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diff --git a/old/51354-0.txt b/old/51354-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c00b4df..0000000 --- a/old/51354-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7716 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Patty's Fortune, by Carolyn Wells, -Illustrated by E. C. Caswell - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Patty's Fortune - - -Author: Carolyn Wells - - - -Release Date: March 4, 2016 [eBook #51354] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY'S FORTUNE*** - - -E-text prepared by Mardi Desjardins and the online Distributed -Proofreaders Canada team (http://www.pgdpcanada.net)from page images -generously made available by the Google Books Library Project -(http://books.google.com) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 51354-h.htm or 51354-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/51354/51354-h/51354-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/51354/51354-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - the Google Books Library Project. See - https://books.google.com/books?id=Qj9AAAAAYAAJ - - - - -[Illustration: Patty knew that a momentous decision lay -before her (_Page_ 292)] - - -PATTY’S FORTUNE - -by - -CAROLYN WELLS - -Author of -The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, -Two Little Women Series, etc. - -Illustrations by E. C. Caswell - - - - - - - -[Illustration] - -New York -Dodd, Mead and Company -1916 - -Copyright, 1916 -By Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. - - - - -CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I AN INVITATION 9 - - II THE HOTEL 23 - - III A MIDNIGHT MESSAGE 37 - - IV BLUE ROCK LAKE 52 - - V M’LLE FARINI! 64 - - VI MAUDE’S CONFIDENCES 78 - - VII THE FORTUNE TELLER 93 - - VIII A RIDE TOGETHER 107 - - IX THE “SHOWER” 123 - - X GOOD-BYE, SWEETHEART 136 - - XI A BUBBLE BURST 150 - - XII MIDDY 166 - - XIII CHICK’S PLAN 179 - - XIV A GREAT SUCCESS 193 - - XV PATTY’S FUTURE 208 - - XVI THE PROMISE 224 - - XVII THE CRISIS 237 - - XVIII PATTY’S FORTUNE 251 - - XIX A DISTURBING LETTER 265 - - XX BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE 279 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - PATTY KNEW THAT A MOMENTOUS _Frontispiece_ - DECISION LAY BEFORE HER (Page - 292) - - A MOMENT PATTY THOUGHT. THEN SHE Facing page 60 - SAID, “NO THANK YOU, BILLEE, I - DON’T” - - PATTY’S SWEET VOICE CHARMED BY ITS “ “ 86 - SYMPATHY - - “TELL ME IF YOU TOLD AUNTY VAN THAT “ “ 274 - YOU WOULD LEARN TO LOVE ME” - - - - - CHAPTER I - - - AN INVITATION - -“I think Labour Day is an awfully funny holiday,” remarked Patty. “It -doesn’t seem to mean anything. It doesn’t commemorate anybody’s birth or -death or heroism.” - -“It’s like Bank Holiday in England,” said her father. “Merely to give -the poor, tired business man a rest.” - -“Well, you don’t specially need one, Daddy; you’ve recreated a lot this -summer; and it’s done you good,—you’re looking fine.” - -“Isn’t he?” said Nan, smiling at the finely tanned face of her husband. - -The Fairfields were down at “The Pebbles,” their summer home at the -seashore, and Patty, who had spent much of the season in New England, -had come down for a fortnight with her parents. Labour Day was early -this year and the warm September sun was more like that of midsummer. - -The place was looking lovely, and Patty herself made a pretty picture, -as she lounged in a big couch hammock on the wide veranda. She had on a -white summer frock and a silk sweater of an exquisite shade of salmon -pink. Her silk stockings were of the same shade, and her white pumps -were immaculate. - -Mr. Fairfield looked at the dainty feet, hanging over the edge of the -hammock, and said, teasingly, “I’ve heard, Patty, that there are only -two kinds of women: those who have small feet, and those who wear white -shoes.” - -Patty surveyed the feet in question. “You can’t start anything, Dad,” -she said; “as a matter of fact, there’s only one kind of women today for -they all wear white shoes. And my feets are small for my age. I wear -fours and that’s not much for a great, big girl like me.” - -“’Deed it isn’t, Patty,” said Nan; “your feet are very slender and -pretty; and your white shoes are always white, which is not a universal -condition, by any means.” - -“You’re a great comfort, Nan,” and Patty smiled at her stepmother. -“Dunno what I’d do without you, when the Governor tries to take a rise -out of me.” - -“Oh, I’ll buy your flowers, little girl,” and Nan smiled back, for there -was great friendship and chumminess between these two. “Are you tired, -Pats? You look—well,—interestingly pale.” - -“Washed out, you mean,” and Patty grinned. “No, I’m not exactly tired, -but I’ve been thinking——” - -“Oh, then of course you’re exhausted! You oughtn’t to think, Patty!” - -“Huh! But listen here. This is Monday, and between now and Saturday -night I’ve got to go to fourteen different functions, of more or less -grandeur and gaiety. Fourteen! And not one can I escape without making -the other thirteen mad at me!” - -“But, Patty,” said Mr. Fairfield, “that’s ridiculous. Of course, you can -refuse such invitations as you choose.” - -“Of course I can’t, Lord Chesterfield. I’ve got to show up at every -blessed one,—or not at any. I’d like to cut the whole caboodle!” - -“Why don’t you?” asked Nan. “Just retire into solitude, and I’ll say -you’re suffering from—from——” - -“Temporary mental aberration!” laughed Patty. “No, that wouldn’t suit me -at all. Why, this afternoon, I’m going to a Garden Tea that I wouldn’t -miss for a farm. There’s to be a new man there!” - -“Well, just about the last thing you need on this earth is a new man!” -declared her father. “You’ve a man for every day in the week now, with -two thrown in for Sunday.” - -Patty looked demure. “I can’t help it,” she said. “I’m that -entertaining, you know. But this new man is a corker!” - -“My child, what langwich, what langwich!” - -“’Tisn’t mine. That the way he was described to me. So, of course, I -want to see if he _is_ any good. And, you won’t believe it, but his name -is Chick Channing!” - -“What!” - -“Yes, it is. Chickering Channing, for long, Chick for short.” - -“What _was_ his mother thinking of?” - -“Dunno. Prob’ly he was named for a rich uncle, and she couldn’t help the -combination.” - -“Who is he?” - -“One of Mona’s Western friends. Arrives today for a week or so. Mona’s -Tea is in his honour, though she was going to have it anyway.” - -“Well,” said Mr. Fairfield, judicially, “of course you must go to that -Tea, and subjugate that young man. Then have him over here and I’ll size -him up. If you want him, I’ll buy him for you.” - -“Thank you, dear Father, but I have toys enough. Well, then, tonight is -the Country Club Ball. And I do hate that, for there are so many -uninteresting people at it, and you have to dance with most of them. And -tomorrow there’s a poky old luncheon at Miss Gardiner’s. I _don’t_ want -to go to that. I wish I could elope!” - -“Why don’t you, Patty?” said Nan, sympathetically; “cut it all, and run -up to Adele’s, or some nice, quiet place.” - -“Adele’s a quiet place! Not much! Even gayer than Spring Beach. And, -anyway, it isn’t eloping if you go alone. I want to elope with a Romeo, -or something exciting like that. Well! for goodness gracious sakes’ -alive! Will you _kindly_ look who’s coming up the walk!” - -They followed the direction of Patty’s dancing blue eyes and saw a big -man, very big and very smiling, walking up the gravel path, with a long, -swinging stride. - -“Little Billee!” Patty cried, jumping up and holding out both hands. -“Wherever did you descend from?” - -“Didn’t descend; came up. Up from the South, at break of day,—Barnegat, -to be exact. How do you do, Mrs. Fairfield? How are you, sir?” - -Farnsworth’s kindly, breezy manner, condoned his lack of conventional -formality, and with an easy grace, he disposed his big bulk in a deep -and roomy wicker porch chair. - -“And how’s the Giddy Butterfly?” he said, turning to Patty. “Still -making two smiles grow where one was before? Still breaking hearts and -binding them up again?” - -“Yes,” and she dimpled at him. “And I have a brand-new one to break this -afternoon. Isn’t that fine?” - -“Fine for the fortunate owner of the heart, yes. Any man worthy of the -name would rather have his heart broken by Patty Fairfield -than—than—to die in a better land!” - -“Hobson’s choice,” said Mr. Fairfield, drily. “Are you here for a time, -Farnsworth? Glad to have you stay with us.” - -“Thank you, sir, but I’m on the wing. I expected to spend the holiday -properly, fishing at Barnegat. But a hurry-up telegram calls me up to -Maine, instanter. I just dropped off here over one train, to catch a -glimpse of Little Sunshine, and make sure she’s behaving herself.” - -“I’m a Angel,” declared Patty, with a heavenward gaze. “And, Bill, what -do you think! I was just saying I wanted to elope. Now, here you are! -Why don’t I elope with you?” - -“If it must be some one, it might as well be me,” returned Farnsworth, -gravely; “have you a rope ladder handy?” - -“Always keep one on hand,” returned Patty, gaily. “When do we start?” - -“Right away, now, if you’re going with me,” and Bill laughed as Patty -sat up straight and tied her sweater sash and pretended to get ready to -go. - -“But this is the strange part,” he went on; “you all think I’m fooling, -but I’m not! I do want to carry Patty off with me, on this very next -train.” - -“This is so sudden!” said Patty, still taking it as a joke. - -“You keep still a minute, Milady, and let me explain to your elders and -betters.” Patty pouted at this, but Bill went on. “You see, Mr. -Fairfield, I’m involved in some big business transactions, which, not to -go into details, have made it necessary for me to become the owner of a -large hotel up in Maine,—in the lake region.” - -“I thought all Maine was lakey,” put in Patty. - -“Well, this is a smallish lake, not far from Poland Spring. And it’s a -big hotel, and it’s to close tomorrow, and all the guests will leave -then. And I’ve got to go up there and look after it.” - -“How did you happen to acquire this white elephant?” asked Fred -Fairfield, greatly interested. - -“Had to take it for a debt. Man couldn’t pay,—lost his money in war -stocks.—I’ll tell you all about it while Patty’s getting her bag -packed.” - -“What do you mean?” cried Nan, seeing Farnsworth’s apparent sincerity. - -“Oh, Lord, I forgot I haven’t told you yet! Well, as I have to go up -there for a week or two, and as the hotel is all in running order, and -as all the guests are going off in a hurry, and the servants are still -there, I thought it would be fun to have a sort of a house party up -there—” - -“Gorgeous!” cried Patty, clapping her hands, “Who’s going, Bill?” - -“That’s the rub! I haven’t asked anybody yet, and I doubt if I can get -many at this time of year.” - -“Haven’t asked anybody! I thought you had planned this house party!” - -“Well, you see, I just got the telegram last night, and it was on the -train coming up here this morning that I planned it—so the plans -aren’t—aren’t entirely completed as yet.” - -“Oh, you fraud! You made it all up on the spur of the moment——” - -“Yes’m, I did. But what a spur the moment is! Now, see here, it’s clear -sailing. We can get the Kenerleys and they’ll be the chaperons. Now, all -we have to do, is to corral a few guests. You and I are two. How about -Mona Galbraith?” - -“She’d go if she could,” said Patty, “but she’s having a party this -afternoon. Chick Channing is over there.” - -“Chick Channing! Is he really? Well! Well! I haven’t seen that boy for -years. We must make them come. And Daisy? Is she there?” - -“Yet, but don’t get too many girls——” - -“Don’t be alarmed, you little man-eater, you! The Farringtons will go, -maybe; and Kit Cameron and his pretty cousin. Oh, I’ve a list of -possibles, and we’ll get enough for a jolly little crowd. You’ve no -objections, have you?” and Farnsworth looked anxiously at the elder -Fairfields. - -“N-no,” began Nan, “but it isn’t all clear to me yet. Suppose the -Kenerleys can’t go?” - -“That puts the whole plant out of commission. Unless,—oh, by Jove! -wouldn’t you two go? That would be fine!” - -But Mr. Fairfield and Nan refused to be drawn into any such crazy -scheme. It was all right for young people, they said, but not for a -comfort-loving, middle-aged pair. - -“Well, I’ll tell you,” said Farnsworth, after a moment’s thought. “I’ll -get the Kens on the long distance, and find out for sure. Meantime, -Butterfly, you be packing a few feathers, for sumpum tells me Adele will -go, anyway, whether old Jim does or not.” - -“Might as well throw some things in a suitcase I s’pose,” said Patty; -“it’s better to be ready and not go than to go and not be ready.” - -After a long session at the telephone, Bill announced a triumphant -success. The Kenerleys would be glad to go. Moreover, Adele would meet -Patty and Bill in New York that very day in time for a late luncheon. -Then they would get the Farringtons and the others by telephone. Then -Patty would go home with Adele for the night, and they would all go to -Maine the next day. - -“You see it’s very simple,” said Bill, with such an ingenuous smile that -Nan went over to his side at once. - -“Of course it is,” she agreed. “It’s simply lovely! And Patty wanted to -get away from the giddy whirl down here. She’ll have the time of her -life!” - -But Mr. Fairfield was not so sure. “I think it’s a wild goose chase,” he -said. “What sort of a place are you going to? You don’t know! What sort -of service and creature comforts? You don’t know! What will you get to -eat? You don’t know! That’s a nice sort of outlook, I must say!” - -“Oh, easy now, sir. It isn’t as bad as all that. I’ve had rather -definite and detailed reports, and if it weren’t all comfy and certain, -I wouldn’t take Patty up there. It’s a Lark, you see, a Lark,—and I’m -sure we’ll get a lot of fun out of it. And, incidentally, I know it’s a -fine section of country,—healthful, invigourating, and all that. And -the house is a modern up-to-date hotel. They always close soon after -Labour Day, but this year, owing to circumstances, it’s the very day -after. That’s where the fun comes in, having a whole hotel all to -ourselves. But we must be getting on. The train leaves in twenty -minutes.” - -“I’m all ready,” said Patty, as she re-appeared, miraculously -transformed into a lady garbed for travelling. A silk pongee coat -protected her gown and a small hat and veil completed a smart costume. - -“I don’t altogether like it——” began Mr. Fairfield, as they got into -the motor to go to the train. - -“Run along, Patty,” said Nan. “I’ll see to it that he does like it, -before you leave the station. Going to Mona’s?” - -“Yes, just for a minute. You see her as soon as we’re gone, and tell her -all about it. We can only say the barest facts.” - -They flew off, Patty’s veil streaming behind, until she drew it in and -tied it round her neck. - -At Red Chimneys, several young people were playing tennis, but Patty -called Mona to her and told her briefly of the plan. - -“Glorious!” cried Mona. “If it were not for that old Tea, we could go -right along now. But we’ll come tomorrow. Where shall we meet you?” - -Quickly Farnsworth told her, and then turned to see his old friend, -Channing. - -“Chick, old boy!” he cried. “My, but it’s good to see you again!” - -Channing was presented to Patty, who looked at him in amazement. He was -the biggest man she had ever seen, even taller than Bill Farnsworth. He -looked enormously strong, and when he smiled, his large mouth parted to -show two rows of big, white, even teeth, that somehow made Patty feel -like Red Ridinghood before the wolf. But there was little time for -getting acquainted, for it was almost train time. - -A few words between the two men as to meeting next day, and then the -motor flew to the station. - -And only just in time, for though Bill handed Patty on to the steps with -care, he had to scramble up himself as the train was about to start. - -“How do you like eloping?” he said, smilingly, as they rolled away. - -“Fine,” said Patty, dimpling, “but must it always be done in quite such -a hurry?” - -“Not always; next time we’ll take it easier. Now, let’s make a list of -our house guests.” - -Farnsworth took out a notebook and pencil, and they suggested various -names, some of which they decided for and some against. - -At last Patty said, in an assured tone, “And Phil Van Reypen.” - -“Not on your life!” exclaimed Bill. “If he goes _I_ don’t!” - -“Why, Little Billee, we couldn’t have the party at all without _you_!” - -“Then you’ll have it without _him_! See?” - -Patty pouted. “I don’t see why. He’s an awfully nice man, I think.” - -“Oh, you do, do you? Why don’t you stay home, then, and have him down at -the seashore to visit you?” - -“Oh, that wouldn’t be half as much fun. But up there is that lovely -place, all woodsy and lakey and sunsetty, I could have a splendid time, -if I had all my friends around me.” Patty’s sweet face looked very -wistful, and Farnsworth scanned it closely. - -“Does it mean so much as that to you, Patty? If it does, you shall have -him invited.” - -“Oh, I don’t care. It’s your party, do just as you like.” - -“Because it’s my party, I want to do just as _you_ like.” Bill spoke -very kindly, and Patty rewarded him with a flash of her blue eyes, and -the subject was dropped. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - - THE HOTEL - -“This is a little like a real eloping, isn’t it?” and Bill gave -Patty’s suitcase to a porter, whom they followed across the big -Pennsylvania station in New York. - -“A _very_ little,” said Patty, shaking her head. “You see it lacks the -thrill of a real out-and-out elopement, because people know about it. An -elopement, to be any good, must be a secret. If ever I get married, I’m -going to elope, that’s one thing certain!” - -“Why, Patty, how unlike you! I thought you’d want a flubdub wedding with -forty-’leven bridesmaids and all the rest of it.” - -“Oh, I s’pect I shall when the time comes. I often change my mind, you -know.” - -“You bet you do! You change it oftener than you make it up!” - -“Why, I couldn’t——” began Patty, and just then they reached the -taxicab rank, and Bill put Patty into a car. - -They went to the Waldorf, where they were to meet the Kenerleys, and -found that Jim and Adele had just arrived. - -“What a perfect scheme!” exclaimed Adele, as soon as greetings had been -exchanged. “Who all are going?” - -“Let us go to luncheon,” said Bill, “and then we can thrash out things. -I reserved a table—ah, here we are,” as the head waiter recognised the -big Westerner. - -“I love to go round with Bill,” said Patty, “he always has everything -ready, and no fuss about it.” - -“He sure does,” said Jim Kenerley, in hearty appreciation. “But the way -he scoots across the country and back, every other day or two, keeps him -in trim. He lives on the jump.” - -“I do,” agreed Farnsworth. “But some day I hope to arrange matters so I -can stay in the same place twice running.” - -Laughing at this sally, they took their places at the table, which -Bill’s foresight had caused to be decorated with a low mound of white -asters and maidenhair fern. - -“How pretty!” cried Patty. “I hate a tall decoration,—this is just -right to talk over. Now, let’s talk.” - -And talk they did. - -“I just flew off,” Patty declared, as she told Adele about it. “Nan’s -going to pack a trunk and send it, when she knows we’re truly there. I -think she feared the plan would fizzle out.” - -“Indeed it won’t,” Bill assured them. “We’ve got the nucleus of our -party here, and if we can’t get any more, we can go it alone.” - -But it was by no means difficult to get the others. Some few whom they -asked were out of town, but they responded to long distance calls, and -most of them accepted the unusual invitation. - -Farnsworth had a table telephone brought, and as fast as they could ring -them up, they asked their guests. - -The two Farringtons were glad to go; Marie Homer and Kit Cameron jumped -at the chance. Mona and Daisy, with Chick Channing, would come up from -the shore the next day, and that made eleven. - -“Van Reypen?” asked Kenerley, as they sought for some one to fill out -the dozen. - -“Up to Patty,” said Bill, glancing at her. - -“No,” and Patty shook her golden head, slowly; “no, don’t let’s ask Phil -this time.” - -“Why not?” said Adele in astonishment. “I thought you liked him.” - -“I do; Phil’s a dear. But I just don’t want him on this picnic. Besides, -he’s probably out of town. And likely he wouldn’t care to go.” - -“Reasons enough,” said Farnsworth, briefly. “Cross off Van Reypen. Now, -who for our last man?” - -“Peyton,” said Jim. “Bob Peyton would love to go, and he’s a good -all-’round chap. How’s that, Bill?” - -“All right, Patty?” and Bill looked inquiringly at her. - -“Yes, indeed. Mr. Peyton’s a jolly man. Do you think he’d go, Adele?” - -“Like a shot!” Kenerley replied, for his wife. “Bob’s rather gone on -Patty, if you know what I mean.” - -“Who _isn’t_ gone on Patty?” returned Farnsworth. “Well, that’s a round -dozen. Enough!” - -“Plenty,” Patty decreed. And then the talk turned to matters of trains -and meetings and luggage. - -“I’ll arrange everything for the picnic,” said Bill. “You girls see -about your clothes and that’s all you need bother about. You’ll want -warmish togs, it gets cool up there after sundown. Remember, it’s -Maine!” - -Patty and Adele at once began to discuss what to take, and Patty made a -list to send to Nan for immediate shipment. - -“What an enormous piece of humanity that Chicky is!” said Patty, -suddenly remembering the stranger. “Do you know him, Jim?” - -“Yes; known him for years. He’s true blue, every inch of him. Don’t you -like him, Patty?” - -“Can’t say yet. I only saw him half a jiffy. But, yes, I’m sure I shall -like him. Bill says he’s salt of the earth.” - -“He’s all of that. And maybe a little pepper, as well. But you and old -Chick will be chums, I promise you. Now we’ll pack you two girls off to -Fern Falls, and I’ll do a few man’s size errands, and Bill, here, will -make his will and dispose of his estate, before going off into the -wilderness with a horde of wild Indians. Then tomorrow, he’ll pick us up -at Fern Falls, and we’ll all go on our way rejoicing.” - -“Not so fast,” said Adele, after Jim finished his speech. “You two men -can go where you like, Patty and I will take a taxi, and do some last -fond lingering bits of shopping, before we go home. Don’t you s’pose we -want some shoes and veils and——” - -“Sealing-wax?” asked Farnsworth, laughing. “All right, you ladies go and -buy your millinery, and I’ll see you again tomorrow on the train.” - - * * * * * - -As might have been expected, with such capable management, everything -went on smoothly, and it was a clear, bright afternoon when they -completed the last stage of their journey, and the train from Portland -set them down at their destination. - -Not quite at their destination, however, for motorbuses were in waiting -to take them to the hotel itself. - -For more than an hour they bumped or glided over the varying roads, now -through woods, and now through clearing. - -At last, a vista suddenly opened before them, and they saw a most -picturesque lake, its dark waters touched here and there by the setting -sun. It was bordered by towering pines and spruces, and purple hills -rose in the distance. - -“Stunning!” cried Patty, standing up in the car to see better. “I never -saw such a theatrical lake. It’s like grand opera! Or like the castled -crag of Drachenfels, whatever that is.” - -“I used to recite that at school,” observed Chick Channing; “so it must -be all right, whatever it is.” - -And then, as they turned a corner, the hotel itself appeared in sight. -An enormous structure, not far from the lake, and set in a mass of -brilliant salvias and other autumn flowers and surrounded by well-kept -velvety greensward. - -“What a peach of a hotel!” and Patty’s eyes danced with enthusiasm and -admiration. “All for us, Little Billee?” - -“All for we! Room enough?” - -“I should say so! I’m going to have a suite,—maybe two suites.” - -“Everybody can have all the rooms he wants, and then some. I believe -there are about five hundred——” - -“What?” cried Daisy Dow, “five hundred! I shall have a dozen at least. -What fun!” - -The cars rolled up to the main entrance. Doormen, porters, and hallboys -appeared, and the laughing crowd trooped merrily up the steps. - -“I never had such a lark!” declared Mona. “Oh, I’ve seen hotels as -big,—even bigger,—but never had one all to myself, so to speak. Isn’t -it just like Big Bill to get up this picnic!” - -Marie Homer looked a little scared. The vastness of the place seemed to -awe her. - -“Chr’up, Marie,” laughed her cousin, Kit Cameron. “You don’t have to use -any more rooms than you want. How shall we pick our quarters, -Farnsworth?” - -“Well, let me see. Mr. and Mrs. Kenerley must select their rooms first. -Then the ladies of the party; and, if there are any rooms left after -that, we fellows will bunk in ’em.” - -So, followed by the whole laughing troop, Adele and Jim chose their -apartments. They selected two elaborate suites on the second floor, for -Bill told them that there were scores of servants, and they were better -off if they had work to do. - -“Isn’t it heavenly?” sighed Elise Farrington, dropping for a moment on a -cushioned window-seat, in Adele’s sitting-room, and gazing at the -beautiful view. “I want my rooms on this side of the house, too.” - -“All the girls on this side,” decreed Adele, “and all the men on the -other. Or, if the men want a lake view, they can go up on the next -floor. If I have to comfort you girls, when you’re weeping with -homesickness, I want you near by. Marie, you’re most addicted to -nostalgia, I recommend you take this suite next to mine.” - -So Marie was installed in a lovely apartment, next Adele’s and with -practically the same view of the lake and hills. - -Daisy’s came next, then Mona’s, and Patty’s last. This brought Patty at -the other end of the long house, and just suited her. “For,” she said, -“there’s a balcony to this suite, and if I feel romantic, I can come out -here and bay the moon.” - -“You’ll do nothing of the sort, young woman,” said Adele, severely. “You -do that moon-baying act, and you’ll be kidnapped again.” - -“No, thank you,” and Patty shuddered, “I’ve had quite enough of that!” - -The rooms were beautifully furnished, in good taste and harmonious -colourings. The hotel had been planned on an elaborate scale, but for -some reason, probably connected with the management, had not been -successful in this, its first season; and in swinging a business deal of -some big lumber tracts in that vicinity, it had fallen into Farnsworth’s -hands. He had no intention of keeping it, but intended to sell it to -advantage. But at present, it was his own property and he had conceived -the whim of this large-sized picnic. - -“Boom! Boom!” sounded Channing’s deep bass voice in the hall. “That’s -the dressing-gong, people. Dinner in half an hour. No full dress -tonight. Just a fresh blouse and a flower in your hair, girls.” - -“Isn’t he great?” said Patty to Mona, as they responded through their -closed doors. - -But the girls’ suites of rooms could all be made to communicate, and -they ran back and forth without using the main hall. - -“He is,” agreed Mona, who was brushing her hair at Patty’s -dressing-table. “And the more you see of him, the better you’ll like -him. He’s shy at first.” - -“Shy! That great, big thing shy?” - -“Yes; he tries to conceal it, but he is. Not with men, you know,—but -afraid of girls. Don’t tease him, Patty.” - -“Me tease him!” and Patty looked like an injured saint. “I’m going to be -a Fairy Godmother to him. I’ll take care of him and shield him from you -hoydens, with your wiles. Now, go to your own rooms, Mona. I should -think, with half a dozen perfectly good rooms of your own, you might let -me have mine.” - -“I can’t bear to leave you, Patty. You’re not much to look at,—I -know,—but somehow I forget your plainness, when——” - -Mona dodged a powder-puff that Patty threw at her, and ran away to her -own rooms. - -Half an hour later, Patty went slowly down the grand staircase. - -Adele had decreed no evening dress that first night, so Patty wore a -little afternoon frock of flowered Dresden silk. It was simply made, -with a full skirt and many little flounces, and yellowed lace ruffles -fell away from her pretty throat and soft dimpled arms. Its pale -colouring and crisp frilliness suited well her dainty type, and she -looked a picture as she stood for a moment halfway down the stairs. - -“Well, if you aren’t a sight for gods and little fishes!” exclaimed a -deep voice, and Patty saw Chickering Channing gazing at her from the -hall below. “Come on down,—let me eat you.” - -As Patty reached the last step, he grasped her lightly with his two -hands and swung her to the floor beside him. - -“Well!” exclaimed Patty, decidedly taken aback at this performance. -“Will you wait a minute while I revise my estimate of you?” - -“For better or worse?” - -“That sounds like something—I can’t think what—Declaration of -Independence, I guess.” - -“Wrong! It’s from the Declaration of Dependence. But why revise?” - -“Oh, I’ve ticketed you all wrong! Mona said you were shy! _Shy!_” - -“Methinks the roguish Mona was guying you! Shyness is _not_ my strong -point. But, if you prefer it should be, I’ll cultivate it till I can shy -with the best of them. Would you like me better shy?” - -“Indeed I should, if only to save me the trouble of that revision.” - -“Shy it is, then.” Whereupon Mr. Channing began to fidget and stand on -one foot, then the other, and even managed to blush, as he stammered -out, “I s-say, Miss F-Fairfield,——” - -It was such a perfect, yet not overdone burlesque of an embarrassed -youth, that Patty broke into peals of laughter. - -“Don’t!” she cried. “Be yourself, whatever it is. I can’t revise back -and forth every two minutes! I say, Mr. Chickering Channing, you’re -going to be great fun, aren’t you?” - -“Bid me to live and I will live, your Funnyman to be. Whatever you -desire, I’m it. So you see, I am a nice, handy man to have in the -house.” - -“Indeed you are. I foresee we shall be friends. But what can I call you? -That whole title, as I just used it, is too long,—even for this big -house.” - -“You know what the rest call me.” - -Patty pouted a little. “I never call people what other people call -them.” - -“Oh, Lord, more trouble!” and Chick rolled his eyes as if in despair. -“Well, choose a name for yourself——” - -“No, I want one for you!” - -“Oh, what a _funny_ young miss! Well, choose, but don’t be all night -about it. And I warn you if I don’t like it, I won’t let you use it.” - -“‘_Shy!_’ Oh, my!” murmured Patty. “Well, I shall call you Chickadee, -whether you like it or not.” - -“Oh, I like it,—I _love_ it! But, nearly as many people call me that as -Chick!” - -“And I thought it was original with me! All right, I’ll think up -another, and I shan’t speak to you again until I’ve thought of it.” - -Nonchalantly turning aside, Patty walked across the great hall to where -a few of the others had already gathered. - -“Pretty Patty,” said Kit Cameron, in his wheedling way; “wilt thou -stroll with me, after dinner, through the moonlight?” - -“She wilt not,” answered Adele, for her. “Look here, young folks, if I’m -to chaperon you, I’m going to be pretty strict about it. No strollings -in moonlights for yours! If you want gaiety, you may have a dance in the -ballroom. The strolling can wait till tomorrow, and then we’ll all go -for a nice walk round the lake.” - -“A dance!” cried Patty, “better yet! Who would go mooning if there’s a -dance on? I’ll give you the first one, Kit. Oh, you haven’t asked for -it, have you?” - -“But _I_ have, Patty,” said Farnsworth’s voice over her shoulder, “will -you give it to me?” - -“I promised Kit,” said Patty, shortly, and then she turned to speak to -Bob Peyton about a golf game next day. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - - A MIDNIGHT MESSAGE - -Dinner in the big dining-room was great fun. A large, round table had -been prepared for the party, and the smaller, unoccupied tables all -about, were also decorated with flowers to give a festive atmosphere. - -As there were scores of idle waiters, each of the party could have one, -or more, if desired. - -Farnsworth seated his guests. - -“I’ll sit here,” he announced, “and I’ll ask Mrs. Kenerley to sit at my -right. The rest of you may sit where you choose, alternating, of course, -the girls and the men. Now, here’s my plan. At every meal, the men sit -as we do tonight, and the ladies move one seat to the right. This gives -us new companions each time, and prevents monotony.” - -“Here’s me,” said Patty, dropping into the chair at Bill’s left hand, -while Channing sat the other side of Patty. Laughingly, they all found -places, and dinner was served. - -It was an unusual experience. The hotel dining-room was ornate in design -and appointments, and its green and gold colouring and soft glow of -silk-shaded lights made a charming setting for the merry party round the -big table. The other tables, and there were many of them, looked as if -they might be occupied by the ghosts of the departed guests. - -“It’s like being castaways on a beautiful and very comfortable desert -island,” said Patty, as she looked appreciatively at a huge tray of hors -d’œuvre offered her by a smiling waiter. “I do love these pickly-wickly -things, and never before have I felt that I might take my time in -choosing. But, here at——what’s the name of the hotel, Bill?” - -“Never mind the name on its letter-heads,” he returned, “we’ll call it -Freedom Castle. Everybody is to follow his or her own sweet will,—or -somebody else’s if that seems pleasanter.” - -“Who has the pleasantest will?” asked Patty, looking around; “I want to -follow it.” - -“I have,” said Chick, promptly. “My will is something fierce in the way -of pleasantness. I daresay every one here will fall all over themselves -in their haste to follow it. Ha, do I hear a familiar strain? I do!” - -He did, for just then the hotel orchestra, a fine one, struck up a -popular air. - -“Music, too!” exclaimed Mona. “All the comforts of home, and none of the -cares. This is just too perfect! Billy Boy, you’re a wonder!” - -“To think of it being Bill’s hotel!” said Daisy, in an awed voice. - -“To think of our being here without any bills,” put in Roger Farrington. -“That’s the best part of it. It’s like being given the freedom of the -city!” - -“The freedom of the country,” Adele corrected; “that’s much better.” - -The orchestra, on a platform, gorgeous in scarlet, gold-braided coats, -began a fascinating fox-trot. - -Kit Cameron looked across the table at Patty, with a nod of invitation. - -Smiling assent, Patty rose, flinging her napkin on the table. Kit came -round to her, and in a moment they were dancing to the music that had -called them. Skilfully, Kit guided her among the maze of tables and -chairs, for they were the two best dancers in the crowd, and they had no -difficulty in avoiding obstacles. - -“Have a turn, Adele?” asked Bill, laying down his fork. - -“No, thank you; it’s all very well for the girls, but your chaperon is -too nearly middle-aged for such capers.” - -“Nonsense; but maybe you’re wise to save your energies for an evening -dance.” - -Several of the young people did dance a few turns, but Chick Channing -speedily caused them to halt by announcing the arrival of mushrooms -under glass. - -“Whoosh!” cried Kit, “back to nature! We can dance at any old time, but -mushrooms under glass are an event! I say, Bill, I’m glad the cook -didn’t leave with the guests.” - -“The whole serving force is under contract for a fortnight longer,” -explained Farnsworth. “You can live on mushrooms, if you like.” - -“It’s Paradise,” said Marie Homer, ecstatically; “I don’t ever want to -go home. Does the mail come regularly?” - -Everybody laughed at Marie’s look of anxiety, and Bill replied, “Yes, my -child, you can get your daily letter from him up here.” - -“He doesn’t write _every_ day,” said Marie, so innocently that they all -roared again. - -“I wish _I_ had somebody to write love-letters to me,” sighed Patty. “It -must make life very interesting.” - -“I’ll write them to you,” offered Chick. “It’s no trouble at all, and -I’m the little old complete love-letter writer.” - -“You’re right here in the spot, though, so that’s no fun. I mean -somebody who isn’t here,—like Marie’s somebody.” - -“Well, you must have plenty of absent adorers. Can’t you encourage their -correspondence?” - -“But then I’d have to write first, and I hate to do that, it’s so—so -sort of forward.” - -“That, to be sure. But it’s better to be forward than forlorn.” - -“Oh, I’m not exactly forlorn!” said Patty, indignantly. “I can be happy -with all these others, if t’other dear charmer _is_ away.” - -“Can you, Patty?” whispered Bill. “Are you happy here?” - -“Oho, Little Billee, I am beatifically happy! Just see that confection -Louis is bringing in! Could I be anything but happy with that ahead of -me?” - -The dessert that had just appeared was indeed a triumph of the -confectioner’s art. Composed of ice cream, meringue and spun sugar, it -was built into an airy structure that delighted the sight as well as the -palate. Everybody applauded, and Adele declared it was really a shame to -demolish it. - -“It would be a shame not to,” said Patty, her blue eyes dancing in -anticipation of the delicious sweet. - -“What a little gourmande you are,” said Chick, watching Patty help -herself bountifully to the dessert. - -“’Deed I am. I love sweet things, they always make me feel at peace with -the world. I eat them mostly for their mental and moral effect on me, -for my disposition is not naturally sweet, and so I do all I can to -improve it.” - -“And yet you give the effect of a sweet dispositioned person.” - -“She is,” spoke up Daisy, overhearing. “Why, Chick, Patty is the -sweetest nature ever was. Don’t you believe her taradiddles.” - -“I know the lady so slightly, I’m not much of a judge. But I feel sure -she’ll improve on acquaintance,” and Chick looked hopeful. - -“I hope so, I’m sure,” and Patty’s humble expression of face was belied -by the twinkle in her eye. - -Then dinner was over, and Adele rose and led the way to the great salon -or drawing-room. - -“Come for a little walk on the veranda,” said Chick to Patty. “Let’s get -more acquainted.” - -Patty caught up a rose-coloured wrap from the hall rack, and they went -out and strolled the length of the long veranda that went round three -sides of the house. - -“Splendid crowd,” said Chick, enthusiastically; “and right down fine of -old Bill to do this thing.” - -“He _is_ fine,” said Patty, impulsively; “whatever he does is on a big -scale.” - -“His friendships are, I have reason to know that. He’s done heaps for -me, dear old chap.” - -“Have you known him long?” - -“Three or four years. Met him through Mona. Good sort, Mona.” - -“Yes, Mona’s a dear. She’s the sort that wears well. Where is your home, -Mr. Chick?” - -“Nowhere, at present. I’ve lived in Arizona, but I’ve come East to grow -down with the country. I’m a mining engineer, at your service.” - -“I’d love to employ you, but, do you know, I seldom have need of the -services of a first-class mining engineer.” - -“Oh, I’m not so awfully first-class. Bill thinks he can use me in his -manœuvres. We talked it over a bit on the way up, and I hope so, I’m -sure.” - -“Then I hope so, too.” - -“Thank you. You’re a kind lady. Shall we sit in this glassy nook and -flirt a bit?” - -They had reached a portion of the veranda, glass-enclosed, and arranged -with seats among tall palms and jars of flowers. There were shaded -lights and a little illuminated fountain in the centre. - -“I’ll stop here a moment, but I can’t flirt,” said Patty, demurely; “my -chaperon won’t allow it.” - -“Allowed flirting is no fun, anyway. Forbidden fruit is sweetest.” - -“But sour grapes are forbidden fruit. How can sour be sweet?” - -“Oh, it’s all according to your nature. If you have a sour nature, the -grapes are sour. If a sweet disposition, then all fruits are sweet.” - -“Even a lemon?” - -“Nobody hands a lemon to sweet people.” - -“Then they can’t have any lemonade, and I love it! I guess I’ll stop -being so sweet——” - -“Good gracious, Patty, you couldn’t do _that_ if you tried!” - -This remark was made by Kit Cameron, who just then put his head in at -the doorway and overheard Patty’s laughing decision. - -“Hello, you two,” he went on; “you’ll have to stop your introspective -conversation, and come and join the dance. Will you, won’t you come and -join the dance? We’re only to have one, our dragon chaperon declares, -and then we must all go by-by. So come and trip it, Patty of the fairy -toes!” - -The trio returned to the drawing-room, and after the one dance had been -extended to half a dozen, Adele collected her headstrong charges and -carried them off to bed. - -“And you’re not to have kimono confabs all night, either,” she ordered. -“Patty, you’ll be good for nothing tomorrow, if you don’t get some rest. -And the others, too.” - -But there was more or less chattering and giggling before the girls -separated for the night. It seemed natural for them to drift into -Patty’s boudoir and in their pretty negligées they dawdled about while -Patty brushed her hair. - -“What goldilocks!” exclaimed Marie, in admiration. And truly, Patty’s -hair was a thing to admire. Thick and curling, it hung well below her -waist, and shone with a golden glimmer as the light touched its rippling -lengths. - -“It’s an awful nuisance,” Patty declared; “there’s such a lot of it, and -it does snarl so.” - -“Let me help you,” cried Daisy, springing up and taking the brush from -Patty’s hand. “Mona, do the other side.” - -Mona seized another brush and obeyed, and as the two brushed most -vigorously, Patty’s little head was well pulled about. - -“Thank you, girls, oh, _thank_ you _ever_ so much, but truly, I _don’t_ -mind doing it myself! Oh, _honestly_, I don’t!” - -Patty rescued her brushes, and soon had the rebellious locks in two long -pigtails for the night. - -“Now, scoot, all of you,” she said, “this is the time I seek repose for -my weary limbs, on beds of asphodel—or—whatever I mean.” - -“Beds of nothing,” said Mona, “I’m not a bit sleepy. Let us stay a -little longer, Patty, dear,—sweet Patty, ah, _do_ now.” - -“_I_ can’t,” and Marie started toward the door. “I’m awfully sleepy.” - -“You don’t fool me, my infant,” said Patty, wisely. “Your eyes are like -stars burned in a blanket! _I_ know what you’re going to do! But don’t -be alarmed, I won’t tell.” - -Marie blushed and with murmured good-nights, ran away. - -“Going to write a letter, of course.” And Daisy wagged her sapient head. -“Who is the man, Pat?” - -“Fie, Daisy! You heard me say I wouldn’t tell!” - -“You only said you wouldn’t tell what she’s going to do. And we know -that. Do tell us who he is!” - -“I won’t do it. If Marie chooses, she will tell you herself. And anyway, -Daisy, it’s no one you know. I don’t think you ever saw him and I doubt -if you ever even heard of him.” - -“Is he nice?” - -“Charming. Full of capers, though. And Marie is so serious. But he’s -very attractive.” - -“Are they engaged? Oh, Patty, _do_ tell us about it!” - -“I can’t. I don’t know so very much about it myself; but what I do know -is a sacred trust, and not to be divulged to a horde of rattle-pates. -Now, will you make yourselves scarce? Go and write letters, go and darn -stockings,—anything, but let me go to bed.” - -Finally, Patty shooed the girls away, and locking her door against their -possible return, she began to make ready for bed. - -She glanced at her watch as she sat at her toilette-table. It was -exactly midnight. - -And at that moment her telephone rang. - -“Those girls!” she thought to herself. “I’ll not answer it!” - -But the bell kept ringing, and Patty took down the receiver with a soft -“Hello.” - -“That you, Patty?” and her astonished ears recognised Philip Van -Reypen’s voice. - -“For mercy’s sake! Where are you, Phil?” - -“Home. In New York. Can you hear me all right?” - -“Yes, plainly. How did you know I was here?” - -“Learned it from your father. Say, girlie, why didn’t you get me a bid -up there, too?” - -“Do you want to come?” - -“_Do_ I! Aren’t _you_ there!” - -“Is that a reason?” - -“The best in the world. Do get Farnsworth to invite me.” - -“I can’t, Phil. He doesn’t want any—any more than we have here now.” - -“You mean he doesn’t want _me_.” - -“Why, doesn’t he like you?” Patty’s voice was full of innocent surprise. - -“It isn’t that, but he wants you all to himself.” - -“Nonsense! There are a dozen of us up here.” - -“Well, I mean he’s afraid to have _me_ there. By Jove, Patty, that’s a -sort of a compliment. He’s afraid of me.” - -“Don’t be silly, Philip. How’s Lady Van?” - -“She’s all right. She’s at Newport, just now. I’m in town for a day or -two, so thought I’d call up Spring Beach and maybe run down there to see -you. And this is the immediate result. Well, look here, Patty, if I -can’t get invited to Farnsworth’s Palace Hotel, for I hear it’s that, -I’m going to Poland Spring, and then I can run over and see you anyway.” - -“Oh, Philip, _don’t_ do that!” - -“Why not? Haven’t I a right to go to Poland Spring, if I like?” - -“Yes, but don’t come over here.” - -“Why not?” - -“I can’t exactly explain it, myself; at least not over the telephone, -but I don’t think it would be nice for you to come here when you were -not invited.” - -“Oh, I was spoken of, then?” - -“Well,—yes,—since you will have it.” - -“And Farnsworth wouldn’t have me?” - -“Well,—I said not to have you.” - -“Oh, you _did_! What a nice friend you are!” - -“Now, Phil, don’t talk like that. I said—I said——” - -“Bless your heart, I know just how it was. Or nearly. But you could have -had me asked—and you didn’t! Now, my lady, just for that, I _am_ going -to Poland Spring—start tomorrow. And,—listen, now,—if you really -don’t want me to come over to the Farnsworth House, then you must come -over to the Poland Spring House to see me! Get that?” - -“Why, Phil, absurd! How could I go alone?” - -“You needn’t come alone. Bring a chaperon, or another girl or a crowd of -people if you like, or even a servant, but _come_! That’s all, so -good-night, little girl. Pleasant dreams!” - -The telephone clicked as Phil hung up, and with a little gasp, Patty -hung up her receiver and threw herself on a couch to think it over. She -couldn’t help laughing at the coil she was in, for she well knew she -couldn’t go to Poland Spring House, unless with the whole crowd,—or -nearly all of them. She pictured Bill reaching there to be greeted by -Philip Van Reypen! Dear old Bill; after all he had done to make it -pleasant for them, to hurt his feelings or to annoy him in any way, -would be mean. She wished Phil had kept out of it. She wished there -wasn’t any Phil nor any Little Billee, nor—nor—anybody,—and somehow -Patty’s long, brown lashes drooped over her pansy blue eyes,—and, still -robed in her chiffon and lace peignoir, and all curled up on the soft, -spacious couch,—she fell sound asleep. - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - - BLUE ROCK LAKE - -In a blaze of September glory, the sun shone across the lake. The -leaves had not yet begun to turn, and the summer trees were as green as -the stalwart evergreens, but of varying shades. From deep, almost black, -shadowy forests, the range ran to brilliant, light green foliage, in a -gamut of colour. Some of the younger and more daring trees crept down to -the water’s edge, but much of the lake shore was rocky and more or less -steep. Here and there a picturesque inlet had a bit of sandy coast, but -the main effect was rugged and wild. - -But even the intrusive sun could only peep into Patty’s boudoir through -a chink or two between the drawn shades and the window frames. And so -his light was not enough to wake the sleeper, still cuddled among the -couch pillows. - -But she was awakened by a bombardment of raps on the door. - -“Patty!” called Daisy’s impatient voice; “whatever _are_ you doing? Open -this door!” - -The blue eyes flew open. But Patty was the sort of person who never -wakes all at once. Nan always said Patty woke on the instalment plan. -Slowly, and rubbing her eyes, she rose and unlocked the door. - -“Why, Patty Fairfield!” Daisy exclaimed, “your lights are still burning! -You—why, _look_ at you! You didn’t undress at all! You have on your -evening petticoat and slippers! and the very same boudoir robe I left -you in last night. And”—Daisy looked in at the bedroom door,—“your bed -hasn’t been slept in! What _is_ the matter?” - -Daisy rattled on so, that Patty, still half asleep, was bewildered. “I -don’t know——” she began, “Philip called——” - -“Philip called! Patty, are you crazy? Wake up!” Daisy shook her a little -and under this compulsion Patty finished waking up. - -“Good gracious!” she exclaimed, laughing, “did I sleep there all night? -No wonder I feel like a boiled owl.” - -“But why,—_why_ did you do it?” - -“Fiddlesticks, I don’t know. It’s no crime, I suppose. I lay down there -for a few minutes, after you hoodlums cleared out, and I suppose I fell -asleep and forgot to wake up. That’s all. Lemme alone, and a bath and a -cup of hot chocolate will restore my senses.” - -“You dear little goose! I’ll run your tub for you. Though I suppose -there are a string of maids waiting outside your door. Want ’em?” - -“No, rather have you. But send half a dozen of them for some choclit, -please.” - -Still yawning, Patty began to take off her slippers and stockings. -“Thank you, Daisykins,” she said, as Daisy returned from the bathroom. -“Now, you light out, and I’ll make a respectable toilette. My, how I did -sleep. I was worn out. But I feel fine now. Good-bye, Daisy.” - -But Daisy was slow to take the hint. - -“I say, Patsy, what did you mean by saying Philip called?” - -Patty hesitated for the fraction of a second, and then decided it were -wiser to keep her own counsel regarding that matter. - -“Dreaming, I s’pose. Certainly, there was no Philip here in reality.” - -“But you said distinctly that Philip called,” Daisy persisted. - -“Well, s’pose I did? What could it have been but a dream? Do you imagine -I had a real, live caller?” - -“No; but it must have been a vivid dream!” - -“It was,” said Patty. “Now scoot!” - -Daisy scooted, and Patty locked her door again. - -“Well, you’re a pretty one!” she said to herself; “the idea of sleeping -all night without going to bed. Adele will be terribly exercised over -it. But I have other things to worry about. I wonder if Philip will -really come up here, and if he does, what Bill will do. Would I better -tell Bill about it? Or, just let the situation develop itself? Oh, what -troubles some poor little Pattys do have! Come in!” - -This last in response to a gentle tap at the hall door. - -A trim maid entered with a tray. - -“Oh, joy!” cried Patty; “I’m simply starving,——Mary, is it?” - -“Sarah, ma’am,” returned the girl, gazing admiringly at pretty Patty, -who was now in a kimono of light blue silk, edged with swans-down. - -“Well, Sarah, stay a few moments, and you can help me dress. Sit down -there.” - -Sarah obediently took the small chair Patty designated, and folded her -hands on her immaculate frilled apron. - -“Tell me about the hotel, Sarah,” said Patty, as she crunched the crisp -toast between her white teeth, and smiled at the maid. - -“What about it, ma’am?” - -“Well, let me see; how did you maids feel when you found the guests were -leaving?” - -“At first we feared we’d lose our money, miss; then we were told that -our contracts held till the end of this month, and if we would stay as -long as we were asked to, we’d get paid in full.” - -“Wasn’t that nice?” - -“Fine, ma’am. I’m using mine for my little sister’s schooling, and I’d -sore miss it.” - -“So all the servants were willing to stay?” - -“Oh, yes, ma’am. You see, none could get good places up here. The hotels -all have their own, and many of them will close the first of October.” - -“I see. Isn’t it funny to have a dozen guests, and the rest of this big -place empty?” - -“It is, indeed, miss. Shall I get you some hotter chocolate?” - -“No, I’ve finished, thank you. Now, you call somebody else to take the -tray, and you stay to help me. I’ve taken a fancy to you, Sarah, and I -want you for my personal maid while I’m here. Is that all right?” - -“Yes, indeed, miss. I’m proud to do for you. But I’m not a trained -lady’s maid.” - -“Never mind, I’ll train you.” - -Patty had a nice way with servants. She was always kind, and treated -them as human beings, yet never was she so familiar that they presumed -on her kindness. She soon discovered that Sarah, though untrained, was -deft and quick to learn, and she instructed the maid in the duties -required. - -And so, when Adele came tapping at the door, she found Patty seated -before the mirror, while Sarah was coiling the golden hair according to -directions. - -“Well, girlie, what’s this I hear about your sleeping on a couch, when a -perfectly good bed was all turned down for you?” - -“Oh, just one of my whimsies,” returned Patty, airily. “Don’t bother -about it, Adele.” - -And Adele was wise and kind enough not to bother. - -Soon, arrayed in a most becoming white serge, with emerald green velvet -collar and cuffs and a pale green silk blouse, Patty descended the great -staircase to find most of the party grouped there, about to start for a -ramble round the lake. - -“’Course I’ll go,” she said in answer to eager inquiries. “My hat and -gloves, Sarah, please.” - -“Yes, Miss Patty,” and the maid, who had been following her, returned -upstairs. - -“I’ve adopted Sarah as my personal bodyguard,” Patty said. “You don’t -mind, Bill, do you?” - -“Not a bit!” he replied heartily. “The house is yours and the fulness -thereof. I hope all of you ladies who want maids, or keepers of any -sort, will call on the service force for them.” - -Sarah came down then, bringing Patty’s hat, a soft felt, green, and -turned up on one side with a Robin Hood feather. It was most becoming, -as Patty tilted it sideways on her head, adjusting it before a large -mantel mirror. - -“Now we’re off,” she said, gaily; “but we ought to have Alpenstocks, or -swagger-sticks.” - -“Here are some,” said Bill, opening a cupboard door, and disclosing a -lot of long sticks. Everybody selected one, and they set forth. - -“Such a wonder-place!” exclaimed Marie, as at every fresh turn they -found some new bit of scenery or different view. “I could stay here -forever!” - -“Me too!” agreed Mona. “What’s the name of the lake?” - -“Something like Skoodoowabskooskis,” said Bill, laughing; “but for -short, everybody calls it Blue Rock Lake.” - -“Because the rocks on the other side look so blue, I suppose,” suggested -Daisy. - -“I believe you’re right!” cried Chick, in mock amazement at her quick -perception. Whereupon Daisy made a face at him. - -“Don’t mind him, Daisy,” said Patty; adding, teasingly, “it’s perfectly -true, the distant rocks do look blue, hence the term, Blue Rock -Lake,—blue rocks and the lake, see?” - -“Oh, you smarty!” and Daisy lost her temper a little, for she hated to -be made fun of; “if you tease me, I’ll tease you. What about a girl who -wakes up, babbling of some ‘Philip’ or other!” - -“Babbling nothing!” cried Patty. “And anyway, I’m always babbling, -asleep or awake. Oh, see that bird! What a beauty!” As a matter of fact -there was no bird in sight, but canny Patty knew it would divert -attention from Daisy’s remark, and it did. After vainly looking for the -beautiful bird, other distractions arose, and Patty breathed more freely -that nobody had noticed Daisy’s fling. - -But after they had walked all round the lake, and were nearing the hotel -again, Bill stepped to Patty’s side and falling in step with her, put -his strong, firm hand under her elbow, saying: “Want some help, little -girl, over the hard places?” - -Channing, who had been at her other side, took the hint and fell behind -with some of the others. - -“What’s this about your waking up with Philip’s name on your lips?” he -said; “do you want to see him so badly? If so, I’ll ask him up here?” - -Patty hesitated; here was her chance to get the invitation that Phil so -coveted, and yet, she knew Bill Farnsworth didn’t want him. Nor was she -sure that she wanted him, herself, if he and Little Billee weren’t going -to be friendly. A nice time she would have, if the two men were cool or -curt to each other. - -So she said, “No, I don’t want him, especially. I daresay I was dreaming -of him. I dream a lot anyway, of everything and everybody.” - -[Illustration: A moment Patty thought. Then she said, “No thank you, -Billie, I don’t.”] - -“Dreaming?” said Farnsworth, in a curious voice; “is that all, Patty?” - -“All? What do you mean?” - -“Is that all the communication you had with Van Reypen last night? In -dreams?” - -Patty looked up, startled. Did Bill know of the telephone message? Would -he care? Patty felt a certain sense of guilt, though, as she told -herself, she had done nothing wrong. Moreover, the only reason she had -for not telling Farnsworth frankly of Phil’s message, was merely to -spare him annoyance. She knew he would be annoyed to learn that Phil had -called her at midnight on the long distance, and if he didn’t already -know it, she would rather he shouldn’t. But did he, or not? - -“Pray, how else could I talk to him?” she said, laughingly. “Do you -suppose I am a medium and had spirit rappings?” - -“I suppose nothing. And I know only what you choose to tell me.” - -“Which is nothing, also. Why, Little Billee, you’re in a mood this -morning, aren’t you?” - -She glanced up into the face of the man who strode beside her. It was a -fine face. Strong, well-cut features made it interesting rather than -handsome. It was also a determined face, and full of earnestness of -purpose. But in the blue eyes usually lurked a glint of humour. For the -moment, however, this was not noticeable, and Farnsworth’s lips were -closed rather tightly,—a sure sign with him, of seriousness. - -“Since you choose to tell me nothing, I accept your decision. But once -more I ask you, for the last time, do you wish me to invite Van Reypen -up here?” - -A moment Patty thought. Then she said, “No, thank you, Billee, I don’t.” - -Farnsworth’s brow cleared, and with a sunny smile down at her, he said: -“Then the incident is closed. Forget it.” - -“All right,” and Patty smiled back, well pleased that she had decided as -she did. - -“You little goose!” said he, “I know perfectly well that you called up -Van Reypen on the telephone last night.” - -“I did not!” declared Patty, indignantly. - -“Now, Apple Blossom, don’t tell naughty stories. I say, I _know_ you -did.” - -“All right, Mr. Farnsworth, if you doubt my word, there’s nothing more -to be said.” - -Patty was thoroughly angry, and when she was angry she looked about as -fierce as a wrathy kitten. But, also, when Patty was angry, a few -foolish tears _would_ crowd themselves into her eyes, and this only -served to make her madder yet. She turned from him, wanting to leave him -and join some of the others, but she couldn’t, with those silly drops -trembling on her eyelashes. - -“Look up, Apple Blossom,” said a gentle voice in her ear. Farnsworth’s -voice was one of his chief charms, and when he modulated it to a -caressing tone, it would cajole the birds off the trees. - -Patty looked up, and something in her blue eyes glistened through the -tears, that somehow made her look incapable of “telling a naughty -story.” - -“Forgive me, Posy-Face,” Farnsworth murmured, “I _will_ believe you, -whatever you tell me. I will believe you, whether I think you’re telling -the truth or not!” - -At this rather ambiguous statement, Patty looked a little blank. But -before she could ask further explanation, they had reached the hotel and -they all went in. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - - M’LLE FARINI! - -According to Farnsworth’s plan, at luncheon, each girl moved her seat -one place to the left. This put Adele at the host’s left, and moved -Patty on farther, so that she was between Jim Kenerley and Chick -Channing. - -“Welcome, little stranger,” said Chick, as they sat down. “I’ll have you -now, and again tonight at dinner, sitting by me side, and then life will -be a dreary blank, while you slowly jog all round the table, getting -back to me, two days after tomorrow. How the time will drag!” - -“You’re so flattering!” and Patty pretended to be terribly pleased. But, -as a matter of fact, she was wishing she could sit next Little Billee, -and find out whether he was really angry at her. Also, she decided she -would tell him all about the telephone message, for he apparently -believed she had told him a falsehood. And, too, it occurred to her, -that he might not make any great distinction between calling and being -called on the telephone. - -“What do you think about it? Shall us go?” said Chick, and Patty -realised, with a start, that she had been so lost in her thoughts, that -she hadn’t heard the talk at table. - -“Go where?” she asked, looking blank. - -“Oh, come back from dreamland, and learn what’s going on. Cameron knows -of a wonderful hermit, who lives in a shack in the woods and tells -fortunes. Do you want to snatch the veil from the hidden future, and -learn your fate?” - -“Yes, indeed; I just love fortune tellers! Where is he, Kit?” - -“Off in the woods, in a tumble-down old shanty. But he’s the real thing -in seers! I was out for an early morning prowl, and I discovered him. -Bobbink, that’s my pet bellhop, says he’s greatly patronised by the -populace, but though he gets lots of coin, he won’t move into better -quarters or disport himself more as a man of means.” - -“Well, I want to go to see him,” Patty declared. “Will you go, Billee?” - -“Can’t go this afternoon, Patty; I’m sorry, but I have another -engagement.” - -“So have I,” said Daisy, looking a little conscious. “Let’s leave Mr. -Fortune Teller till tomorrow morning.” - -All agreed to this, and after luncheon was over, they proceeded to plan -various sports. - -“Tennis, Patty?” asked Chick. - -“No; too poky.” And Patty gave a restless gesture, most unusual with -her, and only indulged in when she was bothered about some trifle. She -wanted to get a moment alone with Farnsworth and tell him about Phil. -She knew from the way Little Billee looked at her, or, rather, didn’t -look at her, that he was hurt or offended, or both. - -“Golf then?” Chick went on. - -“No, too slow.” - -“Well, how ’bout lawn bowls?” - -“What are they?” - -“Never tried lawn bowls! Oh, they’re lots of fun. Come on.” - -In a short time they had collected half a dozen people and were in the -midst of a gay game, when Farnsworth suddenly appeared, riding a big, -black horse. Very stunning he looked, for his riding togs were most -becoming and he sat his horse with all the grace and easy carelessness -of the Western rider. - -“Oh, Billee,” cried Patty, dropping the bowling ball she was about to -roll, “I want to go riding!” - -And then she was covered with chagrin, for Daisy came out of the hotel, -also garbed in the trimmest of riding costumes, and a groom led a horse -for her to mount. - -“Do you, Patty?” said Bill, not unkindly, but with a disinterested air. -“You may. There are lots of horses in the stables.” - -Patty quickly recovered her poise. “Thank you,” she cried, gaily; “a -little later, then. Will you go, Chick?” - -“Will I! Just try me!” - -“Well, we’ll finish this game, and then there will be time enough.” - -The game over, they went for a ride. Patty’s riding habit was dark -green, of modish cut and style. She was a good horsewoman, though she -seldom rode. Channing, likewise, was a good rider, but he made no such -picturesque effect in the saddle as Big Bill. - -“Whither away?” he said, as they started. - -“Is it too far to go over to Poland Spring House?” - -“Not a bit. It’s a goodish distance, but the road is splendid, and it -isn’t four yet.” - -So they set off briskly for that destination. The exhilarating air and -exercise quite restored Patty’s good humour, and she cast off all -thought of petty botherations and enjoyed herself thoroughly. - -“Great!” she exclaimed, smiling at Chick, as they flew along. - -“Yes, isn’t it? And it’s not so very far, we’re nearing the approach to -the place now. We’ll have time for tea, and get back well before dark.” - -“Lovely! Oh, what a big hotel! And _will_ you look at the squirrels!” - -Sure enough, the lawn and verandas were dotted with fat gray squirrels. -They were very tame and had no fear of people or horses. They welcomed -Patty and Chick, by sitting up and blinking at them as they dismounted -and grooms took their horses away. - -Asking for the tea room, they were shown the way, and ushered to a -pleasant table. - -“Chocolate for me, please,” said Patty, as the waiter stood with poised -pencil. “I hate tea. So chocolate, and dear little fussy cakes.” - -“Chocolate is mine, too, then. Whatsoever thou eatest that will I eat -also. Well, by Jove, will you look over there!” - -Patty looked in the direction that Chick’s eyes indicated, and there, at -a small table, busily eating cakes and tea, sat Farnsworth and Daisy -Dow. - -“Shall we join them?” asked Chick. - -“Join them! Oh, no, they don’t want joiners. They’re absorbed in each -other.” - -They did look so. Bill was earnestly talking and Daisy was listening -with equal intentness. Her face was bright and animated, while -Farnsworth’s was serious and thoughtful. - -Patty was angry at herself for being one whit disturbed at sight of -them, thus chummily having their tea, and she tossed it off with a gay -laugh. “Besides, I’d rather chat with you alone than to have a -foursome.” - -“Good girl, Patty,” and Chick nodded approvingly. “Do you know I think -you’re about as nice as anybody, after all.” - -“So do I you,” and Patty sipped her chocolate with an air of -contentment. “This is a much bigger hotel than ours, isn’t it?” - -“Yes, but ours is more beautiful, I think, and quite big enough for our -party.” - -“Of course. Oh, what a stunning-looking woman! See, Chick, over toward -your left.” - -Channing turned slightly to see a very handsome dark-eyed woman, who -smiled at him as their glances met. - -“Why, bless my soul!” he exclaimed; “if it isn’t Maudie Kent. I say, -Patty, don’t you want to meet her? She’s an actress, or was, and she’s a -dear. Awfully good form and all that, and really worth while.” - -“Yes, I’d love to know her,” said Patty, looking with interest at the -stunning gown the lady wore. It was of flame-coloured silk, veiled with -black net, and was matched by a wide hat of black with flame-coloured -plumes. - -“Excuse me a moment, then,” and Channing rose and went over to where the -lady stood. She was alone, and he had no difficulty in persuading her to -come to their table. - -“You dear child,” said Miss Kent, as Channing introduced them; “how -pretty you are! I’m so glad to know you. But what are you doing here -with Chick Channing?” - -“Just having tea,” said Patty, smiling back into the big dark eyes that -looked at her so kindly. - -“But are you staying here? Where are your people?” - -“We are staying over at Freedom Hall,” she began, and then paused, for -with those eyes upon her, she couldn’t quite make it seem a rational -thing to do. - -“Oh, it’s quite all right, Maudie,” Channing put in, “there’s a crowd of -us, with chaperons and things, and our good host, by the way, is right -across the room, at a tea-table.” - -“That good-looking chap with the pretty girl? Oh, it’s Mr. Farnsworth! -Mayn’t I know her, too?” - -“Now, see here, Maudie, you can’t know everybody that I do. Be content -with Miss Fairfield, at least for the present.” - -“Oh, I am, more than content. No, I’ll have coffee, please. Chocolate is -only for the very slim.” - -“Surely you are that,” ventured Patty, glancing at the graceful form of -the new acquaintance. - -“But I wouldn’t be, if I indulged in sweet things. Enjoy them while you -may, my dear, in after years you’ll be glad you did.” - -“What are you doing here, Maudie?” asked Channing. “Are you alone?” - -“Yes; I’m having a concert tonight, and I’m in such trouble. You see,” -she turned to Patty, “I’m a sort of professional entertainer. I give -concerts or recitals, and I get performers of the very best and usually -they are most dependable and reliable. But tonight I have a concert -scheduled, and my prima donna is lacking. If she doesn’t come on this -next train, I don’t know what I shall do. I suppose I shall have to give -back the ticket money, and call the affair off, and that means a great -loss to me. For I have to pay the other performers their price just the -same.” - -“That’s a shame,” said Channing, sympathetically. “But she’ll surely -come.” - -“I’m afraid not. I’ve telegraphed and I can’t get her anywhere. I can’t -help thinking she deliberately threw me down because she received a -better offer, or something of the sort. But I mustn’t bore you with my -troubles. Forget it, Miss Fairfield, and don’t look so concerned.” - -“I’m so sorry for you,” said Patty, “to go to all that trouble and -expense, and have it all for nothing.” - -“Less than nothing,” said Chick, “for you stand to lose considerable, I -suppose.” - -“Yes, well over five hundred dollars. Oh, here are the motorbuses from -the train. Now we’ll see.” - -But though many guests arrived at the hotel the singer was not amongst -them. - -“No,” said Miss Kent, scanning them sadly, “she isn’t here. Oh, what -shall I do?” - -Patty’s mind was working fast. She knit her brows as she tried to think -calmly of a wild project that had come into her mind. - -“Miss Kent,” she began, and stopped; “I wonder—that is——” - -“Well, my dear, what is it? Do you want to ask something of me? Don’t -hesitate, I’m not very terrifying, am I, Chick?” - -“No, indeed. What is it, Patty?” - -“Oh, of course, it wouldn’t do,—I hate to suggest it, even,—but you -see, Miss Kent, I can sing——” - -“And Patty can impersonate the absent singer! And nobody would ever know -the difference! Great!” cried Channing. “Oh, Maudie, your trouble is at -an end!” - -“Now wait,” said Patty, blushing. “I am not a professional singer, but I -have studied with good masters, and I have a voice, not so very big, but -true. Forgive this plain speaking, but if I could help you out, Miss -Kent, I should be so glad.” - -“You’re a little darling!” exclaimed Maud Kent; “I wonder if we _could_ -carry off such a thing. You see, your coming here, as you just did, a -stranger, and talking to me only, looks quite as if you were the -arriving singer. That part’s all right. As to your voice, I have no -doubts about that, for you _didn’t_ say you sang ‘a little.’ And any -way, even a fair singer would do, in addition to the talent I have. But -Miss Fairfield, I can’t accept this from you. Will you take just the -price I expected to give M’lle Farini?” - -“I couldn’t accept money, Miss Kent. That would be impossible. I’m glad -to do this to help you out, for it’s no trouble for me to sing, I love -to do it. And don’t bother about the payment. Give it to some charity, -if you like.” - -“Oh, I can’t accept your services without pay! But if you knew what a -temptation it is!” - -“Yield to it, then,” and Patty smiled at the troubled face. “But first, -you must hear my voice. You can’t decide before that. Where can we go?” - -“Come up to my apartment, no one will hear us there, and if they should, -it’s no great harm. One may practise, I suppose. You may come too, -Chick, if you like.” - -The three left the tea-room, and as they disappeared through the door, -Farnsworth caught sight of Patty’s face. - -“What does that mean?” he cried, so angrily that Daisy was startled. - -“What does what mean?” - -“Did you see who went out that door?” - -“No; who?” - -“Patty and Chick Channing and Maudie Kent.” - -“I know the first two, but who is Maudie Kent?” - -“An actress! A woman Channing and I knew in San Francisco a good while -ago. What can she be doing here? And how did she get hold of Patty? -Though of course, Chick is responsible for that. But what are they up -to? I’m going after them.” - -“Bill, don’t do anything so foolish! Patty has a right to visit the lady -if she wants to. It isn’t your business.” - -“But Patty—with that woman!” - -“Why, isn’t she a nice woman?” - -“She’s an actress, I tell you.” - -“Well, lots of actresses are lovely ladies. Isn’t this one?” - -“Yes, of course, she’s a lovely lady. But Patty oughtn’t to be racing -round with her.” - -“Patty wasn’t racing! She wouldn’t do such a thing in Poland Spring -House. Now, Bill, put it out of your mind. There’s no occasion for you -to get stirred up because Patty has made a new acquaintance. And I guess -Chick Channing can take care of her, he wouldn’t let her know anybody -who wasn’t all right.” - -“Chick is thoughtless. He likes Maudie, and so do I. But she’s no fit -companion for Patty.” - -“Why? Is Patty Fairfield better than us common people? Is she made of -finer clay? Wouldn’t you want _me_ to meet the Maudie lady?” - -“Oh, you. Why, that wouldn’t matter so much.” - -“Bill Farnsworth! What a speech! I guess I’m every bit as good as Patty -Fairfield.” - -“Of course you are, Daisy. Don’t be silly. But you’re more—more -experienced, you know, and a little less—less conventional. Patty has -never had half the experience of the world that you have. I don’t want -her mixed up with that sort of people, and I won’t have it!” - -“Well,” and Daisy spoke coldly, “I don’t see how you can help it. -They’ve gone off, and you can’t very well follow them, or have them -arrested. Probably Chick and Patty are starting for home. And I’m sure -it’s time we did.” - -“But I can’t go off and leave Patty here!” - -“You can’t do anything else. You’re not Patty’s keeper, Bill, and it’s -silly to act as if you were.” - -“That’s so, Daisy.” Farnsworth’s fine face looked anxious and his eyes -were sad. “Come on, I suppose we had better be going. I’ll order the -horses round.” - -Farnsworth kept a sharp eye out, but he saw no more of the trio who had -left the tea room, and who had so disturbed him. In quiet mood he rode -off at Daisy’s side, and they went back to the hotel. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - - MAUDE’S CONFIDENCES - -Meantime, Patty, in Miss Kent’s parlour, was singing her best. The -scheme appealed to her very strongly. She was glad to assist the kind -and beautiful lady, and moreover, she enjoyed an escapade of any sort, -and this surely was one. - -Miss Kent was delighted with her voice, and predicted an ovation for -her. They selected several of Patty’s best songs, and had the -accompanist in to rehearse with her. - -“What about dress?” said Patty, after it was positively settled that she -was to sing at the concert. - -“I’ll ride over and get you whatever you want,” said Channing, anxious -to be of service. - -“Oh, no,” said Miss Kent, “that would be a shame for you to go to all -that trouble. I have a little white tulle gown that can be made just -right in a jiffy. I am a bit taller than Miss Fairfield, but a tuck will -fix that. Now, here’s an important point. You see, the notices and the -programmes all say M’lle Farini will sing. Shall we let it go at that? I -mean, let Miss Fairfield impersonate M’lle Farini, or shall we have an -announcement made at the opening of the concert, that Miss Fairfield is -acting as substitute?” - -“I’d rather let it go without the use of my name,” said Patty. “I don’t -know as it would be quite right, but I’d love to let people think I was -the Farini lady. It would be such fun.” - -“Well,” said Miss Kent, “let’s just leave it. If we don’t say anything -of course the audience will take it for granted that you are M’lle -Farini. And if any objections are raised, or if it comes out afterward, -I can say that I had to substitute you at the last moment, and there was -no time to have new programmes printed.” - -“That will be fine,” Patty declared; “I do love a joke, and this is -really a good one, I think. Yes, let me be M’lle Farini, for one night -only, and if the real owner of that name objects, why, it will be all -over then, and she’ll have to take it out in objecting. But I shan’t -disgrace her, even if I don’t sing as well as she does.” - -“But you do, Miss Fairfield,” exclaimed Miss Kent; “she has a fuller, -stronger voice, but yours has more melody and sweetness. You will remain -here over night, of course.” - -“Oh, I never thought about that!” and Patty looked a little alarmed. “I -don’t know what Adele will say.” - -“Oh, please do. You really must. I have two bedrooms in my suite, and I -can make you very comfortable.” - -“Well,” and Patty hesitated; “I’ll have to talk this thing over with -Mrs. Kenerley. I’ll telephone her now, and if she is willing, I will -stay here all night.” - -So Patty called up Adele and told her the whole story. - -Adele listened, and then she laughed, good-naturedly, and told Patty she -could do as she liked. “I think it’s a harum-scarum performance,” she -said, “but Jim says, go ahead, if you want to. You stay with your new -friend all night. Of course you couldn’t come home after the concert. I -suppose Mr. Channing will stay at that hotel, too. And then he can bring -you home in the morning. What will you wear?” - -Patty told her, and then she asked Adele not to tell the others what she -was up to. “I’m afraid they’ll come over,” she said; “and I can carry it -through all right before strangers, but if all you people sat up in -front of me, giggling, I couldn’t keep my face straight, I know; so -don’t tell them till after it’s over.” - -“All right, girlie, I will keep your fateful secret locked in my heart -till you bid me speak. Have a good time, and sing your sweetest.” - -“Now that’s all right,” and Patty looked enchanted at the prospect of -fun ahead. “I’m going to have the time of my life! You go away now, -Chick, and Miss Kent and I will see about my frock. Shall we meet at -dinner?” - -“Yes, I want you two girls to dine with me. Do you know anybody, Maudie, -to make a fourth?” - -“No, wait, Chick. I don’t want to dine in public. Nor do I want Miss -Fairfield to be bothered with a company dinner. I’ll tell you a better -plan. She and I will dine alone, here in my little parlour. You get your -dinner downstairs, by yourself, and then, after the concert is over, you -can invite us to supper and we can talk it over.” - -Channing acquiesced, and then he went away, not to see them again until -supper time. - -“You are so good, Miss Fairfield——” - -“Oh, do call me Patty. I like it so much better.” - -“I’ll be glad to. And you must call me Maude. It is a perfect Godsend, -your helping me out like this. May I tell you just a little bit about -myself?” - -“I wish you would. And I’m so glad I can be of service to you.” - -But first they must needs attend to the all-important matter of Patty’s -frock, and sure enough, a white tulle of Maude’s was easily and quickly -altered till it just fitted Patty. It was new and modish, made with full -skirts and tiers of narrow frills. There was no lace or other trimming, -save the soft tulle ruffles, and Maude decreed no jewelry of any sort, -merely a few yellow roses at the belt,—the tiny mignon roses. These she -ordered from the office, and by that time their dinner was served. - -As they sat enjoying the few but well-chosen dishes that Maude had -selected, she told Patty somewhat of her life, and Patty listened with -interest. - -“I have to support myself, my mother and a crippled sister,” Maude said, -“and I had ambition to become a great actress. But after a fair trial, I -found I could be at best only a mediocre actress. I found, however, that -I had talent for organizing and arranging entertainments, and I -concluded I could make more money that way than on the stage. So I took -it up as a regular business, and I have succeeded. But this year has not -been a very good one. I’ve had some misfortunes, and twice I didn’t get -the money due me, because of dishonest assistants. And, I tell you -truly, Patty, if I had lost five or six hundred dollars tonight, it -would have been a hard blow. You have saved me from that, and I bless -and thank you. Do you realize, little girl, what you are doing for me?” - -“I’m so glad I can. Tell me about your sister.” - -“Clare? Oh, she is the dearest thing! She never has walked, but in spite -of her affliction she is the happiest, cheeriest, sweetest nature you -ever saw. I love her so, and I love to be able to get little delicacies -and comforts for her. See, here is her picture.” - -Patty took the case and saw the portrait of a sweet-faced girl, little -more than a child. - -“She is a dear, Maude. I don’t wonder you love her. Oh, I’m so glad I -happened over here today. Do you know Bill Farnsworth?” - -“I met him once or twice the same winter I met Chick Channing. Mr. -Farnsworth seemed very stiff and sedate. Chick is much more fun.” - -“Chick is gayer, but Bill is an awfully nice man.” - -“I was with a vaudeville troupe that year. It wasn’t very nice,—hard -work and small pay. It was my last attempt on the stage. If I couldn’t -be a big and fine actress I didn’t want to be any at all. So I’m glad I -gave it up for this sort of work. This season is about over now, and I -shall have entertainments in New York this winter. I’ve lots of -influential patrons, and I hope for success. But I shall never forget -your heavenly kindness in helping me out tonight. Now, perhaps, we had -better be getting dressed.” - -Patty made a careful toilette, for she wanted to look her best, and she -succeeded. The soft dainty white tulle was exceedingly becoming, and she -had done her hair the prettiest way she knew. Maude’s slippers were the -least bit loose, but they looked all right, and Patty refused a loan of -a pair of long white gloves. - -“They’re not wearing them with evening gowns this season,” she said, -“and I hate them, anyhow.” - -“You’re right,” and Maude surveyed her critically. “Your arms are -lovely,—so soft and dimpled. You are more effective without gloves.” - -Through the opening numbers of the concert, Patty sat in the ante-room -waiting her turn. She was not nervous or apprehensive, and when the time -came, she walked out on the platform and bowed gracefully, with a -cordial little smile. - -She was to sing almost exactly the selections of M’lle Farini. But she -had substituted others in one or two instances, and, of course, for -encores, she could make her own choice. - -And there were plenty of encores. Patty’s sweet voice charmed by its -sympathy and grace, rather than by volume. And it made a very decided -hit with the audience. They applauded continuously until Patty was -forced to respond a second and a third time, after each of her numbers. - -Channing, sitting in the audience, heard people saying, “Who is this -Farini? I never heard of her before. Her voice is a little wonder!” - -Miss Kent was delighted with Patty’s success. She had felt sure the -hearers would like Patty’s music, but she did not expect such unanimous -approval nor such enthusiasm. - -Four times Patty was announced to sing, and as each was encored at least -once, it made a good many songs. At the last appearance she was very -tired, but she bravely endeavoured not to show it. She went through the -number beautifully, but the deafening applause made it impossible for -her not to give them one more. - -“I can’t,” said Patty, as Maude came to her with entreaties. “I’m all -in, as the boys say. Oh, well, I’ll sing one more little thing. No -accompaniment at all, please, Maude.” - -Then Patty returned to the platform and when the enthusiastic welcome -ceased, she sang very softly a little cradle song. The haunting -sweetness of the notes and the delicate languor of Patty’s tired voice -made an exquisite combination more effective even than her other work. -She finished in a pure, fine minor strain, and with a little tired bow, -walked slowly from the stage. - -Then the house went wild. They clapped and shouted brava! and demanded -more. But the concert was over; Miss Kent made a little speech of -thanks, and the footlights went out. Reluctantly, the people rose from -their seats, but hung around, hoping to get a glimpse of M’lle Farini. - -[Illustration: Patty’s sweet voice charmed by its sympathy] - -“It isn’t so much her voice,” Chick overheard somebody say, “as the way -she has with her. She’s charming, that’s what she is, charming!” - -“We can’t have supper in the dining-room,” Maude said, laughingly, to -Channing. “Patty would be mobbed. Those people are just lying in wait -for her.” - -“But I want to,” cried Patty. “I’ve done the work, now I want the fun. -Let’s have supper there. They won’t really come up and speak to me, when -they don’t know me.” - -“Won’t they!” said Maude. “But indeed you shall have supper wherever you -like. You deserve anything you want. Come on, Chick, it’s to be just as -Patty says.” - -So to the supper-room they went, and there Patty became the observed of -all. At first, she didn’t mind, and then it became most embarrassing. -She could hear her name mentioned on all sides, and though it was always -coupled with compliments, it made her uncomfortable to be so -conspicuous. - -“Though of course,” she said gaily, “they’re not talking about me, but -about M’lle Farini. Well, I’m pretty hungry, Chick. Maude made me eat a -light dinner, as I was going to sing. Now I want to make up. Can I have -some bouillon, and some chicken _à la_ king, and some salad, and some -ice cream?” - -“Well, well, what a little gourmande! Why, you’d have nightmare after -all that!” - -“No, I wouldn’t. I’m fearfully hungry. Honest I am.” - -So Patty had her selection, and though she ate little of each course, -she took small portions with decided relish. - -“I feel like a new lady!” she declared when she had finished. “Is there -dancing? Can I have a turn? I don’t want to go to bed yet.” - -“Of course you can dance,” said Maude. “But you must remain M’lle Farini -for the evening. Can you remember?” - -“’Course I can. It’ll be fun. Besides, I’m only going to have one trot -with Chick and then I’ll go by-by, like a good little girl.” - -But, as might have been expected, after her one dance, Patty was -besieged by would-be partners, clamouring for an introduction. The -manager of the hotel was bribed, cajoled, and threatened in the various -efforts of his guests to get introductions to Patty and to Miss Kent. - -“Just one or two,” Patty whispered to Maude, and so two or three young -men won the coveted presentation, and Patty was urged to dance. - -But this she refused. She wanted to chat a little with these strangers, -but she didn’t care to dance with men so lately made acquainted. - -Channing acted as bodyguard, and his close inspection would have barred -out any one he did not altogether approve of. But they were a nice class -of men, polite and well-bred, and they were entertaining as well. Patty -had a right down good time, and not the least part of the fun was the -masquerading as another. - -“You are staying here long, M’lle Farini?” asked Mr. Gaunt, an -attractive man of musical tastes. - -“No,” Patty replied, “I have to leave early in the morning. I’m due to -sing at another hotel tomorrow night.” - -“Ah, a near-by house?” - -“Not very. Do you sing, Mr. Gaunt?” - -“Yes, baritone. I’d like to sing with you. I’ve an idea our voices would -blend.” - -“I’m sure they would. I love to sing duets. But,” and pretty Patty -looked regretful, “it cannot be. We will never meet again.” - -“How can you be so sure?” - -“I feel it. But tomorrow I’m going to have my fortune told. If the seer -says anything about our future meeting, then I’ll look for you later -on.” - -“If the seer is a true soothsayer, and no fake, he can’t help telling -you we will meet again; because it is a foregone conclusion.” - -“Then I shall expect you and look forward to the meeting,” and Patty -held out her hand to say good-night, for it was after midnight, and -Maude was making signs for her to come with her. - -But just then a clerk came toward them with a puzzled face. “There’s a -telephone call for a Miss Fairfield,” he said; “and the speaker says -she’s here with Mr. Channing. Are you Mr. Channing, sir?” - -“Yes,” said Chick. “It’s all right. M’lle Farini has occasion to use -different names in her profession. Which booth?” - -“This way, sir.” - -Channing, beckoning to Patty, followed the man, and whispered to her to -take the message, as it must be from some of the Freedom Castle people. - -Patty went into the booth, and to her surprise was greeted by Philip Van -Reypen. - -“Well,” she exclaimed, a little annoyed, “is this a habit? Do you expect -to call me up every night at midnight?” - -“Now, Pattykins, don’t get mad. I called you up to apologize for what I -said last night. I take this hour, ’cause I know you’re all wrapped up -in people all day, and only at night do you have a moment to waste on -me, and I _must_ tell you how sorry I am that I was rude to you.” - -“Rude, how?” - -“Why, telling you I was coming up there whether you asked me or not. You -don’t want me to, do you?” - -“No, Phil, since you ask me plainly, I _don’t_. Not but that _I’d_ like -to see you, but I’m here on Bill Farnsworth’s invitation, and since he -didn’t ask you,——” - -“Yes, I know. And it’s all right. I don’t want to butt in where I’m not -asked. And I’m sorry I called you up, if it bothered you. And——” - -“All right, Phil. Now if you’ve any more to say, can’t you write it? For -I’m just going to bed. Good-night.” And Patty hung up the receiver. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - - THE FORTUNE TELLER - -Next morning Patty and Maude had a cosy little breakfast in the -latter’s apartment, and then, arrayed in her riding habit, Patty went -down, to find Channing waiting for her on the veranda. - -“Good morning, M’lle Farini,” he said gaily, “ready for a ride? Come -along with us, won’t you, Maude?” - -“No, thank you, Chick. I’m not altogether certain that Patty’s friends -will forgive this performance and I’d be afraid to see them. But, oh, I -can’t tell you both what it has meant to me, and I do hope you’ll have -no cause to regret it.” - -“Not a bit of it! I’ll fix it up all right,” and Chick looked very big -and powerful. “If anybody goes for Patty, he’ll hear from me! See?” - -“But I do want to see you again, Maude,” said Patty, as they bade -farewell. “Shall you be here long?” - -“Only two or three days, at most. I have another concert here tomorrow -night, but I’m sure of my artists for that. Do ride over again, both of -you.” - -“We will,” promised Channing, and then the two cantered away. - - * * * * * - -“Here they come!” cried Daisy, as from the porch of Freedom Castle she -spied the two equestrians. - -Jim Kenerley was at the block to help Patty alight, and as she ran up -the steps, Adele clasped her in a welcoming embrace. - -“You dear child!” she said. “What an experience you have had. Sit down -here and tell us all about it.” - -So Patty told the whole story, exactly as it had happened, and Channing -added details here and there. - -Everybody was interested and asked all sorts of questions. - -“Is it a nice hotel?” asked Mona. “Did you have any fun after the -concert?” - -“There was dancing,” said Patty, “but I was too scared, when people -called me M’lle Farini, to enjoy it much. I wanted to get away. I’m glad -I did it for Miss Kent, but—never again!” - -“If she’s the Maude Kent I once knew, you had no business to have -anything to do with her,” put in Farnsworth, in a gruff voice. - -“She’s the Miss Kent Chick Channing knows, and that’s enough for me!” -retorted Patty, and a little pink spot showed in either cheek, a sure -sign that she was annoyed. - -“Well, shall we go to the hermit’s?” said Elise, anxious to avert the -impending scene. “What _do_ you think, Patty, Kit has a toothache, and -can’t go, after all.” - -“Toothache!” - -“Yes, a bad ulceration. He sent down word by Bobbink, that pet bellboy -of his, that we were to go on without him. The boy will show us the -way.” - -“How ridiculous! Why not wait till tomorrow?” - -“No, Kit says the hermit man expects us and we must go. You’ll go along, -won’t you?” - -“Yes, of course. Shall I change this rigging,—or go as I am?” - -“Go as you are. It’s time we were off. Roger and Mona have gone on -ahead, but as they went in the opposite direction, I am not sure they’ll -get there before we do.” - -“Those two have a fancy for going in the opposite direction,” laughed -Patty; “ever notice it?” - -“Not being stone blind, I have,” Elise admitted, and really the interest -Roger and Mona had for each other became more apparent each day. - -The Kenerleys declined to go on the hermit expedition, saying that they -knew their “fortune,” and had no reason for questioning the future. So -the others started. - -Channing took possession of Patty, and merely saying “which way?” he led -her across the wide lawn to the indicated path through the wood. - -Elise followed, with Bob Peyton, who greatly admired the pretty New York -girl. Farnsworth and Daisy Dow brought up the rear of the procession, -and Bobbink, the ever useful courier, showed the way. - -“Mr. Cameron says for you to do jes’ wot I says,” he announced, -evidently greatly pleased at his position of power. - -“Go ahead, Bobbink,” said Bill; “show us the way, but don’t talk too -much.” - -“Yassir. Dis way, ladies an’ gempmun.” - -It was a beautiful walk, through the Autumn sunshine and forest shade. -Now they crossed a tiny brook or paused to admire a misty waterfall, and -again they found a long stretch of good State road. - -And sooner than any one expected, they reached the shack. - -“Dat’s de place,” announced Bobbink, and stood, pointing to the -dilapidated shanty at the side of the road. - -“Who’ll go in first?” asked Patty; “I’m scared.” - -“I’m not,” and Daisy stepped nearer and peered curiously in at the door. - -“Come in, woman!” said a strange, cracked old voice, and there followed -a laugh like a cackle. “Come in, each and all.” - -Daisy pushed in and Farnsworth stepped in, too, for he didn’t altogether -like the sound of that laugh. Then they all crowded in and saw the old -hermit, sitting in a hunched-up position on a pile of rugs in the corner -of the hut. - -“Which one first?” he muttered; “which pretty lady first? All have -fortunes, wonderful fortunes coming to them.” - -The old man’s garb was somewhat like that of a monk. A dingy robe was -girdled with a hempen rope, and a cowl-shaped hood fell well over his -brow. His face was brown and seamed and wrinkled with age, and he wore -queer-looking dark glasses. On his hands were old gloves that had once -been white, but were now a dingy grey, and he seemed feeble, and unable -to move without difficulty. - -But he was alert, doubtless spurred by the hope of getting well paid. - -“You go first, Daisy,” said Patty; “then we’ll see how it works.” - -“All right, I’m not afraid,” and Daisy extended her palm to the old man. - -“Here, wait!” she cried; “don’t touch me with those dirty old gloves! -Can’t I wrap my handkerchief round my hand?” - -The hermit made no objection, and Daisy wound a fresh handkerchief about -her fingers, leaving the palm exposed for the seer to read. - -He began, in a droning voice: - -“Pretty lady, your home is far away. You are not of this end of the -country, but off toward the setting sun. You will return there soon, and -there you will meet your fate. He awaits you there, a man of brain and -brawn,— a man who has ambition to become the mayor of——” - -“Hush!” cried Daisy, snatching her hand away from his gloved fingers; -“Don’t you say another word! That’s a secret! I don’t want any more -fortune! That man’s a wizard!” - -Daisy moved across the room, putting all the distance possible between -her and the seer. With startled eyes, she gazed at him, as at a world -wonder. - -“Pooh! That was a chance shot, Daisy,” said Elise. “Let me try, I’ve no -secrets that I’m afraid he’ll reveal.” - -Nor was she afraid of the grimy old glove, but put her finger tips -carelessly into the old fellow’s hand. - -“Pretty lady heart-whole,” declared the hermit. “Some day pretty lady -fall in love, but not today. Some ’nother day, too! Pretty lady marry -twice, two times! Ha, ha!” - -“Silly!” said Elise, blushing a little, as she withdrew her hand. “I -hate fortune telling. Next.” - -Patty, a little reluctantly, surrendered her hand to the seer, who took -it lightly in his own. “Pretty lady all upset,” he began. “So many -suitors, all want pretty lady. But the fates have decree! The lady must -marry with the—” he drew his hand across his eyes,—“I cannot see -clearly! I see a cat! Ha, no! I have it! the pretty lady must marry with -the Kit, ha, yes; the Kit!” - -“Good gracious!” exclaimed Patty, laughing, “have I really got to marry -Kit! Kit who?” - -“That the wizard cannot tell. Only can I read the name Kit. It is -written in the lady’s fate.” - -“But s’pose I don’t want to? S’pose I don’t like Kit as much as somebody -else?” - -“That makes nothing! It is fate. It may not be denied.” - -“Well, all right. But I don’t care so much about my future husband. He’s -a long way off. Tell me what will happen to me before he arrives.” - -“Many adventures. You will today receive a letter——” - -“Goodness, I get letters every day! Any particular letter?” - -“Yes, a letter from one you love.” - -“Ah, Daddy, I expect.” - -“Nay, ’tis a younger man than your honourable parent. Then, soon the -pretty lady will inherit fortune.” - -“Now, that’s more interesting. Big fortune?” - -“Oh,—my, yes! Large amount of moneys! And a journey,—a far journey.” - -“I don’t care about the journey. Tell me more about the fortune. Who -will leave it to me? Not my father, I hope.” - -“Nay, no near relative.” - -“That’s good; I don’t want my people to die. Well, anything more, Mister -Hermit?” - -“Beware of a dark lady——” - -“Now I know you’re the real thing!” and Patty laughed merrily. “I’ve -been waiting for the ‘dark lady’ and the ‘light-complected gentleman’ -who always figure in fortunes. Well, what about the dark lady?” - -“If the pretty miss makes the fun, there is no more fortune for her,” -said the hermit, sulkily. - -“I don’t mind, so long as you don’t take the money away.” - -“Tell mine, then,” said Channing, as Patty resigned her place. - -“You, sir, are an acrobat. You were employed in the Big Circus, the -Hop—Hippodrome. When they discharged you, it was but temporary. Do not -fear, you will regain your position there.” - -“Why, you old wiz! How did you know that!” and Channing stared in -pretended amazement; “I thought that episode in my career was a dead -secret!” - -“No episodes are secrets to me,” declared the hermit. “Shall I tell -further?” - -“No, I guess that will be about all,” and Channing moved quickly away -from the strange old man. - -Bob Peyton declined to have his past exposed to the public gaze; and he -said he didn’t care to know what the future held for him, he’d far -rather be surprised at his life as it happened. So Bill Farnsworth was -the next to test the wizard’s powers. - -“Big man,” said the hermit, solemnly, as he scanned the broad palm Bill -offered for inspection. “Big man, every way; body, heart, soul,—all.” - -“Thanks,” said Farnsworth, “for the expansive if ambiguous compliment. -Be a little more definite, please. What am I going to have for dinner -today? Answer me that, and I’ll believe in your wizardry.” - -“Big man is pleased to be sarcastic. The hermit does not waste his -occult powers on foolish questions. In a few hours you will know what -you will have for dinner. Why learn now?” - -“Why, indeed? All right, old chap, tell me something worth while, then.” - -“That will I, sir! I’ll tell you your fate in wedlock. You will yet wed -a lovely lady, who, like your noble self, is of the Western birth. She -is——” - -“Drop it, man! Never mind what she is! Let me tell you what you are! -Friends, behold Mr. Kit Cameron!” With a swift movement, Farnsworth drew -off the old gloves from the hand that held his, and exposed the -unmistakable slim white hands of the musician, Kit. - -“Oh, you fraud!” cried Patty. “I half suspected it all the time!” - -“I didn’t,” exclaimed Daisy. “You fooled me completely!” - -“Oh, my fortune!” wailed Elise. “Where are those two lovely fates of -mine?” - -“And all my money!” groaned Patty. “I feel as if you had misappropriated -my funds, Kit.” - -It had not been necessary further to remove Cameron’s disguise, it was -enough to see his hands, and hear his merry laugh. - -“Hist!” cried Peyton, who had looked out along the road. “Here come -Roger and Mona. Let’s give them a song and dance.” - -Kit drew on his old gloves again, and huddled into his crouched posture, -just as the two came in at the hut’s door. - -“Just in time!” said Channing. “We’ve all had our fortunes told and were -just about to go home. Take your turn now.” - -“I don’t like to,” said Mona, who was looking very happy and was -blushing a little. - -Keen-eyed Kit spied this. “Pretty lady,” he began, in his droning tones, -and as he also had a slight knowledge of ventriloquism, he most -effectually disguised his own voice, “give me your little hand.” - -“Go on, Mona, we all did,” said Patty, and wonderingly, Mona held out -her hand. - -“Never saw I the future so plainly revealed!” declared the seer. “’Tis -written as in letters of fire! Lady, thy fate is sealed. It is bound up -with that of a true and noble knight, a loving soul, a faithful comrade. -I see the blush that mantles your rosy cheek, I see the trembling of -your lily hand, I see the drooped eyelashes that veil your dancing eyes, -and I see, stretching far into the future, years of happiness and joy.” - -Kit released Mona’s hand, and the girls crowded round her. - -“What does he mean?” Daisy cried; “he spoke so in earnest.” - -“Stay!” and the seer raised his hand. “Now will I tell the fortune of -the noble gentleman who but now arrived. Your hand, fair sir.” - -“Rubbish!” said Roger, disinclined for the performance. - -“Go on, Farry,” said Farnsworth, smiling. “We all did. Go ahead.” - -Roger gave over his hand, and the hermit rocked back and forth in glee. -“Another clear writing of the fates!” he exclaimed. “I read of a happy -future with the loved one. I read that only just now, within the hour, -has the Fair said ‘yes’ to repeated pleadings, and the betrothal took -place,——” - -“Oh, I say!” and Roger tried to pull his hand from the hermit’s grasp. - -“’Tis a fair tale I read,” went on the wizard, holding fast the hand he -read; “two young hearts, made for each other, plighted by the singing -brook—in the balmy sunshine—in a bower of roses by Bendemeer’s -stream—oh, hang it, old chap, let me be the first to congratulate you!” - -Kit flung off his cowl with one hand, while with the other he gripped -Roger’s in a man-to-man grasp, and shook it heartily. - -Then there was a small-sized pandemonium! The girls fell on Mona, -kissing her and asking questions, while the men joined hands in a sort -of war dance round Roger. Then they all made a circle round the engaged -pair, and sang “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grows,” with the zest of a -crowd of children. - -“Perfectly gorgeous! I think,” cried Patty, as the excitement calmed -down a little. “I sort of hoped it would be so, but I didn’t expect it -quite so soon.” - -“Neither did I,” said Mona, shyly: “but, you see——” - -“Oh, yes, we see,” said Kit. “The picturesque spot,—the murmuring -brook,—the whispering trees,—why, of course, you couldn’t help it! -Bless you, my children! and now, I want somebody to go out and get -engaged to me. Who will volunteer?” - -“Not today, Kit,” said Patty, laughing. “Let troubles come singly for -once. Today for this, tomorrow for yours. Come on, people, I can’t wait -to get home and tell Adele!” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - - A RIDE TOGETHER - -Adele was duly surprised and pleased to learn that Mona and Roger were -engaged and declared they should have an announcement dinner that very -night. - -“Let’s make it a real party,” said Patty, “with a dance afterward.” - -“As if we didn’t dance every night,” said Elise, laughing. “But it will -seem more like a party if we put on our best frocks.” - -“And decorate the table,” added Daisy. - -So the girls put their heads together to see what they could do in the -way of effective and appropriate decoration. - -“We might give her a shower,” suggested Marie, after Mona had left the -room. - -“What sort of a shower? What could we buy and where could we buy it?” - -“There’s that little bazaar down in the village, but there’s nothing -decent there,” said Patty. - -“No,” agreed Marie, “and we don’t want to give Mona cheap little -gimcracks.” - -“Well, we can’t have a shower, that’s out of the question,” declared -Daisy. - -“But I _want_ to have a shower,” persisted Patty; “it will be no fun at -all to give her a shower after we get back to New York. I’m going to -invent some way to give it to her here.” - -“But there isn’t any way——” - -“Yes, there is, Daisy; now listen. Suppose we each give her some pretty -trinket or thing of our own.” - -“Huh! Worn out old things!” - -“No, of course not! But I’ve a little pearl ring that Mona likes awfully -well, and I care a lot for it myself, too. So I think it would be a nice -gift, just because I _do_ like it myself.” - -“That’s a good idea, Patty,” said Adele; “I have a white and silver -scarf that Mona just raves over. It’s Egyptian, you know, and of some -value. I think she’d like these things that we have personally used, -quite as well as new things. You know Mona can buy anything she wants, -but this personal note would touch her, I’m sure.” - -“Perhaps you’re right,” Daisy said, thoughtfully. “I’ve an exquisite -lace handkerchief I’d like to give her. It’s one that was given to my -mother by a French Princess.” - -“Oh, Daisy, you don’t want to give that up.” - -“Yes, I do. I’m fond of Mona, and I’m glad for her to have it.” - -“I’ve a lovely fan,” Elise said, “do you think she’d care for it? It’s -one of Duvelleroi’s,—signed.” - -“Oh, she’d love it! We’ll have a wonderful shower. What have you, -Marie?” - -“I can’t think of anything worth while. Oh, yes, I have a centrepiece -I’m embroidering for Christmas. It’s a beauty, and I can finish it this -afternoon, or, if I don’t get it quite done, I can give it to her -unfinished and put in the last stitches tomorrow.” - -“Capital!” and Patty smiled at the success of her “shower” plan. “What -do you think, Chick?” she went on, as that individual, never very far -from Patty’s side, sauntered in, “we’ve the loveliest scheme!” And she -told him of the shower. “I suppose you boys can’t be in it, for Mona -wouldn’t want a jack-knife or pair of sleeve-links. And men don’t shower -engaged girls anyway.” - -“No, I suppose not. But what’s the matter with us men showering old -Farrington? I’ll bet he’d love to be showered.” - -“Oh, do!” and Patty clapped her hands. “Just the thing! Give him funny -gifts, will you, Chick?” - -“Of course I will. And I’ll make the others come across, too.” - -Soon after luncheon, Patty had a telephone call which proved to be from -Maude Kent. She begged Patty to come over to the hotel where she was, at -once. - -“Oh, I can’t,” said Patty. “We’re getting up a party for Mona, she’s -just gone and got herself engaged to Roger Farrington, and we’ve got to -do something about it.” - -“Well, you can come over for a short time. Truly, it’s most important. -Chick will whiz you over in a motor, and you can be back in two or three -hours. What time is the party?” - -“Oh, not till dinner time.” - -“Then come on. I want you terribly, and you’d want to come if you knew -what for. I can’t tell you on the telephone, it’s a secret.” - -Chick was passing, and Patty beckoned to him. “Will you chauff me over -to see Maude?” she asked, as she still held the receiver. - -“To the ends of the earth, if you’ve the slightest desire to go there, -my lady fair.” - -“Well, all right, Maude. I’ll come, but only for a few minutes.” - -“When do we start, queen of my heart?” and Channing bowed before her. - -“In a few minutes. I’ll scoot and dress, and you meet me here at three -sharp.” - -“Your word is my bond. I’ll be on deck.” - -Patty flew to her room and rang for the treasure of a Sarah. The girl -was rapidly becoming a deft ladies’-maid, and when Patty merely said, -“Rose Crêpe, Sarah,” she took from the wardrobe the pretty afternoon -gown of rose-coloured crêpe de chine, and went at once to get silk -stockings and slippers to match, as well as the right hat, veil, and -accessories. - -On time, Patty stood again in the hall. Channing appeared, and at the -same time Kit Cameron strolled in. - -“Oh, Kit,” said Patty, “however _did_ you think of that crazy scheme of -fortune telling?” - -“My brain is full of nonsense, Patty, and sometimes it strikes out like -that.” - -“But about my fortune? Did you just make it all up out of the solid? Or -was there any——” - -“Car’s ready, Patty,” interrupted Channing. “Leave that investigation -till we come back.” - -“I don’t want to,” and Patty looked from one of the men to the other. “I -want to hear about it now. I say, Kit, you drive me, instead of Chick, -won’t you?” - -“Oh, now, that isn’t fair!” and Channing looked decidedly annoyed. “You -promised me, Patty——” - -“No, I didn’t. I asked you. That’s quite different from promising. Now, -don’t sulk, and I’ll give you an extra dance tonight.” - -“Two?” - -“Well, yes, two, then, you greedy boy. Now run away and play.” - -“But is this all right?” said Kit, as he hesitated to take Channing’s -place. - -“It doesn’t seem so to me,” Chick retorted, “But what Miss Fairfield -says, goes!” - -He turned on his heel, very much out of sorts at Patty’s perverse ways, -and as she saw the look on his face and the uncertainty on Kit’s -countenance, Patty broke into a laugh. - -“Where are you going, Patty?” said Farnsworth, coming out of the house. - -“Over to Poland Spring House, if I can get anybody to drive me. These -boys are both unwilling. You drive me, Little Billee?” - -Farnsworth looked at her a moment, with the expression of one who can -scarcely believe his own ears. Then, just as Kit began to exclaim in -indignation Big Bill took his place beside her and started the car. - -“What possessed your kind heart to give me this pleasure?” he said, and -his voice was so gentle it took from the words all suggestion of sarcasm -or satire. - -“The others were so tiresome. I don’t think it’s such a favour to allow -a man to drive a car for you. Do you?” - -“It depends on the man and the one who grants the favour. To me this is -a decided boon. Do you realise, little girl, I never get a word with you -nowadays? You never allow it. You’re so wrapped up in Channing and -Cameron, you’ve no eyes or ears for any one else.” - -“Oh, Little Billee, what a taradiddle! But when people don’t believe -what people say, people can’t expect people to——” - -“Wait! So many people get me all mixed up! And I do believe you, always. -If I doubted your word about that telephone, it was because I was -misinformed. You see——” - -“Yes, tell me how it was.” - -Patty was thoroughly enjoying herself. She had Big Bill where she wanted -him, apologising for his abominable disbelief in her veracity. “Tell me -who told you stories about me.” - -“Not stories, exactly. I wanted the long distance telephone that night, -and when I went to the desk, the telephone clerk said you were using it, -talking to a Mr. Van Reypen, and would I wait till you finished.” - -“And of course you thought I called Phil, whereas he called me! All -right, Billee Boy, you’re forguv.” - -“And then, he called you again, last night. Is this a habit of his?” - -“Oh, Billee, that’s just what I asked him. But how did you know he -telephoned last night? Clerk again?” - -“I was in the office, and as you weren’t home, and the New York call -might have been from your father, I answered. It was Van Reypen, and as -he wanted to know where you were, of course I told him. Patty, what -_did_ he want? _Why_ does he telephone you every night?” - -“Well, let me see what he did want. He telephoned last night, I believe, -to apologise for telephoning the night before!” - -“What nonsense!” - -“Yes, he did! Don’t you disbelieve me again!” - -“Of course, I won’t. All right, then, what did he say the first night, -that he had to apologise for?” - -“Oh, fiddlestrings, Billee, it was nothing of any consequence. I may as -well tell you, though, he just wanted to be invited up here.” - -“Oh, he _did_, did he?” - -“Yes, he _did_, did he! And I told him,——” - -“Yes, Patty, what did you tell him?” - -Patty turned her pretty head, and smiled full in Farnsworth’s face. Her -blue eyes were sparkling, her golden curls were tossed by the wind, her -red lips wore a roguish expression, as she said, “I just told him I -didn’t want him.” - -“Patty! Did you really?” - -“I sure did, Little Billee, but it wasn’t quite true.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Well, you see, really, I _did_ want him,—a little oh, only a _very_ -little,—but I knew _you_ didn’t and so I told him _I_ didn’t.” - -“Patty! what a torment you are!” - -Patty’s eyes opened wide. “Well, I like that! A torment! Because I -headed him off for the simple reason that you don’t want him! If that -torments you, I’ll telephone him tonight to come on!” - -“There, there, Blue Eyes, take it easy. _I_ don’t want him, and _you_ -don’t want him, and _we_ won’t have him! Now, let it go at that.” - -Big Bill smiled down happily at the flower-face that at first looked up -at him a little angrily, and then smiled back. - -“And now, Peaches, the Van Reypen incident is closed. Next, will you -kindly tell me why you went in so strong for the Kent lady’s concert?” - -“Two reasons, Billee,” said Patty, calmly. “First, and I hope most, -because I was sorry for her, and wanted to help her out in her trouble. -And second,——” - -“Well?” - -“Oh, because I’m a silly, vain thing, and I wanted to sing in public, -and have people think I was Madame Thingamajig, and I like to have my -voice praised,—and I’m just a little idiot!” - -“You certainly are.” - -“Why, Wil-yum Farns-worth! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” - -“Not half so ashamed as you ought to be.” - -“It isn’t a crime to be vain of your accomplishments, and I owned up I -was silly. Do you hate silly people?” - -“Sometimes, not always. But look here, Patty, seriously, you don’t want -to be intimate with Maude Kent. She may be a nice girl, all right, but -she has been an actress, and that is not the sort of people for you to -associate with.” - -“I guess you don’t know her very well, Bill; she is a noble -self-sacrificing spirit, and she devotes her life to earning a living -for herself and her mother and sister. I never knew a more devoted -daughter and sister, than she is, and I adore her.” - -Farnsworth sighed. “I feared you’d fly off like that, Patty. You’re so -susceptible and impressionistic. But you must know that she is not the -sort of girl you’ve been accustomed to know.” - -“So much the worse for the sort of girl I know, then. Idle, unoccupied -creatures, thinking of nothing but the fleeting pleasures of the hour! -Maude Kent is worth a dozen of them, when it comes to nobility of -purpose and energy of attainment. What do you know about her, Bill, that -_isn’t_ admirable?” - -“Only that, Patty. That she has been on the vaudeville stage. I met her -personally only two or three times, and I took little interest in her. -But I hate to see you grow fond of her. Are you going to see her today?” - -“I am. But you need not see her. You can wait for me in the hotel -parlour. I’m sorry I brought you.” - -“No, you’re not, you’re glad. And I’ll not wait in any parlour. I’m -going with you all the way.” - -As a matter of fact, Patty felt relieved, for she had no idea of what -Maude wanted, and she feared it might be to sing again. This she had no -intention of doing. Once was quite enough. - -When they reached the hotel, they sent up their names, and Miss Kent -came down. She received them in a small reception room, where they could -be alone. - -“You remember Mr. Farnsworth?” said Patty, after she had greeted Maude. - -“Yes, indeed, very well. I’m so glad to see you again.” - -Surely no one could criticise the gentle manner and soft voice, and Bill -Farnsworth looked at her more kindly than he had intended to. - -“And now, what’s it all about?” asked Patty, when they were seated. -“For, Maude, I must not stay but a few minutes. It’s the night of the -announcement party, and I’ve a lot to do for the affair.” - -“Very well, I’ll tell you in a few words. Mr. Stengel, the manager, -heard you sing here last night, and he wants an interview with you, with -an idea of your going on the stage in light opera.” - -“What!” and Patty looked amazed, while Farnsworth bit his lips to -restrain what he wanted to say. - -“Yes; he says you have a delightful voice, but more than that, you have -charm and a decided ability to make good in the parts for which he -should cast you.” - -“Why, Maude, you must be crazy, to think for a minute that I’d consider -such a proposition! I wouldn’t dream of it, and I couldn’t do it, -anyway.” - -“Yes, you could. And I knew you’d feel this way, at first, but after you -think it over——” - -“Miss Kent,” and Farnsworth’s tones were cold and incisive, “I know Miss -Fairfield and her people quite well enough to speak with authority in -this matter, and I assure you it is worse than useless for you to -suggest such a thing.” - -“I knew it _would_ strike you so at first, Mr. Farnsworth, and perhaps -Patty’s parents also. But I feel sure that if it were properly put -before them——” - -“Miss Kent,” and Farnsworth rose, “there is no way of properly putting -it before them. They would not even listen. And now I must ask you to -excuse us. Come, Patty.” - -“But, Bill,——” - -“Come Patty, at once.” - -“Must you obey him?” asked Miss Kent. - -“She must,” said Farnsworth, sternly. “Come, Patty.” - -“I must,” said Patty, and with a strange look in her eyes, she rose. -“I’ll see you again about this, Maude,” she said. - -“She’ll never see you again, about this, or anything else,” Farnsworth -declared, and his face was set and his voice hard. “Good day, Miss -Kent.” - -“Good afternoon, Mr. Farnsworth. _Au revoir_, Patty.” - -The two started home in silence. Patty’s mind was full of conflicting -emotions. The idea of going on the stage was so ridiculously unthinkable -as to be of no importance, but the fact that she had been asked to do so -filled her with a strange pride and satisfaction. - -It was after a long time that Farnsworth said, gently, “Patty, you’re so -_many_ kinds of a fool.” - -“Yes, sir,” and Patty sighed, partly from relief that he wasn’t going to -scold and partly because she agreed with him. - -“Now you see why I didn’t want you to have anything to do with that Kent -woman.” - -“Well, I don’t see as she has done me any harm.” - -“You don’t? Why, she has put that fool idea into your head. And you’ll -let it simmer and stew there until you begin to think that maybe it -_would_ be nice to go on the stage.” - -“Oh, Billee, I wouldn’t do any such a thing!” - -“No, not _now_, but after you mull over it, and especially if she ever -gets hold of you again, which pray heaven, she never will.” - -“Goodness me! Little Billee, how would I look on the stage? Why, I’d be -lost among all the big girls they have nowadays.” - -“You’d _look_ all right, that’s the worst of it. Now, see here, Patty, -make me a solemn promise, will you? Not that you won’t go on the stage, -but that if you ever _think_ of doing so, you’ll tell me first. Will you -promise me that?” - -And Patty promised. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - - THE “SHOWER” - -The announcement party was great fun. In every way it was made to seem -like a formal party and not just the gathering of the clans. - -Adele received the guests in the ballroom, with Mona by her side. Adele -was gorgeous in her best evening gown, a rose-coloured velvet, and Mona, -in white net, looked like a débutante. - -Patty took especial pains with her toilette, though it was not entirely -necessary, for Patty looked well in anything. She chose a white crêpe, -whose bewildering masses of tulle ruchings veiled a skirt of silver -lace. The bodice of silver lace was ruched and draped with the soft -crêpe, and Patty’s pretty throat and dimpled arms emerged as from a wave -of sea foam. Her golden hair was massed in the prevailing fashion, -caught with two pins of carved jade. - -“Verra good, Eddie!” Patty remarked to Sarah, as she viewed her -completed self in the mirror. - -“Miss?” said the maid, unfamiliar with Patty’s nonchalant use of catch -phrases. - -“I said you done noble,” Patty returned, absently, as she rearranged the -jade pins. She wore no other ornaments, and catching up a long floating -scarf of white tulle spangled with silver, she ran downstairs. - -But, remembering the occasion, she made a most dignified entrance to the -reception room, and bowed exaggeratedly to Adele. “So pleased!” she -murmured, offering her fingertips. “And Miss Galbraith. May I wish you -all joy and felicity and happiness and good——” - -“Come, come, Patty, give somebody else a chance. Don’t babble your good -wishes all night!” She turned to see Kit waiting his turn, and she -laughingly gave way to him. - -“Isn’t it fine to see the men in their evening togs?” she exclaimed, -turning to Elise. “I’m so used to seeing them in flannels or golf -things, I scarcely recognise them.” - -“_Do_ recognise me,” implored Channing, “I’m the sweet young thing you -promised three extra dances to.” - -“Three nothing!” returned Patty, carelessly. “I’m not sure I shall dance -tonight, anyway. I shall spend my time admiring Mona, she looks so -sweet.” - -Mona did look sweet. The occasion brought a look of shyness to her face, -which was as becoming as it was unusual. Roger stood by, proudly gazing -at her, as he was, in turn, congratulated and chaffed by the men. - -Dinner was announced, and Jim Kenerley offered his arm to Mona, while -Adele followed the pair with Roger. The orchestra played the wedding -march, and Channing, who stood next to Patty, escorted her. The rotation -of the table seats had been changed for the occasion, and Adele and Jim -sat opposite one another with their guests of honour at their right -hands. The others sat where they chose, and Channing deftly manœuvred to -place Patty next to Kenerley, as he dropped into the chair at her left. - -“Who’s the great little old Machiavelli!” he said, chuckling. “Didn’t I -arrange that just about right! You see, if I put you next to Kenerley, -you won’t give _him_ all your undivided attention, as you would, with -any of the others.” - -“Well, if you aren’t the piggy-wig!” - -“I am, as far as you are concerned. I cheerfully admit it. And I’ve -practically got you all to myself for the whole dinner time. You can’t -get away! Oh, joy!” - -“Why is it such a feat? How do you know that I’m not equally crazy with -joy to sit by you?” - -“Oh, Patty! If I could believe that! What things you _do_ say to a -fellow! Do you _mean_ it?” - -“Considering I’ve only known you a few days, I couldn’t really mean it. -You see, I make friendships very slowly. Moreover, I never mean anything -I say at dinner. Table talk is an art. I’m proficient in it, and I know -the rules. And the first one is, never be sincere.” - -“Yes, I know that, too. But after dinner, say, out on that moonlit -corner of the veranda——” - -“There isn’t any moon now.” - -“That’s why I refer to it at the dinner table. I don’t mean it, you see. -Well, out in that unmoonlit corner, then, will you tell me one -thing,—tell me truly?” - -“Certainly. I’ll tell you two things truly, even three, if you like. But -they must be things of my own choosing.” - -“First, yes. Then it will be my turn. And I shall ask you something very -important.” - -“Then I shall run away. My mind is so full of important things just now, -that it simply won’t hold another one.” - -“You don’t know me yet. I’m a man who always has his own way.” - -“How interesting! I don’t think I ever knew one before. All the men I -have known have politely deferred to _my_ way.” - -“Indeed? You must be longing for a change.” - -“Not only that, but it is positively necessary that I talk to my -other-side man now. Where are your manners, that you have so long -neglected your other-side lady?” - -“With thee conversing, I forgot all manners. Also, the fair Miss Homer -is absorbed in Mr. Peyton’s gay chat.” - -“Well, give her a change, then. Marie, please turn this way. Mr. -Channing is dying to talk to you.” - -Marie turned, with a pretty smile, and Patty gave her attention to Jim. - -“You see, Jim,” she said, “this is a formal dinner, and you must observe -the fifteen minute rule. It isn’t like our every-day meals. Mona, how do -you like being guest of honour?” - -“I’m a little embarrassed,” said Mona, who wasn’t at all; “but I’m -getting along somehow. Isn’t Roger splendid?” - -The naïveté of Mona’s gaze at her newly betrothed made Jim Kenerley -chuckle. “You’ll do, Mona!” he said. - -The table decorations were as appropriate as they could be made with -little to work with. Patty had contrived a chime of wedding bells, of -white tissue paper for the centrepiece, and at each plate was an orange, -cored and holding a few flowers of various sorts. - -“These are orange blossoms,” Adele explained; “though not quite the -conventional style, they show our good intentions.” - -The feast went on gaily, and after the dessert, the shower took place. - -The head waiter brought in a tray on which were the gifts the girls had -collected for Mona. They were beautiful and worth-while things, and the -personal element they represented endeared them to the pleased -recipient. - -“You darling people!” she exclaimed. “You couldn’t have done anything -that would please me more! It is heavenly kind of you and I love you for -it. I shall use them all, at once.” - -So Mona slipped Patty’s ring on her finger, threw Adele’s scarf round -her shoulders, and tucking the wonderful lace handkerchief in her belt, -she waved the fan to and fro. The centrepiece, which Marie managed to -get finished in time, Mona calmly laid in place under her own dinner -plate, and she declared that she was perfectly happy. - -“Now, for _our_ shower,” said Jim. “It isn’t fair that the bride-elect -should get all the loot, so we take pleasure in presenting to our -distinguished,—at least, distinguished-looking friend, and -fellow-traveller, some few tokens of our approval of his course. Myself, -I offer these dainty boudoir slippers, knowing that they will be -acceptable, not only for their artistic merit, but for their intrinsic -value. Take them, Farrington, with my tearful wish for your happiness.” - -Kenerley gave Roger a good-sized parcel, tied up in tissue paper and -ribbons, which, when opened, disclosed a furiously gaudy and -old-fashioned pair of “worsted-work” slippers. He had unearthed them at -the bazaar in the village, where they had doubtless been on sale since -the early eighties. - -Everybody laughed at the grotesque things, but Roger, in the mood of the -moment, made a gay and graceful speech of thanks. - -Then Bob Peyton presented a smoking set. This was an impossible affair, -of “hand-painted” china. The ash tray bore the cheerful motto of “ashes -to ashes!” and the tobacco jar was so clouded with artistic smoke -wreaths, that Kit declared it ought to be labelled “Dust to Dust.” - -Cameron’s gift was a tie case. Evidently fashioned by feminine fingers, -it was of pink silk, a little faded, embroidered with blue -forget-me-nots. - -“Tasty, isn’t it?” said Kit, holding it up for general admiration. “I -hesitated a long time between this and a sponge bag. The other would be -more useful, but there’s something so fetching about this,—that I -couldn’t get away from it.” - -“Don’t let _me_ get you away from it, Cameron,” said Roger; “I’d hate to -deprive you of anything you admire so sincerely. Take it from me——” - -“No, Roger,” said Kit, firmly. “I cannot take it from you. I give it to -you,—a little grudgingly, ’tis true,—but I give it. I may never have -another chance to make you an announcement shower, and so, on this -’spicious ’casion, I stop at nothing.” - -“You’re a noble fellow, Cameron,” and Roger’s voice was surcharged with -emotion of some sort. “I accept your gift in the spirit in which it is -given, and I trust I may some day have the opportunity to shower you in -return.” - -“I hope to goodness you will, Farrington, and I now thank you in -advance.” - -“Postpone those thanks, please,” broke in Channing; “your time’s up. I -say, Old Top, here’s the best prize yet. I offer you this picture frame. -But it is no ordinary picture frame. Observe. It is made of birch bark -in neat pattern, and decorated with real pine cones, securely glued on. -No danger of their fetching loose, I’ve tested ’em. Now, in this highly -artistic, if a trifle ponderous setting, you can place Miss Galbraith’s -portrait, and wear it next your heart or dream with it beneath your -pillow. To be sure, it is pretty big and heavy for either of these uses, -but’s what a bit of inconvenience compared to the sentiment of the -thing?” - -Channing held out an enormous and cumbersome frame of heavy pine cones, -glued to a board back; a fright of a thing, made by some of the native -country people. As a matter of fact, these jesting gifts all came from -the little village shop, where native talent was more in evidence than -good taste. - -“Heavenly!” exclaimed Roger, casting his eyes toward the ceiling. “Look, -Mona, is it not a peach? Will you give me a miniature of your sweet face -to grace it? Oh, _say_ you will!” - -Roger’s absurd expression and exaggerated enthusiasm sent them all off -into paroxysms of laughter, and Mona had no need for reply. - -“Farrington, old man,” said Bill Farnsworth then, “brace yourself. I -have the best gift yet, for you. The most appropriate, and combining a -graceful sentiment with a charming usefulness. Behold!” - -From voluminous folds of white tissue paper, Bill shook out an Oriental -robe, of gold-embroidered silk. It was really gorgeous and looked as if -made for a Chinese mandarin. There were Dragons in raised work and -borders of chrysanthemums. Bill flung it round Roger, to whose stalwart -form the strange garb was most becoming. - -Everybody exclaimed in admiration. Only foolish gifts had been looked -for and this was worthy of real praise. The long loose sleeves hung -gracefully down, and the obi or sash was fringed with silk tassels. - -“A stunning thing!” exclaimed Adele. “Where _did_ you get it, Bill?” - -“San Francisco,” returned Farnsworth, “but my heart is broken. You have -none of you noticed the real sentiment, the reason for the gift. Oh, how -dense you are!” - -“What do you mean?” asked Adele, puzzled. - -“Can’t you see?” cried Farnsworth. “Where are your wits? Why should I -give that thing to Farrington, _today_?” - -They all looked blank, till suddenly it dawned on Patty. - -“Oh, Little Billee!” she cried, “oh, you clever, clever thing! Oh, -girls, don’t you see? It’s a _Ki-Mona_!” - -Then they did see, and they cheered and complimented Farnsworth on his -witty gift. - -“It’s so clever and so beautiful, I think I shall take it myself,” Mona -declared, and Roger tossed it over to her. “With all my worldly -goods—may as well begin at once,” he said with a mock air of -resignation. - -The shower over, they went to the ballroom to dance. Of course “Sir -Roger de Coverly” was first on the programme, and after that the more -modern dances. - -Patty tried to evade Chick Channing, for he was growing a bit insistent -in his attentions. - -“Take me for a veranda stroll, Kit,” she said, as she saw Channing -approaching. “I want you to tell me all about that fortune business. But -first, how did you ever come to think of it?” - -“Oh, you know my fatal facility for practical jokes. Come, sit in this -palmy bower, and I’ll tell you all I know, and then some.” - -They sauntered in to the pretty glass-enclosed nook, and sat down among -the palms. “You see,” Kit went on, “I haven’t played a joke in I dunno -when, and I just _had_ to get one off. So when I was prowling around, -and struck that empty shack, the idea sprang full-fledged to my o’er -clever brain. I fixed it up with Bobbink,—and the rest is history. -Bobsy is a great boy, though a little fresh. He got the make-up for my -face, and the rugs and things. He fixed them all in the old shanty, and -then he carried out the toothache farce in accordance with my orders.” - -“Yes, he did very well. But I mean about the fortunes. How did you know -about the man Daisy is so interested in,—the one who wants to be Mayor -of——” - -“Sh! that’s a state secret. I know lots of things, but I keep them to -myself.” - -“All right,” said Patty, seeing he was in earnest. “But about somebody -leaving me money. Did you make _that_ up?” - -“Not entirely,” and Kit still looked serious. “Perhaps you will receive -a legacy some day. But did you note what I told you about your fate?” - -“No,” said Patty, as she ran away back to the house. - - - - - CHAPTER X - - - GOOD-BYE, SWEETHEART - -The days sped all too quickly at Freedom Castle. And on one golden, -shining September afternoon, Patty realised that the next day they were -all to go home. - -“I don’t want to go, Billy boy,” she said, wistfully. - -She was sitting in a swing that she had herself contrived, and Chick had -achieved for her. It was a tangle of wistaria vine, pulled down from the -great oak tree that it had climbed, and fashioned into a loop. This they -had decorated with more sprays of the parent vine itself, and often -Patty, or the others, added autumn leaves or trailing creepers or -bunches of goldenrod or sumach till the swing was usually a rather -dressy affair. One couldn’t swing far in it, but then one didn’t want -to, and it was a charming place to sit. - -Today, Patty, in a chic little suit of tan cloth, with a white silk -blouse and a crimson tie, sat in the swing, disconsolately poking into -the earth with her patent leather shoe tip. - -“I’m sorry, Patty girl,” and Big Bill looked regretfully at her. “But -you see, the contract with the servants expires tomorrow, and they are -all anxious to get away. You know, I’ve staid longer than I intended, -now——” - -“Yes, ’cause I begged you to,” and Patty smiled at him. “Now if I beg -you some more, will you stay some more?” - -“In a min-nit! if I possibly could. But it’s _un_-possible. You know I -just came up for a few days to ratify the papers of transference and see -to some business matters, and I’ve all sorts of important duties -beckoning to me with both hands.” - -“But if I beckon to you with both hands——” - -Patty held out her pretty hands, and slowly beckoned with each slender -forefinger. - -“Don’t tempt me, you little witch. You know I’d do anything in this -world for you, that didn’t conflict with duty——” - -“Wouldn’t you conflict your duty—for me,—Little Billee?” - -Patty’s voice was wheedlesome, and her face was very sweet. - -“_My_ duty, yes, Patty.” Bill looked stern. “But my duty to -others,—no.” - -“Oh, Billee-ee-_ee_——” - -“I’m sorry, dear, but I must disappoint you. My employers expect me in -Boston tomorrow night, and I must not fail them.” - -“Well, can’t we stay here, even if you go away? Jim and Adele could -manage things, and we don’t want servants. We could sort of camp out. -I’m a good cook, and we’d have a lovely time.” - -Farnsworth considered. He looked far off and his fine brows knit as he -thought over Patty’s request. She looked at him and noted the cloud that -came over his blue eyes as he turned to her, and said: “No, Apple -Blossom, it can’t be done. This place is a trust to me, in a way, and -I’m responsible. I may not leave it to others. And I cannot remain -myself. So there’s no help for it, I must refuse you.” - -There was an air of finality about Bill’s tones that told Patty there -was no use in further coaxing. - -“What’s the matter, Patty?” he went on. “It isn’t like you to tease so. -I wish with all my heart I could give you what you ask, it hurts me -worse than you know to refuse you anything. But I wouldn’t be worthy of -the trust reposed in me, if I failed in my duty.” - -“I hate duty,” said Patty, petulantly; “it’s a regular nuisance!” - -“Gently, little girl, gently. What has happened to stir you up so? It’s -more than this ungratified whim of not staying here longer.” - -“What makes you think that?” - -“I don’t think, I know it. Why, Patty dear, I know every expression of -your flower face, every look in your blue eyes, every droop of your -sensitive mouth. And now it’s drooping like a—like a, well, more like a -perverse baby than anything else.” - -Farnsworth laughed gently as Patty’s mouth suddenly curved upward in an -involuntary smile, then, as it drooped again, she said; “I believe I’ll -tell you.” - -“Just as you think best. I wonder if you remember a promise you made me -once.” - -“Oh, Little Billee, how did you know it referred to that?” - -“Something seemed to hint it to me. Well, out with it. Are you still -stage-struck?” - -“No, but that manager, Mr. Stengel, won’t give up the idea of putting me -on in light opera. He says——” - -“He says? Has he written to you?” - -“No, Maude wrote me what he said. Any way, he thinks I have remarkable -talent, and——” - -“You haven’t, Patty. Not remarkable talent. You have a pretty, -light-weight voice, and a—h’m—shall we say an attractive appearance; -but more than that is required for an opera success, even light opera. -Forgive me, Apple Blossom, I know I am hurting your feelings, but it’s -better you should know the truth.” - -“Then why does Mr. Stengel want to put me into his plays?” - -“He thinks you would look graceful and pretty and would be a drawing -card for a time. Then, when your freshness wore off, as it would soon, -he would throw you over like a worn-out toy.” - -“Well, _your_ freshness hasn’t worn off, Bill Farnsworth,” and Patty -stood up, her eyes dark with anger at his words. “And I don’t care for -any more of your opinions on a subject you know nothing about.” - -Big Bill Farnsworth smiled. “Well, was it a little ruffled kitten! Did -it hate to be misjudged and misunderstood and all those horrid things! -Well, then, Patty, see here. I’ll let you off from your promise to tell -_me_ when you think of going on the stage, but you must tell your -father. Though I can’t think you would ever take such a step, without -consulting him.” - -Patty’s sudden blush and a guilty look in her eyes made Bill stare at -her sharply, and then he said: “Oh, you _were_ thinking of just -that,—were you, Patty Fairfield? I can hardly believe it. You poor -little thing, you _must_ be infatuated! Is it all that Maude Kent’s -doing? Or, have you—Patty, you haven’t _seen_ Stengel, have you?” - -“No,” and Patty looked astounded at Bill’s vehemence. “Why?” - -“Thank heaven! I thought for the fraction of a second your infatuation -might be for him. All right. You go home and talk to your father and -your very sensible stepmother, and I’ll warrant you’ll forget this bee -in your bonnet in pretty short order. And I hope you’ll never see Maude -Kent again. She has a certain charm and I don’t wonder it appealed to a -poor little innocent like you. Promise, Patty, you’ll lay the case -before your parents, before you take a further step.” - -“Of course I shan’t go against their wishes,” Patty spoke with great -dignity, “but I know I can get them to see it as I do.” - -“Indeed? And just how do you see it?” - -“Why, I see a fine and worthy career opening before me,” Patty scowled -as the grin on Bill’s face grew broader, “a more valuable career than -you are able to appreciate, a more—more——” - -“Patty! Oh, you angel goose, you! _Do_ stop, you’ll finish me!” And -Farnsworth threw back his head and roared with laughter. “And does -this—er—valuable career shape itself to your clearer vision as being -in the front row of the chorus, or farther back——” - -Bill paused, stopped by the look of horror on Patty’s face. - -“Chorus!” she cried. “Why, you must be crazy! I shall be a prima donna, -one of the reserved, exclusive ones, that nobody ever knows much about. -I’m not going to have my picture all over the signboards, I can tell you -that?” - -“Nor the ash barrels? Well, for _this_ relief, much thanks. Patty, I -could laugh at you till I cried, but I feel more like crying first. I’m -so sorry you’ve got this whimsey, for I know you’ll hang on to it, like -a puppy to a root; and I shan’t be here to look after you. But your -father will do that.” - -“Why, where are you going?” - -“West again. I don’t know just when, but very soon. Now, it may be -better for you to have this violently and get over it quicker, like -mental measles. But unless you promise me faithfully to tell it -all,—every word,—to your father and mother, I’ll write them myself, -all about it. Do you want me to do that?” - -“Chick thinks it would be great fun for me to have a try at the stage.” - -“Did Channing say that?” Bill’s face grew dark. “Did he, really, Patty?” - -“Yes, he did. He said I’d make a screaming hit.” - -“Chick’s only joking; don’t let him fool you.” - -“No, he wasn’t joking, and you know it. He thinks, as I do, that such an -experience would broaden me——” - -“Patty, stop! Do you want to be ‘broadened’ at the expense of all your -refinement, your loveliness, your dainty girlhood, your fresh sweet -youth,—oh, Patty, my little Patty, listen to me! If you never speak to -me again, if you scorn me utterly, at least take my word for this, you -must not, you _shall_ not, think of this thing! Patty, come to me, -instead. Come to me, dear, let me take care of you, and find pleasures -for you that will make you forget this foolishness——” - -“It is not foolishness, but your talk is. I don’t care to hear any -more.” - -“Wait, dear, wait a moment. You know I love you, Patty, more than life -itself; marry me, and let me teach you to forget this whim of yours——” - -“It isn’t a whim. And I don’t _want_ to marry you. This idea of mine is -not a whim,—but a career, a splendid opportunity that calls to me—that -promises wonderful things,—that——” - -“Patty,” and Farnsworth’s face was white, “is that true,—what you said -just now, that you—you don’t _want_ to marry me?” - -“Yes, it’s true,” and Patty’s angry blue eyes met his own sad ones. - -“Then, that’s all, Apple Blossom. You may go now. I’ve no fear that you -will do anything further in this other matter, without your father’s -knowledge and no fear that he will allow it. So that’s all right. -Good-bye—Sweetheart!” - -“Good-bye,” and Patty flounced off. Yes, flounced is the word, for angry -and chagrined, she let go of the swing she was holding, with a quick -push, and whirling about, walked quickly toward the house. - - * * * * * - -The next morning the whole party left for New York. - -“It’s been perfectly lovely,” Adele said to Farnsworth; “and if it were -not for my baby girlie, I’d like to stay another week. But I hear her -calling me!” - -At Boston they were to stay over night. The party really broke up there, -for several of the men were going in different directions. - -But Adele gathered her brood of girls under her wing and carried them -off to a hotel. And in the hotel lobby good-byes were said. - -“I’ve had my long-feared telegram,” said Farnsworth, “and I have to go -to Arizona at once. Wasn’t it lucky it didn’t come before we left our -happy hunting grounds?” - -“Yes, indeed,” said Adele, “it’s been a beautiful party, Bill, and we -just love you for giving it to us. Don’t we, girls?” - -“Yes!” they chorused, and laughingly interrupting their thanks, -Farnsworth shook hands with everybody in hasty farewell. - -Somehow, Patty was the last, and as he held out his hand to her, a gay -voice was heard calling out, “Oh, here you are, people! How do you all -do?” - -They looked up to see Philip Van Reypen’s smiling face, as he cordially -greeted one after another. - -“The most perfect time,” Mona was saying, when Daisy caught her up; “Oh, -yes, the _most perfect_ time! What do you think, Phil, we had an -engagement up there! A real live engagement! Guess the guilty parties!” - -“Guess us!” exclaimed Roger, taking Mona’s hand and looking mock -sentimental. - -“There’s no use,” said Daisy, “you can’t get a rise out of them! They -forestall you every time!” - -“Congratulations, all the same,” said Van Reypen, cordially. “Patty, how -are you? Sunburned? Not very much.” His manner was so cheery and his -chatter so gay, nobody could be very serious, and the farewells became -short and perfunctory. - -Roger and Elise were taking Mona with them to Newport, where Mrs. -Farrington was, and Bob Peyton was going directly home. - -“Well,” said Van Reypen, “it’s lucky I came along, Mrs. Kenerley, to -help you care for your charges. Cameron, you and I must look after -things.” - -“I’m on the job, too,” said Channing. “You can’t shake me till the last -bell rings. Your train time, Farnsworth! So long, old man. See you when -you return. You’re always turning and returning. And all thanks for a -bully time!” - -“Good-bye, everybody,” cried Bill, in his most genial way. “Glad you -enjoyed it, and hope we can try it again some time. Good-bye, Patty,” -and with a swift hand clasp, and a quick look in her eyes, Bill swung -off and was lost to sight in the crowd. - -Something seemed to snap in Patty’s heart. A cloud swam before her eyes, -and she swayed a little where she stood. - -“All right, girl,” said a strong, calm voice in her ear, and Van Reypen -grasped her elbow and steadied her. Immediately, she was ashamed of her -passing emotion, and laughed gaily, as she met his eyes. - -“I’m here,” he said simply; “you’ll be taken care of.” - -“Wherever _did_ you drop from?” and Patty suddenly realised the -queerness of his presence. - -“Oh, I’m the little busybody who finds out things. I found out what -train you people came down on, and I met it. Or rather, I tried to, but -I reached it just as you left the station for this hostelry, so -perforce, I followed you up. Now, may I attach myself to your cortège, -Mrs. Kenerley? I can make myself useful, I assure you. Are you staying -here over night?” - -“Some of us are,” replied Adele, who liked Phil, and was glad to see -him. - -“Then be my guests for the evening. We’ll have dinner in great shape, -and do a show, and just round up Boston generally.” - -The Kenerleys agreed, and soon the festivities began by the party -sitting down for afternoon tea in the hotel tea room. - -Daisy told Phil of Patty’s escapade enacting the singer, M’lle Farini. - -“What a lark!” said Van Reypen. “But I daresay you gave the audience a -greater treat than if the lady herself had been there.” - -“Sure she did!” declared Channing. “I tell you, we’ll see Patty on the -stage yet. And a charming prima donna she would make, too. I believe it -would be a great success. Farnsworth says——” - -But then some interruption occurred and the sentence was never finished. - -In the evening, they all went to see a new light opera that was -exceedingly popular. It was a dainty, pretty piece of foolery, full of -Dresden china-looking ladies, and knights in theatrical armour, and the -principal singer was a slight fairy-like person, much like Patty -herself. - -“You could give that Diva cards and spades,” declared Chick, as they -discussed her at an after theatre supper. “Why, Patty, you’re more of an -actress than she is, this minute.” - -“And a thousand times better-looking,” said Philip. - -“Bill Farnsworth says I’m good-looking enough,” began Patty, slowly, and -then she stopped short and changed the subject. She wanted to think it -out for herself, before there was any more talk about it. So, if any one -recurred to the matter, she quickly spoke of something else, and the -evening passed merrily away. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - - A BUBBLE BURST - -One afternoon, about a week later, Philip Van Reypen called at the -Fairfields home in New York. Being informed that Patty was out, he asked -to see Mrs. Fairfield, and Nan received him in the library. - -“So sorry Patty isn’t here,” she said, as she greeted him cordially. -“She’ll be sorry, too.” - -“Perhaps it’s just as well,” returned Philip. “I’d like a little talk -with you. Look here, Mrs. Nan, has Patty said anything to you about -going on the stage?” - -“Unless you mean a Fifth Avenue stage, she certainly has not,” and Nan -smiled at the idea. - -“No, don’t laugh, it’s serious. You know I met the crowd coming down -from Maine, at Boston, and I was with them one evening. Well, they -talked,—jestingly, it’s true,—but they talked about Patty being in -light opera some time,——” - -“Why, Philip, how perfectly ridiculous! It was entirely a joke, of -course.” - -“I don’t think so. It seems, as near as I can make out, that Farnsworth -put her up to it.” - -“Bill Farnsworth! Oh, I can’t think he would.” - -“Well, Patty herself said to me that Farnsworth said she was -good-looking enough, and then, somehow, she got mixed up with a -singing-person of some sort, who used to be an actress. Farnsworth knew -her in San Francisco, I believe. And she infatuated Patty to such an -extent that——” - -“I never heard such nonsense! Why hasn’t Patty told me all this?” - -“That’s just the point. If there were nothing to it, she would have told -you. That’s why I fear she has taken the notion seriously.” - -“I can’t think it yet. I’ll ask her when she comes home.” - -“I’m not sure that would be wise. Why don’t you wait, and see if she -does anything in the matter. Elise Farrington said that a manager had -asked to see Patty regarding the subject.” - -“A manager!” Nan fairly gasped. “Why, this is awful! What would her -father say?” - -“But wait a minute, let’s look at the thing rationally. You know how -susceptible Patty is to a new idea or a new influence. I think this -ex-actress had bewitched the child, and to chide her would only make her -more determined to stand by her new friend. Why not deal more -diplomatically. Watch Patty, and if she does anything queer or -inexplicable, follow it up, and see what it means. Of course, you know, -Mrs. Nan, that I’m actuated only by honest interest in Patty’s welfare.” - -“Oh, I know that, Philip; and I’m very glad you came to me with this -story first. Perhaps it won’t be necessary to speak of it to Mr. -Fairfield, at least, not yet. He’s busy, and a little bothered just now -with some business matters; and if I could straighten out this -foolishness without letting it worry him, I’d be glad.” - -“We’ll do it,” and Phil spoke heartily. “We’ll save that little goosie -from herself. Of course, you know, I worship the ground she walks on, -and I’m going to win her yet. You think I’ve a chance, don’t you?” - -“I don’t see why not, Phil. There’s nobody I’d rather see Patty marry -than you, but she is determined she won’t listen to such a thing yet. -She says she has too much fun being a belle, to tie herself down to any -one man. And perhaps she is right. She’s only twenty, and while that’s -quite old enough to marry, if she wants to, yet it’s young enough to -wait a while if she prefers.” - -“I quite agree to that. It’s only that I want to be on the spot when she -does make up her mind to marry. Of course she will, eventually.” - -“Of course. And you have every chance. Now, as to this other matter, do -you think Mr. Farnsworth instigated the idea?” - -“I gathered that from different things that were said. And the actress -person was his friend. And I know that he took Patty over to Poland -Spring House to see her.” - -“What’s her name?” - -“Kent,—Maude Kent. They call her Maudie.” - -“Queer Patty hasn’t mentioned her. I agree with you, that looks as if -she took the thing seriously.” - -“Oh, perhaps not,” and Philip rose to go. “It may be I exaggerate the -danger. But I’m so fearful of that capricious nature of hers,—you never -can tell what whim she’ll fly at next.” - -“That’s true, and I’m so much obliged to you for putting me on my -guard.” - -Nan said nothing to her husband on this subject, but she watched Patty -more carefully. She was clever enough not to let the supervision be -apparent, but it was unremittent. - -However, nothing transpired to rouse her suspicions in any way. Patty -was her own gay, sunny self, planning all sorts of gaieties and -employments for the winter season. She had by no means given up or -neglected her club, that was for the purpose of giving pleasure to -shop-girls or other working women, and she thought up plans for raising -money for that philanthropic purpose. - -She kept up her membership in the Current Events Club and in the Musical -Society to which she belonged, and she showed no undue interest in the -new light operas that were successively put upon the stage. She attended -most of these, but she had always had a liking for them and that did not -seem to Nan a special indication of histrionic intent. - -But one evening, as the three Fairfields sat at dinner, Patty was called -to the telephone. She left the table and after a time returned with -sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks. - -“Dear people,” she said, smiling at her parents, “I’ve a surprise to -spring on you. Will you be astounded to learn that your foolish little -Patty had a chance to make good in the world? To have a career that will -mean fame and celebrity.” - -Nan almost choked. An icy hand seemed to clutch at her throat. The hour -had struck, then. And with all her watchfulness she had not succeeded in -preventing it! - -“It perfectly wonderful,” Patty was rattling on, “you can hardly believe -it,—I hardly can, myself, but I’m going to be a great singer.” - -“You’re that now, Kiddie,” said her father, who had no idea of what lay -back of this introduction. - -“Yes, but more than that! Oh, Nan, it’s too glorious! Daddy, what _do_ -you think? I’m going to sing in light opera!” - -“You’ve often done that,” he returned, thinking of her amateur -performances. “One of your favourite Gilbert and Sullivan ones, or more -modern this time?” - -Patty laughed happily. “You don’t get it yet, Dadsy. I mean in a real -opera, on the real stage.” - -“What! Just say that again! My old ears must be failing me.” - -“I’m going to be a real prima donna! On the stage of a real theatre!” - -“Not if I see you first. But elucidate this very extraordinary -statement.” - -“I will.” But even as she began to speak, Patty caught sight of Nan’s -face, and the lack of sympathy, nay, more, the look of positive -disapproval she saw there, made her pause a moment. Then she went on, a -little defiantly, “I suppose it will strike you queer at first, but -you’ll get used to it. Why, Dads, I found out, while I was up in -Maine——” - -“Down in Maine,” corrected her father. - -“Well, any old way to Maine, but I discovered that I have a voice! and -more, I have a knack, a taste, a talent, even, for the stage. And,—I’m -going to devote my life to it.” - -“Devote your life to it!” And Mr. Fairfield’s tone was scathing. “If -you’re so anxious for a life of devotion, I’ll put you in a convent. But -on the stage! Not if the Court knows herself!” - -Patty smiled tolerantly. “I was afraid you’d talk like that at first. It -shall now be my duty and my pleasure to make you change your intelligent -mind. Nan, you’ll help me, won’t you?” - -Patty asked this with some misgiving, for Nan did not look entirely -helpful. - -“Help you to go on the stage?” was the smiling retort, for Nan quickly -decided to keep the discussion in a light key, if possible. “Yes, -indeed, after some reputable physician has signed a certificate of your -lunacy,—but _not_ while you’re in your right mind.” - -“Now, Nancy, don’t go back on me! I depend on you to talk father over, -though he won’t need much argument, I’m sure.” - -“Look here, Patty,” and her father spoke seriously; “tell me just what -you’re driving at.” - -“Only this, Dad. I’ve a chance to go on the stage in a new light opera -and I want to go.” - -“Whose opera?” - -“Do you mean the composer?” - -“I do not. I mean the manager or owner, or whoever is getting you mixed -up with it.” - -“Well, the manager is Mr. Stengel——” - -“Stengel! Why, Patty, he’s a—a _real_ manager!” - -“That’s what I said,” and Patty beamed at him. “And he is coming here -tonight to see me,—to see _us_ about it.” - -“Coming here!” - -“Yes, don’t be so overcome. You didn’t know your little goose girl would -turn out a swan, did you?” - -“But there’s a misapprehension somewhere. You see, Mr. Stengel is _not_ -coming here tonight.” - -“Yes, he is, I’ve just telephoned that he might.” - -“You telephoned Stengel!” - -“Well, not directly to him, but I told my friend, Miss Kent, that she -might bring him.” - -“Who? What friend?” - -“Miss Kent. I met her up—down in Maine. She’s a musical—oh, Daddy -Fairfield, _don’t_ look as if you’d been struck by lightning!” - -“But I have, and I’m trying to crawl out from under the débris. Now the -first thing you do, my child, you fly back to that telephone, and call -off that little engagement for this evening. Tell your Maine friend that -circumstances over which you have _no_ control make it impossible for -you to receive her and the illustrious manager this evening.” - -“But, Father,——” - -“At once, Patty, please.” - -Mr. Fairfield spoke in a tone that Patty had not heard since she was a -little girl, but she well remembered it. She rose without a word and did -as she was bid. - -“Be very gentle with her, Fred,” Nan murmured, as soon as Patty was out -of hearing. - -“I will,” and Mr. Fairfield flashed a glance of amused understanding at -his wife. “Did you know about this thing?” - -“Only vaguely. I’ll tell you some other time. But quash the scheme -decidedly, won’t you?” - -“_Rather!_” - -Patty came back, her face a little flushed, her lips a little pouting, -but quite evidently ready for the fray. - -“I did as you told me, Father,” she began, “but I think you’ll be sorry -for the stand you’ve taken.” - -“Perhaps so, girlie, but I don’t want my sorrow to interfere with my -digestion. So let’s drop the whole subject till after dinner.” - -It had always been a rule in the Fairfield household never to discuss -unpleasant subjects at table. So Patty tacitly agreed and during the -rest of the meal there was only gay conversation on light matters. - -“Now, then,” said Mr. Fairfield, when dinner was over, and the three -were cosily settled in the pleasant library, “tell me over again and -tell me slow.” - -And so, quietly, but still with that air of determination, Patty told -about Maude Kent, and the concert at Poland Spring and how Mr. Stengel -was interested and wanted to see her with a view to starring her in -light opera. - -Mr. Fairfield sighed, for he foresaw no easy task in trying to persuade -his wilful daughter to his own point of view. - -“Patty, dear,” he said, “do you remember when you were a little girl, I -gave you a lecture on proportion?” - -“I do, Daddy, and I’ve never forgotten it!” - -“Well, put it in practice now, then. Can’t you see that it is out of all -proportion to think of an ignorant, untrained girl like you stepping all -at once into the rôle of a successful prima donna?” - -“But more experienced people than you think I can.” - -“No, they don’t, dear. This manager knows your limitations, he knows you -have no stage lore or experience, and if he wants you, it is only -because of your dainty and charming personality, and because there is a -certain prestige in the fact of a society girl going on the stage. But, -as soon as the novelty was over, he would fling you aside like a -worn-out glove.” - -“How do you know? You never were a manager?” - -“Patty, men of experience in this world don’t have to adopt a profession -to know many salient points regarding it. I shall have to ask you to -take my word that I do know enough of managers and their ways to know my -statement is true. Nor are the managers altogether wrong. It is their -business to get performers who interest the public, and they have a -right to use their efforts toward that end. But I don’t want my daughter -to be sacrificed to their business acumen. Now, will you drop this wild -scheme without further argument, or shall we thresh it out further?” - -“Why, I’ve no intention of dropping it, Dad,” and Patty looked amazed at -the idea. - -“Oh, Lord, then I suppose we must go through with the farce. All right, -go back to the telephone and have the Stengel man come, right here and -now.” - -“May I? Oh, Dadsy, I knew you’d give in!” - -“Give in nothing! I want to show you what a little ninny you are.” - -“Wait a minute,” said Nan, as Patty rose and walked toward the telephone -table; “suppose we don’t ask Mr. Stengel, at first,—but just have Miss -Kent come and tell us about it.” - -“Good!” agreed Mr. Fairfield. “She can’t come alone,—Patty, tell her -we’ll send the car for her. I’d like to go straight ahead with this -interesting matter.” - -So Patty telephoned and Maude Kent said she would come. The car was -despatched and in a tremor of impatience Patty waited for her friend’s -arrival. - -The elder Fairfields made no further allusion to the subject, but talked -on other matters till the guest was announced. - -Maude Kent bustled in, and greeted Patty effusively, kissing her on both -cheeks. She acknowledged introduction to the other two with gay -cordiality, and seated herself in the middle of a sofa, flinging open -her satin evening wrap. She wore a light-coloured gown, with a profusion -of lace and a great deal of jewelry. Patty looked at her a little -surprised, for she gave a different impression from the girl she had -seen before. She couldn’t herself quite define the difference, but Maude -seemed less refined, louder, somehow, here in the Fairfield home, than -she had in the big hotel. - -And Patty wished she would act more reserved and less chatty and -familiar. - -“You see, Mr. Fairfield,” Maude ran on, “we just _must_ have our Patty -in the profesh. We need her, and I assure you she’ll make good.” - -“In just what way, Miss Kent?” asked Fred Fairfield, his keen eyes -taking in the visitor’s every move. - -“Oh, she can sing, you know; and she’s a looker, all right; and she has -charm—oh, yes, decided charm.” - -“And is this enough, you think, to assure Mr. Stengel’s giving her, say, -a ten-year contract as a prima donna?” - -“Well, hardly that!” and Maude laughed, heartily. “You men will have -your little joke. But he would give her a good place in the chorus to -start with, and doubtless Patty would work up. Oh, yes, she could work -up, I feel sure. Patty is not afraid of hard work, are you, dearie?” - -“And it is as a chorus girl that Mr. Stengel wishes to engage Patty?” -Fred Fairfield’s voice was quiet, but his eyes shot gleams of -indignation. - -“Why, yes, Mr. Fairfield; she couldn’t expect a higher position at -first.” - -“And would she be assured of having it in time?” - -“If she caught on with the public,—or, if Mr. Stengel took a liking to -her personally——” - -“That will do, Miss Kent. I’m sure you will forgive me if I decline to -pursue this subject further. My daughter most certainly will not go into -any venture of Mr. Stengel’s, or accept any other position on the stage. -The incident is closed.” - -There was something in Fred Fairfield’s face that forbade the indignant -rejoinder Maude Kent was about to make. And it was with a sudden -accession of dignity that she rose to her feet and drew her wrap about -her. - -“Very well,” she said; “it is closed. As a matter of explanation, let me -say that my interest in the thing is a legitimately financial one. Mr. -Stengel gives me a fair commission on the young ladies I persuade to -join his chorus. As I am self-supporting, this means something to me. -Moreover, I am personally fond of Miss Fairfield, and I am sorry not to -have achieved the triumph of her consent. But since it is impossible, I -can only bid you all good evening.” - -With the air of an offended queen, Maude Kent swept from the room, and -the Fairfield chauffeur took her back to her home. - -“Patty, you everlasting little goose!” said Fred Fairfield as he took -his daughter in his arms, “forget it! There’s no harm done, and nobody -need ever know how foolish you were. Your bubble’s burst, your air -castle is in ruins, but your old father is still here to look after you, -and laugh with you over your ridiculous schemes. Now, forget this one -and start another!” - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - - MIDDY - -“Whither away, Patty?” asked Nan, as Patty came downstairs one bright -morning in late October, hatted and gowned for the street. - -“I’m going out on multifarious errands. First, I shall make a certain -florist I wot me of, wish he had never been born. What _do_ you think? I -ordered pink chrysanthemums and he sent yellow? Could villainy go -further? And then I’ve some small shopping to do. Any errands?” - -“No, unless you stop in at the photographer’s and see if my pictures are -done.” - -“All right I will. By, by.” - -Patty got into the big car, with its open top, and drew in long breaths -of the crisp autumn air. - -“To Morley, the florist’s, first, Martin,” she told the chauffeur. - -As they drove down Fifth Avenue, Patty nodded to acquaintances now and -then. She was very happy, for she was planning a pleasant outing for her -club of working girls, and it greatly interested her. She had long ago -gotten over her foolish notion about the stage, and was now able to -laugh at the recollection of her silly idea. But she occasionally sang -at a concert for charity or for the entertainment of her friends, and -her voice, by reason of study and practice, was growing stronger and -fuller. - -When she reached Morley’s the florist’s doorman assisted Patty from the -car, and she went into the shop. - -Though she had threatened to reprove him severely for his error about -the flowers, Patty was really very polite, and merely called his -attention to the mistake, which he promised to rectify at once. Then, -selecting a small bunch of violets to pin on her coat, Patty went out. - -The doorman, who had been looking in the window, to see when she -started, sprang to attention, and then, as Patty stepped toward her car, -she stood stock-still in amazement. For there, on the back seat, sat a -smiling baby, a chubby rosy-cheeked child about two years old. - -“Why, you cunning Kiddy!” exclaimed Patty, “where in the world did you -come from? What are you doing in my car?” - -The baby smiled at her, and holding out a little white-mittened hand, -said: “F’owers? F’owers for Middy?” - -“Who is she, Martin?” asked Patty of the chauffeur. “How did she get -here?” - -Martin looked around. The car was a long one, and he had not turned to -look back since Patty went into the shop. - -“Why, Miss Patty, I don’t know! Maybe some of your friends left her?” - -“No, of course, no one would do that, and besides, I don’t know the -child. Who are you, baby?” - -“Middy,” said the little one. “I Middy.” - -“You are, are you? Well, that doesn’t help much. Who brought you here, -Middy?” - -“Muddy.” - -“Muddy, Middy. Your vocabulary seems to be limited! Well, what shall I -do with you?” - -The baby gurgled and smiled and reiterated a demand for “f’owers.” - -“Yes, you may have the flowers,” and Patty gave her the violets, “but I -don’t understand your presence here.” - -Apparently it mattered not to the baby what Patty understood, and she -smelled the flowers with decided evidences of satisfaction. - -Patty turned to the doorman, who had followed her from the shop. - -“What do you make of it?” she said. - -The man stared. “I don’t know, ma’am. There was no baby in the car when -you arrived here.” - -“That there was not,” agreed Patty. “Well, how did she get there?” - -“I’m sure I’ve no idea, ma’am.” - -“Weren’t you here while I was in the store?” - -“Yes, ma’am, but I was looking in at you, so’s to be ready to open your -car door as soon as you came out.” - -“Well, I never heard of anything so queer. I wonder what I’d better do.” - -“Shall I call a policeman, ma’am?” - -“Policeman? Gracious, no! This is a nice child. See how pretty she is, -and how well dressed.” - -“Yes, ma’am.” - -Patty looked up and down the street, but saw no one whom she could -connect with the baby’s presence. A policeman drew near, and his -expression was questioning. He hadn’t realised that there was a strange -baby in the case, but he saw the lady was in a dilemma of some sort, and -he was about to ask why. - -But Patty jumped in the car beside the child, and said, “Home, Martin,” -so quickly, that the policeman wandered on without a word. - -“It’s ridiculous to take you home, baby,” Patty said; “but what can I do -with you?” - -“F’owers,” said the little voice, and the stranger offered them to Patty -to smell. - -“Yes, nice flowers,” returned Patty, absently, as she stared hard at her -visitor. “Who are you, dear?” - -“Middy,—des Middy,” and the little face dimpled in glee. - -“Well, Middy, you’re one too many for me!” and they went on toward home. - -“Oh, Nan!” cried Patty, as she took her new friend indoors, “look who’s -here!” - -“Who is she?” asked Nan, looking up from her book, as Patty deposited -the small morsel of humanity on a sofa. - -“Dunno. She was wished on me while I was in at Morley’s. Came out of the -shop to find her sitting bolt upright in the car.” - -“Really? Did somebody abandon her?” - -“Can’t say. She wasn’t there,—and then, she _was_ there! That’s all I -know. Want her?” - -“Certainly not. But what are you going to do with her?” - -The stranger seemed to sense a lack of welcome, and putting up a -pathetic little red lip, said in tragic tones. “Middy ’ants Muddy.” - -“You poor little thing!” cried Patty, catching her up in her arms. “Did -your mother put you there?” - -“Ess, Muddy frowed Middy in au’mobile. Middy ’ant do home.” - -“Where is your home?” - -The baby’s face smiled beatifically, but the midget only said “Vere?” - -“Don’t you know yourself?” and the baby shook her head. - -“It’s clear enough, Patty, somebody has abandoned the little thing. How -awful! And such a pretty baby!” - -“And beautifully dressed. Look, Nan, see the little white kid shoes, and -fine little handkerchief linen frock. And her cap is all -hand-embroidered.” - -“And her coat is of the best possible quality. Look at the fineness of -the cloth.” - -“Well, what about it?” - -“I can’t make it out. If it were a poor child, I’d think it a case of -abandonment. Oh, Patty, I’ll tell you! Somebody kidnapped a rich child, -and then they became frightened, and slipped her into your car to save -themselves from discovery.” - -“Why, of course that’s it! How clever you are, Nan, to think it out! For -she is a refined, sweet baby, not a bit like a slum child.” - -This was true. The dark curls that clustered on the baby’s brow were -fine and soft, her little hands were well cared for, and her raiment was -immaculate and of the best. But they searched in vain for any name or -distinguishing mark on her clothes. Even the coat and cap had no maker’s -tag in them, though it was evident that there had been. - -“See,” said Patty, “they’ve ripped out the store tag! The kidnappers did -that. Did the bad mans take you, baby?” - -“No, Muddy b’ing baby. Des Muddy.” - -“Muddy is, of course, her mother. Now, we know her mother never put the -child in the car, so I guess we can’t depend on her story.” - -“Ess,” and the little one grew emphatic. “Muddy did b’ing Middy. An’ -Muddy _did_ put Middy in au’mobile.” - -“Well, I give it up. She seems to know what she’s talking about, but I -do believe she was kidnapped. We’ll have to keep her for a day or two. -It’ll be in the papers, of course.” - -“Perhaps she’s hungry, Nan; what ought she to eat?” - -“Anything simple. Ask Louise for some milk and crackers.” - -But Middy did not seem hungry. She took but a sip of the milk and a mere -nibble of the cracker. She seemed happy, and though she beamed -impartially on everybody, she said little. - -“She ought to have something to play with,” decreed Patty. “There isn’t -a thing in the house. I ransacked the attic rooms for that last -missionary box. I haven’t any favours or toys left. Nan, I’m going to -take her out to buy some, and maybe we’ll meet her distracted mother -looking for her.” - -“Maybe you won’t! But go along, if you like. I’ll go with you as far as -Gordon’s.” - -Putting on the baby’s wraps again, Patty started off. The child was -delighted to go in the car. - -“Nice au’mobile,” she said, patting the cushions. - -“Hear her patronising tone!” laughed Nan. “Middy have au’mobile at -home?” she inquired. - -“No, no,” was the reply as the tiny white teeth showed in a sunny smile. - -“You’re a lovely-natured little scamp, anyway,” declared Patty, hugging -the morsel to her, and Middy crowed in contentment. - -Patty took her to a large toyshop. As they entered, a clerk came forward -to wait on them. “What can I show you?” he asked. - -“Wait a minute,” said Patty. “Let the baby choose. Now, Middy, what do -you like best?” - -The child looked around deliberately. Then, spying some dolls, she made -a rush for them. “Middy ’ant Dolly-baby! Ess!” - -“Very well, you shall have a dolly-baby. This one, or this one?” - -“No. ’Reat bid one! See!” - -She pointed to the largest doll of all, a very magnificent affair, -indeed. - -“Oh, that’s too big for a little girl like Middy! Have a dear little, -cunning, baby doll.” - -But, no, the child was self-willed, and insisted on the big doll. - -“Well,” said Patty, “I suppose she might as well have it,” so the big -doll was put into the outstretched little arms, and peace reigned. - -“An’ a dolly vadon,” the small tyrant went on. This was translated to -mean dolly wagon, by the clerk, who was more versed than Patty in baby -language. - -“Good gracious, sister! You’ll bankrupt me!” and Patty inquired the -price of the little coaches. - -Moreover, the wilful purchaser declined all but the best and biggest, -and when it was ordered sent home, Patty hurried her charge out of the -store lest she demand further booty. - -With the big doll they went back home, and Patty set herself to work to -get further knowledge of the child’s antecedents. - -But here efforts were vain. She learned only the age of her guest and no -other statistics. - -“Mos’ two ’ears old,” Middy declared she was, but except for that, no -information was forthcoming. - -Inquiries regarding her father brought only blank looks. - -“Haven’t you any father at all?” urged Patty. - -“No; no fader. Poor Middy dot no fader!” - -But the bid for sympathy was so clearly insincere, and the accompanying -smile so merry that Patty concluded she had no father of her -recollection. - -It soon transpired that the wily mite called for sympathy on all -occasions. “Poor Middy,” was her constant plea, if she wanted anything. - -“Poor Middy hung’y,” she said at last, and this time she eagerly -welcomed the milk and crackers. - -“Now, Poor Middy s’eepy,” she announced, when her meal was over, and -willingly she allowed Patty to bathe her hands and face and put her to -rest on the couch in the living-room. - -“Did you ever see anything so pretty?” exclaimed Patty to Nan, as the -latter returned. “She’s been sleeping nearly two hours. See her little -hand, just like a crumpled rose-leaf. What _will_ Dad say?” - -They let the baby sit up until Mr. Fairfield’s arrival, anxious to know -his opinion of the strange circumstance. - -“Well, bless my soul!” he exclaimed. “Patty, what queer jinks will you -cut up next?” - -“But, Dads, it surely wasn’t my fault! It was none of _my_ doing!” - -“Of course not, child. I expect you’re one of those cut out for queer -happenings. There are such people, you know.” - -“Well, but what do you think about it? How do you explain it? Do you -think, as Nan does, that kidnappers put her in the car, because they -were frightened for their own safety, if found with the little thing?” - -“Not altogether likely. I think it’s more probable the mother abandoned -it.” - -“Oh, how could she! That angel child. She _is_ a beauty, isn’t she, -Daddy?” - -“Very pretty, very pretty, indeed. But a problem. The end is not yet, -Pattykins. I’m sorry this has happened. There’s been no kidnapping. If -there had it would have been in the papers. This is, it seems to me, a -deep laid plot of some sort. Well, we must await developments.” - -Patty went away with Louise to make the baby a bed for the night, in her -own dressing-room. With pillows and some guarding chairs, they -improvised a crib, and the process of undressing the baby proved such a -gala time that the whole house rang with merriment. - -As they took off one little white shoe, a folded paper dropped out. It -was addressed to Patty herself,—but with a feeling of apprehension as -to what it might contain, she ran downstairs with it, before she looked -inside at all. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - - CHICK’S PLAN - -“Here’s a note,” said Patty to her parents. “It was in the baby’s -shoe! I haven’t read it. Open it, Dad.” - -Mr. Fairfield took the paper Patty handed him, and read aloud: - - _To Miss Fairfield_:—Will you not adopt my little girl? I am a - woman of your own class in society. I married my father’s - chauffeur, and my family disowned me. Now, I am in most - unfortunate circumstances, but I have tried to keep my baby - well-nurtured and well-dressed. I can do it no longer, and - though it breaks my heart to give her up, I want her to have a - home of refinement and comfort. You are rich, and you are - devoted to charitable work. Will you not keep her for your own? - Or, if you are unwilling to do this, will you not find a good - kind friend who will take her? Her name is Millicent, but I call - her Milly. She is a year and ten months old, and she has a - lovely disposition. Do not attempt to seek me out. I will never - try to see the child nor will I make trouble in any way about - the adoption. Please keep her yourself. - - From MILLY’S MOTHER. - - P. S.—She loves custards and hates oatmeal. - -“Well,” said Patty, “here’s a state of things! Mrs. Milly must think I’m -anxious to start an orphan asylum? The kiddy is a dear,—but I’m not -sure _I_ care to adopt her.” - -“I should say _not_!” and Nan looked indignant. “I never heard of such -nerve!” - -“Now, now,” broke in Mr. Fairfield, “the poor mother is not so much to -be blamed. I feel very sorry for her. Think of the circumstances. She -married the chauffeur,—ran away with him, likely,—and now he has -doubtless deserted her, or worse, remained with her and treats her -cruelly. Poor girl, it’s only natural that she should want her baby to -grow up in a home having the advantages she herself enjoyed. If I were -you, Patty-girl, I’d try to find a good home for the little waif; that -is, unless you wish to keep her here.” - -“No,” replied Patty, thoughtfully, “I don’t believe I do. You can’t take -a baby as you would a lapdog. There is a responsibility and a care that -you would have to assume, and I’m sure I don’t want to devote the better -part of my existence to bringing up a child that doesn’t belong to me.” - -“Of course you don’t,” agreed Nan. “The idea is absurd. But the question -is, who would take her?” - -“I can’t think of anybody,” declared Patty, wrinkling her brows. “Could -we advertise?” - -“No,” said Mr. Fairfield, “that wouldn’t do at all. You’ll have to keep -the baby for a little while, and ask your friends if they know of a -possible home for her. When it is noised around, I’m sure some one will -come forward to want her.” - -“And meantime, Daddy, you can look after her! I’m planning a busy -winter, and I’ve no time for stray lambs.” - -“Can’t you get a nurse?” suggested Mr. Fairfield. - -“Oh, yes,” and Nan sighed. “But we’ve as many servants as the house will -easily accommodate now; and a nurse and a nursery and the nurse’s room -will necessitate rearranging everything. It’s no joke to introduce a -baby member into a household, I can tell you!” - -“You can keep my dressing-room for a nursery,” offered Patty; “I can get -along without it for a time.” - -“It isn’t really big enough,” objected Nan. “The child must have lots of -fresh air, and—oh, I never _did_ have any patience with those idiot -people who say, ‘Why do women waste their affection on dogs? Why not -adopt a dear little baby?’ It’s a very different proposition, I can tell -you! Of course, we’ll have to have a nurse, if the child stays here at -all, but where we’ll put her _I_ don’t know.” - -“Well,” said Patty, hopefully, “perhaps we can find a home for her -quickly. And, too, I’d like to have her here a few weeks. I think she’s -a darling plaything, but I don’t want to keep her all her life. I wonder -who the mother is. Do you suppose she knows me?” - -“Of course she knows of you,” said her father; “your name is often in -the papers in connection with various charities as well as in the social -notes. She chose you, probably, as being too kind-hearted to shift the -responsibility of the affair.” - -“And I am! I’ll accept the responsibility of finding Milly a home, but -it can’t be here, of that I’m certain.” - -“How shall you go about it?” asked Nan, looking helpless and rather -hopeless. - -“With energy and promptness,” returned Patty. “And the promptness begins -right now.” - -She seated herself at the telephone table and called up a wealthy and -childless woman of her acquaintance. - -“Oh, Mrs. Porter,” she began, “I’ve the most wonderful opportunity for -you! Don’t you want to adopt a baby girl, a real Wonder-Child, all big, -dark eyes and curly hair and the sweetest little hands and feet?” - -“Oh, thank you, no,” replied the amused voice at the other end of the -line; “it is, indeed, a chance of a thousand, I am sure; but we’re going -South for the winter, and we shall be bobbing about, with no settled -abode for a baby. Where did you get the paragon?” - -“I have it on trial, and I want to dispose of it advantageously. Don’t -you know of any one who might take her?” - -“Let me see. I believe Mrs. Bishop did say something about some friend -of hers who knew of somebody who was about to take a child from an -orphan asylum; but I remember now, she especially wanted a blonde.” - -“Oh, but brunettes are _ever_ so much nicer! I’m a blonde myself, and -it’s awfully monotonous! Do tell me the name of the friend’s friend,—or -whoever it was.” - -“I don’t know, really. It was about a month ago I heard of it. But Mrs. -Bishop can tell you,—Mrs. Warrington Bishop.” - -“I don’t know her,” said Patty, “may I use your name as an -introduction?” - -“Certainly. And if I can think up anybody else I’ll let you know.” - - * * * * * - -That was but the first of a hundred similar conversations that Patty -held. She used the telephone, as it meant far less time wasted than -personal visits would consume, and she hoped each call would bring -indirect results, if not immediate success. But everybody was too -engrossed in society or philanthropy or some hobby or travelling about, -to consider for a moment the acquisition of a new charge. - -Two or three times there was a glimmer of a hope of success and Patty -would go flying off to call on a possible client. But always it proved a -vain chimera. One lady wanted a baby to adopt, but would only take a -boy. Another was most desirous of an infant, but it must be not more -than six weeks old. Another had intended adopting a child, but had -suddenly turned to settlement work instead. - -The days went by, and Patty became almost disheartened. Nan and her -father tried to help her, but they, too, met with no success. Mr. -Fairfield spoke to several business friends of his, but they either -laughed at him or politely expressed their lack of interest in the -matter. - -A nurse had been engaged, a skilled and capable trained nurse; for Patty -argued that if they wanted to find a good home for Milly they must keep -her in the pink of condition. - -But though the nurse was most efficient, she was dictatorial and -high-tempered, and her superior air offended the other servants, and -caused Housekeeper Nan no end of trouble. They thought of changing the -nurse, but Miss Swift took such good care of her charge that they -continued to keep her. - -The small cause of all the excitement went on her sunny-faced -merry-hearted way, unknowing what turmoil she had stirred up. - -“Middy lub Patty,” she would say, toddling to Patty’s side as she sat at -her everlasting telephone conversations. “Middy fink Patty booful!” - -“Yes, and Patty finks Middy is booful,” catching the baby up in her -arms, “but you are a terrible responsibility!” - -“Fot is tebble spombilty?” - -“Well, it’s what you are. I don’t know what to do with you!” - -“Lub me,” suggested Milly, twining her chubby arms around Patty’s neck -till she nearly choked her. “Tell me I’s your pressus baby-kins.” - -“Yes, you’re all of that; and, as a matter of fact, I’m getting too fond -of you, you little fat rascal!” - -“I must beg of you, Miss Fairfield, not to caress the child so much,” -said the cold voice of Nurse Swift. “It is conceded by all authorities -that kissing is most harmful——” - -“Fudge!” said Patty; “I’m only kissing the back of her neck. Microbes -don’t hurt back there. Do they, Doodlums?” and she cuddled the baby -again, while Miss Swift looked on in high dudgeon. - -“Of course,” she said, primly, “if my advice, based on experience and -knowledge, is not to be considered at all, it might be well if you -employed some other——” - -“There, there, Nurse,” interrupted Patty, “we’re not going to employ -anybody else. Take the kiddy-wid, and put her in a glass case. Then she -won’t get kissed and cuddled by bad, naughty, ignorant Pattys. By-by, -Curly-head!” - -“No, no! Middy ’tay wiv Patty. Middy not go wiv bad Nursie!” - -“Listen, Dearie Girl. Go away with Nursie now, and get nice bread and -milk, and come back to see Patty some ’nother time.” - -This reasoning worked well and the baby went off smiling and throwing -kisses back to Patty. - -“Oh, me, oh, my,” sighed Patty, “what can I do, what _can_ I do?” - -That evening Chick Channing called. To him Patty narrated her -difficulties. - -“Don’t you know of anybody who wants a perfectly angel child?” she said. -“Truly there never was such a little ray of sunshine, such a sweet -disposition and intelligent mind.” - -But Channing didn’t know of a single applicant for such a treasure. - -“But I’ll tell you what,” he said; “let’s peddle her. Tomorrow I’ll come -for you in my runabout, and you have the kiddy all dolled up fine, and -we’ll take her round from house to house and offer her to the highest -bidder.” - -“There won’t be any bidders,” said Patty, disconsolately. - -“Oh, I don’t know. We can exploit her, and her appearance will be all to -the good. Anyway, we can try it, and it’ll give the poor little scrap an -outing, if nothing more. And give her overworked nurse a chance for an -hour off.” - -So Patty agreed, and the next afternoon Chick came for them. The baby -looked a dream, in her white coat and hat, her clustering curls showing -a glimpse of pink hair-ribbon. - -“Where first?” asked Chick, as they started off in gay spirits. - -“Mercy, _I_ don’t know!” returned Patty. “I thought you were running -this scheme, and that you had places in view.” - -“Not I. But if you haven’t either, I suggest we just stop, hit or miss, -at any house that looks hospitable.” - -“Nonsense, we can’t do that.” - -“Well, then let’s take her to an orphan asylum or children’s home and -just leave her there.” - -“No, indeed!” and Patty clasped Milly close. “She shan’t go to any such -place! Why, they mightn’t be kind to her!” - -“Probably not. But what, then?” - -“Oh, dear, I don’t know. What good are you, Chick, if you can’t suggest -something? I’m worn out pondering on the subject.” - -“Well, if it’s as bad as that, I _must_ invent something. Let me see. -Oh, by the way, are you going to the Meredith tea this afternoon?” - -“I meant to go, till you trumped up this plan, which, if you’ll excuse -me, is the biggest wild-goose chase I ever saw!” - -“Not unless you’re the wild goose. I assure you I’m not. And to prove -it, here’s a plan. Let’s go to the tea, and take this little exhibit. -There will be hundreds of people there, and you can auction her off -easily enough.” - -“Chick! What a crazy idea! It would never do!” - -“Why not?” - -“Well, first, Mrs. Meredith would be highly indignant at such a -performance.” - -“Not she! You know very well, Patty, she’s a climber; and she’s most -anxious to know you better, and count you as her friend. Oh, I know all -this inside information, I do! So, if you do something a bit eccentric, -perhaps, but pretty and effective it will give her tea a certain -prestige, a unique interest that will tickle her to death.” - -Patty considered. “It might work,” she said, thinking hard; “but I’ll -have to go back and dress.” - -“So shall I. But the Belle of the Ball, here, is all right, isn’t she?” - -“Yes; or,—no,—I’ll put on her very bestest frock, all lace and frills. -Well, turn back home, then and come for us again at five. It’s Milly’s -bed-time at six, but no matter, if we provide her a home and a career.” - - * * * * * - -At five, then, Chick returned, and found a resplendent pair awaiting -him. Patty wore one of her prettiest afternoon frocks, of Dolly Varden -silk, and Milly was in gossamer linen and laces, hidden beneath her -white cloth coat. - -She was in effervescent spirits and babbled continuously in her merry -little way. - -At the house, the maid in the cloak-room stared hard at the baby, but -said no word as she drew off the little coat sleeves. - -Patty looked Milly over, critically, perked up her enormous pink -hair-bow, and shook out her frills, then they went to the drawing-room, -meeting Chick at the door. - -“I feel a mad desire to giggle,” he said, as he caught sight of Patty, -and Milly toddling beside her. - -“I feel a mad desire to run away,” she returned. “Stand by me, Chick.” - -“_A la mort!_” he replied, and they entered the reception. - -“How do you do, Mrs. Meredith?” said Patty, in her most dulcet tones. “I -took the liberty of bringing a little friend of mine. Though she wasn’t -invited, I feel sure you can spare her a little bit of your welcome and -hospitality.” - -Mrs. Meredith, a young woman of great dignity, looked at Milly in -astonishment. As Patty had carefully taught her, the midget dropped a -dainty courtesy, and smiled up in her hostess’ face. - -Remembering the great desirability of Patty’s friendship, Mrs. Meredith -retained her composure, and laughed. “You dear girl, how original you -are! Who else would have thought of bringing a baby to my reception? Is -she a relative of yours?” - -“Not that,” said Patty, smiling, “but a very dear friend.” - -And then Channing stepped up to greet Mrs. Meredith, and others quickly -followed, so that our trio could drift away into the crowd of chatting, -laughing people. - -“What shall we do with Middy?” said Patty, anxiously. “The little thing -will be smothered down there, among all those full skirts and floating -sashes!” - -For already the tiny mite was entangling her little fingers in the -fringed ends of a lady’s scarf. - -“I’ll take her,” and Chick leaned down, and picking up Middy, seated her -on his broad shoulder. - -It made a bit of a sensation, for Channing’s towering height made him -always a conspicuous figure, and the laughing baby attracted every one’s -attention. - -“Now’s your chance!” he whispered suddenly. “Everybody is looking at us. -Step up on this chair and auction her off! I _dare_ you to!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - - A GREAT SUCCESS - -Patty always declared afterward, that Chick hypnotised her, and that -she _never_ would have done it, had she been in her right mind. - -But, on the spur of the moment, carried away with the spirit of the -thing, knowing that it was then or never, and taunted by the “_dare_,” -Patty stepped up on the low chair, and said, “People Dear” before she -realised what she was about. Then, like a flash, an acute realisation of -what she had done, came over her, followed with lightning-like swiftness -by the knowledge that she _must_ go on. To go on was the only possible -justification for having gone so far. So, go on, she did. - -“Dear People, listen a minute. This is unconventional and all that, I -know,—but just hark. Here is a little girl, a beautiful and well-born -child, for somebody’s adoption. Who wants her? Surely among all of you -there is some woman-heart who could love this dear baby enough to give -her a home. Look at her! Is she not charming? And as bright and -affectionate as she is pretty. Kiss your hand to the people, Milly.” - -Milly always obeyed the slightest wish of her beloved Patty, and with -the most adorable smiles, and coy glances from her big, dark eyes, she -blew kisses from her tiny fingertips. - -“Now love Mr. Chick,” went on Patty, shaking in her shoes, lest this -might try Channing’s endurance beyond its limit. - -But he was game, and when Milly’s dimpled arms went round his neck and -she laid her soft cheek against his hair, and crooned a few little love -notes, the audience applauded with delight. - -“You see,” went on Patty, “this baby is homeless. I want to give her to -a kind, wise and loving woman. No others need apply. I will say no more -now, but any one who is interested may speak to me about it either here -and now, or at my home. I will tell all particulars to any one who wants -the baby, and will be the right mother for her.” - -Flushed with the excitement of the moment, Patty made a deprecating -little bow, and stepped down from the low chair. - -There was a moment’s silence, and then Milly’s high, thin little voice -piped out: “Me fink Patty booful!” - -This disarmed criticism and everybody laughed, while a ripple of -applause floated through the room. And then half a dozen of the ladies -moved toward the end of the room where Patty and Milly were. - -They were followed by others, for all wanted to see more closely the -interesting mite, and the unusual circumstance roused curiosity even -among those who had no thought of taking the child. - -But it seemed several did want her, or at least wanted to investigate -the matter. - -Channing, by Patty’s side, helped to answer questions. He was an -invaluable aid, for his quick wit and pleasant personality made for a -clear understanding of the case. - -“Nonsense, Mrs. Fanning,” he said to a gay young matron, “you don’t want -another olive branch! You’ve five at home, now!” - -“I know it, but this is such a heavenly baby, and my youngest is eight. -I’d love to have this cherub, though I don’t know what Mr. Fanning would -say——” - -“Now, you musn’t be greedy,” said Chick, smiling; “be content with your -own little brood, and let somebody take Milly, who really needs an angel -in the house.” - -Milly did not become frightened at the amount of curious attention she -received, but serene and sweet, smiled happily at all, and cuddled close -to Patty. - -It was not difficult to discover who was really in earnest among the -inquirers. Some were charmed by the baby’s attractions, but had no -thought of taking her to keep. Others looked at her wistfully, but for -one reason or another were unable to adopt her. But there were three who -were positive of their desire for the child, and each of the three was -determined to have her. - -“I offered first,” argued Mrs. Chaffee, a haughty dame, whose dark eyes -blazed angrily, as she noted Patty’s indifference to her claim. “I wish -to have the child, and I can give her every advantage.” - -“So can I,” said Miss Penrose, a delightful middle-aged spinster, who -wanted an heir to her fortune and a pet to lavish her affection upon. “I -want her very much. I can devote all my time and attention to her. She -shall have the best of education and training, and my wealth shall all -be hers.” - -Patty considered. Miss Penrose was of aristocratic family, and her -prestige was undeniable. She would give all care and study to a most -careful, correct bringing up of the baby, and Milly’s future would be -assured. But, and Patty did not herself realise at first why she -objected to Miss Penrose, until it suddenly dawned on her that it was -because the lady had no sense of humour! Patty was sure she would take -the upbringing of Milly so seriously that the sunny baby would become a -little automaton. This was instinctive on Patty’s part, for she knew -Miss Penrose only slightly, but the earnestness of the lady was very -apparent. - -Smilingly holding the question in abeyance, Patty listened to the plea -of the third applicant. This was Mrs. Colton, a sad-faced, sweet-eyed -young widow. Two years before, a motor accident had snatched from her -her husband and baby girl, and had left her for a time hovering between -life and death. Only of late, had she listened to her friends’ urging to -go among people once more, and this tea was almost her first appearance -in society since her tragic affliction. - -With tears in her eyes, she said to Patty: “I _must_ have the baby. She -is not unlike my little Gladys, and she would be to me a veritable -Godsend. I have thought often of adopting a child, and this is the one I -want. I love her already. Will you come to me, Milly?” - -Milly eyed her. For a moment the two looked at each other intently. -There was a breathless pause, and all who were near felt the dramatic -intensity of the moment. Mrs. Colton smiled, and it may have been that -Milly read in that smile all the pent-up mother-love and longing, for -she dropped Patty’s hand and walked slowly toward the lady,—her little -arms outstretched. Reaching her, she threw her arms about her neck, -exclaiming, “I fink you’s booful!” - -This phrase was her highest praise, and as Mrs. Colton’s arms closed -round the child, no one could doubt that these two hearts were forever -united. - -“I hope you _will_ take her, Mrs. Colton,” said Patty, earnestly; “you -are made for each other.” - -“Indeed, I will take her, if I may. In fact, I cannot let her go!” and -the tear-dimmed eyes, full of affection, gazed at the little cherub. - -“But _I_ want her,” declared Mrs. Chaffee. “I asked for her first, and I -think it most unfair——” - -“I’m not auctioning the baby, Mrs. Chaffee,” said Patty, smiling at the -determined lady; “it isn’t a question of who asked first. Milly and Mrs. -Colton are too perfectly suited to each other to let me even consider -any other mother for the child. Please give up all thought of it, for I -have made up my mind.” - -Miss Penrose was more acquiescent, and nonchalantly presumed she could -get an equally pretty baby from an asylum. To which Patty heartily -agreed. - -It was arranged that Patty should take Milly home with her for a few -days, till Mrs. Colton could prepare for her reception. Also, she -promised to call in her lawyer and see about the legal processes of -adoption in this most unusual case. - -All unwitting of the plans for her destiny, Milly beamed impartially on -everybody, and went with Patty to make adieux to the hostess. - -“I do apologise,” said Patty, smiling, “for this eccentric performance. -But when you know me better, dear Mrs. Meredith, you will expect strange -happenings when I’m about. All my friends know this.” - -The speech was a clever one, for Mrs. Meredith greatly desired to be -classed among the friends of Patty Fairfield, the society belle. - -“It was charming of you,” she returned, “to choose my drawing-room for -your pretty project. I trust you will always feel free to avail yourself -of any opportunity I can offer.” - -Milly made her dear little curtsey; Channing murmured polite phrases, -and they went away. - -“Well!” said Chick, as they whirled along homeward, “we came, we saw, -and you bet we conquered! How about it?” - -“I should say we did!” and Patty’s face glowed with satisfaction and -happiness. “There’s nobody I’d rather give Milly to than Mrs. Colton. -She’s a perfect dear, and her great sorrow has left her with an aching, -hungry heart, that this little scrap of happiness can fill.” - -“You were a brick, Patty! I didn’t think you’d dare do it.” - -“I couldn’t have, if I’d stopped to think. But you dared me—and I never -could refuse a dare!” - -“Then I claim some of the credit of the success of our scheme.” - -“All of it, Chick. I never should have dreamed of such an unheard of -performance! What _will_ Nan say?” - -“Let’s go in and see; may I come in?” - -“Yes, do. I want you to back me up, if they jump on me.” - -But they didn’t. Though Nan and Mr. Fairfield were utterly astounded at -the story they heard, they had only praise for the result. - -“The very one!” declared Nan. “Mrs. Colton is a lovely woman, and her -wealth and education and refined tastes will insure Milly exactly the -right kind of a home for life. Oh, Patty, it’s fine! But what _did_ Mrs. -Meredith think?” - -“Oh,” said Patty, airily, “as it was the illustrious Me, she was -overjoyed to have her house turned into an auction room! She would have -been equally delighted if I’d made a bear garden of it.” - -“You conceited little rascal,” said her father, shocked at this -self-esteem. - -“No, it wasn’t _my_ idea. You all know _my_ overweening modesty. But -Chick, here, said that the parvenu element in the lady’s soul would be -kindly disposed toward,—well, let us say, toward the daughter of -Frederick Fairfield.” - -This turning of the tables made them all laugh, but Channing said, “It’s -quite true. I know the Meredith type, and I was sure that to be made -conspicuous by an acknowledged social power, like our Patty, would be -unction to her soul.” - -“Well, it was a crazy piece of business,” said Mr. Fairfield, “but as it -turned out so admirably, we can’t complain. It is right down splendid, -to get the little one taken by such a fine woman as Mrs. Colton. I’m -sure it will be a most successful arrangement. And we owe you a vote of -thanks, Channing, for bringing it about.” - -“Oh, I’m only accessory before the fact. Patty did it. I wish you could -have seen her when she mounted that chair! It was as good as a play. Her -do-or-die expression, concealed beneath a society smile, was a whole -show!” - -“I don’t care, I accomplished my purpose,” and Patty beamed with -satisfaction; “but it was mostly because Chick dared me!” - -“Let us hope I’ll always be present at any crisis in your life to dare -you!” said Channing. “It’s an easy way to achieve great results.” - - * * * * * - -When Patty’s friends heard of her episode, they bombarded her with -telephone messages and notes and calls concerning it. Some chaffed her -and others praised, but all were agog over the matter. Even Mrs. Van -Reypen telephoned to know if the report she had heard were true. - -“What did you hear?” asked Patty. - -“That you went to a tea and auctioned off a baby.” - -“No, that isn’t quite the true version of what happened. Now, I’ll tell -you.” - -“No, don’t. I can’t bear to talk over the telephone. Come and see me, -and bring that child along. I want to see it.” - -Mrs. Van Reypen’s wish was usually looked upon as a command, and the -next afternoon Patty started off with Milly to call on her elderly -friend. - -“What a baby! Oh, _what_ a baby!” was the greeting the child received, -for Mrs. Van Reypen was most enthusiastic. “Why didn’t you keep her -yourself? How can you let her go? I never saw such a lovely baby!” - -“She is,” agreed Patty, smiling, as Milly curtsied to Mrs. Van Reypen -over and over again. “But I couldn’t keep her. I don’t want the care and -responsibility of a kiddy. Would you have liked to take her?” - -“I believe I would, if you had offered me the chance. But no, I am too -old to train a baby now. Do you know, though, Patty, the care of orphan -children has always appealed to me as one of the best of philanthropies. -I sometimes think even yet I will start a home for such little waifs. I -mean a real homelike sort of a place,—not the institution usually -founded for such a purpose.” - -“It would be a splendid thing, Lady Van. Go ahead, and do it. I will -help you, if I can.” - -“Would you, Patty? Would you give of your time and interest to help -establish the thing, and be one of the workers for it?” - -“Yes, I would. I don’t want the entire responsibility of little Milly, -but I am glad I’ve found a good home for her. And if there are other -similar little unfortunates, and of course there are, I’d be more than -willing to help you in a project to make them happy and cared for.” - -“Well, I’ll remember that, and I think I’ll set about planning for it. -I’m getting older all the time, and what I do, ought to be begun soon. -Patty, you are very dear to me,—you know that?” - -“It’s kind of you to say so, Lady Van, and I do appreciate and greatly -value your affection for me. I wish I could do something to show my love -in return, and if you decide to go into this scheme of yours, call on me -for any help I can give.” - -“Thank you, dear. But, Patty, there is another way in which you could -greatly please me,—if you—but I think you know.” - -Patty did know what was coming, but she affected ignorance. “’Most any -way, Lady Van, I’m glad to please you, but I think this Orfling Home -plan the most feasible and practicable. When shall us begin?” - -“But I’m not thinking of that just now. Patty, you dear girl,—don’t -you—_can’t_ you bring yourself to care for Philip?” - -“Oh, I do care for Phil. I care for him a lot. We’re the greatest chums. -He’ll help us with the new scheme, won’t he?” - -“But I mean to care for him, especially. The way he cares for you.” - -“Now, dear Lady Van, let’s not discuss that today. I’m so busy getting -this matter of Milly fixed up, I can’t turn to other topics. Don’t you -think it would be nice for me to get a sort of wardrobe together for -her, before she goes to Mrs. Colton’s?” - -“No. I think it would be ridiculous! Mrs. Colton has plenty of means, -and she has taste and knows what is right and proper for the child far -better than you do. Give the baby a parting gift if you like—I’ll give -her one myself. I’ll give her a silver porringer. She’s ’most too big -for a porringer, but she can keep it for an heirloom. The one I mean to -give her is an old Dutch one of real value. But, Patty, as to Philip.” - -“Not now, please, Lady Van, dear,” and Patty put her fingers to her -ears. - -“Well, some other time, then. But, Patty, if you could learn to care for -my boy, I’d—I’d make you my heir.” - -“Oh, fie, fie, Lady Van! You’re trying to buy my young affections? Now, -you mustn’t do that. And, too, don’t you know that the best way to make -me dislike Phil is to continually urge him upon me.” - -Mrs. Van Reypen looked a little taken aback at this, and immediately -dropped the subject, for which Patty was devoutly thankful. She did like -Philip, but she did not want his aunt arranging affairs for her, for -Patty was an independent nature, and especially so where her plans for -her own future were concerned. - -So she gladly turned the conversation back to the matter of the -Children’s Home, and soon realised that Mrs. Van Reypen was greatly in -earnest about it, and that it might soon become a reality. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - - PATTY’S FUTURE - -One day Patty was at a matinée with some of the girls, when Mrs. Van -Reypen called at the Fairfield home. It being Saturday afternoon, Mr. -Fairfield was at home, and the visitor asked to see him as well as his -wife. - -After greetings were exchanged, the straight-forward old lady went at -once to her subject. - -“I’ve come to see you about Patty,” she began, “and if you choose to -tell me I’m a meddlesome old woman and concerning myself with what is -none of my business, you will be quite within your rights.” - -“I doubt we shall do that, Mrs. Van Reypen,” said Fred Fairfield, -pleasantly. “What is it about Patty?” - -“Only this. To put it in plain words, I want her to marry my nephew -Philip.” - -“I should make no objections to that. Indeed, I should be glad and proud -to have my daughter become the wife of your nephew. He is a fine man. I -feel that I know him well and there is no one to whom I would rather -entrust Patty’s happiness.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Fairfield. Phil _is_ a good boy, and I have yet to learn -a mean or ignoble thing about him. What is your opinion, Mrs. -Fairfield?” - -“I quite agree with my husband,” returned Nan. “Philip has always been -one of my favourites among Patty’s friends, and I, too, should hear of -their engagement with pleasure. But, Mrs. Van Reypen, we cannot answer -for Patty herself. She is, as you perhaps know, a self-willed young -person, and not to be driven or even advised, against her will.” - -“But that’s just it. Patty doesn’t know her own will. She takes for -granted all the attentions and favours of the young men, and, goodness -knows she gets enough of them, but it never seems to occur to her that -it’s time she thought about making a choice of one in particular.” - -“Oh, come, now, Mrs. Van Reypen, Patty is not yet climbing up on the -traditional shelf.” - -“I know that, Mr. Fairfield, but the point is, that she is heart-whole -and fancy-free, and while she is, I desire to influence her mind toward -Philip. Yes, just that. It is not wrong; on the contrary, it is a wise -thing to do. In France the girls’ betrothals are always arranged by -their elders. In England they frequently are. And there is no reason the -plan shouldn’t obtain in our country. We all have Patty’s best interests -at heart, and if we can help this thing along,—without letting the -child know it, of course,—it is our duty as well as our pleasure to do -it.” - -“But how, Mrs. Van Reypen?” asked Nan. “Patty would quickly resent any -interference or dictation in her affairs; and, too, any hint that we -were helping Philip’s cause along, would, I assure you, react -disastrously to our effort.” - -“Oh, certainly, if she _knew_ it,” and Mrs. Van Reypen spoke -impatiently; “but she needn’t know it.” - -“How, then, shall it be done?” - -“In lots of ways. Let us throw them together whenever possible. See to -it that she accepts his invitations here and there. Place them next each -other at dinners; in a word, make it clear to the other members of their -circle, that they are definitely _for_ each other, and it will shortly -be recognized and accepted as a fact. I will give opera parties and -dinner parties, and I will see to it, that they are conspicuously paired -as partners.” - -“That sounds plausible, Mrs. Van Reypen,” and Nan shook her head; “but -it is not so easy. You, of course, see them together often, but Patty -goes to many parties where Philip is not invited, or if he _is_ there, -where she is escorted by some one else.” - -“That’s just it!” and the old lady’s tone was vibrant with enthusiasm; -“we must see to it that she is invited everywhere first by Philip, and -then she can’t accept these other invitations.” - -Nan smiled at the thought of thus ordering headstrong Patty’s engagement -calendar, but she only said, “I’m sure if you can accomplish this, I -shall be but too glad. For I, too, want to see Patty happily married. I -am in no haste for the event to occur, but I would like to rest assured -that her choice will be a wise one, and one that will mean her lifelong -happiness.” - -“All that would be insured by her betrothal to Philip,” and Philip’s -aunt looked complacent. “And I am sure the dear girl would be willing to -say yes to him, if she were convinced that it was time for her to make a -choice. Will you not, both of you, do all you can to bring this about?” - -“With pleasure,” said Mr. Fairfield, “but, as my wife says, it is not -easy to force or coerce my daughter.” - -“Oh, not force or coerce! Have you people no idea of diplomacy? Of -strategy, even, if necessary?” - -“Just how may diplomacy be directly employed?” - -“Principally, perhaps, by inducing propinquity. The more they are -together, the more they will care for one another. Though to be sure, -Philip is deeply in love with Patty, now. He has, I am sure, asked her -to marry him already.” - -“Then if he has, and she has refused him,” said Nan, “what more can we -do?” - -“Refused him? Nothing of the sort! She hasn’t accepted him, of course, -or we would know of it; but you know how girls, nowadays, play fast and -loose with a man, if they are sure of his devotion. Indeed, if Philip -could be persuaded to slight Patty a little, now and then, it would soon -pique her into an acceptance. But he will never do that,—I know him too -well. Philip is a dear boy, but a straightforward nature, with no -thought of trifling or deception. No, we must devote our efforts toward -Patty’s attitude, not Philip’s. He is all right as he is. If Patty will -consent to marry my nephew, I am considering making her my heiress.” - -“Mrs. Van Reypen!” Fred Fairfield exclaimed in indignation, “I beg you -will not use any such argument or bribe in connection with my daughter’s -name!” - -“Hoity-toity, now! Don’t get excited. ’Tis no bribe. ’Tis but the fact; -if so be that Patty will become my niece, I shall divide my wealth -equally between her and my nephew. She shall have half in her own right. -If she will not, half is still Philip’s and the other half will go to a -charity. I don’t want to give it all to Philip. He is already a rich -man, and I don’t approve of too big fortunes for young men.” - -“Never mind about the money part of it,” said Nan. “I am quite willing -to espouse Mrs. Van Reypen’s cause, irrespective of her will. And, too, -if Patty does marry Philip, it is quite right and proper that she should -inherit this wealth. If not, there is no question of her having it. So -the fortune element settles itself. But what I can’t see is how we’re -going about this thing. I’m somewhat practical, Mrs. Van Reypen, and I -confess I can see no practical way to bring these two hearts to beat as -one. If you can instruct me, I shall be glad to obey orders.” - -Nan looked very pretty and sweet as she spoke in earnest on the subject. -She meant just what she said. She would be very glad to have Patty marry -Philip, very glad to do anything she could to help bring it about, but -for the life of her she couldn’t see anything to do. - -“Well,” Mrs. Van Reypen defended her stand, “when I took them on that -motor trip together with me, that was a step in the right direction. -They were thrown so much in one another’s company, that it became -inevitable to them to be together. I always thought if that Mr. -Farnsworth hadn’t joined us up at Lake Sunapee, the matter would have -been settled then and there.” - -“You think Mr. Farnsworth interfered?” asked Nan. - -“I’m not sure. Do you think Patty cares for him?” - -“No, I think not,” said Fred Fairfield. “They seem to have little tiffs -when they’re together, and I doubt they are very congenial.” - -“I used to like Bill Farnsworth,” said Nan, “but since I learned that he -tried to bring about Patty’s going on the stage, I’ve not cared so much -for him. You see, he’s a Westerner, and he has different ideas from -ours. Imagine Patty on the stage! And it was unpardonable in him to put -the idea in her head.” - -“Did he do that?” - -“Yes, Philip said he heard that Mr. Farnsworth took Patty over to the -hotel where that actress was staying, to talk the matter over. And he -says that Patty herself said that Bill said she was good-looking enough -to go on the stage! Fancy!” - -“It’s an outrage! That whole stage business makes my blood boil!” and -Mrs. Van Reypen’s very bonnet strings shook in righteous indignation. -“That’s what you get for letting her associate with a man like that.” - -“Oh, come now,” said Mr. Fairfield, “Farnsworth is a good sort. I think -he’s very much of a man.” - -“A fine type of a man to try to get a nice girl like Patty to become a -common actress!” The aristocratic visitor’s face expressed the deepest -scorn of the theatrical profession as a whole. “But she’s all over that, -isn’t she?” - -“Yes, thank goodness!” answered Nan. “Well, all I can see to do, is, to -incline Patty toward Philip in any subtle way we can. Praise him to her, -judiciously, not too much. Compare him favourably with other men, -especially Mr. Farnsworth, for I’m not sure that Patty doesn’t like him -quite a little. Then let Philip come here often and we will make him -very welcome, and the rest I think he will have to accomplish himself.” - -“You have expressed it very well, Mrs. Fairfield,” and the visitor rose -to go. “And I’m sure other ways and means will suggest themselves to you -as time goes on. If you would sometimes ask him to dinner quite _en -famille_, I will do the same by Patty. Such things,—letting them be -alone together of an evening now and then,—will do wonders.” - - * * * * * - -And so the plans were made, and the schemers, who were all actuated by -an honest desire for Patty’s happiness, began to watch for -opportunities. - -As Mrs. Van Reypen had surmised, in her wise, canny mind, there were -ways, unobtrusive and delicate, by which the two young people could be -thrown together more frequently and none of these was neglected. Nothing -insistent or noticeable was ever attempted, but after a time, Patty -found herself relying on Philip’s advice and judgment, and unconsciously -referring questions to him for settlement. - -Mrs. Van Reypen and the elder Fairfields noted this approvingly, and the -whole circle of young people came gradually to look on Philip as Patty’s -special property. - -Van Reypen was by no means averse to this, and he adopted an attitude of -ownership, which, as it became definite, was quickly resented by Patty. - -“Look here, Phil,” she said one day; “you needn’t act as if I belonged -to you. Don’t decide things for me without my consent.” - -“Forgive me, Patty. I’ve no wish to offend. But you will belong to me -some day, and I suppose I’m too impatient for the day to come.” - -“How do you know I will?” - -“It’s written in the stars. We were made for each other. You’ll wake up -to the fact some day, perhaps soon.” - -“I ha’e me doots,” said Patty, in roguish mood, and her light laughter -checked the more serious words that rose to Philip’s lips. He was -content to bide his time. - -One day he telephoned to Patty that Mrs. Van Reypen was not well and -begged she would come over. - -“Is she ill?” asked Patty in surprise, for the hale old lady was a -valetudinarian. - -“Not quite that, but she has a cold, and she wants cheering up.” - -So Patty ordered the car and went right over. She found that Mrs. Van -Reypen did, indeed, have a cold, and a severe one. Patty was alarmed and -insisted on calling the doctor, who pronounced it a case of grip, and -ordered the patient to bed. - -Patty remained over night, for Mrs. Van Reypen was feverish and too -nervous and worried about herself to be left to the care of servants. -Late in the evening, however, she became quieter, and begged Patty to -leave her to herself for a time, and go downstairs and sit with Philip -and cheer up the poor boy. - -So, having made the sick lady as comfortable as she could, Patty ran -downstairs for a while. - -She was garbed in a boudoir robe of Mrs. Van Reypen’s. She had discarded -her street gown as being out of place in the sick room, and had rummaged -in her hostess’ wardrobe until she selected one of the many house gowns -and negligées that hung there. - -It was utterly inappropriate for the girl, being made of purple silk, -with a wide berthé of Duchess lace. But it made Patty look very quaint -and sweet,—like a maid of olden time. She had twisted her curls up -high, and added a large carved ivory comb, from the dressing table. - -“The Puritan Maiden, Priscilla,” she had said, laughingly as she -pirouetted before her hostess. - -“A very fetching garb,” remarked the old lady. “You may have it to keep. -You can use it in your amateur theatricals, or such dressings up, and -the berthé is of valuable old lace.” - -Patty thanked her kind friend, but to tell the truth, she was so -accustomed to receiving gifts from Mrs. Van Reypen that one more was but -as a drop in the bucket. - -So, on being dismissed from the sick room, Patty ran lightly downstairs, -and into the library. Only a shaded table light was turned on, and in -the glow of the firelight Philip sat, in an easy chair, smoking. When he -heard Patty enter, he threw his cigar in the fire, and holding out his -arm, he drew her down to the broad tufted arm of the great chair he sat -in. - -“How goes it upstairs?” he asked, casually. - -“Not very well,” said Patty, soberly. “I don’t want to be a ‘calamity -howler,’ but I think Lady Van is more ill than she knows. This grip is a -treacherous thing, and liable to take sudden turns for the worse. And, -too, she is not as young as she once was, and so, Philip, I want you to -take all precautions. I will look after her tonight, but tomorrow you -must get a nurse.” - -“Of course I will. Send for one now, if you say so.” - -“No, I can manage for tonight. She is resting quietly now. She is bright -and cheery, you understand, but she is weak, and the disease has a -strong hold on her.” - -“Patty, what a dear girl you are!” Philip spoke in a fine, honest, manly -way, and Patty thrilled at his so sincere praise. “You are one in a -thousand! Indeed, I’m sure there never was another like you.” - -“Go ’way wid yer blarney,” laughed Patty, a least bit embarrassed -because she knew it was not mere blarney. - -“It’s the truth, dear, and you know it. Oh, Patty, wouldn’t it be nice -if you lived here all the time?” - -“So I could take care of Lady Van?” and her light laugh rang out. - -“Yes, and so you could take care of me. I need taking care of,—that is, -I need you to take care of me.” - -“Why, Philip, you’re the most capable person I know. You can take care -of yourself.” - -“Well, then, I wish you lived here so I could take care of you. Would -you like that, you little Colonial Dame?” - -“I’m pretty independent. I’m not sure I’d take kindly to being taken -care of.” - -“You would like the way _I’d_ take care of you, I promise you that!” - -“Why, how would it be?” - -Patty knew she was playing with fire. She knew that unless she meant to -encourage Philip Van Reypen, she ought not to lead him on in this way. -But Patty was very feminine, and the temptation to know just what he -meant was very strong. - -“Well,” Philip laid his warm hand gently on hers, “in the first place, -you should never know a care or a trouble that I could bear for you.” - -“H’m,” said Patty, “that’s comforting, but not so very entertaining.” - -“You little witch! Do you want entertainment? Well, then, I’d make it my -life work to invent new entertainments for you every day. How’s that?” - -“That’s better,” and naughty Patty showed animated delight at the -prospect. “What would the entertainments be like?” - -“That’s telling. They’d be surprises, and I can’t divulge their secrets -till you do come to live here?” - -“I did live here once,” said Patty, smiling at the recollection. “As -Lady Van’s companion.” - -“And now won’t you come and live here as my companion?” - -“Oh, are you getting old enough to need a companion?” - -“I sure am! I’m twenty-six, and that’s the very exact age when a man -wants a companion, or, at any rate, this man does. Will you, Patty -Precious?” - -“I dunno. Tell me more about these entertainments.” - -“Well, they should comprise all the best ones that are to be found on -the face of the earth. And when you tired of them, I would make up new -ones.” - -“Parties?” - -“Yes, parties of every sort. Dances, theatre parties, motor parties, -dinner parties,——” - -“And little twosy parties,—just you and me all alone?” - -“Patty! you witch! do you want to drive me crazy? Now, just for that, -you’ve got to say yes, and live here with me, and have all the little -twosy parties you want!” - -“But, Philip, _I_ proposed them, you didn’t!” and Patty pouted until her -scarlet lips looked like a cleft cherry. - -“Because I didn’t dare. Do you suppose I let myself think that you would -care for such?” - -“Well, I don’t know as I do. I’ve never tried them!” And Patty ran out -of the room. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - - THE PROMISE - -On returning to Mrs. Van Reypen’s room, Patty found that lady sleeping -quietly, so she herself went to bed on a couch in the dressing-room -adjoining. Next morning, the patient was weak and ill, and when the -doctor arrived he sent at once for two nurses. Patty went home, feeling -sad, for she feared her kind old friend might not survive this illness. - -But Nan cheered her up, saying that while grip was sometimes a serious -matter, more often, it was light and of short duration. - -“But it is contagious,” Nan went on, “and I don’t want you to catch it, -Patty. Don’t go over there again, until Mrs. Van Reypen gets better.” - -Patty agreed to this, but a few days later, there came such an -imperative summons from Mrs. Van Reypen that Patty felt she must respond -to the call. - -“Well, don’t go very near her,” begged Nan, as Patty started. “You are -susceptible to colds, and if you get grip, it will wear you out.” - - * * * * * - -Reaching the house, Patty was shocked at the appearance of Mrs. Van -Reypen. She was emaciated and her face had a waxen pallor. But her dark -eyes were feverishly bright, and she greeted Patty with an eager smile. -Then she sent the nurse from the room, with peremptory orders not to -return until called. - -“Patty, I want to talk to you,” the old lady began. - -“All right, Lady Van,” said Patty, lightly, “but you musn’t talk much. -If it’s an important subject, you’d better wait till you are stronger.” - -“I shall never be stronger, my dear. This is my last illness,——” - -“Oh, now, don’t talk like that. Grip always makes its patients -discouraged, but you are too sensible to be fooled by it. Brace up, and -resolve to get well, and then you will get well.” - -Patty was arguing against her own convictions, for she saw the ravages -the disease had made, and she feared the worst. But she did all she -could to cheer and encourage. - -“It’s useless for you to talk like that,” the invalid went on, “for I -know what I know. Now listen to me. I am going to die. I know it, and I -am not afraid. I am seventy years old, I have had a happy life, and if -my time has come, I am willing to die. Life is sweet, but we must all -die, and it is only a coward who fears death. I am going to leave you a -fortune, Patty. I have made my will and in it, I bequeath you a hundred -thousand dollars.” - -“Oh, Lady Van,” Patty gasped, “don’t, _don’t_ leave me all that money! I -should be overcome with the responsibility of it.” - -“Nonsense! But listen to the plan. I want you to have half of it -absolutely for yourself, and the other half, use to build a Children’s -Home. I know you will enjoy doing this, and I trust you to do it well. -Thus, you see, your own share of the money is, in a way, payment for -your work and responsibility of the Home. You may build, rent, or buy a -house for the purpose. Your father and Philip will help you as to the -business matters. But the furnishing and house planning will be your -work. Will you do this?” - -“I’d love to do it!” and Patty’s eyes shone at the idea. “If I am -capable.” - -“Of course you’re capable. Not a big Home, you understand, but as large -as the money will properly pay for. Then, have it bright and pretty, and -if it only accommodates a dozen children, I don’t care. I know this is -your favourite form of philanthropy and it is also mine. I wish we could -have done it together, but it is too late for that now. But Philip will -help you, and if more money is necessary, he will give it to you, from -his own inheritance. Phil is a rich man, but I shall leave him all my -fortune except what I give you. So don’t hesitate to ask him if you need -more funds.” - -“All right, but I shall put your whole bequest into the scheme. I don’t -want to be paid for doing what will be a great pleasure.” - -“Don’t be a little simpleton! You will take your own half for your -individual use, and not a cent of it is to go toward the Home. There is -money enough for that. And it isn’t payment. I give it to you, because I -am really very fond of you. You have made sunshine in my life ever since -I first found you, and I am glad to give you a small fortune. When you -marry, as you will some day, you will find it very nice to be able to -buy what you want for your trousseau. You can buy worth-while jewels -with it, or, if you prefer, put it out at interest and have a stated -income. But accept it you must, or I shall think you don’t love me at -all.” - -“Oh, yes, I do. Dear Lady Van, you know I do.” - -“Then don’t upset my last hours by refusing what I offer.” - -Patty almost laughed at the snappish tone, so incongruous in one who was -making a splendid gift. But Mrs. Van Reypen was getting more and more -excited. A red spot burned in either cheek, and her eyes blazed as she -gesticulated from her pillows. - -“And there’s another thing, Patty Fairfield, that you are to do for me. -You are to marry my boy, Philip.” - -“Well,” and Patty laughed lightly, “we won’t discuss that now.” - -“But we will discuss it now. I want your promise. Do you suppose I got -you over here just to tell you about my will? No. I want you to promise -me that you will grant me this happiness before I die. Philip loves you -deeply. He wants you for his wife and he has told you so. Where could -you find a better man? A more honourable, a kinder, a more generous and -loving heart? And he worships you. He would always be gentle and tender -with you. He is of fine old stock, there is no better family tree in the -country than the Van Reypens. Now, will you give me your promise?” - -“Oh, Lady Van, I can’t promise offhand, like this. You must let me think -it over.” - -“You’ve had time enough for that. Tell me,—you care for Philip, don’t -you?” - -“Yes, indeed I care for him a great deal,—as a friend. But I don’t -think I love him as I ought to—as I want to love the man I marry.” - -“Fiddlesticks! You don’t know your own mind, that’s all. You’re a -foolish, sentimental child. Now, look here, you marry Philip soon,—and -you’ll find out that you do love him. Why, who could help it? He’s such -a splendid fellow. He would make you as happy as the day is long. Patty, -he’s a man of a thousand. He hasn’t a bad trait or an unworthy thought -in his mind. You don’t know how really fine he is. And he adores you -so,—he would give you every wish of your heart.” - -“I know he would. He has told me so. But I can’t feel sure that I care -for him in the right way. And I can’t promise——” - -“You mean you won’t! You are willing to trifle with Philip’s affections -and lead him on and lure him with false hopes and then——” - -“Stop, stop! That’s not fair! I never led him on! We have been good -friends for years, but I never even imagined his wanting to marry me -until he told me so last summer.” - -“Last summer! And you haven’t given him a definite answer yet! You keep -him on tenter-hooks without the least consideration or care as to his -feelings. If he were not such a patient man, he would have given up all -idea of wanting you. Do you know what you are, Patty Fairfield? You’re a -little flirt, that’s what you are! You ought to be ashamed of yourself! -How many other men have you on a string? Several, I dare say.” - -“Lady Van, you have no right to talk to me like this? If you were not -ill, I’d be very angry with you. But as you are, I ascribe your harsh -speeches to the illness that is racking you. Now, let us drop the -subject and talk of something pleasanter.” - -“We’ll do nothing of the sort! I sent for you to get your promise, and -I’m going to get it!” Mrs. Van Reypen sat upright in her bed, and shook -her clenched hand at Patty. “You little fool!” she cried, “any girl in -her senses would be only too glad to get such a man as my nephew! You -are honoured by his wanting you. I am very fond of you myself,—you are -so pretty and sunny-faced. But if you refuse me this wish of my heart, I -shall cease to love you. I won’t leave you that money, I——” - -The old lady’s voice rose nearly to a shriek, and she glared at Patty -with a fairly malevolent gaze. - -That last speech was too much for Patty. - -“I don’t want your money,” she said, rising to go. “I cannot stay and -listen to such unjust remarks as you have been making. I’m sorry, but I -can’t give you the promise you ask, and as I can’t please you I think -I’d better go.” - -“Sit down,” begged Mrs. Van Reypen, and now her anger was gone, and her -tones were wheedlesome. “Forgive me, dear, I have no right to force your -will. But please, Patty Girl, think it over, here and now. You can -easily learn to love Phil,—you’re not in love with anybody else, are -you?” - -“No,” replied Patty. - -“Then, as I say, you can easily learn to love him, he is such a dear. -And he would treat you like a princess. He would shower you with gifts -and pleasures. You could live in this house, or he would buy you or -build you whatever home you fancied. Then, together, you could carry out -my project for the Children’s Home. Your life would be a heaven on -earth. Don’t you think so, Patty,—dear Patty?” - -When Lady Van chose she could be very sweet and ingratiating. And she -seemed to hypnotize Patty. The girl looked at her with a hesitating -expression. - -“Say yes,” pleaded the old lady. “Please, Patty, say yes. You’ll never -regret it, and you will be happy all your life. And you will have the -satisfaction of knowing that you eased the last hours of a dying woman -and sent her out of the world happy and contented to go. For I am dying, -Patty. You do not know all of my ills. I may live a few days, but not -longer. The doctor knows and so do the nurses. I haven’t told Philip, -for I hate to cause him pain. But if I can tell him of your promise to -marry him, it will mitigate his grief at saying farewell to me. Now you -will say yes, won’t you, my dear little Patty Girl?” - -“But——” - -“No buts now. You couldn’t have the heart to refuse the dying request of -one who has always loved you like a daughter. I would gladly have -adopted you, Patty, had your people been willing to spare you. I went to -see your parents not long ago. Your father said there is no man in the -world he would rather see you marry than Philip. And Mrs. Nan said the -same. Why do you fight against it so? Is it merely shyness? Just -maidenly reserve? If that’s it, I understand and appreciate. But waive -all that, for my time is short. You needn’t marry him at once if you -don’t wish, but promise me that he shall be your choice. That he will be -the man you will some day wed and make happy. Won’t you promise, Patty?” - -“I—can’t——” - -“Yes, you can!” Mrs. Van Reypen leaned out of her bed, and grasped -Patty’s arm in a vise-like clutch. “You can and you shall! Now,—at -once! Promise!” - -The black eyes of the old lady bored into Patty’s own. Her firm, hard -mouth was set in a straight line. And with both hands she gripped -Patty’s arms and shook her slightly. “Promise, or I shall die on the -spot!” - -“I promise,” said Patty, faintly, urged on by the older woman’s force of -intensity of will. - -Mrs. Van Reypen fell back exhausted. She seemed unconscious, but whether -in a faint, or stunned by sudden reaction, Patty did not know. - -She flew to the door and called the nurse. - -“Goodness! What happened?” inquired Miss French. “Has she had any sort -of mental shock?” - -“She has given me one,” returned Patty, but the nurse was busy -administering restoratives, and paid no heed. - -Patty went slowly downstairs and out into the street. She walked home in -a daze. What had she done? For to Patty a promise was a sacred thing and -not to be broken. She hoped Mrs. Van Reypen would get better and she -would go and ask to be released from a promise that was fairly wrung -from her. She was undecided whether to tell Nan about it or not, but -concluded to wait a day or two first. And then, she thought to herself, -why wasn’t she prepared to fulfill the promise? Why didn’t she want to -marry Phil, big, kind-hearted Phil, who loved her so deeply? At times it -almost seemed as if she did want to marry him, and then again, she -wasn’t sure. - -“I’ll sleep over it,” she thought, “and by tomorrow I’ll know my own -mind better. I must be a very wobbly-brained thing, anyhow. Why don’t I -know what I want? But I suppose every girl feels like this when she -tries to make up her mind. Philip is a dear, that’s certain. Maybe I’m -worrying too much over it. Well, I’ll see by tomorrow.” - -But the next day and the next, Patty was equally uncertain as to whether -she was glad or sorry that she had made that promise. - -And after another day or two she went down herself with the grip. - -“I told you you’d catch it from Mrs. Van Reypen,” scolded Nan. “You had -no business to go there and expose yourself.” - -“But I had to go when she sent for me,” said Patty. - -“What did she want of you? you never told me.” - -“Well, for one thing, she thinks she’s going to die, and she wants to -leave me a hundred thousand dollars in her will.” - -“A hundred thousand! Patty, you must be crazy.” - -“Well, it isn’t all for me, only half.” And then Patty told about the -plan for the Children’s Home, but she said nothing about the promise she -had given. - -Nan was greatly excited over the bequest. “But,” she said, “I don’t -believe Mrs. Van is going to die. She’s better today. I just -telephoned.” - -“I hope she won’t die,” said Patty fervently. “I don’t want her money, -and if she gets well she can run that Home project herself, and I’ll -willingly help. Oh, Nan, I do feel horrid.” - -Grip has the reputation of making people feel horrid. The doctor came -and sent Patty to bed, and for several days she had a high fever, which -was aggravated by her mental worry over the promise she had made to Mrs. -Van Reypen. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - - THE CRISIS - -And then the day came when the doctor said Patty had pneumonia. Rooms -were darkened; nurses went around silently; Nan wandered about, unable -to concentrate her mind on anything and Mr. Fairfield spent much of his -time at home. - -The telephone was continually ringing, as one friend after another asked -how Patty was, and the rooms downstairs were filled with the gifts of -flowers that the patient might not even see. - -“What word, Doctor?” asked Mona Galbraith, as the physician came -downstairs, one morning. The girls came and went as they chose. Always -some one or more of them were sitting in the library or living-room, -anxiously awaiting news. - -“I think I can say she’s holding her own,” replied the doctor, -guardedly; “if she had a stronger constitution, I should feel decidedly -hopeful. But she is a frail little body, and we must be very, very -careful.” - -He hurried away, and Mona turned back to where Elise sat. - -“I know she’ll die,” wailed Elise. “I just _know_ Patty will die. Oh, it -seems _such_ a shame! I can’t _bear_ it!” and she broke down in a tumult -of sobbing. - -“Don’t, Elise,” begged Mona. “Why not hope for the best? Patty isn’t -strong,—but she’s a healthy little piece, and that doctor is a calamity -howler, anyway. Everybody says so.” - -“I know it, but somehow I have a presentiment Patty never will get -well.” - -“Presentiments are silly things! They don’t mean a thing! I’d rather -have hope than all the presentiments in the world. Here comes Roger.” - -Knowing his sister and his fiancée were there, Roger came in. They told -him what the doctor had said. - -“Brace up, girls,” he said, cheeringly. “The game’s never out till it’s -played out. I believe our spunky little Patty will outwit the old -pneumonia and get the better of it. She always comes out top of the heap -somehow. And her holding on so long is a good sign. Don’t you want to go -home now, Mona? You look all tired out.” - -“Yes, do go, Mona,” said Elise, kindly. “But it isn’t tiredness, Roger, -it’s anxiety. Go on, you two, I’ll stay a while longer.” - -The pair went, and Elise sat alone in the library. - -Presently, through the stilled house, she heard Patty’s voice ring out, -high and shrill. - -“I don’t _want_ it!” Patty cried; “I don’t _want_ the fortune! And I -don’t want to marry _anybody_! Why do they make me _promise_ to marry -everybody in the whole world?” - -The voice was that of delirium. Though not really delirious, Patty’s -mind was flighty, and the sentences that followed were disjointed and -incoherent. But they all referred to a fortune or to a marriage. - -“What can she mean?” sobbed Nan, who, with her husband, sat in an -adjoining room. - -“Never mind, dear, it’s her feverish, disordered imagination talking. If -she were herself, she wouldn’t know what those words meant. Perhaps it -is better that her mind wanders. Some say that’s a good sign. Keep up -hope, Nan, darling, if only for my sake.” - -“Yes, Fred. And we have cause for hope. Doctor is by no means -discouraged, and if we can tide over another twenty-four hours——” - -“Yes—if we can——” - -“We will! Something tells me Patty will get well. The clear look in her -eyes this morning——” - -“Were they clear, Nan? Did they seem so to you?” - -“Yes, dear, they did. And the nurse said that meant a lot.” - -“But the specialist doctor—he said Patty is so frail——” - -“So she is, and always has been. But that’s in her favour. It’s often -the strong, robust people that go off quickest with pneumonia. Patty has -a wiry, nervous strength that is a help to her now.” - -“You’re such a comfort, Nan. But I don’t want Patty to die.” - -“Nor I, Fred. She is nearly as dear to me as to you. You know that, I’m -sure. And Patty is a born fighter. She’s like you in that. I know she’ll -battle with that disease and conquer it,—I _know_ she will!” - -“Please God you’re right, dearest. Let us hope it with all our hearts.” - -Alone, Patty fought her life and death battle. Doctors, nurses, friends, -all did what they could, but alone she grappled with the angel of death. -All unconsciously, too, but with an involuntary struggle for life -against the grim foe that held her. Now and again her voice cried out in -delirium or murmured in a babbling monotone. - -Now racked with fever, now shivering with a chill, the tortured little -body shook convulsively or lay in a death-like stupor. - -Once, when Kit Cameron was downstairs, they heard Patty shriek out about -the fortune. - -“Oh,” said Kit, awestruck; “can she mean that fortune-telling business -we had? Don’t you remember I told her she’d inherit a fortune. Of -course, I was only joking. Fortune-tellers always predict a legacy. I -hope _that_ hasn’t worried her.” - -“No,” said Nan, shaking her head, “it isn’t that. She’s been worrying -about that fortune ever since she’s been flighty. I know what she means. -Never mind it.” - -Glad that it was not an unfortunate result of his practical joke, Kit -dropped the subject. - -“I want her to get well so terribly,” he went on. “I just _can’t_ have -it otherwise. I’ve always cherished a sort of forlorn hope that I could -win her yet. Do you think I’ve a chance, Mrs. Nan?” - -“When we get her well again, we’ll see,” and Nan tried to speak -cheerfully. “But it’s awfully nice of you boys to come round so often. -You cheer us up a good deal. Mr. Fairfield is not very hopeful. You see -Patty’s mother died so young, and Patty is very like her, delicate, -fragile, though almost never really ill. And here comes another of my -boys.” - -Nan always called Patty’s friends her boys; and they all liked the -pleasant, lively young matron, and affectionately called her Mrs. Nan. - -This time it was Chick Channing, and he came to inquire after Patty, and -also to bring the sad news that Mrs. Van Reypen was dead. - -Though not entirely unexpected, for the old lady had been very ill, it -was a shock, and cast a deeper gloom over the household. - -“I’m so sorry for Philip,” said Nan. “He was devoted to his aunt, and -she idolised him. Of late, he practically made his home with her.” - -“I suppose he is her heir,” observed Channing. - -“I suppose so,” returned Nan, listlessly. And then she suddenly -remembered what Patty had said about Mrs. Van’s bequest to her. But she -decided to make no mention of it at present. - -“She was a wealthy old lady,” said Cameron. “Van Reypen will be well -fixed. He’s a good all-round man, I like him.” - -“I don’t know him well,” said Chick, “I met him a few times. A thorough -aristocrat, I should say.” - -“All of that. They’re among the oldest of the Knickerbockers. But -nothing of the snob about him. A right down good fellow and a loyal -friend. Well, I must go. Command me, Mrs. Nan, if I can do the least -thing for our Patty Girl. Keep up a good heart, and——” - -Kit’s voice choked, and he went off without further words. - -Channing soon followed, but all day the young people kept calling or -telephoning, for Patty had hosts of friends and they all loved her. - -Nan went to her room to write a note of sympathy to Philip. Her own -heart full of sorrow and anxiety, she felt deeply for the young man -whose home death had invaded, and her kindred trouble helped her to -choose the right words of comfort and cheer. - -The day of Mrs. Van Reypen’s funeral, Patty was very low indeed. Doctor -and nurses held their breath as their patient hovered on the borderland -of the Valley of Shadow, and Patty’s father, with Nan sobbing in his -arms, awaited the dread verdict or the word of glorious hope. - -Patty stirred restlessly, her breathing laboured and difficult. -“I—did—promise,” she said in very low, but clear tones, “but I -didn’t—oh, I didn’t—_want_ to—I didn’t——” her voice trailed away to -silence. - -“What _is_ that promise?” whispered the doctor to Nan. “It’s been -troubling her——” - -“I don’t know at all. She usually tells me her troubles, but I don’t -know what this means.” - -There was a slight commotion below stairs. The doctor looked at a nurse, -and she moved noiselessly out to command quiet. - -Patty’s eyes opened wide, they looked very blue, and their glance was -more nearly rational than it had been. - -“Sh!” she said, weakly. “Listen! It _is_! Yes, it _is_. Tell him to come -up, I want to see him.” - -“Who is it?” asked the doctor. “She mustn’t see anybody.” - -“I must,” whimpered Patty, beginning to cry; “it’s Little Billee; I want -him now.” - -“For heaven’s sake, she’s rational!” exclaimed the doctor. “Bring him -up, whoever he is, if she says so! No matter if it’s an elephant, bring -him at once!” - -Half frightened, Nan went out into the hall. Sure enough, big Bill -Farnsworth was halfway upstairs. - -“I heard her!” he said, in a choked voice, “she said she wanted me——” - -“Come,” said Nan, and led the way. - -Softly Farnsworth stepped inside the door, gently as a woman he took -Patty’s thin little hand in his two big strong ones, as he sat down in a -chair beside her bed. - -“Little Billee,” and Patty smiled faintly, “I want somebody to strong -me—I’m so weak—you can——” - -“Yes, dear,” and firmly holding her hand in one of his, Farnsworth -softly touched her eyelids with his fingertips, and the white lids fell -over the blue eyes, and with a contented little sigh, Patty sank into a -natural sleep, the first in many days. - -Released from his nervous tension, the doctor’s set features relaxed. He -looked in gratified amazement at the sleeping girl, and at the two -astonished nurses. - -“She will live,” he said, softly. “But it is like a miracle. On no -account let her be awakened; but you may move, sir. She is in a sound -sleep of exhaustion.” - -Farnsworth rose,—laying down Patty’s hand lightly as a snowflake,—and -soundlessly left the room. - -Nan and Mr. Fairfield followed, after a moment. - -They found the big fellow looking out of the hall window. At their -footsteps, he turned, making no secret of the fact that he was wiping -the tears from his eyes. - -“I didn’t know—” he said, brokenly, “until yesterday. I was in -Chicago,—I made the best connections I could, and raced up here. Have -I—is she—all right now?” - -“Yes,” and Fred Fairfield grasped Farnsworth’s hand. “Undoubtedly you -saved her life. It was the crisis. If she could sleep—they said,—and -she is sleeping.” - -“Thank God!” and the honest blue eyes of the big Westerner filled again -with tears. - -“Thank _you_, too,” cried Nan, and she shook his hand with fervour. -“Come into my sitting-room, and tell me all about it. How did Patty know -you were here?” - -“Didn’t you tell her?” Bill looked amazed. - -“No; she must have heard your voice—downstairs——” - -“But I scarcely spoke above my breath!” - -“She heard it,—or divined your presence somehow, for she said you were -there and she wanted you,—the first rational words she has spoken!” - -“Bless her heart! Perhaps she heard me, perhaps it was telepathy. I -don’t know, or care. She wanted me, and I was there. I am glad.” - -The big man looked so proud and yet so humble as he said this, that Nan -forgot her dislike and distrust of him, and begged him to stay with -them. - -“Oh, no,” he said. “That wouldn’t do. I’ll be in New York a few weeks -now, at the Excelsior. I’ll see you often,—and Patty when I may,—but I -won’t stay here, thanks. I’m so happy to have been of service, and -always command me, of course.” - -Farnsworth bowed and went off, and the two Fairfields looked at each -other. - -“What an episode!” exclaimed Nan. “Did he really save her life, Fred?” - -“He probably did. We can never say for certain, but at that crisis, a -natural sleep is a Godsend. He induced it, whether by a kind of -mesmerism, or whether because Patty cares so much for him, I can’t say. -I hate to think the latter——” - -“Why?” - -“Well, for one thing, you know that story Van Reypen tells, about -Farnsworth trying to get Patty to go on the operatic stage——” - -“I never was sure about that—we didn’t hear it so very straight.” - -“Well, and Farnsworth is not altogether of—of our own sort——” - -“You mean, not the aristocrat Phil is?” - -“Something like that.” - -“Well, all that doesn’t matter just now. If the doctor says Bill saved -Patty’s life, I shall always adore him, and I shall erect a very high -monument to his honour. So there, now!” - -Nan was almost gay. The revulsion of feeling brought about by Patty’s -improved condition made her so joyous she had to express it in some way. - -First, she tiptoed to the door, and beckoned the nurse out. From her she -demanded and received assurance that Patty was really past the present -danger, and barring relapse or complication, would get well. - -Then she flew to the telephone and told Mona, leaving her to pass the -glad news on to the others. - -She wanted to call up Van Reypen, but was uncertain whether to do so or -not. He was but just returned from his aunt’s burial, and the time -seemed inopportune. Yet, he would be so anxious to hear, and perhaps no -one else would tell him. - -So she called him, telling the servant who answered, who she was, and -saying Mr. Van Reypen might speak to her or not, as he wished. - -“Of course I want to speak to you,” Phil’s deep voice responded; “how is -she?” - -“Better, really better. She will get well, if there are no setbacks.” - -“Oh, _I am_ so glad. Mrs. Nan, I have been so saddened these last few -days. I couldn’t go to you as I wished, because of affairs here. Now, -dear old aunty is laid to rest, and soon I must come over. I don’t hope -to see Patty, but I want a talk with you. May I come tonight?” - -“Surely, Philip. Come when you will, you are always welcome.” - -“But I don’t know,” Nan said to Fred Fairfield, “what Philip will say -when he knows who it was that brought about Patty’s recovery.” - -“Need he know? Need anybody know? Perhaps when Patty can have a say in -the matter, she will not wish it known. The nurses won’t tell. Need we?” - -“Perhaps not,” said Nan, thoughtfully. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - - PATTY’S FORTUNE - -Though Patty’s recovery was steady, it was very, very slow. The utmost -care was taken against relapse; and so greatly had the disease sapped -her strength, that it seemed well-nigh impossible for her to regain it. -But skilled nursing proved effectual in the end, and the day came at -last when Patty was allowed to see one or two visitors. - -Adele was the first to be admitted to the presence of the convalescent. -She had come down from Fern Falls as soon as the welcome word reached -her that she might see Patty. She was to remain with her but a few -moments, and then, if no harm resulted, the next day Mona was to be -admitted. - -Patty herself was eager to see her friends, and showed decided interest -in getting arrayed for the occasion of Adele’s visit. This greatly -pleased Nurse Adams for until now, Patty had turned a deaf ear to all -news or discussion of the outer world, and had shown a listless apathy -when Nan or her father told her of the doings of the young people of her -set. This had been partly due to her weakened condition and partly to -her brooding in secret over the promise she had given Mrs. Van Reypen. -She had never mentioned this subject to Nan, nor had they yet told Patty -of Mrs. Van Reypen’s death. The doctor forbade the introduction of any -exciting topic, and this news of her dear old friend would surely -startle her. - -“I’ll wear my blue _crêpe de chine_ negligée,” Patty directed; “the one -with lace insets. And the cap with Empire bows and rosebuds.” - -“Delightful!” said Miss Adams. “It will be a pleasant change to see you -dressed up for company.” - -“I haven’t been dolled up in so long, I ’most forget how to primp, but I -daresay it will come back to me, for I’m a very vain person.” - -“That’s good,” and Nurse Adams laughed. “It’s always a good sign when a -patient revives an interest in clothes.” - -“I doubt if I ever lost mine, really. It was probably lying dormant all -through the late unpleasantness. Now, please, my blue brocade mules and -some blue stockings,—or, no,—white ones, I think.” - -Miss Adams brushed the mop of golden curls, that had been so in the way -during the severe illness, and massed them high on the little head, -crowning all with the dainty cap of lace and ribbons. - -“Now, I will gracefully recline on my boudoir couch, and await the -raising of the curtain.” - -“You darling thing!” cried Adele, as she entered, “if you aren’t the -same old Patty!” - -“’Course I am! Who did you think I would be? Oh, but it’s good to see -you! I haven’t seen a soul but the Regular Army for weeks and months and -years!” - -Patty had never referred to Farnsworth’s presence, and no one had spoken -of it to her. They had concluded that she was really unconscious of it, -or it had lapsed from her memory. - -“And you’re looking so well. Your cheeks are quite pink, and, why, I do -declare, you look almost pretty!” - -“_I_ think I look ravishingly beautiful. I’ve consulted a mirror today -for the first time, and I was so glad to see myself again, it was quite -like meeting an old friend. How’s Jim?” - -“Fine. Sent you so many loving messages, I decline to repeat them.” - -“Dear old Jim. Give him my best. Tomorrow I’m to see Mona. Isn’t that -gay?” - -“Yes, but I’d rather you’d be more interested in my call than to be -looking forward to hers.” - -“You old goose! Do you s’pose I’d had you first, if I didn’t love you -most?” - -“Now, I know you’re getting well. You’ve not lost your knack of making -pretty speeches.” - -“It’s a comfort to have somebody to make them to. The doctors were most -unimpressionable, and I can’t bamboozle Miss Adams with flattery. She -won’t stand for it!” - -The white-garbed nurse smiled at her pretty patient. - -“And,” Patty went on, “after Mona, I’m to see Elise and the other girls, -and then if you please, I’m to be allowed to see some of my boy -friends!” - -“Oh, you coquette! You’re just looking forward with all your eyes to -having Chick and Kit and all the rest come in and tell you how well -you’re looking.” - -“Yes,” and Patty folded her hands demurely. “It’s such pleasant hearing, -after weeks of looking like a holler-eyed mummy, all skin and bone.” - -“Patty, you’re incorrigible,” and Adele laughed fondly at the girl she -loved so well. “But you’re certainly looking the part of interesting -invalid, all right. Isn’t she, Mrs. Fairfield?” - -“Rather!” said Nan, who had just appeared in the doorway. “And your -visit is doing her a lot of good. Why, she looks quite her old self.” - -“A sort of reincarnated version of her old self, all made over new. By -the way, Patty, I saw Maude Kent yesterday.” - -“Did you, Adele? What is she doing now?” - -“Concerts as usual. I heard about her session with your father!” and -Adele laughed. “The idea of her thinking you’d dream of the stage!” - -“But think what a great tragedienne is lost to the world!” said Patty. -“I know I have marvelous talent, but my stern parents refused to let me -prove it.” - -“The most outrageous ideal!” declared Nan. “Nobody but that Mr. -Farnsworth would have suggested such a thing! I suppose Westerners have -a different code of conventions from ours.” - -“Bill Farnsworth suggest it!” cried Patty. “Why, Nan, you’re crazy! He’s -the one who kept me from it. Wasn’t he, Adele?” - -“Why, yes, Mrs. Nan. It was he who went over to Poland Spring with -Patty——” - -“Yes, that’s what I heard. Took Patty over there to see this Kent person -about the matter.” - -“Goodness, gracious me!” Patty exclaimed; “wherever did you get such a -mixup, Nansome? Why, it was Little Billee who gave Maude whatfor, -because she mentioned the idea! He told her never to dream of it, and -made me go straight home.” - -Nan looked puzzled. “Why,” she said, “Philip Van Reypen told me that Mr. -Farnsworth put you up to it, and said you were good-looking enough——” - -Patty laughed outright. “Oh, Nannie, I remember that! _I_ said I was -good-looking enough, and Bill said yes, I was _that_,—of course, he had -to agree!—but he said that had nothing to do with the matter. And as to -Phil, he knew nothing about it. He wasn’t there.” - -“No. Somebody told him, that day he met you all in Boston.” - -“Oh, fiddle-de-dee! Somebody said that somebody else heard that -somebody—Now, listen here, Nan, nobody put me up to that stage business -’ceptin’ my own little self, and, of course, Maude, who told me about -it. But she did nothing wrong in giving me the chance. And it’s all past -history, only don’t you say Little Billee egged me on, because he most -emphatically egged me off. Didn’t he, Adele?” - -“Yes, he did. You told me all about it at the time. Bill Farnsworth was -most indignant at Miss Kent, but she was a friend of Chick Channing’s -and so Bill wouldn’t say anything against her.” - -“There isn’t anything against her,” declared Patty, “and Little Billee -wouldn’t say it if there were. But you just remember that he was on the -other side of the fence. If anybody sort of approved of it, it was -Chick. He thought it would be rather fun, but he didn’t take it -seriously at all. So you just cross off that black mark you have against -Big Bill!” - -“I will,” promised Nan, and Adele said, “Where is Bill now? Have you -seen him of late?” - -“No,” said Patty; “not since before I was ill. I don’t know where he -is.” - -Nan looked at her closely, but it was evident she was speaking in -earnest. As they thought, then, she had forgotten the incident of his -appearance at her bedside. Perhaps she never really knew of it, as she -was so nearly unconscious at the time. - -“He is in New York,” said Nan, covertly watching Patty. - -“Is he?” said Patty, with some animation. “After I get well enough to -see men-people, I’d like to have him call.” - -“Very well,” returned Nan, “but now I’m going to take Adele away. The -nurse has been making signals to me for five minutes past. You mustn’t -get overtired with your first visitor, or you can’t have others.” - -But visitors seemed to agree with Patty. Once back in the atmosphere of -gay chatter and laughter with her friends, she grew better rapidly, and -the roses came back to her cheeks and the strength to her body. - -And so, when they thought she could bear it, they told her of Mrs. Van -Reypen’s death. - -“I suspected it,” said Patty, her eyes filling with tears, “just because -you didn’t say anything about her, and evaded my questions. When was -it?” - -They told her all about it, and then Mr. Fairfield said, “And, my child, -in her will was a large bequest for you.” - -“I know,” said Patty, and her fingers locked nervously together. “A -hundred thousand million dollars! Or it might as well be. I don’t want -the money, Daddy.” - -“But it is yours, and in your trust. You can’t well refuse it. Half is -for——” - -“Yes, I know,—for a Children’s Home. But I can’t build a house now.” - -“Don’t think about those things until you are stronger. The Home project -will keep,—for years, if need be. And when the time comes, all the -burdensome details will be in the hands of a Board of Trustees and you -needn’t carry it on your poor little shoulders.” - -“It isn’t that that’s bothering me, but my own half. You don’t know -_why_ she gave me that.” - -“Why did she?” said Nan, quickly, her woman’s mind half divining the -truth. - -“She made me promise, the last time I saw her, that—that I would marry -Philip. And when I said I wouldn’t promise, she was very angry, and said -then she wouldn’t leave me the money. And I was madder than she was, and -said I didn’t want her old money, and neither I don’t, with Philip or -without him.” - -“But what an extraordinary proceeding!” exclaimed Mr. Fairfield. “She -tried to buy you!” - -“Oh, well, of course she didn’t put it that way, but she was all honey -and peaches and leaving me fortunes and building Children’s Homes until -I refused to promise, _then_ she turned and railed at me.” - -“And then——” prompted Nan. - -“Then I was mad and I tried to start for home. Then she calmed down and -was sweet again, and said she didn’t mean to balance the money against -the promise, but, well—she kept at me until she _made_ me give in.” - -“And you promised?” - -“Yes.” - -“You poor little Patty,” cried Nan; “you poor, dear, little thing! How -could she torture you so?” - -“It was, Nan,” cried Patty, eagerly; “it was just that,—torture. Oh, -I’m so glad you can see it! I didn’t know _what_ to do. She said I -mustn’t refuse the request of a dying woman, and she grabbed my arm and -shook me, and she looked like a—oh, she just looked _terrifying_, you -know, and she—well, I guess she hypnotised me into promising.” - -“Of course she did! It’s a perfect shame!” and Nan gathered Patty into -her arms. - -“It _is_ a shame,” agreed Mr. Fairfield, smiling at his daughter, “but -it won’t be such an awfully hard promise to keep, will it, Little Girl? -Of course you hated to have it put to you in that manner, but there are -less desirable men in this world than Philip Van Reypen.” - -“I don’t want to talk about it,” said Patty, and she burst into tears on -Nan’s shoulder. - -“And you sha’n’t,” returned Nan, caressing her. “Go away, Fred. A man -doesn’t know how to deal with a case like this. Patty isn’t strong -enough yet to think of bothersome things. You go away and we’ll tell you -later what we decide.” - -Mr. Fairfield rose, grumbling, laughingly, that it was the first time he -had ever been called down by his own family. But he went away, saying -over his shoulder, “You girls just want to have a tearfest, that’s all.” - -“Tell me all about it, dear,” said Nan, as Patty smiled through her -tears. - -“That’s about all, Nancy. But it was such a horrid situation. I do like -Phil, but I don’t want to make any such promise as that. Of course, Phil -has asked me himself, several times, but I’ve never said yes——” - -“Or no?” - -“Or no. I don’t have to till I get ready, do I? And I surely don’t have -to give my promise to the aunt of the person most interested. Oh, I’m so -sorry she died. I wanted to ask her to let me off. I dreamed about it -all the time I was sick. It was like a continual nightmare. Has Phil -been here?” - -“Yes, two or three times. He wants to see you as soon as you say so.” - -“How can I see him? Do you suppose he knows of my promise?” - -“Very likely she told him. I don’t know. But, Patty, don’t blame her too -much. You know, she was very fond of you, and she worshipped him. It was -the wish of her heart,—but, no, she _hadn’t_ any right to force your -promise!” - -“That’s what she did, she forced it. Nan, am I bound by it?” - -“Why, no; that is, not unless you want to be. Or unless——” - -“Unless I consider a promise made to a dying person sacred. Well, I’m -afraid I do. I’ve thought over this thing, day in and day out, and it -seems to me I’d be _wicked_ to break a promise given to one who is -gone.” - -“Maybe Philip will let you off.” - -“No, he won’t. I know Phil wants me to marry him, _awfully_, and he’d -take me on any terms. This sounds conceited, but I _know_, ’cause he’s -told me so.” - -“Well, Patty, why not?” - -“That’s just it. I don’t know why not. Sometimes I think it’s just -because I don’t want to be made to do a thing, whether I choose or not. -And then sometimes,——” - -“Well?” - -“Sometimes I think I don’t love Phil enough to marry him. He’s a dear, -and he’s awfully kind and generous and good. And he adores me,—but I -don’t feel—say, Nan, were you _terribly_ in love with father when you -married him?” - -“I was, Patty. And I still am.” - -“Yes, I know you are now. But were you before the wedding day?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, I’m not _terribly_ in love with Phil. But he says that will come -after we’re married. Will it, Nan?” - -“It’s hard to advise you, Patty. I daren’t say the greater love will -come to you,—for I don’t know. But don’t marry him unless you are sure -he is the only man in the world you can love.” - -“I’ve got to marry him,” said Patty, simply; “I promised.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - - A DISTURBING LETTER - -Then the days came when Patty could see anybody and everybody who -called upon her. When she could be downstairs in the library or the big -cheery living-room, and, as she expressed it, be “folks” once more. - -Still flowers were sent to her, still candies and fruit and dainty -delicacies arrived in boxes and baskets, and friends sent books, -pictures, and letters. Her mail was voluminous, so much so that Nurse -Adams who still tarried, was pressed into service as amanuensis and -general secretary. - -The men had begun to be allowed to call, and Patty saw Cameron and -Channing, who happened to call first. - -“My, but it’s good to gaze on your haughty beauty again!” said Chick; -“I’ve missed you more than tongue can tell!” - -“Me too,” said Kit. “I wanted to telephone, but they wouldn’t let me. -Said I was too near and dear to be heard without being seen,—like the -children, or whoever it is.” - -“I wish you had,” and Patty laughed. “I was longing to babble over a -telephone, as we used to do, Kit.” - -“Yes, in the early days of our courtship, when we were twenty-one!” - -“Speak for yourself, John! I’ll leave it to Chick,—_do_ I look -twenty-one!” - -“I should say not! You look sweet sixteen, or thereabouts.” - -He was right, for Patty did look adorably young and sweet. She had on a -Frenchy tea-gown of pale green silk, bubbling over with tulle frills of -the same shade, touched here and there with tiny rosebuds. A fetching -cap of matching materials, was, Nan declared, a mere piece of -affectation, but it accented her invalidism, and was vastly becoming. -Her face, still pale from her illness, was of a waxen hue, but a warm -pink had begun to glow in her cheeks and her blue eyes were as twinkling -and roguish as ever. - -“And what’s more,” Patty went on, “I won’t be twenty-one till next -May,—and that’s ages away yet.” - -“Yes, about half a year!” retorted Kit, “so I’m not so very far out, my -little old lady! Did you get all the tokens I sent you?” - -“Guess I did. I’m acknowledging ’em up as fast as I can. I had such -oodles of stuff. I begrudge the flowers that came while I was too lost -to the world to see them, but enough have come since to make up. You’ll -get your receipts in due time.” - -“Thanks. I was afraid mine were lost in the shuffle. I say, Patty, when -can you go out for a spin?” - -“Not this week. Next, maybe.” - -“Go with me first?” - -“No, me,” put in Chick. “I’ve a limousine, he has only a runabout.” - -“Lots more fun in a runabout. Besides, I asked you first.” - -“What fun!” cried Patty, clapping her hands. “It’s like a dance. I’m -going to have a programme. Wait, here’s one.” - -Patty found an old dance programme in the desk near her, and Kit kindly -essayed to rub off the names. Then with his fountain pen he wrote over -the dances, “Limousine Ride.” “Runabout Spin.” “Walk.” “Skate.” “Opera.” -“Dance.” “Matinée,” and a host of other pleasures to which Patty might -reasonably expect to be invited soon. - -But she would only allow them one each, and after they had written their -names after the motor-car rides, they were shooed away by ever watchful -Nan, who would not allow Patty to become overtired. - -Then, one morning, in the mail came a communication from Mrs. Van -Reypen’s lawyer. It informed Patty of the legacy left her. As Mrs. Van -Reypen had said, there was a bequest of fifty thousand dollars to Patty -herself, and another fifty thousand in trust for a fund for a Children’s -Home. The details of the institution were left entirely to Patty’s -discretion, and she was instructed, if in need of more funds, to apply -to Philip Van Reypen. - -Also was enclosed a note which Mrs. Van Reypen had written and directed -to be given to Patty after her death. - -“I’m afraid to open it, Nan,” said Patty, trembling as she looked at the -sealed epistle. - -“I don’t wonder you feel so, dear. Let me read it first.” - -Gladly Patty passed it over, for she had no secrets from Nan, and her -nerves were not yet as strong as before her illness. - -Nan read it, and then said. “You need have no fear, Patty, it’s a dear -note. Listen: - - “My Dear Little Patty: - - “I am afraid I made you sorrowful when I talked to you and urged - you to promise the thing I asked of you. But don’t feel hard - toward me. I have your interests at heart as well as Philip’s, - and I know that what you have promised will mean your life’s - happiness. Now, about the Children’s Home. If you feel that - after all it is too great a tax on your time or strength to take - it in charge, don’t do so. Turn it all over to some one else. - You and Philip can decide on the right person for the work. But - I trust you will have an interest in it, and see to it that the - furnishings and little comforts are as you and I would choose - were we working together. This note, dear, is to say good-bye. I - shall not see you again, but I die content, knowing you will - love and look after my boy. It seemed strange at first to your - girl heart, but you will come to love him as your own, and your - life together will be filled with joy and peace. Good-bye, my - child, have a kindly remembrance in your heart for your old - friend, - - “LADY VAN.” - -Patty was crying as Nan finished. It so brought back the fine but -eccentric old lady, and so renewed that dreadful promise, that the girl -was completely upset. - -“You see,” she sobbed, “I’ve got to marry him. This is like a voice from -the grave, holding me to my vow. Isn’t it, Nan?” - -“Patty, look here. Do you want to marry Phil, or don’t you?” - -At the quick, sharp question, Patty looked up with a start. - -“Honest, Nan, I don’t know.” - -“Then you ought to find out. It’s this way, Patty. If you do want to -marry him, or if you are willing to, there’s no use in fussing over this -promise business. If you don’t, and if you are sure you don’t, then you -must break that promise. But, you’ve got to be sure first.” - -“How can I be sure?” - -“Is there anybody else you care for?” - -“N—no.” - -“Kit Cameron is very much in love with you, Patty. He asked me when you -were ill, if I thought he had a chance. Has he?” - -“Not the ghost of a chance! Kit’s an old dear, and I like him a heap, -but he’s a worse flirt than I am. Mercy, Nan, I wouldn’t marry him for a -minute!” - -“Chick Channing?” - -“No. He’s a lovely boy to play around with, but not to take for a life -partner. Oh, well, I s’pose it’ll have to be Phil, after all.” - -“Your father and I would like that.” - -“And Mrs. Van Reypen seemed to think she’d like it; and I feel quite -sure Phil would like it; and it doesn’t matter about little old me!” - -“Patty! stop talking like that! You know nobody wants you to do a thing -you don’t want to do! And don’t get mad at your Nan, who has only your -best interests at heart!” - -“’Deed I won’t! I’m a brute! A big, ugly, horrid brute! Nansome, you’re -my good angel. Now, let’s drop this subject for a time,—or I’ll get so -nervous I’ll fly to the moon!” - -“Of course you will! And you’re not going to be bothered out of your -life, either. You put it all out of your mind, and come with me, out for -a ridy-by. Then back and have a nice little nap. Then a ’normous big -luncheon; and then dress yourself all up pretty for callers.” - -“What an entrancing programme! Nan, sometimes I think you’re a genius! I -sure do!” - -The enticing programme was carried out, and that afternoon Van Reypen -came to call. It was the first time he had seen Patty since her illness, -and she rather dreaded the meeting. - -But Philip was so cheery and kindly that Patty felt at ease at once. - -“Dear little girl,” he said, taking both her hands, “how good to see you -looking so well. I’ve been _so_ anxious about you.” - -“Needn’t be any more,” said Patty, smiling up at him. “I’m all well now, -and never going to be sick again. But I’ve been feeling very sorry for -you, Phil.” - -“Thank you, dear. It is hard, the old house seems so empty and lonely. -But Aunty Van rather wanted to go, and she bade me think of her only -with pleasant memories, and not with mourning.” - -“She was always thoughtful of others’ feelings. And, Phil, how she did -love you.” - -“She did. And you, too; why, I never supposed she could care for any one -outside our family as she cared for you.” - -“She was awfully kind to me.” - -“And you were to her. You were mighty good, Patty, to put up with her -queer little notions the way you always did. And I say, do you know what -she told me just before she died? She told me that you said you would -learn to love me. Oh, Patty, did you? I don’t doubt her word, but -sometimes she thought a thing was so, when really it was only her strong -wish. So I _must_ ask you. I didn’t mean to ask you today,—I meant to -wait till you are strong and well again. But, darling, you look so sweet -and dear, and I haven’t seen you for so long, I can’t wait. Tell me, -Patty, _did_ you tell Aunty Van that?” - -Patty hesitated. A yes or no here meant so much,—and yet she couldn’t -put him off. - -“Tell me,” he urged; “you must have said something of the sort. Even if -she exaggerated, she wouldn’t make it _all_ up. What did you tell her, -dear?” - -The two were alone in the library. The dusk was just beginning,—the -lights not yet turned on. Patty, in a great easy chair, sat near the -wood fire, which had burned down to a few glowing embers. Van Reypen, -restless, had been stalking about the room. Now, he came near to her, -and pushing up an ottoman, he sat down by her. - -“You must tell me,” he said, in a low, tense voice. “I can’t bear it if -you don’t. I won’t ask you anything more,—I’ll go right away, if you -say so,—but, Patty, dearest, tell me if you told Aunty Van that you -would learn to love me.” - -Phil’s dark, handsome face looked into her own. With a feeling as of a -tightening round her heart, Patty realised that his eyes were very like -his aunt’s, that their impelling gaze would yet make her say yes. And, -fascinated, she gazed back, until, coerced, she breathed a low “yes.” - -Then, appalled at the look that came to his face she covered her eyes -with her hands, whispering, “Go away, Phil. You said you’d go away if I -wanted you to, and I do want you to. Please go.” - -Van Reypen leaned nearer. “I will go, Little Sweetheart. I can bear to -go now. You have made me so happy with that one little word. The rest -can wait. Good-bye, you will call me back soon, I know.” - -Bending down he dropped a light kiss on the curly golden hair, and went -away, happy in the knowledge of Patty’s love, and almost amused at what -he thought was her shyness in acknowledging it. - -When she heard the street door close, Patty looked up. Her face was -white, and she was nervously trembling. - -[Illustration: “Tell me if you told Aunty Van that you would learn to -love me”] - -“Nan,” she called; “Nan!” - -Nan came in from another room. “What is it, Patty, dear? Where is -Philip?” - -“He’s gone. Oh, Nan, I kept my promise.” - -“You did! What do you mean? Are you engaged to Philip? Then why did he -go?” - -Patty laughed, but it was a little hysterical. “I sent him away. No, -we’re not engaged, that is, I don’t think we are. But I suppose we will -be.” - -“Patty, behave yourself. Brace up, now, and tell me what you’re talking -about. Any one would think getting engaged was a funeral or some such -occasion!” - -Patty shook herself, and smiled at Nan. - -“I am a goose, I suppose. I don’t know whether I’m glad or sorry, but I -told Phil I’d learn to love him.” - -“H’m, I don’t see as you’ve bound yourself to anything very desperate! -You can doubtless learn, if you study hard enough.” - -“Don’t tease me, Nan. I’m not sure I want to learn.” - -“Then don’t! Patty, sometimes you’re perfectly ridiculous!” - -“Huh! Just ’cause _you_ happened to get a perfectly splendid man like my -father, and didn’t have to think twice, you think _everybody_ can decide -in a hurry!” - -Nan burst into laughter. “Oh, you are _too_ funny!” she cried, and Patty -had to laugh, too. - -“I suppose I am,” she said, dolefully, “to you. But to me it doesn’t -seem funny a bit.” - -“Forgive me, dear,” said Nan, repentantly; “I won’t laugh any more. Tell -me about it.” - -“It’s that old promise thing. Mrs. Van told Phil I had told her I would -learn to love him, and he asked me if I did. And I had to say yes. And -of course I couldn’t tell him she _made_ me promise. Now, could I?” - -“I don’t know. It _is_ a little serious, Patty, unless, as I said -before, unless you want to learn to love him. Do you?” - -“I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I wish to goodness he wouldn’t -bother me about it!” - -“He sha’n’t! Patty, it is a shame for you to be bothered if you don’t -want to be. Now, I’ll help you out. I’ll tell Phil, myself, that you’re -not well enough yet to be troubled about serious matters, and he must -wait till you are. He won’t be angry, I can explain it to him.” - -“I don’t care whether he’s angry or not. It isn’t that, Nan. It’s that -just the little bit I said to him, he takes to mean—everything.” - -“Of course he does, Patty. You can’t tell a man you’ll learn to love him -unless you mean that you expect to succeed and that you’ll marry him. -What else _could_ you mean?” - -“Of course, if I said it of my own accord. But, don’t you see, Nan, that -I only said it because I promised her I would, and it doesn’t seem fair, -that I should have to say it because she made me.” - -“You’re right, Patty, it _doesn’t_. And you ought not to be held by that -infamous performance! I just begin to see it as it is, and I am not -going to have you tortured. You don’t really love Phil, or you’d know -it; and this ‘promise’ and ‘learning to love him’ is all foolishness. -I’m going to tell him, or have Fred do so, of that promise business, and -then if he wants to ask you again, and let you answer of your own will, -and not by anybody’s coercion, very well.” - -“Oh, Nan, what a duck you are! What would I ever do without you! Will -you really do that? I tried to tell Phil how it was, but he was -so—so——” - -“Precipitate?” - -“Yes, that; but I meant more that he was so glad to have me say that -_yes_, that it seemed too bad to tell him that awful story about his -aunt.” - -“It _is_ an awful story, but he ought to know it. Why, he’d rather know -it. You two couldn’t live all your lives with that secret between -you—could you?” - -“Of course we couldn’t.” - -“And then, too, it isn’t fair to him. If you’re answering his question -under duress,—I never did know what duress meant,—but anyway, if -you’re answering his questions at his aunt’s commands, he certainly -ought to know it. It’s wrong to let him think it’s your own answer, if -it isn’t.” - -“That’s so,” and Patty looked greatly relieved. “Say, Nan, when can you -tell him?” - -“Oh, I can’t do it. I’ll get your father to. He’s the proper one, -anyway.” - -“Yes, I guess he is,” sighed Patty. “Oh, what do poor little girls do -who haven’t such kind parents? And now I wonder if it isn’t time for my -beef tea!” - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - - BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE - -It was the next afternoon that Farnsworth called. He had not seen -Patty since the day she was so very ill, but he had telephoned or called -every day to inquire after her. Today he was allowed to see her, and as -he entered the library, his face was radiant with sunny smiles. - -Patty looked up, smiling too, and held out her hands in greeting. From -the lace cap that crowned her hair, to the tips of her dainty slippers, -she was all in white, and her pale face and waxen hands made her look so -like an angel that big, strapping Bill held his breath as he looked at -her. - -“Are you really there?” he asked; “are you fastened to earth? I somehow -feel afraid you’ll waft off into the ether, you look so ethereal.” - -“No, indeed! I’m here to stay. I’ve a pretty strong liking for this old -world and I’ve no desire to flee away just yet.” - -“Good! It’s great to see you again,” and Farnsworth took a seat beside -her. “I’m thinking you’ll be getting out of doors soon.” - -“I hope so. But I’m having a beautiful time convalescing. Everybody is -so good to me, and I’m showered with presents, as if I were—engaged!” - -“And I hear that you are.” Bill looked at her steadily. “I’m told that -you’re betrothed to Van Reypen, and I want to be among the first to wish -you all the joy there is in the world.” - -“Who told you?” and Patty looked startled. - -“A little bird,” Farnsworth smiled at her gently. “I am very glad for -you, dear. Philip is a big, strong-hearted chap, and he can give you all -you want and deserve.” - -“’Most anybody could do that,” said Patty, a little shortly, for it -seemed to her that Farnsworth took the news of her engagement rather -easily. - -“No. I couldn’t. There are not many men like Van Reypen; rich, -well-born, intellectual, and kind. Moreover, he has prestige and an -acknowledged place in the best society; all of which goes to make up the -atmosphere of life that best suits you,—you petted butterfly.” - -Bill’s smile robbed the words of any effect of satire or reproof. - -“Am I a feather-headed rattlepate?” and Patty treated the young man to -her best and prettiest pout. - -“Not entirely. But you like to have all about you in harmony and good -taste. Nor are you to blame. You are born to the purple,—and all that -that signifies.” - -“Aren’t you?” - -“I?” Farnsworth looked amazed. “No, Patty; I am what they call a -self-made man. My people are plain people, and my childhood was one of -rough experiences,—even hardships.” - -“All the more credit to you, Little Billee, for turning out a polished -gentleman.” - -“But I’m not, dear. I’ve picked up enough of social customs not to make -awkward mistakes, but I have not the innate breeding of the Van -Reypens.” - -Farnsworth was not looking at Patty, he was staring into vacancy, and -looked as if he were talking more to himself than to her. - -“Rubbish!” said Patty, gaily, annoyed at herself for feeling the truth -of his words. “You’re a splendid old Bill, and whoever says a word -against you is no friend of mine! So be careful, sir, what you say -against yourself.” - -“You’re a loyal little friend, Patty, and I’m more glad than you can -realise to know that it is so. Now, you’re going to do all you can to -grow stronger, aren’t you? It hurts me to see you so white and -wan-looking. I wish I could give you some of my big strength,—I’ve more -than I know what to do with.” - -At this speech Patty blushed a rosy crimson, and Farnsworth’s remark -about her wan looks lost its point. - -“Why the apple blossoms in your cheeks, Little Girl?” and he smiled at -her evident confusion. - -“Would you give me of your strength, Bill,—if—if I -were—were—dying——” - -“Wouldn’t I! I’d snatch you back from old Charon, if you had one foot in -his boat!” - -Patty looked at him, with a queer uncertainty in her eyes. Twice she -tried to say something, and couldn’t; and then Farnsworth said softly: - -“As I did,—although I doubt if you knew it.” - -“Did you, Billee? _Really?_ I thought it was a dream,—wasn’t it?” - -“You mean—that day——” - -“Yes.” - -“No, Patty, it was not a dream. I chanced to come in, and when I asked -about you, you must have heard my voice, for you called out to me——” - -“And you came.” - -“Yes. And you wanted some of my strength,—I gave it to you by putting -you to sleep. That was what you needed most.” - -“Was that the crisis, Bill?” - -“They said so, dear. I am glad I could help.” - -“You saved my life.” - -“I’m not sure of that, but I wish I had, for you know there is a -convention that gives saved lives to the savers.” - -“Take it, then,” said Patty, impulsively. - -Farnsworth gave her a long look. “I wouldn’t want it because you thought -you _ought_ to give it to me.” - -“Yet that is why I’m giving it to Philip.” - -“He didn’t save your life!” - -“No, I mean I’m giving it to him because I think I ought to.” - -“What _do_ you mean?” - -And then Patty told him the whole story of her promise to Mrs. Van -Reypen, and her consequent enforced betrothal to Philip. - -Farnsworth’s blue eyes opened wide. “And he takes you on those terms!” - -“Oh, he doesn’t know about the promise. But what else can I do, Little -Billee? I can’t break a promise made to a dying woman, and—too—I like -Phil——” - -“Like isn’t enough,” said Farnsworth, sternly. “Do you love him, Patty?” - -“I—I guess so——” she stammered, a little frightened at his vehemence. - -And at that very moment Philip Van Reypen appeared. - -“Hello, Peaches,” he said gaily to Patty. “How do, Farnsworth? And how’s -our interesting invalid today?” - -“I’m fine,” returned Patty. “Getting better by the minute. ’Spect to go -out coasting soon. Better get your sleds ready, we may have snow any -day——” - -Patty was babbling on to cover a certain constraint in the attitude of -the two men. But almost immediately, Farnsworth took his leave, gently -declining Patty’s plea to stay longer. - -“Let him go,” said Philip, as the street door closed behind Bill; “I -want to see you alone. See here, Patty, what’s this about a promise to -Aunty Van?” - -“Who told you?” - -“Your father. Sent and asked me to come to his office, so I went, and he -told me the whole story. You poor little girl! I’m _so_ sorry it -happened, and I’ve come to ask you to forgive Aunty Van. She was all -wrong to do such a thing, but honestly, she was actuated by right -motives. She loved you so, and she loved me, and she was so sure we were -made for each other. I’m sure of that, too,—but if you’re not, you’re -to say so, and not think you’re bound by a promise to _anybody_.” - -“But I did promise her——” - -“Forget it! In your dealings with me, you’re to deal only with me. -There’s no go-between or dictator or even adviser; only just our two -selves. But before we begin on our affairs, I want this other matter -settled for all time. Promise me that you will never again even think of -that promise that she wrung from you. You _must_, or I can’t have loving -memories of Aunty Van. Also, I want you to tell me truly, whether you -want to look after the Children’s Home scheme or not. If it’s a burden, -you’re not to have anything to do with it. See?” - -“How kind you are, Phil. Yes, I do want to help with the Home project, -but I don’t want to be at the head of the Board,—or whatever has charge -of it. I want to tend to the furnishings and little comforty things for -the kiddies, but can’t somebody else build it?” - -“Of course they can! You dear Baby, do you think you’re to have all that -on your poor little shoulders? It shall all be just as you say. And you -are to do as much or as little as you like. Of course, you’re not even -to think of it, till you’re all well and strong again. Now, as to your -own bequest from Aunty Van. I can’t tell you how glad I am she left you -a little pin-money——” - -“A little pin-money!” exclaimed Patty, raising her eyes heavenward. - -“Well, an enormous fortune,—if you like that better. But at any rate, -it’s yours, to do as you please with. I don’t suppose you really need -it, but——” - -“I don’t need it for myself, Phil, but oh, I’m going to do such lovely -things with it for my girls! I shall use it for their vacation trips -and—that is, part of it. Part of it, I’m going to spend on myself—oh, -I have the delightfullest plans!” - -“All right, Pattykins, do what you will, as long as it pleases your own -dear self. And now, we come to what interests me most. I decline to have -you for my very own, if you consent _only_ because Aunty Van made you -promise to do so. Cut that all out,—and let’s begin again. Will you -promise me,—_me_, mind you,—not any one else _for_ me,—to learn to -love me?” - -And now Patty was her own roguish self again. The release from the -bugbear promise was so great, that she considered gaily what Phil was -asking now. - -“Well,” she began, looking provokingly pretty, “suppose I say I’ll _try_ -to learn to love you——” - -“Oh, try—to endeavour—to attempt—to make a stab at it! But, all -right, I’ll take that crumb of a promise. You’ll _try_ to learn to love -me. Patty, _I’m_ going to be the teacher, and if you’ll try,—and you’ll -have to, since you’ve promised,—by Jove, I’ll _make_ you learn!” - -“Very well,” and Patty’s eyes danced; “when you going to begin?” - -“Right off, this minute. And never stop, short of success?” - -Van Reypen looked very handsome, his dark hair tossed back from his -broad forehead, his dark eyes alight with love and determination. He was -the sort of man who meets any circumstances with graceful -un-selfconscious ease, and he sat back in his chair, looking at Patty -with an air of assured proprietorship, that amused rather than irritated -her. - -“But I’m not engaged to you,” and Patty shook her lace-capped head till -her curls bobbed. - -“No? Oh, _do_ be! Let’s be _that_, at least.” - -“What! engaged before I’ve learned to love you! Nevaire!” - -“All right, Sweetness. I’ll wait. But it won’t be long. The poet babbles -of ‘love’s protracted growing,’ but ours won’t be so terribly -protracted, I promise you! I’ll give you a week to decide in,—and -that’s too long——” - -“A week! I couldn’t begin to get ready to think about it in that time! -Give me a month, and I’ll go you.” - -“All right, your wish is law. A month from today, then, you’re to -complete your lessons, and graduate a full-fledged ladylove of your -humble servant.” - -“I don’t think you’re so awfully humble, Philip.” - -“Can’t be, while I have you to be proud of! Oh, Patty, do decide -quicker’n a month! That seems a century! Say a fortnight.” - -“Nope. A month it is, before I need to say yes or no to your question. -One more month of gay girlish freedom. Oh, Phil, I couldn’t be tied down -to any one man! I want to flirt with all of them!” - -“Do it in this month, then. For I warn you, after thirty-one more days, -your flirtations must be laid aside, with your wax doll and Britannia -teaset.” - -“You seem pretty positive!” - -“Faint heart never won fair lady. I’ve lots of faults, but a faint heart -isn’t one of them. You’re the girl for me, but you don’t quite know it -for sure,—_yet_. So I’m going to show you the truth, and gently but -firmly lead you to it!” - -Philip kept the conversation in this light key, and when he went away, -Patty retained the impression of a very charming afternoon with him. - -“He _is_ nice,” she said to Nan, after telling her all about it; “You -feel so sort of sure of him all the time. He always does the right -thing.” - -“Yes,” said Nan. - -Next day brought many visitors, but among the most welcome was Baby -Milly, or Middy, as she called herself, and as Patty always called her. - -“Such a booful Patty!” the child exclaimed, delighted at seeing her -again after so long a time. “Middy loves you drefful! See, Middy b’inged -lot o’ Naws!” - -“She means Noahs, ma’am,” explained the nurse who had Milly in charge. -“They’re the dolls from her Noah’s Ark.” - -Sure enough, the baby had the four straight-garmented puppets that -represent in painted wood, the patriarch and his three sons. - -They were up in Patty’s boudoir and the little one gaily stood her -cherished toys round among the small ferns in the window-box. - -Suddenly Patty grabbed her up and carried her off to have a feast of -bread and jam and milk. - -“Nice party,” the guest remarked. “Des Patty an’ Middy. Ve’y nice -party.” - -After the party, the little one was taken home, and so it was not until -she went to her room that night, that Patty discovered the four “Naws” -still marching through her ferns. - -“Blessed baby!” she said to herself, as she collected the illustrious -quartette, and laid them on the table to be returned to their owner the -next day. - -Then Patty threw herself in a big chair, to think over her problems. She -hadn’t told Farnsworth that she was not now engaged to Philip, and she -didn’t quite like to tell him, though why, she couldn’t say. - -“I wonder who I like best of anybody in all the world,” she mused, as -she played idly with Middy’s toys. “I’m as uncertain of that, as I am -which of these four statuettes I prefer.” - -She looked critically at the Noah, and at Shem, Ham and Japheth; a -little undecided as to which was which, so similar were they in every -respect save as to the colours of their long one-piece gowns. - -She stood them in a row on the table. “That’s Philip,” looking at one of -them; “that’s Little Billee; that’s Kit, and the yellow one is Chick -Channing. I’ve come to like Chick a lot,—more’n Kit, I believe. Now, -let’s see. S’pose I had to lose one of these four forever; which could I -best spare.” - -The game grew exciting. Patty, sitting on one foot, leaned toward the -table, middle finger-tip caught against her thumb, ready to snap the -least desirable into limbo. - -“Sorry,” she said, “but old Kit must go.” She snapped her fingers, and -luckless Kit flew across the room. - -Patty’s face fell. “It’s a hard world! But I’m going to fight this thing -to a finish. And there’s no use mincing matters, if another had to -go—it would, of course, be Chick.” - -Another flick of her slender fingers, and Channing flew up in the air -and landed on the high mantel. - -“Now then,” and Patty knew that a momentous decision lay before her. -There remained Philip and Bill Farnsworth. - -Patty clasped her hands, rested her chin upon them and stared at the -brown and red-coated gentlemen still standing before her. - -“Phil is such a dear,” she reasoned, as if trying to convince herself; -“and he certainly does worship the ground I walk on. But there’s -something about Bill—dear Little Billee! I wonder what it is about -him—And he _did_ save my life—I think I like him for his strength. I -never saw anybody so strong—he always makes me think of Sir -Galahad;—‘His strength was as the strength of ten because his heart was -pure.’ Little Billee’s heart is pure,—pure gold. I—somehow, I know it -by a sort of intuition. And yet, Phil—oh, Philip is a gentleman, of -course, I know that, but Bill is nature’s nobleman—well any way, just -at this minute, I like Little Billee better than anybody in the world! -So, there now!” - -With a well-aimed flick of her fingertips, Patty set Philip spinning, -and it was a week later that she found him in her work-basket. - -She had the grace to look a little ashamed of herself, but the fire of -determination was in her eye, and a rosy flush tinted her cheeks. - -Then a mischievous smile came to the corners of her mouth, and on an -impulse she caught up the telephone from the stand, and called the -Excelsior Hotel. - -In a few moments Farnsworth’s “Hello” sounded in her ear. - -“It’s Patty,” she said, in a small, timid voice. - -“Well, I’m glad. Are we to have a little chat?” - -“No,—I just wanted to tell you—to tell you——” - -“Yes; dear Little Girl,—what is it?” - -“I can’t seem to tell you after all.” - -“Shall I come over there?” - -“Oh, no, it’s too late. I only wanted to say that—that I’m not really -engaged to anybody—now.” - -“Thank heaven! and,—do you want to be?” - -“Oh, no! Not for a month. I’ve got that long to make up my mind in.” - -“Good! May I see you in the meantime?” - -“Not unless you take that laugh out of your voice! I do believe you’re -making fun of me.” - -“I can’t help a laugh in my voice when the dull world has suddenly -turned to rosy sunlight! Tell me, Apple Blossom, is that all you called -up to say?” - -“No,” and Patty’s eyes grew luminous; “I _was_ going to say something -else——” - -“What was it,—tell me,—Patty-sweet,——” - -“Only—that at this present moment,—just for _one little minute_, you -know, I like—you—better—than—anybody else in all the world!” - -And with a sudden click, Patty hung up the receiver, and buried her -burning face in her hands. - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - -Hyphenation and spellings have been retained as in the original. - -Punctuation and type-setting errors have been corrected without note. - -Other errors have been corrected as noted below: - -page 164, something in Fred Fairchild’s ==> something in Fred Fairfield’s - -page 226, I have have had a ==> I have had a - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY'S FORTUNE*** - - -******* This file should be named 51354-0.txt or 51354-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/1/3/5/51354 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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