favourite flower, Patty?" asked Farnsworth. + +"Sunflowers, but nobody ever sends me any. I just get old orchids and +things." + +"Poor kiddy! I wish I could get a sunflower or two for you. But I +fancy, at this season of the year, they're about as scarce as blue +roses." + +"'It is but an idle quest, Roses red and white are best,'" + +sang Patty, with a smile at Big Bill. + +"Do you know that?" he asked, interestedly. "I never heard you sing +it." + +"Oh, it's one of her best songs," cried Elise; "sing it now, +Patty,--you'll have time before the chocolate comes." + +"Too much bother," said Patty; "we'd have to go in the music room and +all. I'll sing it for you some other time, Little Billee." + +"All right," he responded, carelessly, and again Patty felt a slight +chagrin that he cared so little about the matter. + +Other people drifted in, as the young folks were apt to do at tea time, +and then the chocolate arrived, and Patty found herself provided with a +welcome cup of her favourite beverage. + +It was Farnsworth who brought it to her, and he deliberately took a +seat at her side, a seat that Van Reypen had just vacated. + +"You can't sit there," said Patty, quickly; "Phil will be back in a +minute." + +"Will he?" said Big Bill, as he settled himself comfortably in the +chair. "Do you think he can put me out?" + +"Not unless you want him to," and Patty smiled at the big man, who +looked so strong and powerful. + +"Somehow, I don't. I like it here." + +"Why?" + +"Because I like to look at you. You're looking uncommonly well today. +If I were to guess, I should say you have been having a rumpus with +somebody." + +"What is a rumpus?" inquired Patty, looking innocent. + +"A rumpus, my child, is a tiff, a squabble, a set-to, a racket, a +general scrimmage." + +"I haven't exactly had those things, but, well, I may say I have been +drawn into a somewhat spirited discussion." + +"Ah, I thought so." + +"How did you know? I mean, why did you think so?" + +"By your heightened colour and your generally wrought-up condition. +Why, your heart isn't beating normally yet." + +Patty looked up at him, indignantly, but his blue eyes were very kind +and his smile gentle and even concerned. + +"What was it about, Patty? Who has been tormenting you?" + +"Nobody tormented me, exactly, but they criticise me and they say mean +things about my friends----" + +"Never let them do that! Your friends must be sacred to you,--I mean +from adverse criticism of others." + +"That's what I think, Little Billee. What shall I do, when everybody +ridicules them and calls them names?" + +"Just what I am sure you did do. Flare up like a wrathy kitten and +helplessly paw the air." + +"Of course that's what I did," and Patty laughed at the graphic +description, "but it didn't seem to do much good." + +"Of course it didn't. Standing up for one's friends rarely does much +good, except to satisfy one's own sense of loyalty." + +"Why, what do you mean? Why doesn't it do any good to defend our +friends?" + +"Because if they need our defence, they're probably at fault." + +"But they weren't in this case. It was the Blaneys,--do you know them?" + +"Those mercerised personages I met at Mona's wedding? I haven't the +pleasure of their intimate acquaintance, and something tells me I never +shall have." + +"You mean you don't want it!" + +"Mind reader! Patty, you're positively clairvoyant!" + +"Now, Little Billee, don't you go back on me, too." + +"Go back on you? Never! While this machine is to me! Why, Patty, I'd +defend you to the last ditch, and then fill in the ditch!" + +"Be serious, Billee. You don't know those people, but can't you take +my word for it that they're splendidly worth while? They're geniuses, +and artists." + +"Patty, I'd take your word for anything you know about. But, for +instance, I couldn't take your word that there are blue roses." + +"But there are! That's just what the Cosmic Centre people +are,--they're blue roses! I never thought of it before, but they are." + +"Then beware of them. Blue roses are freaks----" + +"Yes, I know it. But there are worse things in this world than freaks. +I'd rather a man would be a freak than a--a mud turtle!" + +"Are many of your friends mud turtles?" + +"Yes, they are. They stick their heads in the sand----" + +"Look out for your Natural History! You're thinking of ostriches." + +"All the same. Now, Sam Blaney----" + +"Patty! You don't mean to say that chap is _Sam_ Blaney! I thought he +looked a bit familiar! Sam! old Sam Blaney! Well!" + +"What's the matter, Billee? Do you know him?" + +"I used to, when we were boys. Fifteen or more years ago. I doubt if +he'd even remember my name. We went to a public school together. Sam +Blaney! Well!" + +"You exasperating thing! Don't sit there saying 'Well!' and '_Sam_ +Blaney!' but tell me what you know of him." + +"Nothing, child, nothing. I haven't seen or heard of him for--since we +were fourteen years old or so. Where did you pick him up?" + +Patty told of her meeting the Blaneys at Lakewood, and of her +continuing their acquaintance in New York. But suddenly Farnsworth +seemed to lose interest in her story. + +"Never mind the Blaneys," he said. "I want to talk to _you_. What do +you think, my girl? I've won out in that matter of business I've been +at so long." + +"Have you? I'm very glad. I don't know what it was all about, Little +Billee, but if you've succeeded in what you wanted to do, I'm very +glad." + +"Yes, I have. And it means,--it means, Patty, that I shall live in New +York now, all the time." + +"Yes?" + +"Yes. And it means, too, if this interests you, that I'm a rich +man,--a very rich man." + +"That's nice, Bill; I congratulate you." + +"Oh, thank you." Farnsworth's voice had grown suddenly cold, and the +eager light had faded from his blue eyes. He looked at Patty, and +quickly looked away. + +"I thought you might care," he said. + +A strange thought came to Patty. Could he possibly mean that since he +was a rich man, she would smile on his suit? Could he think that she +would accept his attentions more gladly because of his newly acquired +wealth? The idea made her furiously angry. If Farnsworth thought her +that mercenary--if he deemed her so utterly sordid--well, her respect +for him was decidedly lessened! + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +PATTY'S DANCE + +The Christmas Eve party at the Blaneys' was in full swing. A man at +the piano was performing a monologue that was partly spoken, partly +sung. It was cleverly done, and the audience showed its appreciation +by outspoken comments. + +"A little lame on that top note, old chap. S'pose you try it over--ah, +that's better!" + +Patty sat next to Sam Blaney. Chick had expected to come, but Elise +had persuaded him to attend her party instead. This rather pleased +Patty, for she feared Chick's gay banter and she knew he didn't care +for the Cosmic Centre Club and their ways. + +"You are so wonderful!" Blaney was saying, as he looked at her. "I +never cared for Christmas before." + +Patty's gown was a long, sweeping robe of poinsettia red velvet. It +would not have been becoming to most blondes, but Patty's fairness +triumphed over all colour schemes. She wore a girdle of red velvet +poinsettia blossoms and a wreath of small ones encircled her head. + +"You are so beautiful----" Blaney's soft, purring voice went on. + +"Don't make me blush," Patty laughed back. "Pink cheeks spoil the +effect of this red gown. I must stay pale to suit it." + +"Pink or pale, you are perfect! I adore you." + +Embarrassed by the fervour of his tones, Patty turned to talk to the +man at her other side. But he was engrossed in conversation with an +aesthetic damsel, and so she gaily changed the subject. + +"How splendid the rooms look," she said, glancing about. "That grove +of green trees is wonderfully picturesque." + +"That's where you're to dance," Blaney returned. "I looked after it +myself. It's carpeted with pine needles, but they're soft, fresh ones, +not dried ones. I'm sure they'll be comfy." + +"I dunno about dancing on 'em barefoot. I believe I'll wear sandals, +after all." + +"Oh, no, you mustn't. Grantham has designed every detail so +exquisitely, don't fail to follow his directions accurately. Your +number will be the best of all. That's why we put it last. It will be +an enormous hit,--a revelation!" + +"I hope they will like it. I've never danced before these people +before. I've pleased ordinary audiences, but the Cosmos are so +critical--it would break my heart if they didn't approve." + +"Of course they'll approve! They'll go crazy over you. But you must +throw yourself utterly into the spirit of it. We know at once if +you're afraid or over-reserved. Abandon must be your keynote. Real +interpretation of Grantham's wonderful ideas." + +"They are wonderful," agreed Patty. "Mr. Grantham is a true poet. He +sees Nature at her best and with an intuition almost divine." + +Her blue eyes shone with earnestness and Blaney gazed at her in +adoration. + +"You perfect thing!" he murmured; "you have found your right +environment among us. You are wasted on the ordinary, unthinking +masses of society. You are Nature's child. What a pity you must live +a conventional life. Patty, can't you break loose? Can't you give up +your present hampering existence and come and throw in your lot with +ours? Live here. Alla would warmly welcome you as a sister----" + +"And will you be my brother, Sam? I've never had a brother." + +"No, I refuse to be your brother! I'll be--well, say, your guardian. +How'd you like to be my ward?" + +"I didn't know girls ever were wards except in old-fashioned novels. +And there, they always marry their guardians." + +"Well?" + +"Oh, my gracious, is this a proposal!" Something in Blaney's tone had +warned Patty that light banter was the best course, and she rattled on; +"if so, postpone it, please. I really must go very soon and dress for +my dance." + +"I know it. I will wait for a more fitting time and place. You ought +to be wooed in a sylvan glade----" + +"Oh, I'd rather a bosky dell! I've always been crazy to be wooed in a +bosky dell. A leafy bower is the nearest I've come to it." + +"Who wooed you there?" + +"Can't remember exactly. But it was the third from the last,--I think." + +"You little witch! Do you know how fascinating you are?" + +"No; tell me." Patty was in mischievous mood, and looked up demurely +at Blaney. + +"By Jove, I will! As soon as I can get you alone. Run away, now, and +do your dance. And, listen; I command you to think of me at every +step." + +"Can't promise that. It's all I can do to remember Mr. Grantham's +steps; they're fearfully complicated. So--you think of me,--instead." + +With a saucy smile at Blaney, Patty slipped from her place, and went +around to the dressing room. + +"Oh, here you are," cried Alla, who was waiting to help her dress; "I +was just going to send for you. Now, off with your frock." + +Some fifteen or twenty minutes later, the audience sat in breathless +anticipation of Patty's dance. + +Howard Grantham was a great artist, and never before had he been known +to devise a dance for any one. But he had recognised Patty's skill in +the art, and had requested that he be allowed to design a picture dance +for her. The result was to be a surprise to all present, except the +Blaneys, for rehearsals had been jealously kept secret. + +The lights in the room were low, and the stage, which was a small grove +of evergreen trees, was dark. Then, through the trees, appeared slowly +a faint, pink light, as of breaking dawn. Some unseen violins breathed +almost inaudible strains of Spring-song music. + +Two trees at the back were slowly drawn apart as two small, white hands +appeared among their branches. In the opening showed Patty's lovely +face, eyes upturned, scarlet lips parted in a smile that was a joyous +expression of youth and gladness. Still further she drew apart the +lissome trees, and stepped through, a vision of spring itself. Clouds +of chiffon swirled about her, softest dawn-rose in colour, changing of +tints of heliotrope and primrose, as she swayed in graceful, pliant +rhythm. Her slim white arms waved slowly, as the hidden melodies came +faintly from the depth of the grove. Her pretty bare feet shone +whitely among the soft pine needles and the steps of her dance were the +very essence of poetry itself. + +The audience watched in silence, spellbound by the fair sight. Slowly +she moved and swayed; then, as the music quickened, her steps grew more +animated, her smile more bright, the lights were stronger, and the +dance ended in a whirl of graceful pirouette and tossing, fluttering +draperies. With no pause or intermission, Patty was changed to an +impersonation of summer. It was done by the lights. Her robe was +really of white chiffon, and as pink lights had made it appear in rosy +tints, so now a deep yellow light gave the effect of sultry sunlight. + +The music, and likewise the rhythm of the dance, were soft and +languorous as a July noon. Limply hung the draperies, slowly waved the +graceful arms, and at the end, Patty sank slowly, gently, down on a +mound beneath the trees, and, her head pillowed on her arm, closed her +eyes, while the violin notes faded to silence. + +Knowing better than to applaud her, the spectators watched in silence. +A moment, and then a clear bugle-like note sounded. Patty started up, +passed her hand across her brow, opened her eyes, smiled slowly, and +more and more merrily, then sprang up, and as the lights made her +costume appear to be of the gold and russet red of autumn, she burst +into a wild woodland dance such as a veritable Dryad might have +performed. The music was rich, triumphant, and the whole atmosphere +was filled with the glory of the crown of the year. By a clever +contrivance, autumn leaves came fluttering down and Patty's bare feet +nestled in them with childish enjoyment. Her smile was roguish, she +was a witch, an eerie thing. The orange light glowed and shone, and at +the height of a tumultuous burst of music, there was a sudden pause. +Patty stopped still, her smile faded, and the colours changed from +autumn glows to a cold wintry blue. Her gown became white, with blue +shadows, the music was sharp and frosty. Patty danced with staccato +steps, with little shivers of cold. The ground now appeared to be +covered with frost, and her feet recoiled as they touched it. The +music whistled like winter blasts. A fine snow seemed to fall, the +blue shadows faded, all was white, and Patty, whirling, faster and +faster, was like a white fairy, white robes, white arms, white feet, +and a sparkling white veil, that grew more and more voluminous as she +shook out its hidden folds. Faster she went, whirling, twirling, +swirling, like a leaf in the wind, until, completely swathed in the +great white veil, she vanished between the parted trees at the back of +the stage. + +The music ceased, the lights blazed up, the dance was over. A moment +passed as the audience came back to earth, and then the applause was +tremendous. Hands clapped, sonorously, voices shouted "Bravo!" and +other words of plaudit; and "Encore!" was repeatedly demanded. + +But Mr. Grantham had forbidden Patty to return to the stage, even to +acknowledge the laudation. He believed in the better effect of an +unspoiled remembrance of her last tableau. + +So, shaking with excitement and weariness, Patty sank into a chair in +the dressing-room, and Alla began to draw on her stockings. + +"You must rest quietly, dear Patricia, for a half hour at least," she +said, solicitously. "You are quite exhausted. But it was wonderful! +I have never seen anything so beautiful! You will be feted and praised +to death. I've sent for a cup of coffee, to brace you up." + +"Oh, please not, Alla!" cried Patty, knowing the kind of coffee it +would be. "I don't want it, truly. Just give me a glass of water, and +let me sit still a minute without seeing anybody. It is exhausting to +dance like that." + +"Yes, dear, it is. Now rest quietly, and I'll keep everybody away, +until you feel like seeing them." + +But Patty was keyed up with the excitement of the occasion and +unwilling to rest for very long. So, with Alla's help, she was soon +rearrayed in her red velvet and ready to return to the Studio. + +"I'm ashamed of myself," she said to Alla, "but I'm so vain, I really +want to go out there and hear people tell me that I did well!" + +"That isn't vanity," Alla returned. "That's proper pride. If any one +can do a thing as well as you did that dance, it would be idiocy not to +enjoy hearing appreciative praise." + +"Do you think so?" and Patty looked relieved; "I don't want to be +conceited, but I'm glad if I did well." + +"Wait till you hear what Sam says! He's wild about you, anyway, and +after that dance he'll be crazier over you than ever." + +Patty smiled, happily, and with a final adjustment of her freshly +done-up hair, she declared herself ready to return to the party. + +As hers had been the last number on the program, she was not surprised +to find the audience standing about in groups, or picturesquely posed +on divans, and her appearance was the signal for a new hubbub of +excitement. + +But before she could hear a definite word from any one, a tall, +powerful figure came striding up to her, and big Bill Farnsworth's +unsmiling blue eyes looked straight into her own merry ones. + +Her merriment died away before the sternness of his expression. + +"Get your wraps, Patty," he said, in low but distinct tones. "At once." + +"What for?" and Patty stared at him in amazement. "What has happened?" + +But she had no fear that any untoward accident had befallen, for +Farnsworth showed no sympathy or gentleness in his face, merely a +determined authority. + +"Go at once," Farnsworth repeated, "and get your cloak." + +"I won't do it," she replied, giving him an angry glance. "I don't +want to go home; why should I get my cloak?" + +"Then I'll take you without it," and picking her up in his arms, Big +Bill strode through the throng of people, with as little embarrassment +as if he were walking along the street. Many turned to look at him +with curiosity, some smiled, but the Cosmic souls rarely allowed +themselves to be surprised at anything, however peculiar. + +As they passed Sam Blaney, Patty noticed that he stood, leaning against +the wall, his arms folded, and a strange expression on his face,--half +defiant, half afraid. + +Farnsworth carried Patty down the stairs and out of the house, and +placed her with care, but a bit unceremoniously, in the tonneau of a +waiting motor-car. He jumped in beside her, and pulled the lap robe +over her. The car started at once, and was well under way by the time +Patty found voice enough to express her indignation. + +"You--perfectly--horrid--old--thing!" she gasped, almost crying from +sheer surprise and anger. + +"Yes?" he said, and she detected laughter in his tone, which made her +angrier than ever. + +"I hate you!" she burst forth. + +"Do you, dear?" and Farnsworth rearranged the rug to protect her more +fully. + +There was such gentleness in his touch, such tenderness in his voice, +that Patty's anger melted to plain curiosity. + +"Why did you do that?" she demanded. "Why did you bring me away in +such--such caveman fashion?" + +Farnsworth smiled. "It was a caveman performance, wasn't it? But you +wouldn't come willingly." + +"Of course I wouldn't! Why should I?" + +"For three very good reasons." Farnsworth spoke, gravely. "First, you +were in a place where you didn't belong. I couldn't let you remain +there." + +"It is not your business to say where I belong!" + +"I wouldn't want any one I care for to be in that place." + +"Not even Daisy Dow?" + +"Certainly not Daisy." + +"Oh, not Daisy--of _all_ people! Oh, certainly _not_!" + +"Next, you were doing what you ought not to do." + +"What!" + +"Yes, you were. You danced barefoot before those--those unspeakable +fools!" + +Patty felt uncomfortable. She hadn't herself exactly liked the idea of +that barefoot dance, and hadn't told any one she was going to do it. +She had insisted to Mr. Grantham that she preferred to wear sandals. +But he had talked so beautifully of the naturalness of the whole +conception, the exquisite appropriateness of unshod feet, and the +necessity of her carrying out his design as a whole, that she had +yielded. + +And now that Bill Farnsworth spoke of it in this rude way, it seemed to +divest the dance of all its aesthetic beauty, and make of it a horrid, +silly performance. + +She tried to speak, tried to reply in indignant or angry vein, but she +couldn't articulate at all. A lump came into her throat, big tears +formed in her eyes, and a sob that she tried in vain to suppress shook +her whole body. + +She felt Farnsworth's arm go protectingly round her. Not caressingly, +but with an assurance of care and assumption of responsibility. + +Then, he pulled off the glove from his other hand with his teeth, and +after a dive into a pocket, produced and shook out a big, white, +comforting square of soft linen, and Patty gratefully buried her face +in it. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE CHRISTMAS PARTY + +"Much obliged, Billee," Patty said, at last, as she handed back a +somewhat damp handkerchief, and Farnsworth stuffed it in his pocket. +"Where are you taking me?" + +"Where do you want to go?" + +"Back where you brought me from, please." + +"Well, you can't go there. Will you go home, or to the Farringtons'?" + +A quick side glance at the stern face beside her showed Patty that +there was no chance of her going back to the Blaneys', so she said, +with great dignity, "I'll go to Elise's, then. But I want you to +understand that I resent your treatment, that I detest you for using +your strength to interfere with my pleasure, and that I absolutely +sever all friendship or acquaintance with you, now and forever!" + +"Bad as that? Well, well, you _must_ be annoyed." + +"Annoyed! _annoyed_! why, I----" + +"There now, Posy Face, quiet down a bit, we're almost at the house. +You don't want to go in looking like a--a weeping willow! You'll spoil +the effect of that red frock, if your eyes are red, too, and your +cheeks all tear-stained. Here, have a fresh handkerchief." + +Farnsworth produced another big white linen affair, and unfolding it +with a flourish, held it up to Patty's face. + +"I never saw anybody have so many clean handkerchiefs! Do you carry a +dozen?" + +"Always glad to help ladies in distress. Are you often so lachrymose?" + +"Oh Little Billee, _don't_ be so everlasting good-natured, when I feel +so cross. _Why_ did you bring me away from that place, when I was +having such a good time? And the best part was just about to begin!" + +"Now, Patty, listen--while the listening's good. Here we are at +Elise's; I want you to go in, gay and smiling, and not cause any +curious comment. So let the Blaney discussion wait, and I'll tell you +all about it, first chance we get. You don't want everybody to know +that you left the Cosmic Club a--er,--a bit unintentionally, do you? +Then, forget it, for the moment, and put on a Merry Christmas manner. +You'll be glad you did, afterward." + +Farnsworth's talk was sound sense, and Patty knew it. She already felt +a little relieved at getting away from Sam Blaney and back with her own +crowd. So she shook off her petulance and her anger, and when she +entered the Farringtons' drawing-room, no smile that greeted her was +brighter than her own in response. + +"Why, Pattibelle," cried Chick Channing, "welcome home! I feared we +had lost you to the high-geared Highbrows. Merry Christmas and many of +'em! Come sit by my side, little darling----" + +"No, come sit by us," insisted Elise, from the other side of the room. +"You're a dear, to come so early, Patty. How did it happen?" + +"Oh, I just _couldn't_ stay there any longer," said Patty, very +truthfully. "Am I in time for the Christmas tree?" + +"Indeed you are," returned Elise; "also for the feast and the dancing +and the Mistletoe Bough." + +"Good!" and Patty joined the laughing group, of which she immediately +became the centre. Her red velvet gown, though unusual, was not so +eccentric as to appear peculiar in this setting, and the girls began to +express admiration. + +Nor were the men unappreciative. + +"A real Yuletide frock, Patty," said Phil Van Reypen, approvingly. +"Didn't know you could wear that colour." + +"I couldn't," laughed Patty, "in daylight. But the electrics even +things up, somehow, and my complexion takes on a harmonising tint of +brick red." + +"Because you are a brick," put in Channing. "Did you get many +Christmas gifts, Patty? Did you get my small votive offering?" + +"Did I get many gifts! My boudoir looks like a World's Fair! Yes, +Chick, I got your present. Let me see, it was the padded calf Emerson, +wasn't it?" + +"It was not! If you got that, it probably came from your Cosmetic +friends. I sent you--oh, if you didn't even open it----" + +"But I did, Chickadee. It was a heavenly jade hatpin, an exquisite bit +of carving. I just adore it, and I shall never wear any other. So +cheer up, life is still worth living!" + +Patty was in high spirits. It was partly reaction from the artificial +atmosphere of the Studio, and partly her real enjoyment of the festive +occasion of Elise's Christmas party. The Farrington parties were +always on an elaborate scale, and this was no exception. + +"I wish Roger and Mona were here," Patty said, "I sort of miss them." + +"So do I," chimed in Daisy Dow. "But the honeymoon shining on the +sands at Palm Beach still holds them under its influence." + +"They must be happy," observed Kit Cameron. "Think of it! Christmas +and a bridal trip and the Sunny South,--all at once." + +"It is a large order," laughed Patty. "But Mona likes a lot of things +at once. That girl has no sense of moderation. When are they coming +home, Elise?" + +"Don't know. No signs of it yet. Come on, people, now we're going to +have the tree!" + +The orchestra played a march, and the crowd trooped into the great hall +known as the Casino. There awaited them a resplendent Christmas tree, +glittering with frosted decorations and glowing with electric lights. + +Van Reypen had quietly taken possession of Patty as a partner, and he +guided her to a pleasant seat where she could see all the +entertainment. For great doings had been arranged to please the +guests, and a short program was carried out. + +Waits sang old English carols, mummers cut up queer antics, servitors +brought in the Boar's Head and Wassail Bowl, and finally it was +announced that all present would participate in the old-fashioned dance +of Sir Roger de Coverley. + +Patty enjoyed it all. She loved to see this sort of thing when it was +well done, and in this instance every detail was faultless. Van Reypen +quite shared her enthusiasm, and was vigorously clapping his hands over +some jest of a mummer, when Big Bill Farnsworth came up to Patty, made +a low bow, his hand on his breast, and whisked her off to the dance +before she fairly realised what had happened. + +"Why--I can't!" she exclaimed, as she found herself standing opposite +her smiling partner. "I'm--I'm engaged to Philip!" + +"I know you are," returned Farnsworth, gravely, "but you can give me +one dance." + +Patty blushed, furiously. "Oh, I didn't mean engaged _that_ way," she +said, "I meant engaged for this dance." + +"No," corrected Farnsworth, still smiling, "you did mean you are +engaged to him _that_ way, but _not_ for this dance." + +"Well, he hadn't actually asked me," said Patty, doubtfully, "but I +know he took it for granted----" + +"It isn't wise to take too much for granted--there! see, he has just +discovered your absence." + +Sure enough, Van Reypen, who had been engrossed with the mummer's +chaff, turned back to where Patty had sat, and his look of amazement at +her absence was funny to see. + +Glancing about, he saw her standing in line, opposite Farnsworth. At +first, he looked wrathful, then accepting his position with a good +grace, he smiled at them both. + +"Little deserter!" he said to her, as he sauntered past her, in search +of another partner. + +"Deserter, yourself!" she returned. "You completely forgot my +existence!" + +"I didn't, but I am duly punished for seeming to do so. But I claim +you for a supper partner, so make a memorandum of that!" + +Patty smiled an assent, and the dance began. + +"Don't you like this better than that smoky, incense-smelly atmosphere +of the Studio?" Farnsworth said to Patty, as they walked through the +stately figures of the dance. + +"This is a home of wealth and grandeur," said Patty, "but wealth and +grandeur are not the most desirable things in the world." + +"What are?" + +"Brains and----" + +"Yes, brains and breeding. But your high-browed, lowbred----" + +"Billee, I've stood a lot from you tonight; now, I refuse to stand any +more. You will please stop saying things that you know offend me." + +"Forgive me, Patty, I forgot myself." + +"Then it's forgive and forget between us. I'll do the forgiving +because you did the forgetting. But I've forgiven you all I'm going +to. So don't make any more necessary." + +"I'll try not to," and then the subject of the earlier evening was not +mentioned again. + +The dance concluded, Farnsworth stood for a moment, still holding +Patty's hand after their last sweeping curtsey, and he said, "Will you +be my supper partner, too? Please do." + +"I can't," and Patty laughed up at him. "I'm really engaged to Phil." + +"Oh, are you, Patty?" cried Daisy, who was just passing, with Kit +Cameron. "I said you'd announce it tonight! What fun! But why are +you telling Big Bill all by himself first? You ought to tell all the +crowd at once. I'll do it for you. Come on, Kit, let's spread the +news! We've Patty's own word for it." + +The two ran off, laughing, and Patty looked a bit dismayed. "Kit's +such a scamp," she said, ruefully, "he'll tell that all over the +room----" + +"Isn't it true?" + +"Would you care if it were?" + +"I care for anything that concerns you or your happiness." + +"Or any one else or any one else's happiness! Oh, I know you, Bill +Farnsworth, you want everybody to be happy." + +"Of course I do!" and the big man laughed, heartily. "Is that a crime? +But most of all I care to have one little foolish, petulant +Blossom-girl happy." + +"Well, then, why don't you make her so? Why aren't you kind and nice +to her, instead of being horrid about her friends and her dancing, and +acting like a great Lord of something-or-other, frowning on her +innocent amusements!" + +"Oh, Patty, what an arraignment! But never mind that. May I take you +to the supper room?" + +"Oh, here you are, Light of my eyes!" and Van Reypen came up and +offered his arm. + +With a smile of farewell to Farnsworth, Patty accepted Philip's escort +and walked off. + +"What's this report Cameron and Daisy Dow are spreading?" asked Van +Reypen, looking at her, quizzically, but with a glance full of meaning. +"They say you and I are to announce our engagement tonight. I'm so +delighted to hear it, I can't see straight; but I want your +corroboration of the rumour. Oh, Patty, darling girl, you _do_ mean +it, don't you?" + +Philip had drawn her to one side, away from the crowd, and in a +palm-screened alcove, he stood beside her, his handsome face glowing +with eagerness, as he anticipated yet feared her reply. + +"Nonsense, Phil. It happened that I told Bill Farnsworth I was engaged +to you for supper, and Daisy overheard, and she and Kit tried to tease +me, that's all." + +"But since it happened that way,--since the report is current,--don't +you think,--doesn't it seem as if this would be an awfully good chance +to make it a true report?" + +"No, sir! A girl can't get engaged all in a minute, and _en route_ to +a supper room, at that! Besides, I'm hungry." + +"You can't put me off that way! You may think to be hungry interferes +with romance. Not a bit of it! You say you'll marry me, and I'll get +you all the supper you want, and, incidentally, eat a good square meal +myself. There!" + +Van Reypen had great charm. His great dark eyes were fixed on Patty, +and in their depths she could read his big, true love, unembarrassed by +the place or the occasion. He knew only that he was pleading with the +girl he loved, suing for his life's happiness, a happiness that lay in +the little rosy palm of Patty Fairfield's hand. + +"Darling," he whispered, taking the little hand in both his own, +"Patty, darling, do say yes, at last. Don't keep me in suspense. +Don't bother about learning to love me, and all that. Just come to +me,--tell me you will,--and I know you'll love me. You can't help it, +dear, when I love you so. Why, Patty, I've got to have you! You don't +know how I want you. You've so twined yourself into my heart that you +seem part of me already. Dear, _dear_ little girl, my love, my +sweetheart----" + +Philip's arm went round Patty's shoulder, and he drew her to him. + +"Phil!" cried Patty, starting back. "Don't, please don't." + +"I won't, dear,--I won't call you mine until you say I may,--but, oh, +Patty!" + +His voice was so full of deep feeling, his eves pleaded so longingly +for her consent, that Patty's heart went out to him. She was sorry for +him, and she honestly longed to say the word that would give him joy +and gladness forever. But that very feeling taught her the truth about +herself. She knew, in one sudden, illuminating flash, that she didn't +and couldn't love Philip Van Reypen in the way she was sure she wanted +to love and would love the man she should marry. + +Nor could she speak lightly or carelessly to him now. It was a crisis. +A good, true man had offered her his love and his life. It was not a +slight thing to be tossed aside as a trifle. If she accepted it, well; +but if not, she must tell him so kindly, and must tell him why. And +Patty didn't know why. In fact, she wasn't sure she didn't want Phil, +after all. He was very big-hearted,--very splendid. + +"What are you thinking of, girlie?" he asked, gently, as he watched the +changing expressions on her face. + +"I'm trying to be honest with myself, Phil. I'm trying to think out +why it is that I don't say yes to you at once. I suppose you think me +heartless and cold to think it out like this, but, I'm in earnest----" + +"So am I, dear, very much in earnest. And, I think, my own Heart's +Dearest, that you're nearer to loving me now than you've ever been. +Nearer saying yes than ever before. And, so, I'm not going to let you +answer now. This isn't the time or place. Somebody may come looking +for us at any moment. You have given me hope, Patty--unconsciously, +you've given me hope for the first time. I'll be satisfied with that, +for now. And, I'll see you soon, in your own home, to hear the rest +from your own lips. Oh, Patty, how _can_ I wait? I can't! Say yes, +_now_,--say it, Patty!" + +"No, Phil," and Patty gave him a lovely smile, while her blue eyes +shone like stars; "no, you were right, before. Not here--not now. +Come, let us join the others,--and you come to see me at home--soon." + +"Your own sweet way is mine, Patty," and Van Reypen kissed the +trembling little hand he held. "Now, brace up, dear; remember, they'll +all be watching us, even chaffing us. Can you meet them?" + +"Yes," and Patty assumed her old mischievous smile. "Carry things off +with a high hand, Phil. That's the way to meet them." + +Together they sauntered to the supper room, and, as they had expected, +were met by a storm of chaff. + +"Where have you two been? 'Fess up, now!" + +"Flirting," replied Van Reypen, coolly. "Haven't we, Patty?" + +"Yes, if you call such a mild affair worthy of the name," and Patty's +nonchalant air and unembarrassed manner gave no further inducement for +teasing. + +"Let's sit here," Phil went on, selecting seats at a small table, with +some casual friends, and then his resources of conversation and Patty's +gay chatter did away with all chance for personal allusions. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A STOLEN POEM + +After supper there was dancing, and Patty was besieged by would-be +partners. Good-naturedly she fractioned her dances, and even divided +the short intermissions between them. Everybody wanted to dance with +the smiling little person in red velvet, and her pretty gaiety salved +the wounds of those whom she was obliged to refuse. + +At last, Farnsworth came to her, and his determined expression told +Patty he was about to lay down the law. + +Sure enough, he took her hand in his, drew it through his arm, and led +her out of the dancing room. + +"Without even a 'by your leave?'" and Patty looked up at him, +inquiringly. + +"Without it or with it. But you can't dance any more tonight. You're +so tired you can scarcely stand up now." + +"That's so, now that you speak of it. But I hadn't realised it." + +"Of course you hadn't. You're crazy, when it comes to dancing!" + +"Well, you're not. You haven't danced with me once tonight, except +that old country dance." + +"Did you want me to? Were you lacking for partners?" + +"_Me_! Lacking for partners! Am I, usually?" + +"Oh, Patty, what a little Vanity Box you are! No, you never lack for +partners or attention or flattery,--all you ever lack is a little +common sense." + +"Why-ee! Little Billee! I've always prided myself on my common sense. +But where are you taking me?" + +"Not very far. There's a comfy window-seat in this little reception +room, where you can rest a bit, then I'm going to send you home." + +"Oh, you are! And who constituted you my Major Domo, or Commanding +Officer, or Father Superior, or whoever it is that orders people about?" + +"I don't order; I persuade, or induce, by power of my irresistible +charm." Farnsworth's blue eyes twinkled, and Patty laughed outright, +as she said, "Yes, I noticed the irresistibility as I left the Blaneys' +tonight!" + +"And, that's the very subject I was about to discourse upon,--the +Blaneys, I mean. But first, let me make you comfy." + +Farnsworth led Patty to the spacious, cushioned window-seat, and piled +soft pillows at her back, and tucked an ottoman beneath her feet, and +then sat down beside her. The little room was deserted by the dancers, +and though some of the guests strolled in and out, occasionally, there +was ample opportunity for real conversation. + +"It's this way, Patty," Farnsworth began. "I know Sam Blaney, and you +don't. I knew him years ago, and though I've not seen him of late +years, he's the same old two and sixpence." + +"And a very attractive two and sixpence," declared Patty, an obstinate +expression coming into her face. "You see, Little Billee, either you +like wise, brainy people, or you don't. I do." + +"I know you do, and so do I. But the Blaney crowd are neither wise nor +brainy. They are frauds." + +"Do you mean conscious frauds? Wilfully deceptive?" + +"To a certain degree, yes. They do fool themselves, sometimes, into +thinking they are sincere, but they can't even fool themselves all the +time,--let alone other people." + +"Your observations do not interest me." Patty's air was lofty, she +looked away into space, as if bored to death with her companion. + +"Would it interest you to know that I know Sam Blaney to be a fraud and +a dishonest man?" + +"I have heard you say that one's friends should be sacred from +disparaging remarks." + +"True enough. But, in the first place, Blaney isn't my friend, and +even if he were, I should sacrifice him or his friendship for you." + +"Why?" + +"Never mind why. Oh, Patty, rely on my judgment, rely on my word in +this matter, and don't have anything more to do with that rubbish +bunch!" + +"Look here, Little Billee, if that's all the subject you can find to +talk about, I believe I'd rather go back and dance. I'm rested now." + +"Sit still, Lady Gay. While we're on this subject, we're going to +fight it to a finish." + +"You mean you're going to fight me to a finish. Go on, it won't take +long." + +"You poor little girl,--you are tired, I know. Well, to make a long +story short, then, you must break with these Cosmic people, because, if +you don't, it will harm your social standing and injure your +reputation." + +"Why? They're absolutely correct and high-minded. They're a little +unconventional, maybe, but they're interesting and worth while." + +"But they're frauds, Patty. And they've taken you up, because you're a +social favourite, and you add lustre to their list." + +"And they don't care for me, personally!" + +"Now, don't flare up. Of course they like you, personally,--who +doesn't? But they make you think you're brainy and soulful and a +little old deep-thinker--and,--you're not, you know." + +"Well! You _are_ complimentary! What am I, pray? An ignoramus?" + +"Hardly that. You're the sweetest, loveliest girl God ever made, but +you're not a blue-stocking. You're not college bred, or even +well-read." + +"Do you know you're a very horrid person? Do you know I wouldn't stand +such talk from many people?" + +"I should hope not. Very few people know you well enough or love you +well enough to tell you these truths." + +"I know somebody who loves me too much to talk to me like that." + +"Van Reypen, of course. But, Patty, he doesn't approve of the Blaney +crowd, either, and you know it." + +"That's because he doesn't understand them, and----" + +"Wait a minute. Just what do you mean by understand them? They speak +English, I suppose." + +"How dense you are! There is much beside language of _words_ to be +understood by kindred----" + +"Don't you dare say souls!" + +"I will,--I _do_ say _souls_! That's what has no meaning for you!" + +"Go on, Posy Face! You're pretty stunning when you get really stirred +up!" + +Farnsworth's face broke into a broad smile, and Patty was so amazed at +his sudden change of manner that it irritated her. + +"Oh, I am, am I! Well, other people have thought so, too. To the +extent of putting it into poetry--real poetry!" + +"Such as what?" + +Farnsworth was so cynical of tone, that Patty broke her pledge of +secrecy to the small extent of quoting a few words from the poem Blaney +had given her. + +"Such as this," she cried: + + "----perhaps because her limpid face + Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein + The dimples found no place to anchor and + Abide." + +"That is poetry, indeed!" agreed Farnsworth, looking at her +quizzically. "Did you say it was written to you?" + +"Yes, Sam Blaney wrote it, to me. I didn't mean to tell you, it's a +confidential matter,--but you were so horrid about him----" + +"Wait a minute, Patty. Is that an original poem, that Blaney wrote for +you alone?" + +"Yes, it is. I promised not to tell it to anybody, so I'll ask you to +say nothing about it." + +"Tell me more of it." + +"No, I won't. I promised not to." + +"You needn't. _I'll_ tell _you_ what comes next: + + '----perhaps because her tresses beat + A froth of gold about her throat, and poured + In splendour to the feet that ever seemed + Afloat.' + +Isn't that it?" + +"Yes! How did you know?" Patty's startled eyes were wide in amazement. + +"You dear little goose. I hate to give you a shock, Posy-girl, but +those lines were written by a not altogether obscure poet,--one James +Whitcomb Riley." + +"What! It's no such thing! Mr. Blaney wrote them about me! They +begin----" + +"Wait! Don't break your promise of confidence. They begin: + +"'I loved her.--Why? I never knew.' Don't they?" + +"Yes, that's the poem Sam Blaney wrote for me---- + +"But he chanced to write it after Riley did--not before. Strange they +were so similarly inspired, wasn't it?" + +"William Farnsworth, do you mean to tell me that that is a poem of +Riley's,--and Sam Blaney palmed it off on me as his own!" + +"It looks that way, Patty. At any rate, those are Riley's lines. I've +known the thing for years. It's a favourite of mine." + +"But I've a book of Riley's,--it isn't in that." + +"My child, you mustn't get annoyed with me, when I tell you you're not +deeply versed in book-lore,--or deeply booked in verse-lore! For it's +true. I admit that is not one of the poet's best known bits,--it's in +'Flying Islands of the Night,'--but it is so exquisite that it ought to +be better known. And, by the way, Patty, if you thought Blaney did +that gem, I don't wonder you admired him. But, dear little girl, do +you see now that the man is capable of deception?" + +Patty looked deeply troubled. "You're sure, Billee,--you're _positive_ +about this?" + +"As sure as I am of my own name." + +"Then I want nothing more to do with Sam Blaney or any of his crowd. +I'll never forgive it. Why, he wrote the poem while I sat looking at +him,--just as fast as he could scribble." + +"Doesn't that seem to prove it? He knew Riley's lines, and wrote them +down. I doubt if the greatest poet that ever lived scribbled lines +like that, offhand." + +"Of course they couldn't! You've done it, Little Billee. You've +smashed my idols, blown up my air castles, knocked the pedestals from +under my heroes----" + +"I'm sorry, dear,--but when they are unworthy idols and heroes----" + +"And they are! I see it all now. I banked on Mr. Blaney's genius +mostly on account of that poem. But, as you say, the very fact that he +made me promise not to show it to anybody--but I don't need to prove +it. You tell me it's Riley's, and there's no further question about +it." + +"I'll send you the book, Patty. You'll enjoy it all." + +Patty smiled. "I don't want it in corroboration of your assertion, but +I'd love to have it. I'd like to know more poetry, Billee. As you so +delicately hinted, my education on such matters is a little lacking." + +"That's your own fault," said Farnsworth, bluntly. "Poetry isn't a +thing to learn at school,--but alone, and at odd times and moments." + +"It seems queer," and the earnest little face gazed into his, "for you +to know such a lot about poetry. You're so----" + +"Go on; don't mind hurting me. So uncouth, awkward, clumsy, lacking +in--er--understanding, wasn't it?" + +Farnsworth spoke bitterly, and his deep blue eyes were clouded. + +"No," Patty returned, gently, "no, I didn't mean all those horrid +things, and you know it! I meant, you're so busy with your mines and +things, and so wrapped up in your business that it's surprising to know +you have time for poetry." + +"It's _my_ theory that one can always find time for anything he really +wants to do?" + +"Can he? Do you suppose, then, you could find time to teach me a +little bit about poetry, and how to study it,--or, don't you really +want to do this?" + +Farnsworth looked at her, and a great and tender light came into his +eyes. Then, with a quick smile, he said, lightly, "Yes, indeed; I'll +make out a list of books for you tomorrow. May I send them to you?" + +Patty was aware of a sudden lack of enthusiasm in Farnsworth's manner, +and with equal coolness, she said, "Thank you, that won't be necessary. +Just send the list, and I can get them. And, now I think I must begin +to commence to think about considering going home." + +"Yes, it's late. Who's taking you?" + +"I'm going with Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. They kindly asked me." + +"Very well. Will you go now?" + +"Yes, please. And, I--I want to thank you for setting me straight +about the Blaneys." + +"Don't include Alla. I doubt if she'd do a deceptive thing. But all +the same, Patty, she's no friend for you. You don't care for her, do +you?" + +"No; I did at first, she interested me----" + +"I know; 'interested you strangely,' as the novelists say." + +"Yes, just that. She is so queer and unusual and----" + +"Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, freakish." + +"I suppose so. But I liked it all, at first. I don't mind owning up I +was getting a little tired of it. It didn't----" + +"It didn't make good, did it? But you're through with it now. How +will you break it all off, without unpleasantness--for you?" + +"Oh, I can manage that by my tactful nature. I mean, with Alla. I +shan't bother to be specially tactful with Sam. Need I be?" + +"No. When a man has practised a fraud like that on you, he deserves no +consideration whatever." + +"And tell me, Little Billee, tell me quickly, for I must really be +going, how did you walk in there and kidnap me so easily?" + +"I had a sort of notion that you ought to be looked after. Channing +was here, laughing over some of the details of the Blaney party that he +had heard of, and when he told about your dance,--well, Patty, I'll be +honest with you. I wanted to see that dance. You know how I love your +dancing. Also, I wanted to know just what the dance was,--for I know +Grantham." + +"The dance was all right, Billee?" + +"Yes, perfectly all right, only I'd rather you'd worn sandals. But it +was a wonderful dance,--exquisite, poetic, all that is beautiful. I +went in, reminded Sam of our old acquaintance, and he welcomed me +decently, if not over-cordially. I saw one or two numbers on the +program before yours, and I concluded I didn't want you mixed up with +that bunch. They're right enough, but their unconventionality and +ultra Bohemianism are not the element in which Patty Fairfield belongs. +Then came your dance. Unspeakably lovely, all that it ought to be, but +not for that herd of idiots! So, I made up my mind I'd persuade you to +go home with me,--pretty much instanter! I told Blaney I intended to +take you. He was mad all through, and denied my right to ask you to +leave his party. But,--well, I reminded him of a few of our past +memories--memories fraught with sadness!--to put it poetically,--and he +made no further objections to my carrying out my own sweet will----" + +"And so you carried out----" + +"My own sweet girl! Exactly! Patty, you little rogue, you musn't +bewitch me like that! If you do, I'll pick you up again, and carry you +off--oh, here comes Mrs. Morrison. Have _you_ come to carry Patty off?" + +"Yes," and Mrs. Morrison looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Patty, dear, +but really----" + +"It's time! Yes, I know it, and I'm quite ready to go. Good night, +Little Billee." + +"Good night, Patty. Get a good rest, for you really need it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +PATTY'S DECISION + +"You see, Nan, it isn't fair. I don't feel honest to keep Phil in +uncertainty, when I don't think--no, I really _don't_ think I'm going +to marry him." + +"But good gracious, Patty, you ought to know by this time! Either you +care for him or you don't." + +"Nan, I've only learned of late that when people say 'care for' they +mean love. I think it's a silly phrase,--why, I care for lots of +things----" + +"There are a good many things you've only learned of late, Patty, and a +good many more you've still to learn. But I really think you ought to +make up your mind about Phil Van Reypen." + +"Well, amn't I making it up as fast as I can? I'm going right at it +now, in dead earnest, and you've got to help me." + +Nan smiled at the anxious face that looked into her own. + +They were in Patty's boudoir, the morning after the Christmas party. A +breakfast tray, with contents only partly demolished, was pushed away, +as the importance of the discussion made food seem an intrusive factor. + +Patty's cap was askew on her hastily knotted-up curls, and she gathered +about her the voluminous folds of a billowy, blue silk affair, that was +her latest acquisition in the way of negligees. + +"My child," said Nan, "you have given yourself away. If you want any +help in making up your mind, you are not in love with that young man. +You don't 'care for' him, in the technical sense of the term." + +"But he's very nice, Nancy. He's a big-hearted, fine-minded----" + +"Upstanding, clean-cut American gentleman. Let me help you out. Yes, +Patty, he's all those things and more. But if you don't love him you +mustn't marry him. You're old enough to know your own mind." + +"I'm not such an ancient!" + +"Don't be silly! You're nearly twenty-one----" + +"Just twenty and a half." + +"Well, all right, twenty and a half. But that's not like seventeen. +You're young for your years, I think. But anyway, you've seen enough +of men to know if Phil Van Reypen is 'Lord of your life,--your +King,--your Star!' Is he?" + +"Not much he isn't! Why, Nan, he's an awfully nice chap, but no +'Philip, My King!' There, you see I can quote poetry as well as you. +Oh, Nan, Bill Farnsworth knows an awful lot about poetry! Would you +think he would?" + +"Now, Patty, keep to the subject in hand. Fred and I both think you +ought to be engaged to Philip, or else tell him you won't be. It isn't +fair to him, to act as you do." + +"I know it, you angel stepmother, and so, I'm going to decide, right +now,--with much quickness. Heigho! Which shall it be? Patty Van +Reypen,--or stay an old maid all my life." + +"Oh, I dare say there are others. You may possibly have another chance +at matrimony." + +"Nan," and Patty turned suddenly grave, "I don't like that--a chance at +matrimony. I mean, if one gets engaged, it ought to be to a man she +loves so much that she doesn't think of it as a 'chance.' It ought to +be the one and only." + +"Why, that's just what I'm trying to say, dear. Now, is Phil the one +and only?" + +"No, ma'am. Not by no manner of means, he isn't. Nixie, he is not!" + +"That mass of negatives sounds rather conclusive to me. So, with that +as a premise, I'm going to advise you, even urge you to tell him so +with unmistakable definiteness." + +"But, Nan, it makes him feel so bad." + +"That is the trouble, Patty. Every true woman hates to disappoint the +man who truly loves her. And Phil adores you. His love is deep and +sincere. He would make you very happy--if you loved him. If not, it +would only mean unhappiness for you both. And, so, it is really kinder +to him to tell him so frankly and let him give up any false hopes." + +"I know it, and I'm going to do it. But I don't know just how. You +see, Nan, he is so persistent,--and in such a nice, kind way. When I +tell him that, he'll only say that he won't consider it final, and +we'll wait and see. Then the argument begins all over again." + +"And so, I tell you, at the risk of repeating myself, that you must +make up your own mind positively first; then, if an adverse decision, +you must tell him, so positively that he can't misunderstand. _Then_, +if he refuses to give up all hope, it isn't your fault." + +"That's good, sound talk, Nan, and I will try to do just as you say. +But--well, here's the thing in a nutshell. I like Phil so much that I +hate to tell him I can't love him." + +"Then get that out of the nutshell, and put this in. If you like him +so much, it's your duty to tell him you can't love him. Heavens, +Patty, have you no idea of other people's rights?" + +"I don't believe I have, Nan. I'm a spoiled child, I admit it. You +and Dad spoil me, and all my friends do, too. I'm made to believe that +the sun rises and sets in silly little Patty Fairfield, and it has made +me a vain, conceited, selfish, insufferable _Pig_! That's what it has +done!" + +"Oh, Patty, you little idiot! Nothing of the sort. You're,--since you +doubtless meant to be contradicted,--you're a dear thing, and there +isn't a selfish bone in your body. If people adore you, it's because +of your sunny, sweet nature, and your absolute thoughtfulness and +kindness to others. Don't be foolish _that_ way. But regarding this +matter of Philip, I know you see it as I do. And it's really your kind +heart and your dislike of hurting anybody's feelings that makes you +hate so to tell him what you must tell him." + +"Yes, Nan, I must tell him. I know it myself. I know that I like him +lots, and I'd be awfully sorry not to be friends with him, but I don't +want to marry him." + +"Do you want to marry anybody else?" + +"I hardly know how to answer that. I suppose every girl would rather +be married than not, if it's to just the right man. But one thing is +certain, Philip isn't the right man." + +Patty sighed, and the far-away look in her eyes made Nan wonder if +there was a "right man" whose image was enshrined in the girl's heart. +But she only said, "Then, dear, tell him so." + +"I will," said Patty, but she looked very serious and troubled over it. + +However, she did tell him so. When Van Reypen called that evening +Patty answered his plea with a decisive No. She was very gentle and +kindly, but she gave him no ray of hope, no suggestion of a change of +decision. + +Philip took it gravely, but was unwilling to admit it was final. He +knew from Patty's demeanour that she meant it to be, but he hoped he +could yet win her by further devotion and patience. She told him this +was impossible, but he only smiled and expressed his determination to +try it. + +"I take your word for it, dear," he said. "I know you mean just what +you say, that you don't love me enough to give yourself to me. And I +won't urge you, or tease you. Just let me remain your friend, and let +me see you, occasionally. I promise not to intrude when I'm not +wanted. And though I expect nothing, there's no law against hoping, +you know." + +Phil's winsome smile was so cheery and yet so wistful, that Patty's +heart was touched anew. But she said, "It must be just friends, Phil. +I like you lots, you know that, but I can't be always fearful that----" + +"That I'll break loose and become unmanageable! You needn't, dear. I +promise to abide by your decision, unless I can make you want to change +it. Now, forget it all, for the present, and let's be friends and +chums and comrades and all those nice things, that don't bother +curly-headed little girls and make them look troubled and sad. But, I +want to thank you and bless you, dear, for your sweet kindliness to me. +Why, you might have sent me flying about my business with nothing more +than a curt No. I'm glad you didn't do that!" + +"I don't treat my friends like that," and Patty smiled, relieved that +the ordeal was practically over. "Now, will you help us with the House +Sale?" + +"In a _minute_! But tell me what house is to be sold?" + +"Oh, no, we don't sell any house. It's really a sort of Bazaar, but +instead of holding it in a hall or any big place, we have it in a +house,--this house, in fact." + +"Here?" + +"Yes, next week. It's a horrid nuisance,--the getting ready and +clearing up afterward, I mean,--but we want to make money for the +library of our working girls' club." + +"Let me give you the money you'd make, and then don't have the Bazaar +thing." + +"You're awfully good, Phil, and I'd like to do that. But it wouldn't +work. The Club would just take your contribution and then go calmly on +and have a Bazaar or something beside." + +"But it would let _you_ out. You needn't have it here." + +"That would be selfish. I'm too selfish as it is. No, I'll have the +sale here. Of course, the committee will help, and all that, but well, +you know what committees are." + +"Yes, they let the chairman do everything and then they criticise. And +I'll bet you're chairman, aren't you?" + +"Yes," Patty laughed. "How you do catch on! But I'm not shifting +responsibility. Indeed, I'd rather do it all, if I could do it my own +way. But they all tell me what to do, and then whatever's wrong is my +fault." + +"I know. All committees are like that. Well, just do the best you can +and let me help all I can. Is there much I can do?" + +"Why, yes, I think so. At least there will be on the day of the Sale. +Come round then and we'll set you to work." + +"Glad to. What is to be sold? Can't I buy some things?" + +"Yes, indeed. It's a novel sale, in this way: There are wares all over +the house. In the library we'll sell books, and in the dining-room, +food, and, also, china and glass and fancy linens." + +"And in the drawing-room here?" + +"Oh, here we'll have the bric-a-brac and pictures and small pieces of +furniture,--all these things have been donated, you know. And up in +the bedrooms we're to have things to wear, and lace pillows and dresser +scarfs and all such things; oh, and hats! And in my boudoir there'll +be wonderful kimonos and breakfast caps, and work-baskets and bags and +really lovely things." + +"I believe you'll enjoy it all. You're enthusiastic already. Let me +give you some things for it. Wouldn't you like a few curios and bronze +bits from Aunty Van's collections?" + +"Oh, we would! But you oughtn't to spare them." + +"I've such quantities, a few will never be missed. Come over and pick +them out yourself. Bring Elise or whoever is on the committee with +you." + +"Thank you, Phil, you're awfully good. It will be an immense help. +It's easy enough to get fancy things, and even dining-room things; and +we've oceans of books and desk fittings and such things. But it's +hardest of all to get the very things you offer. And they'll sell, +splendidly." + +"And you girls dress appropriately, I suppose." + +"Yes, of course we never lose a chance of dressing up. Elise will be +in cap and gown, in the library. Marie Homer, in full evening regalia, +in here. Several as waitresses in the dining-room; flower-girls in the +halls; oh, yes, we even use the kitchen. We have cooks there, and +they'll sell all sorts of aluminum cook dishes and laundry things. +It's really very well planned and I s'pose it will be fun. In the +little reception room we have all sorts of motor things,--robes, coats, +lunch-baskets, cushions, all the best and newest motor accessories. +General Sports goods, too, I believe. Daisy's running that." + +"And where are you?" + +"Up in my own boudoir. I'm to wear a gorgeous Chinese kimono and one +fascinating cap after another, selling them off of my head to the eager +throngs of purchasers!" + +"Fine! You'll do a rushing business. I'll give you some wares to sell +up there, too. Say, some Oriental couch cushions, and some Persian +slippers, and things from Auntie's wardrobe." + +"Do you think you ought to?" + +"Why, of course. All her things are mine, and there are such +quantities of really valuable stuffs and trinkets I don't know what to +do with them. And as to Aunty Van's own wishes, I know she would have +been glad to have them used in this way,--especially for you." + +Patty looked up at him, quickly. She well remembered Mrs. Van Reypen's +affection for her, and what form it took. + +"Phil," she said, "I don't want you to give these things for my +sake----" + +"Now, don't you worry, Curlyhead, I give them solely and wholly for the +good of the cause. Indeed, if you weren't connected with the affair, +I'd give twice as many!" + +Philip's smile contradicted this awful taradiddle, and Patty rejoiced +at his nonsense. Much as she wanted his gifts for the Sale, she didn't +want to feel that it placed her under special obligations to him. + +Just then the doorbell sounded, and in a moment Daisy Dow and Bill +Farnsworth appeared. They were in gay spirits, having been to see a +new comic opera, which proved such a bore that they left before it was +over. + +"Such rubbish!" Daisy exclaimed. "Old jokes, old music, old dances. +So I proposed we leave it to its fate and run up here. Glad to see us, +Patty?" + +"Yes, indeed! Just listen while I tell you of all the things I've +wheedled out of Philip for our Sale." + +"Gorgeous!" cried Daisy, after hearing the list. "Haven't you some for +my room, Mr. Van Reypen?" + +"I'm sure I have. You can use anything sporty?" + +"Anything." + +"Then I'll give you a first-class tennis set. I'll order it sent up +from Ball and Bat's, or you can pick it out there yourself." + +Daisy noticed that Van Reypen did not give her any of his aunt's +heirlooms, but she gratefully accepted the offered gift. + +"What shall I give you, Patty?" asked Bill. "What's your specialty?" + +"Negligees and boudoir caps," said Patty, demurely; "have you any?" + +"Something just as good. Want some Indian moccasins and Navajo +blankets----" + +"Now, Bill," said Daisy, "you promised me the Navajo, for a motor robe." + +"All right. I'll give each good little girl one. Then Patty, how'd +you like some real Hopi baskets?" + +"Beautiful! You boys are awfully good to us. We'll have a wonderful +sale." + +"If only people come to buy," demurred Daisy. + +"Oh, they'll come fast enough. We'll make oceans of money! I'm just +beginning to get into the notion of the thing." + +"Will those queer friends of yours be here?" + +"What queer friends?" + +"Those soully ones. I've never seen them, but I've heard a lot about +them." + +"From Chick Channing, I suppose," said Patty, coolly. "How that boy +does love to exaggerate. I don't know, Daisy, whether they'll be here +or not. If they are, use your wiles to sell them a lot of things out +of your room, won't you?" + +"Yes, I will, for I don't believe they'll care for your lace caps and +pillows." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE HOUSE SALE + +The House Sale was in full swing. It had been well advertised, and the +object was a popular one, and throngs of willing buyers crowded the +Fairfield house. + +The family belongings had, many of them, been carried to the upper +floors, and the first and second stories given over to the Bazaar. + +The beds had been removed and the bedrooms were veritable stores of all +sorts of light and dainty apparel and feminine trinkets. The rooms +downstairs were filled with fine wares and were crowded with +purchasers. The girls, dressed to suit their calling, were brisk and +busy salesladies, and everywhere was laughter and merry chat. + +Daisy, in a stunning new sports suit, looked with satisfaction on her +stacks of golf accoutrements, skates, tennis sets, and side lines of +bright caps and sweaters for both sexes. And her wares simply melted +away. She laughingly put up her prices, but so attractive were the +goods that they sold quickly. + +Elise, too, did a rushing business in the library. She had several +assistants, and they were all kept at work by the kind patrons. Many +worthwhile books had been given the girls, and there were beside, +library furnishings, and a few autographed books and letters that +commanded large prices. A set of Riley's works was on sale, and these +Farnsworth bought, requesting that they remain in their place until his +further directions. + +"Whatever are you going to do with them, Bill?" asked Elise, who looked +like a pretty Portia in her cap and gown. + +"Why not peruse them myself?" he returned. + +"But I chance to know that you have a set of Riley." + +"Well, maybe, I'll give them to somebody as a gift. If I can't find +anybody to accept them, I'll turn them over to your girls' library." + +"Oh, I dare say you can give them away. A beautiful set like that! +Why, they're Russia bound!" + +"Why, so they are!" + +"As if he didn't know that!" exclaimed one of the girls to Elise, as +Farnsworth sauntered away. "Why, he gave that set to the sale!" + +"He did! And then bought them back again!" + +"Yes, that's just what he has done." + +"Oh, well, then, he does mean to give them to somebody,--somebody in +particular." + +And Farnsworth certainly did mean to give them to somebody in +particular. He designed them as a gift for Patty. He knew she would +enjoy the poems, and he chose the edition with great care. Then, to +enhance the value, he made it a present to the Club Sale, and promptly +bought it back. + +The big Westerner made his way through the crowds, stopping here and +there to buy a flower or a trinket from the beguiling vendors. He +looked in at the dining-room, and saw the long table set with marvelous +confections, each to be sold with its dish of fine china or crystal. +Also, on side tables were center-pieces, doilies, and napkins of all +varieties of embroidery and decoration. A large back veranda had been +arranged as a refreshment room, and here Farnsworth discovered Nan and +Mr. Fairfield eating ice cream. + +"Join us," they begged, but a smiling headshake was the negative reply. + +"I'm on a still hunt for Patty. I'm told she's upstairs." + +"Yes, in her own rooms," said Nan. "But you can't get in, the place is +jammed. Wait till she has sold off a lot of stuff, then there'll be at +least standing room. I've just come down from there and I never saw +such a crowd." + +"I'm fairly good at stemming crowds,--I think I'll go up." + +Farnsworth squared his broad shoulders and started up the stairway. + +By tactful manoeuvring, rather than by muscular strength, he gained his +goal, and stood in the doorway of Patty's boudoir. + +She was showing off a boudoir set to a prospective purchaser. It was +of pale blue brocaded satin, edged with swansdown. There was a +fetching lace cap with blue bows and little yellow rosebuds; also +dainty blue slippers with rosebuds on them. Gaily, Patty donned the +lovely garments, over her fluffy white frock, and pirouetted before her +own cheval glass. + +"You see," she said, in wheedling, saleslady tones, "it is a work of +art! _Ma foi_! but it is _chic_! _n'est-ce pas_? Excuse my fearful +French, but I can't sell this Parisian rig in English!" + +"It is just darling!" declared the lady who was looking at it. "Of +course I'll take it. I never saw one I liked so well." + +Farnsworth stood watching the scene, thinking how much Patty's winning +personality added to the charm of the robe, and wondering if she would +accept the books he had bought for her. + +The sale concluded, Patty thanked her patron, and in a moment was +called upon to repeat the performance, as indeed she had been doing +most of the evening. This time it was not so willing a buyer. + +A gaunt, elderly spinster, with elaborately coiffed white hair and +ostentatious costume, demanded a kimono that should be just her style +and of embroidered crepe de chine. + +"Here is a lovely one in heliotrope," said Patty, smiling as she +brought one of the prettiest ones she had. + +"Heliotrope!" the lady almost screamed. "Do I then look so old? Am I +in the sere and yellow? Why do you offer me heliotrope?" + +"Oh, don't you care for it?" said Patty, pleasantly; "it's one of my +favourite colours. What colour do you like best?" + +"I like amber, but, of course, you wouldn't have that. Green, now?" + +"No, we don't seem to have those. We've mostly pink and blue." + +"Old-fashioned! Why don't you have amber or russet?" + +"I wish we had. I'd love to give you what you want. How about white?" + +"Namby pamby! But show me what you have. I'm determined to get +something." + +"If you only cared for blue," and Patty sighed. "Here's a new box yet +unopened, but it says on the end, 'Light Blue.' So that wouldn't do." + +"Oh, well, let me see it." + +Patty opened the Japanese looking box, and out from the tissue papers +fell a dream of a kimono. Of palest blue silk, it was covered with +embroidered apple blossoms, not in a set design, but powdered over it, +as if wafted there by a summer breeze. The conventional Japanese +flowers are cherry blooms, but these were true apple blossoms, softly +pink and white, the very loveliest gown Patty had ever seen. + +Farnsworth was looking on, and he, too, caught sight of the exquisite +design. He looked quickly at Patty, and, in dumb show, begged her not +to sell the garment. Nor had she any intention of doing so. The +moment she saw it, she wanted it for herself, and began hastily to fold +it back in its box. + +"Wait! Stop!" cried the lady; "I think I want that." + +"It's already sold," said Big Bill, stepping forward. "Isn't that the +one I ordered, Miss Fairfield?" + +"Is it?" said Patty, helplessly, wanting to laugh at the way the lady +looked daggers at Bill, yet not knowing quite what to say. + +"It is. Kindly lay it aside for me. Mark it Farnsworth." + +"Do nothing of the sort!" snapped the lady. "You said that was an +unopened box. It can't belong to any one then. I will take it. How +much is it?" + +Patty thought quickly. She had received a green kimono for Christmas, +which she had not worn, and didn't care for. It had been sent her by a +distant cousin, who would never know or care what she did with it. + +"All right," she said, "take it if you like. You have the first right +to it." + +Farnsworth looked disturbed, but did not combat Patty's decision. + +"But," Patty went on, "I think I have a green one, after all. I've +just remembered it. You can take your choice." + +Stepping aside to her own wardrobe, Patty brought out a box and shook +out a very pretty green gown. She put it on, and, draping it +gracefully, stood, with her head on one side, observing the effect. +She then looked doubtfully at the lady, and said, "I dare say you like +the blue one better, after all. This is a very pale green." + +"It's a lovely green! Just the shade I like best. If you're willing, +I'll take the green one, by all means." + +"Whichever you choose," and Patty swished the green folds around to +catch the light. Very becoming it was, and on pretty Patty it looked a +dream of loveliness. + +"It's just bewitching," declared the gratified purchaser, and she paid +for it and left her address to have it sent home. + +"Good work!" said Farnsworth, laughing, as the lady passed on to look +at other tempting wares. "You hypnotised her into taking the green +one. I say, Patty, I want to make you a present of that apple-blossom +wrap; mayn't I?" + +"It isn't a wrap," said Patty, disdainfully, "it's a kimono, and the +very prettiest one I ever saw." + +"All right. I don't care what the dinky thing's name is. It's the +most exquisite colouring, and it suits you down to the ground." + +"It fits me down to the ground, too," laughed Patty, flinging the robe +on again, and gathering up its lustrous folds. It was too long for +her, but that, of course, could be remedied. + +"Yes, you'll have to take a reef in it. Will you accept it, Little +Apple Blossom?" + +"It's very expensive," Patty demurred, looking over her shoulder at the +graceful lines of the garment. + +"That doesn't matter," and Farnsworth pulled out a roll of bills from +his pocket. + +Patty gave him a scornful look. "Don't be so ostentatious!" she +flouted. "I didn't mean you couldn't afford it. I mean, I don't care +to accept a gift of such value. I know,--we all know--you have the +wealth of the Indies!" + +Farnsworth looked at her in sheer amazement, a deep red flush stealing +over his face. Then, for a moment, he held her eyes with his own, +looking steadily at her. + +"Very well," he said, gently, returning his money to his pocket. "I +won't give it to you, if you don't want me to." + +"Oh, gracious to goodness! what a kimono!" cried Daisy Dow, who came +flying into the room, "I never saw such a beauty! I want it! Is it +yours, Patty? No? Oh, you're just trying it on." + +"I'm considering its purchase," said Farnsworth, "if I can find +somebody to give it to. Do you like it, Daisy?" + +"Do I _like_ it! It's the loveliest thing in the whole Sale! By the +way, just look at the presents I've had!" + +Sure enough, Daisy was adorned with two or three gay-coloured sport +sashes, over her arm were two silk sweaters, and she carried a basket, +in which was a collection of gloves, ties, handkerchiefs, scarfs, and +various odds and ends of sport apparel. + +"What are you doing up here, anyway?" demanded Patty. "Who's looking +after your room?" + +"All sold out! Not a mite of anything left to sell. I came near +disposing of your own pictures that still hang on the wall, and your +tables and chairs. Are you really looking for somebody to buy that +for, Bill? Well, it might as well be me!" + +Daisy laughed gaily, and held out her hands for the kimono. + +But Patty drew the blue folds around her and shook her yellow curls. +"Possession is nine points of the law," she laughingly said. "I'm +going to buy this thing myself." + +"You can't," said Farnsworth, looking amused at the situation. "First +come, first served. I asked for it before you thought of buying it. +Now, I claim my purchase, and I shall give it to one or other of you +two girls. I offered it to Patty first, so it is for her to say. If +she refuses, I offer it to Daisy." + +So gay was his manner, so light his tone, that Patty couldn't resent +his words, but a twinkle in his eye made her realise that he knew he +was cornering her. He knew how she admired the kimono. It would be +difficult if not impossible to duplicate it. She must accept it from +him or see Daisy triumphantly walk off with it. + +The latter alternative was surely unthinkable! So Patty said, with +exaggerated meekness, "Thank you, Little Billee, I accept it with +pleasure. You are very kind." + +Farnsworth burst out laughing at the mild tone and the shy, downcast +eyes, whereupon Patty favoured him with an innocent stare, saying, +"What is the matter?" + +"A whole lot is the matter!" Daisy answered for him. "I wanted that +robe, and now you've gone and got it, Patty Fairfield! You're the girl +who gets everything! All right, Bill, just for that, you've got to +give me the set of books you bought from Elise, and had saved for you. +Will you?" + +"If you say I've got to,--why ask me will I?" he returned, +good-naturedly. "I am as wax in the hands of you two. Certainly, +Daisy, I'll be honoured if you'll accept the books." + +"What are they?" asked Patty, carelessly, as she still bent her +attention to the embroideries of her new acquisition. + +"Oh, it's a set of Riley. A wonderful set,--bound in Russia leather." + +Patty looked up, quickly. She felt a conviction that Farnsworth had +bought these books for her. To be sure she wouldn't want to accept two +handsome presents from him, yet the idea of his so easily passing them +over to Daisy annoyed her. + +"Riley!" she exclaimed, involuntarily. "Why didn't you give those to +me, instead of this gown?" + +"The books are better suited to Daisy," he returned, "and the gown +suits nobody but you." + +"Oh, because Daisy is more intellectual, I suppose, and I'm----" + +"Yes, and you're just a little piece of vanity, who cares only for +dress and finery." + +Farnsworth was having his innings now. Patty had hurt his feelings, +and she knew it; and so, he was teasing her in return. + +Daisy laughed at Patty's unmistakable chagrin, and ran away downstairs +to claim her books. + +It so chanced that there was no one else in Patty's boudoir at that +moment. Everybody had flocked to the next room to see a new +consignment of treasures displayed, and Farnsworth and Patty were alone. + +"Yes," he said, looking straight at her, "I did buy the Riley set for +you. But as you're so averse to accepting my ostentatious offerings, I +thought better to give it to Daisy. And I had another reason, too." + +"I'm glad you did," said Patty, coldly; "and I wish you had given her +this also." + +She began to draw off the kimono, but Farnsworth took a step toward +her, and with one big swoop, gathered her into his arms. + +"Apple Blossom!" he whispered, "my little Apple Blossom girl!" + +So impulsive and all-embracing was the action, so swift the kiss that +fell on Patty's pink cheek, and so quickly was she released, that she +stood, gasping from breathlessness, and astonishment, as others began +to return to the room. + +Van Reypen was among them, and he called out to Patty: + +"We've come for you. If your things aren't all sold, let somebody else +look after them. We're going to supper now, and we want all our crowd +together." + +Gratefully, Patty turned to him, her head still in a whirl from +Farnsworth's audacity, and with Philip she went downstairs. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +PATTY RUNAWAY + +The next day was Saturday, and Patty woke to a somewhat dismantled and +disordered room. Her bed had been restored to its place, after the +guests had departed the night before, but other appointments were a bit +lacking. Nan had forbidden her to rise until noon, for the Bazaar had +meant a large expenditure of strength and nerve force, and Patty was +not robust. + +Before she rang for her morning chocolate, she thought over the events +of the previous evening. She was furiously angry at Farnsworth. So +much so, that she could think of little else. + +"How dared he?" she exclaimed to herself. "The idea of his thinking I +am the sort of girl he can pick up and kiss like that!" + +And then her face grew pink with blushes and she buried it in a pillow +because she realised she was not nearly so indignant as she ought to be! + +"Good heavens!" she thought, frantically. "Am I in love with Little +Billee? With a Westerner? A self-made man? Why, he can't hold a +candle to Phil for birth and name! And yet--oh, no, I'm not in love +with him! He's too--too--he takes too much for granted. It's got to +stop! Think how he carried me out of the Studio party! And last +night! No wonder he walked off home without seeing me again! I wonder +what he will offer by way of apology or explanation. I believe I'll +ask him!" + +Patty reached out her hand for the telephone, and suddenly stopped. + +"I can't!" she whispered to herself, shame-facedly, "I--I don't want +any apology from him. I--I--oh, fiddlesticks! I don't know _what_ to +do! Guess I'll have a talk with Nan--no, I won't. It was all very +well to talk to her about Phil,--because I didn't care about him. But +I do care about Billee. Oh! do I 'care for' him? I don't know--but +I'm not going to think about it. It gets me all mixed up. I wonder--I +wish I could go away. I will! I guess I can do as I've a mind to!" + +After a little further thought, and a determined wag of the head, Patty +rang her bell, and when the maid came she said, "Bring my chocolate, +please, and then get out a suitcase, and pack it for me." + +"Yes, Miss Patty," replied Jane, and until her breakfast came, Patty's +mind worked rapidly. + +"Jane, I'm going to elope," she announced, as the maid reappeared with +a tray. + +"Yes, Miss Patty," and though Jane's eyes flew wide open, she made no +verbal comment. + +"Don't look as if you had been shot!" said Patty, laughing; "I'm going +alone, but you are to help me get off. Pack the things I tell you and +then order the little car for me. I'm not going to tell you where I'm +going, for I don't want any one to know. But after I'm gone, you may +give Mrs. Fairfield a note I will leave with you. Understand?" + +"Yes, Miss Patty," and Jane began at once to lay out the desired +clothing. + +"And," Patty went on, "if any one calls or telephones or asks for me in +any way, just say that I've gone away for a few days to recuperate +after the exertions of the House Sale." + +She carried out her plan with no trouble at all. Jane took down the +suitcase, Patty went down, too, by the back stairs, and got into the +car unseen, and was driven to the Grand Central Station. + +Admonishing the chauffeur to tell no one where he took her, Patty +bought a ticket for Fern Falls, and in a few hours amazed Adele +Kenerley by walking in at her front door. + +"Patty Fairfield! You angel child! Where _did_ you drop from? The +blue skies?" + +"Not quite. I flew up from New York to beg the hospitality of your +roof for a few days." + +"For as long as we can keep you. You dear old thing! How well you +look!" + +"Don't say that! I'm here to recuperate after a strenuous gay season +and a particularly tiring Bazaar thing last night." + +"Oh, yes, Bazaars are the most tiresome things in the world! You ought +never to go to them." + +"This one came to me. It was at our house. I'll tell you all about it +later. But, honestly, Adele, I was just ready to perfectly fly this +morning! My nerves gave out, my muscles are all lame and tired, and +then, my brain gave way. So, sez I, why not flee away to that haven of +rest what I wot of,--and here I am flewn!" + +"Well, I'm jolly glad to see you. Jim will be overjoyed, too. Come +right up to your own room, and take off your things, while I go and +speak to Cook. Anything particular you want for lunch?" + +"No, thank you. Any old thing, so long as it's good. As if you ever +had anything that wasn't salt of the earth!" + +"Oh, Patty! You don't eat salt of the earth! Unless you're a +cannibal!" + +"I'd like to know what kind of salt you do eat, then! Run along, +Adele, and order a dressy luncheon. I am pretty hungry." + +Mrs. Kenerley went off, and Patty stood for a moment, looking out of +the window. "I did just the right thing," she said to herself. "Up +here, where it's so quiet and peaceful, I can think things out, and +know just where I stand. Down home, I shouldn't have had a minute to +myself. It is beautiful here. So peaceful and calm." + +Patty turned, as some one entered her room, and saw a maid, ready to +unpack for her. + +"I've only a suitcase, Tessie," she smiled. "I'm here but for two or +three days." + +"Yes, Miss Fairfield. It's good to see you again. What will you put +on?" + +"The little rose Georgette, please. Why, here are two of my frocks in +this wardrobe!" + +"Yes, you left them last summer, and Mrs. Kenerley said to leave them +there against your next visit." + +"Good work! Here's a white crepe de chine. Just the thing for +tomorrow. No guests, are there, Tessie?" + +"None, Miss Fairfield. Some ladies left this morning." + +"Now, tell me all about it," said Adele, coming back. "You may go, +Tessie. I'll look after Miss Fairfield." + +Tessie went away, and the two friends sat down for a chat. + +"First of all, Adele," Patty said, "I don't want any one to know where +I am. I want a few days of absolute freedom from interruption,--I've +some things to think out." + +"H'm," said Adele. "Who is he?" + +Patty turned pink. "Nobody," she returned; "or, if it's anybody, it's +Phil Van Reypen; he wants me to marry him, and I don't know whether to +or not." + +Adele looked at Patty's transparent face, and knew she was not telling +the whole truth. "You won't," she said, astutely. "But never mind why +you came, dear; tell me as much or as little as you wish. And nobody +shall know of your whereabouts, I promise you that. We'll have a +lovely, comfy time, just by ourselves." + +"And I'll tell you this much, Adele; if Bill Farnsworth telephones, on +no account tell him I'm here. Please tell him I'm _not_!" + +"Oh, fie, fie, Patty; tell a naughty story?" + +"Sometimes a naughty story is justifiable; or, well, if you can't +conscientiously do it, let me know if he threatens to come up here and +I'll scoot off somewhere else." + +"I think I see you! I'll leave it to Jim. He'll manage it +diplomatically. And perhaps Bill won't telephone." + +"No, most likely not. But he may. He doesn't know I'm here,--nobody +does,--but I suppose this will be the first place anybody would suspect +me of being." + +"I think very likely. Come on, now, I'll help you dress for lunch. +What a beautiful kimono! Where did you get that?" + +"At the Sale last night. Oh, we had wonderful things. Everybody +donated, you know, and then came and bought the things. Philip gave us +some of Aunty Van Reypen's bronzes and ivory carvings. I think we'll +make a lot of money." + +"And you ran away the morning after! Didn't you want to know how the +funds summed up?" + +"Oh, yes; but the house was in such a fearful state! Furniture all +moved and things every which way. I was glad to disappear until it +gets into shape again." + +"And doesn't Mrs. Fairfield or your father know where you are?" + +"Well, I left a note for Nan, and I didn't tell her just where I was +going, so she could tell people that I hadn't; but I gave her +sufficient hints, so she can form a fairly correct notion of my +destination." + +"All right, Pattykins, I'll look after you, and no one shall learn from +me where you are,--least of all, that terrible ogre, Bill Farnsworth!" + +Patty smiled, and the two friends went downstairs. Jim Kenerley was +beaming with welcomes, and declared that he, too, would keep the secret +of Patty's presence under his roof, even at the point of the bayonet. + +But, alas, for good intentions! + +That afternoon, Kenerley sought his wife, consternation in every line +of his good-looking countenance. + +"Where's Patty?" he asked, abruptly. + +"I sent her off for a nap. She's all tired out. Why?" + +"Well, Farnsworth is on his way up here." + +"What? Why did you let him come?" + +"Couldn't help it. You see it was this way. The clerk, or somebody at +his hotel telephoned, and said that Mr. Farnsworth had suddenly decided +to run up here, and that he hadn't time to telephone and then get his +train. So he instructed the clerk to get me and tell me Bill was on +the way. He'll be here a little after seven. What shall we do?" + +"Mercy! I don't know. Let me think. Patty is awfully angry with him +about something, and I've promised her not to let him know where she +is." + +"Lovers' quarrel?" + +"I don't know. I haven't had a real talk with Patty yet, she's so +fagged out. I want her to rest up. But she says she's bothered about +Philip Van Reypen." + +"Then depend upon it, it's somebody else! Farnsworth, probably." + +"She could do a lot worse than to marry Bill." + +"Indeed she could! But, all the same, if Patty doesn't want him here, +he mustn't come." + +"That's all very well, but how will you prevent it?" + +"I don't know. Meet him with a shotgun?" + +"Now, be serious, Jim. We must protect Patty at any cost. Can't we +telegraph him on the train?" + +"Not a chance. Do you think he knows she's here?" + +"He can't know it. He may suspect it. Well, he'll have to come, and +he'll have to stay over night; we can't send him packing, with no +decent excuse." + +"Tell him Cook has the smallpox." + +"Don't be silly! I can manage it, I think. Yes, with your help, it +can be done." + +"My dear Adele, I offer my help in its entirety, and then some." + +"I'll need all that--maybe more. It's no easy job, but I'll try it, +rather than have Patty disturbed." + +"Might a mere man ask the nature of your plans?" + +Adele Kenerley looked affectionately at her husband. "Yes, but you +mustn't hoot at them. Yours not to question why, yours not to make +objection." + +"Mine only to do or die, like those other heroes, I suppose." + +"Yes, but you're to do, not die. The die is cast! I've cast it. Now, +stop fooling, Jim, and listen to me. Those two people shall be in this +house at the same time, and neither will suspect that the other is +here." + +"Impossible!" + +"There was a gentleman once, named Napoleon. He remarked, 'If it is +possible, it must be done. If it is impossible, it _shall_ be done!' +That's my motto." + +"Good for you, General! Go ahead. Command me, Madame!" + +"Well, and now listen, Jim, and be serious. We'll have two dinners +tonight----" + +"Whew! I can't stand everything!" + +"Silence, sir! We'll have dinner at six; and then I'll tuck Patty in +bed early, to get her rest. Then, Bill will get here about seven, and +we'll have another dinner for him. I can look after tomorrow +morning,---- Patty will breakfast in her room. Then, about eleven +o'clock or noon, you must take Bill for a long motor ride, lunch +somewhere on the road. I'll have Patty lunch here with me. Then, I'll +put her away for an afternoon nap, and we must then have dinner for +Bill and,--make him go home. I couldn't keep it up any longer than +that." + +"I should say not! Regular Box and Cox game. But it may be we can put +it over. I'll do all I can. But s'pose he won't go home tomorrow +afternoon?" + +"Make him. Even if you have to telephone to his hotel to send a hurry +wire for him." + +"Capital! I'll do that, if I have to. All right, little woman, you +act as Patty's jailer, and I'll look after Farnsworth." + +And so, at five o'clock, Adele went to Patty's room. She found that +young woman, robed in her apple blossom gown, asleep, with her head on +a much crumpled pillow. There were traces of tears on the pink cheeks, +but the blue eyes were tightly closed. + +"Wake up, Pattibelle," said Adele, gently patting her shoulder. "We're +to have an early dinner, 'cause Jim has to go off to some meeting or +other, and I thought you wouldn't mind." + +"Mind? Of course not," and Patty sprang up, very wide-awake. "I won't +dress much, Adele." + +"No; wear the same frock you had on for lunch. Twist up that yellow +mop of yours, and come along down, now. I want you to take a stroll +around the domain while there's a scrap of daylight left." + +The hour before dinner soon passed, and then, laughing with merriment, +the hosts and guest went in to dinner. + +The Kenerleys were in specially gay spirits, it seemed to Patty, and +she held her own in fun and repartee. + +"You must stay a long time, Patty," Jim declared. "You're more fun +than a barrel of monkeys! I'm awfully glad you came." + +"So'm I," assented Patty; "I wanted to get away from the giddy whirl, +and lead the simple life for a few days." + +"Sometimes the simple life is very complicated," observed Kenerley, and +he glanced at the clock. + +Adele took the hint. "You want to get away, don't you, dear?" she +said. "And we've been dawdling over dessert! Patty, I shan't give you +any coffee tonight. I'm afraid it will keep you awake, and you need +sleep. My, but you're hollow-eyed! I suppose you've kept late hours +all winter." + +"Pretty much. But I sleep a good deal, too. And I feel all right, +now. I'm not going to bed before you come back, Jim." + +"Indeed you are!" cried Adele. "Now, not a word from you, Miss! I'm +your nurse at present, and you will obey my orders!" + +Kenerley started off to drive to the station for Farnsworth. He felt +sure his wife would have Patty out of the way when they returned, but +he didn't know just how she'd manage it. + +Nor was it easy. But Adele wandered about the house with her guest, +and finally declared the moonlight view was prettier from Patty's +windows than anywhere else. She lured the girl upstairs, and then +cleverly persuaded her to don a dressing-gown and lie down, while she, +Adele, looked after some household matters, and she would then return +for a confab. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +BLOSSOM GIRL + +Such a clever and resourceful housekeeper as Adele Kenerley found no +trouble in arranging a second dinner for half-past seven, although one +had been served at six. Patty safely out of the way, Adele presided at +the board with a light-hearted gaiety that surprised even her husband. + +Farnsworth, too, was in good spirits, though both the Kenerleys +detected a roving eye and an alert ear that made them think he +suspected, or at least hoped, that Patty was there. But he said +nothing that indicated his thoughts except to ask on arrival if there +were other guests. + +"As you see," said Adele. "But I'm flattering myself that you came +this time just to visit the Kenerleys." + +"What more could one desire?" returned Farnsworth. And the +conversation continued in a light and impersonal tone. Patty's name +was mentioned, and innocently enough. Adele asked how she was. + +"Well, I trust," said Farnsworth. "I was at her house at a Sale +affair, last night, and she was all right then. Very much all right. +But today, I called up the house, and they said she had gone away. I +don't know where." + +"And you thought she was up here! Oh, Big Bill, and I thought you came +to see us!" Adele looked deeply chagrined. + +"I'm jolly glad to see you, Adele, but to be honest, that little Patty +person has turned my head." + +"Truly, Bill?" + +"Very truly, Adele. It's one thing or the other with me now. I must +find her and if she says me nay, I go back to Arizona for good and all. +No more East for me." + +Jim Kenerley, catching the earnest note in Farnsworth's voice, had all +he could do to keep from telling him then and there of Patty's presence +under that same roof, but a decided head-shake from Adele restrained +him. + +For Adele felt in honour bound to keep Patty's secret, unless the girl +herself released her from her promise. + +As soon as she could, Adele excused herself and left the two men to +smoke and chat together. She went to Patty's room, determined to find +out the true state of affairs. But Patty was asleep, and so profoundly +did she slumber that it seemed a shame to waken her. + +So the game went on. Adele went back downstairs, and the three friends +spent a pleasant evening together. At bedtime Farnsworth declared his +intention of leaving in the morning, and sure that he would do so, +Adele hospitably urged him to remain till after dinner. To her +surprise, he acquiesced, and said he would go down to New York on a +late afternoon train. + +"Now, you have done it!" said Kenerley to his wife, after their guest +had gone to his room. + +"I know it, Jim. It was all my fault! But I never dreamed he'd stay +over so easily! Oh, if I'd only let him go on the morning train!" + +"We'll have to keep up the hide and seek." + +"Yes, and we can do it. Only it would have been so much easier the +other way." + +"Perhaps Patty will relent." + +"Not she! If you had seen her eyes flash, when she spoke of him. +She's desperately angry with him, for some reason. But tomorrow +morning will be all right. And I'll plan the day. There'll be no +trouble." + +Adele's clever managing made her words good. Patty had breakfast in +her room, of course, and at nine o'clock, Farnsworth and the Kenerleys +had their own morning meal. A pleasant affair it was in the sunny +dining-room, and, without seeming to do so, Adele tactfully gave her +guest an opportunity to depart, by saying that Jim had to go for a long +trip in the motor. + +But Farnsworth said, "Good! I'll go along. Unless I'm in the way, old +chap?" + +"Not at all," returned Kenerley, cordially, and that matter was settled. + +The two men left about eleven, and Adele went to Patty's room. + +"I'm all over my tired-outness," declared a very fresh-looking, rosy +young person. "I've had my tub, and now I'm going to dress up and +behave like a good citizen. You're a duck, Adele, to put up with a +worn-out wreck, as I was yesterday, but now I'm myself again. I want +to go for a motor ride, and for a walk, and eat a big luncheon, and +come back to life, generally." + +"Good for you! And have you settled all the troublesome affairs that +were bothering you?" + +"How did you know I had any?" + +"Now, don't confide in me unless you want to." Wily Adele knew the +touch of perversity in Patty's make-up. + +"Oh, there's nothing much to confide. I got fearfully mad at Bill +Farnsworth, and I ran up here to get away from him. That's the story +of my life." + +"What was the bone of contention?" + +"Well, I suppose I was. Also, he was very rude and unmannerly. +Also,--and this is why I hate him so,--he's suddenly grown rich, Adele, +and he's terribly ostentatious about it----" + +"Bill Farnsworth ostentatious! I don't believe it!" + +"Yes, he is. He showed off big rolls of money at the Sale----" + +"But, Patty, he was buying things, wasn't he?" + +"I don't care if he was. And, besides, Adele, he--well, he implied, if +he didn't say it straight out, that now he was rich, maybe I'd marry +him! As if I was a fortune-hunter!" + +"Oh, Patty, you little goose! Bill has always been poor, or at least, +he had only a moderate income. I can see how he would be glad if he +had good fortune, to offer it to you. Poor Bill! You mistook his +meaning, I'm sure." + +"No, I didn't, and I hate him, and I never want to hear his name +mentioned again!" + +"Nor see him?" + +"Mercy, no! And now, drop the subject. I tell you I came up here to +get away from him! He's in love with Daisy Dow, anyway." + +"What makes you think so?" + +"Oh, he's always with her. And he gave her some lovely books that he +had bought on purpose for me! And, Daisy says things all the time that +prove it. I don't want anything to do with another girl's rustic +swain. That I don't!" + +"Just a minute, Patty. Do you really consider Bill a +rustic,--uncultured, and all that, I mean?" + +Patty looked serious. "No, Adele, I don't. He hasn't a certain +polish, that some men have, but he is a thorough gentleman and a +splendid man. I must say that, in all honesty. But he is a +domineering, head-strong nature, and he couldn't make any girl happy!" + +"Oh, couldn't he!" said Adele, but she said it to herself, not aloud. + +The subject was really dropped then, and Patty began to dress for +luncheon. + +"I'm going to put on this white crepe de chine," she said. "I found it +hanging in the wardrobe, left from last summer. I'd almost forgotten I +had it. It's a pretty frock, isn't it?" + +"Yes. But, I grieve to state, Pattibelle, we'll be alone at lunch, you +and I. Jim has gone miles off in the country, and won't be back before +six or so." + +"Whatever for?" + +"Oh,--on some business." + +"Business! On Sunday?" + +"He's looking at a car he's thinking of buying. The man could only see +him today." + +"Oh, well, all right. But I'll dress up anyway, for my own +self-respect. I like myself better in a pretty gown, and I'm not going +to take naps all day today, I can tell you." + +Patty flew around, making her toilette, and humming little snatches of +song. Adele thought she had never seen her look so pretty. The white +frock was soft and filmy; the round neck a trifle low, the frilled +sleeves showing her dimpled arms, and a soft sash made of a breadth of +palest pink silk, round the waist. + +"You're a dream!" declared Adele. "It's a shame to waste such a vision +of beauty on me. I believe I'll telephone for Bob Peyton to come over +to lunch." + +"No, don't. I'd rather not have him. I like to be alone with you much +better. Ask him over for dinner, if you like." + +So the two lunched alone, and then came the difficult crisis. + +Patty flatly rebelled against Adele's suggestion that she take an +afternoon nap to be fresh for the evening. + +"What's the matter with you, Adele?" she laughed. "Do you think I'm a +dormouse? Or a bear who wants to hibernate? I'm as wide-awake as you +are!" + +"It isn't that, Patty," and poor Adele was at her wits' end, "but +you're really run down--er--nerve exhaustion, you know----" + +"Well, _your_ nerve isn't exhausted! To make me go to bed by day,--all +the whole time!" + +"Now, Patsy, don't be stubborn. Give me my way, this once. If you'll +go to your room, and stay there and rest quietly till five o'clock, I +won't say another word about your resting, while you're here. But +you're--really,--you're so improved since you came, that I want to +complete the cure. Scoot off, now, and then at five o'clock Jim will +be back, and we'll have lots of fun." + +"It's nearly half-past two, now. Well, I don't see much else to do, so +I'll go. But remember, it's the last of this foolishness." + +"I'll remember. Run along now, and don't show your face below stairs +till five. Cross your heart?" + +"Yep. Cross my heart and hope to never! By-by." + +Patty ran upstairs and closed her room door behind her. Never really +at a loss to entertain herself, she read some magazines, wrote two or +three letters that had been long owing, and then mooned around looking +out of her windows at the distant hills, bright with winter sunshine. +She opened the long French window to the balcony and stepped out. It +was snappily cold, so she went back long enough to catch up a wrap. +The apple blossom kimono was the first thing she saw, so she slipped +into it, and went out on the balcony. The bracing air was delightful, +and she walked up and down, drawing long deep breaths of ozone. There +was a low railing round the little balcony and Patty sat down on it. +The ground was only about eight feet below her, for the house was built +on a side hill, and the slope was abrupt. + +"I could almost lean down and pick violets," she mused, "if there were +any to pick. But it's nowhere near spring, yet." + +She drew her wrap more closely about her and rose to go in the house +again. + +"Well!" came in an explosive voice, just below her. Patty looked down +and saw Farnsworth standing there, his face radiant with glad surprise. + +"Little Billee!" she exclaimed, impulsively leaning over the rail. +"What are you here for?" + +"_You_! And I can't wait another minute! _Jump_!" + +Not pausing to think, impelled by his quick command, Patty stepped over +the rail and jumped. + +Farnsworth caught her deftly in his arms just as her feet touched the +ground, and held her there. + +"Look at me," he said, and his always musical voice had a ring in it +Patty had never heard before. + +The golden head, bowed against his broad chest, lifted a little, and +Patty's blue eyes shone into his own. Steadily he looked for a moment, +and then said, quietly, but exultantly, "You love me! Oh, my Patty +Blossom!" + +Patty stood very still. It seemed to her that the end of the world had +come--or the beginning,--she wasn't sure which. + +"Come," said Farnsworth, still with that glad, exultant note of triumph +in his voice. He led her to the house, walking quickly and with +springing step. + +Adele was in the hall as they entered. + +"Good heavens!" she said, helplessly, as she stared at them. + +"Adele," Farnsworth's words fairly rang out, "don't stop us. We're +just getting engaged, and we want a few minutes alone." + +"I should say so!" and half dazed at the suddenness of the news, Adele +opened the door of a little reception room, and let them in. Then she +closed it, and ran hot haste to find Jim. + +A wood fire was blazing and Patty threw off the silk wrap. + +"Apple Blossom," said Farnsworth, as he took it from her, and tossed it +over a sofa, "my Blossom girl!" + +He took the soft, trembling little figure in his arms, the pretty white +frock sadly crushed in his strong embrace. + +"My Love, my Patty Blossom!" he murmured, and then, with his first kiss +on her quivering, scarlet lips, Patty knew that she "cared for" this +big, tender giant, with her whole heart, and she began to realise how +he loved her. + +"Patty! darling! I have loved you so long, but I had no idea what it +would mean to know you love me!" + +"What does it mean?" she said, softly. + +"It means heaven! Great, blue, sunshiny, cloudless heaven! Oh, my +little girl, I can't tell you all it means, there aren't any words big +enough. You do love me, don't you? How do you know you do?" + +"Because I jumped," and the blue eyes smiled at him. "I jumped because +I couldn't help it." + +"You jumped because you loved me! I oughtn't to have let you do it; +good gracious, Patty, you might have broken yourself to bits! I spoke +from impulse." + +"And I jumped from impulse. And,--I'm glad I did!" + +"You little Love! Are you? Patty, how can you love a great, uncouth +man like me?" + +"You're not uncouth, Little Billee, and you only said that to be +contradicted! But I do contradict it. You're not big and uncouth at +all. Well, I s'pose you _are_ big,--but it's a nice, cunning little +bigness----" + +"There, there, that'll be about all of that! Now, tell me why you ran +away from me." + +"I didn't know at the time. But I know now." + +"You do? Why, then? + +"Because I was in love with you, and I was afraid you'd find it out." + +"But you didn't know it yourself?" + +"N--no; that is, I wouldn't own up to it to myself, and I was awfully +afraid myself would find it out." + +"You little goose----" + +"Blossom goose?" + +"Yes. Blossom goose,--Blossom girl,--Oh, Patty Blossom, how _can_ I +make you have a glimmer of a gleam of an idea how I love you!" + +"Little Billee! if you give me all your kisses now, what shall we do +all the rest of our lives?" + +"Poor little Apple Blossom! Am I a big bear? Well, sit beside me here +on this cosy sofa place, and I'll tell you what we'll do all the rest +of our lives." + +And so enchanted was Patty with the plans unfolded for her, that it was +more than an hour later that she remembered to ask, "Why did you give +Daisy the books you bought for me?" + +"Shall I tell you, dear? I told you at the time I had a reason. +Because, just then, something in your eyes gave me hope, gave me a tiny +hint of hope that you would take _my_ set of Riley books and me along +with it!" + +"Oh, Little Billee! Did I really throw myself at your head?" + +"No, Patty; no, my child, never think for a minute you did that! But +you gave me a look that made me feel emboldened to throw myself at your +feet. Then you ran away before I could do so." + +"Yes, I was afraid you would. How did you know I was here?" + +"Didn't know it; but I thought it the most likely place. How the +Kenerleys fooled me! I owe Jim one for that!" + +"No, you don't! They only did what I made them do. I vowed I wouldn't +see you, and they must not let you know I was here." + +"Did you think you could elude me long, Sweetheart?" + +"I don't know what I thought----" + +"You were afraid to look in your own heart, weren't you?" + +"Yes, I was. But I'm not now." + +"No, you don't seem to be! For a newly engaged young person you take +to it like a duck to water." + +"Only because it's _you_. I wouldn't with anybody else." + +"I should hope not! And you're not afraid of me any more?" + +"'Perfect love casteth out fear.'" + +"Oh, Blossom, you do say the sweetest things! And do you forgive me my +horrid ostentation?" + +"You must forgive _me_ for that, Little Billee. I had no business to +act so." + +"You were all right, dear. I'm not to the money born, you know. And +when I was successful, financially, I had _no_ thought but of pleasure +it might give you. But I expressed myself unfortunately. I'm not a +'society man,' Patty." + +"You're the dearest man in all the world. My big, beautiful Sir +Galahad. My own Little Billee." + +"Haven't you two got engaged yet?" called Adele, plaintively, through +the keyhole. "You've been two hours at it! Come on out, and let us +help." + +"Run away and play," called back Farnsworth, but Patty released herself +from his clasping arms, and said, "It hasn't been two hours, any such +thing, Adele; but we will come out now. We've been engaged a long +time." + +Big Bill rose, towering above his little fiancee. + +"You little scrap of loveliness!" he exclaimed, "what have you done to +me, to bewitch me so? You were always beautiful, but now +you're--you're----" + +"Well, what?" and Patty's radiant face looked up lovingly into his own. + +"There are no words dear enough," and Farnsworth's voice thrilled with +love and reverence, "no terms sweet enough, but just,--my Patty +Blossom." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY BLOSSOM*** + + +******* This file should be named 20945.txt or 20945.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/9/4/20945 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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