PATTY'S BUTTERFLY DAYS

BY

CAROLYN WELLS

Author of

The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc

Illustrations by Martin Lewis

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I DIFFERENT OPINIONS

 II MONA'S PLAN

 III SUSAN TO THE RESCUE

 IV A PERFECTLY GOOD CHAPERON

 V A DINNER PARTY

 VI AUNT ADELAIDE

 VII A GARDEN PARTY

 VIII THE HOUSE PARTY ARRIVES

 IX BIG BILL FARNSWORTH

 X JUST A SHORT SPIN

 XI THE WORST STORM EVER!

 XII A WELCOME SHELTER

 XIII AT DAISY'S DICTATION

 XIV PAGEANT PLANS

 XV IN THE ARBOUR

 XVI THE SPIRIT OF THE SEA

 XVII THE APPLE BLOSSOM DANCE

XVIII A COQUETTISH COOK

 XIX A FORCED MARCH

 XX GOOD-BYE FOR NOW

CHAPTER I

DIFFERENT OPINIONS

"Different men are of different opinions; some like apples, somelike inions, " sang Patty, as she swayed herself idly back andforth in the veranda swing; "but, truly-ooly, Nan, " she went on, "I don't care a snipjack. I'm quite ready and willing to go to theWhite Mountains, --or the Blue or Pink or even Lavender Mountains, if you like. "

"You're willing, Patty, only because you're so good-natured andunselfish; but, really, you don't want to go one bit. "

"Now, Nan, I'm no poor, pale martyr, with a halo roundy-bout menoble brow. When we came down here to Spring Beach, it wasunderstood that we were to stay here part of the summer, and thengo to the mountains. And now it's the first of August and I've hadmy innings, so it's only fair you should have your outing. "

Though Patty's air was gay and careless, and Patty's tones weresincere, she was in reality making an heroic self-sacrifice, andNan knew it. Patty loved the seashore; she had been there threemonths, and loved it better every day. 

But Nan cared more for the mountains, and longed to get away fromthe sunny glare of the sea, and enjoy the shaded walks and drivesof higher altitudes. However, these two were of unselfish nature, and each wanted to please the other. But as Patty had had her wishfor three months, it was certainly fair that Nan should behumoured for the rest of the summer. 

The season had done wonders for Patty, physically. Because of heroutdoor life, she had grown plumper and browner, her muscles hadstrengthened, and her rosy cheeks betokened a perfect state ofhealth. She was still slender, and her willowy figure had gainedsoft curves without losing its dainty gracefulness. 

And Patty was still enthusiastically devoted to her motor-car. Indeed, it was the realisation that she must leave that behindthat made her so opposed to a trip to the mountains. 

Mr. Fairfield and Nan had both dilated on the charms and beautiesof mountain scenery, on the joys and delights of the gay mountainhotels, but though Patty listened amiably, she failed to look uponthe matter as they did. At first, she had declared herunwillingness to go, and had tried to devise a way by which shemight remain at Spring Beach, while her parents went to themountains. But no plan of chaperons or visiting relatives seemedto satisfy Mr. Fairfield of its availability. 

"I can't see it, Patty, " he would say; "there is no chaperon foryou that we know of, and I wouldn't leave you here with somestranger obtained by advertisement. Nor have we any relatives whocould come to look after you. If Nan's mother could come, thatwould do beautifully. But Mrs. Allen is in Europe and none of youraunts could leave her own family. No, girlie, I can't see any wayto separate our family. "

So Patty, with her unfailing good nature, had agreed to go to theWhite Mountains with the others. She admitted, herself, that she'dprobably have a good time, as she always did everywhere, but stillher heart clung to "The Pebbles, " as they called their seashorehome, and she silently rebelled when she thought of "Camilla, " herswift little electric runabout. 

Patty drove her own car, and she never tired of spinning along theshore roads, or inland through the pine groves and laurel jungles. She had become acquainted with many young people, both cottagersand hotel guests, and the outlook for a pleasant summer and fallat Spring Beach was all that could be desired from her point ofview. But before they left the city in the spring, Patty had knownthat Nan preferred mountain localities and had agreed to theseashore house for her sake; so, now, it was Patty's turn to giveup her preference for Nan's. 

And she was going to do it, --oh, yes, --she was going to do itcheerfully and even gaily. But, though she tried to pretend shedidn't care, Nan knew she did care, and she had tried hard tothink of some way that Patty might be left behind. Nan wouldwillingly have given up her own desires, and stayed at SpringBeach all summer, but her husband wouldn't hear of it. Mr. Fairfield said that justice demanded a fair division of theseason, and already three months had been spent at the seashore, so August and September must be spent in the mountains. 

His word was law, and, too, Patty realised the fairness of theplan, and gracefully submitted to Fate. So, as the first of Augustwas in the very near future, Patty and Nan were discussing detailsof the trip. 

"It almost seems as if you might take your motor-car, Patty, " saidNan, reflectively. 

"I thought so, too, at first; but father says not. You see, notall mountain roads are modern and well-kept, and, of course, we'llbe moving on, now and then, and Camilla IS a nuisance as luggage. Now, Nan, no more suggestions, or regrets, or backward glances. I'm going to the mountains, NOT like the quarry-slave at night, but like a conquering hero; and I shall have all the mountaineersat my feet, overwhelming me with their devoted attentions. "

"You probably will, Patty; you're easily the most popular girl atSpring Beach, and if the 'mountaineers' have any taste in suchmatters--"

"There, there, Nan, don't make me blush. I'm 'popular, ' as youcall it, because I have such a delightful home, and such anattractive stepmother to make it pleasant for my callers! And, bythe same token, here are a few of them coming now. "

Two laughing girls, and a good-looking young man came in at thegate, and strolled along the drive to the veranda, where Patty andNan sat. 

Lora and Beatrice Sayre were of the "butterfly" type, and theirpale-coloured muslin gowns, broad hats, and fluttering scarfs madethe description appropriate. Jack Pennington was just what helooked like, a college youth on his vacation; and his earnest faceseemed to betoken a determination to have the most fun possiblebefore he went back to grind at his books. 

"Hello, " cried Patty, who was not given to dignified forms ofsalutation. 

The trio responded gaily, and coming up on the veranda, selectedseats on the wicker chairs, or couches, or the porch railing, assuited their fancy. 

"I say, " began young Pennington, conversationally, "we can't letyou go away, Patty. Why, week after next we're going to have thePageant, and there are forty-'leven other pleasant doings beforethat comes off. "

"Yes, " chimed in Lora Sayre, "we can't get along without ourPitty-Pat. DO don't go away, Sunshine!"

"But suppose I want to go, " said Patty, bravely trying to treat thesubject lightly; "suppose I'm just crazy to go to that stunning big hotelup in the White Mountains, and have the time of my life!"

"Suppose the moon is made of green pumpkins!" scoffed Jack. "Youdon't want to go at all, and you know it! And then, think of thegirls, --and boys, --you leave behind you! Your departure is anational calamity. We mourn our loss!"

"We do so!" agreed Beatrice. "Why, Patty, I'm going to have ahouse party next week, and we'll have lots of fun going on. Can'tyou wait over for that?"

"No, I can't, " and Patty spoke a little shortly, for these gayplans made her long more than ever to stay at Spring Beach. "Sodon't let's talk any more about me. Tell me about the Pageant, --will it be fine?"

"Oh, yes, " said Jack, "the biggest thing ever. Sort of like aDurbar, you know, with elephants and--"

"No, it isn't going to be like that, " said Lora. "They've given upthat plan. It's going to be ever so much nicer than that! They'regoing to have--"

"Don't tell me!" cried Patty, laughing, as she clapped her handsover her ears. "I'd rather not hear about it! I suppose you'll bequeen of it, whatever it is, Lora?"

"I'll have a chance at it, if you're not here! That's the onlycomfort about your going away. Somebody else can be the Belle ofSpring Beach for a time. "

The good-natured laughter in Lora's eyes took all sting from herwords, and, indeed, it was an acknowledged fact that Pretty Pattywas the belle of the little seashore colony. 

"I'm awfully sorry about it, " began Nan, but Patty stopped her atonce. 

"There's nothing to be sorry about, Madame Nan, " she cried, gaily;"these provincial young people don't appreciate the advantages oftravel. They'd rather stay here in one place than jog about thecountry, seeing all sorts of grand scenery and sights! Once I'maway from this place I shall forget all about its petty frolicsand its foolish parties. "

"Yes, you WILL!" exclaimed Jack, not at all impressed by Patty'sstatements, for he knew how untrue they were. 

"And the Country Club summer dance!" said Beatrice, regretfully. "Patty, how can you be reconciled to missing that? It's the eventof the season! A fancy dance, you know. A sort of Kirmess. Oh, DON'T go away!"

"Don't go away!" echoed Lora, and Jack broke into one of theimprovised songs for which he was famous:

 "Don't go away from us, Patty, Patty, We can't part with the likes of you! Stay, and be Queen of the Pageant, Patty, Patty, Patty, tender and true. Though you are not very pretty, Patty, Though you are liked by a very few; We will put up with you, Patty, Patty, -- Patty, Patty, stay with us, do!"

The rollicking voice and twinkling eyes, which were Jack's chiefcharms, made Patty laugh outright at his song. But, not to beoutdone in fun, and also, to keep herself from growing serious, she sang back at him:

 "I don't want to stay at this place, I don't like it any more! I am going to the mountains, Where I've never been before. I shall tramp the mountain pathways, I shall climb the mountain's peak; I don't want to stay in this place, So I'll go away next week!"

"All right for you!" declared Jack. "Go on, and joy go with you!But don't you send me any picture postcards of yourself lost in aperilous mountain fastness, --'cause I won't come and rescue you. So there!"

"What is a mountain fastness?" demanded Patty. "It sounds frisky. "

"It isn't, " replied Jack; "it's a deep gorge, with ice-coveredwalls and no way out; and as the darkness falls, dreadful growlsare heard on all sides, and wild animals prowl--and prowl--andprow-ow-owl!"

Jack's voice grew deep and terrible, as he suggested the awfulsituation, but Patty laughed gaily as she said:

"Well, as long as they keep on prowling, they certainly can't harmme. It all sounds rather interesting. At any rate, the ice-coveredwalls sound cool. You must admit Spring Beach is a hot place. "

"All places are hot in hot weather, " observed Beatrice, sapiently;"when there's an ocean breeze, it's lovely and cool here. "

"Yes, " agreed Lora, "when there IS. But there 'most generallyISN'T. To-day, I'm sure the thermometer must be about twohundred. "

"That's your heated imagination, " said Jack. "It's really abouteighty-four in the shade. "

"Let's move around into the shade, then, " said Patty. "This sideof the veranda is getting sunny. "

So the young people went round the corner of the house to a coolerspot, and Nan expressed her intention of going down to the trainto meet Mr. Fairfield. 

"You people, " began Patty, after Nan had left them, "mustn't talkas you do about my going away, before my stepmother. You see, we're going because she wants to go, but it isn't polite to rub itin!"

"I know it, " said Beatrice, "but I forgot it. But, I say, Patty, Ithink it's too bad for you to be trailed off there just to pleaseher. "

"Not at all, Bee. She has stayed here three months to please me, and turn about is fair play. "

"It's Fairfield play, at any rate, " put in Jack. "You're a trump, Patty, to take it so sweetly. I wish you didn't have to go, though. "

"So say we all of us, " declared Lora, but Patty ordered them, rather earnestly, to drop the subject and not refer to it again. 

"You must write me all about the Pageant, girls, " she went on. 

"Can't I write too, though I'm not a girl?" asked Jack. 

"No!" cried Patty, holding up her hands in pretended horror. "Icouldn't receive a letter from a young man!"

"Oh, try it, " said Jack, laughing. "I'll help you. You've no ideahow easy it is! Have you never had a letter from a man?"

"From papa, " said Patty, putting the tip of her finger in hermouth, and speaking babyishly. 

"Papa, nothing! You get letters from those New York chaps, don'tyou, now?"

"Who New York chaps?" asked Patty, opening her eyes wide, with anover-innocent stare. 

"Oh, that Harper kid and that Farrington cub and that Hepworth oldgentleman!"

"What pretty pet names you call them! Yes, I get letters fromthem, but they're my lifelong friends. "

"That's the position I'm applying for. Don't you need one more L. L. F. ?" But Patty had turned to the girls, and they were countingup what few parties were to take place before Patty went away. 

"I'd have a farewell party myself, " said Patty, thoughtfully, "butthere's so little time now, and Nan's pretty busy. I hate tobother her with it. You see, we leave next week, --Thursday. "

"And our house party comes that very day!" said Beatrice, regretfully. "And Captain Sayre is coming. He's the most stunningman! He's our second cousin, and older than we are, but he's justgrand, isn't he, Lora?"

"Yes; and he'd adore Patty. Oh, girlie, DON'T go!"

"I think I'll kidnap Patty, " said Jack. "The day they start, I'llwaylay the party as they board the train, and carry Patty off byforce. "

"You'd have to get out a force of militia, " laughed Patty. "Myfather Fairfield is of a sharp-eyed disposition. You couldn'tcarry off his daughter under his nose. "

"Strategy!" whispered Jack, in a deep, mysterious voice. "I couldmanage it, somehow, I'm sure. "

"Well, it wouldn't do any good. He'd just come back after me, andwe'd take the next train. But, oh, girls, I do wish I could stayhere! I never had such a disappointment before. I've grown to lovethis place; and all you people; and my dear Camilla!" Patty's blueeyes filled with real tears, as she dropped her light andbantering manner, and spoke earnestly. 

"It's a shame!" declared Jack, as he noted the drops trembling onthe long, curled lashes. "Come on, girls, I'm going home before Iexpress myself too strongly. "

So Jack and the Sayre girls went away, and Patty went up to herown room. 

CHAPTER II

MONA'S PLAN

That night, when Patty was alone in her own room, she threwherself into a rocking chair, and rocked violently, as was herhabit, when she had anything to bother her. She looked about atthe pretty room, furnished with all her dear and cherishedbelongings. 

"To go away from all this, " she thought, "and be mewed up in alittle bare room, with a few sticks of horrid old furniture, andnowhere to put things away decently!"

She glanced at her room wardrobes and numerous chiffoniers anddressing-tables. 

"Live in a trunk, I s'pose, " she went on to herself; "all my bestfrocks in a mess of wrinkles, all my best hats smashed towindmills! No broad ocean to look at! Nothing but mountains withtrees all over their sides! Nothing to do but walk up rocky, steeppaths to a spring, take a drink of water, and come stumbling downagain! In the evenings, dress up, and promenade eighty thousandfeet of veranda, AS ADVERTISED!"

Roused to a frenzy by her own self-pity and indignation, Patty gotup and stalked about the room. She flung off her pretty summerfrock, and slipped on a blue silk kimono. Then she sat down infront of her dressing-table to brush her hair for the night. 

She drew out the pins, and great curly masses came tumbling downaround her shoulders. Patty's hair was truly golden, and did notturn darker as she grew older. 

She brushed away slowly, and looked at herself in the mirror. Whatshe saw must have surprised her, for she dropped her brush inastonishment. 

"Well, Patricia Fairfield!" she exclaimed to her own reflection. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself! YOU, who are supposed to beof amiable disposition, YOU whom people call 'Sunshine, ' becauseof your good nature, YOU who have every joy and every blessingthat heart can wish, you look like a sour-faced, cross-grained, disgruntled old maid! So there now! And, Miss, do you want to knowwhat _I_ think of you?" She picked up her hair brush, and shook itat the flushed, angry face in the mirror. "Well, _I_ think you'rea monster of selfishness! You're a dragon of ingratitude! And agriffin of cross-patchedness! Now, Miss, WILL you drop thisattitude of injured innocence, and act like a civilised humanbeing?"

Patty was a little over hard on herself. She hadn't at allexhibited such traits as she charged herself with, but she was nota girl to do things by halves. She sat, calmly looking at her ownface, until the lines smoothed themselves out of her forehead, thedimples came back to her cheeks, and the laughter to her blueeyes. 

"That's better!" she said, wagging her head at the pretty, smilingface. "Now, never again, Patty Fairfield, let me see you lookingmopy or peevish about anything! Mind, not about anything at all!You have enough blessings and pleasures to make up for anydisappointments that may come to you. So, now that you've bracedup, just STAY braced up! See?"

The scolding, though self-inflicted, did Patty good, and humming alively tune, she busied herself with arranging some fans andfrills in boxes to take away with her. 

If stray thoughts of the Pageant or the Fancy Dance crept into hermind, she determinedly thrust them out, and forced heranticipations to the unknown fun and gaiety she would enjoy at thebig Mountain Houses. 

And when at last, ready for bed, she stood in front of her longcheval glass, the folds of her blue dressing gown trailing awayfrom her pretty, lace-frilled nightgown, she shook her forefingerwarningly at the smiling reflection. 

"Now, mind you, Patricia, not a whimper out of you to-morrow! Nota shadow of a shade of disappointment on your fair young brow?Only happy smiles and pleasant words, and just MAKE yourself enjoythe prospect of those poky, gloomy, horrid old mountains!"

It will be easily seen that Patty was amenable to discipline, fornext morning she went dancing downstairs, looking like amiabilitypersonified. Even Nan came to the conclusion that Patty wasreconciled to the mountain trip, and had begun to see thepleasanter side of it. 

Mr. Fairfield regarded his daughter approvingly. Though Patty hadnot been cross or glum the day before, she had been silent, andnow she treated her hearers to a flood of gay and merry chatter. 

Only a fleeting shadow across her face, or a sudden, pained lookin her eyes when Spring Beach matters were mentioned, revealed toher watchful father the fact that Patty's gaiety was the result ofbrave and honest will-power. But such shadows passed as quickly asthey came, and the girl's pleasant and sweet demeanour was notunappreciated by her elders. 

She joined heartily in the plans for the mountain trip; discusseditineraries with her father, and costumes with Nan. 

As the three sat on the veranda, thus engaged, a flying figurecame through the gate like a whirlwind, and Mona Galbraithprecipitated herself into the family group. 

"Why, Mona, you look a little, --er, --hasty!" exclaimed Patty as, out of breath, their visitor plumped herself into a swing andtwirled its tasselled ropes, while she regained her breath. 

"Yes, --yes, --and well I may!" she panted. "What DO you think, Patty? Oh, Mr. Fairfield, DO say yes! Coax him to, won't you, Mrs. Fairfield! Oh, I can't tell you, --I daren't! I just KNOW you won'tdo it! Oh, Patty, do, --DO!"

Impetuous Mona had swayed out of the swing in her eagerness, andwas now kneeling by Patty's side, stroking her hand, and gazinginto her face with imploring eyes. 

"Mona Galbraith, " said Patty, laughing, "are you rehearsing formelodrama, or what? For, if so, you don't know your lines, andyou're 'way off on your gestures, and--and, as a whole, your actis not convincing. "

"Oh, don't say that, Patty!" exclaimed Mona, laughing herself. "ANYTHING but that! It must be convincing, --it must, --it MUST!"

"Is it meant for a roaring farce?" asked Mr. Fairfield, politely, "or merely high comedy?"

"I think it's a problem play, " said Nan, laughing anew at theexcited visitor, who had returned to the swing, and was vigorouslypushing herself back and forth with her slippered toe. 

"Let me help you, Mona, " said Mr. Fairfield, kindly. "Is itsomething you have to tell us, --or ask us?"

"Yes, sir, yes! That's it!"

"Well, tell us, then. But take your time and tell us quietly. Thenyou won't get incoherent. "

The quiet friendliness of his tones seemed to reassure the girl, and letting the swing stand still, Mona began:

"You see, Mr. Fairfield, --and Mrs. Fairfield, my father is goingto Europe next week. It's on a business trip, and he only justfound out that he had to go. He will take me with him if I want togo, but I don't! So I proposed a plan to him instead of that, which he thinks is fine. And, --and, I want to know what you thinkabout it. "

"We will probably approve of it, if your father does, " said Nan, helpfully. 

"Well--it's just this. For me to stay at home, and keep our houseopen, and have Patty stay there with me, instead of her going tothe mountains with you. "

"You and Patty stay there alone!" exclaimed Mr. Fairfield. 

"No, sir; not alone. Father would ask his sister, my AuntAdelaide, to stay with us, as chaperon. She's a lovely lady, andshe'd be glad to come. "

"Well, I don't know, --I don't know, " said Mr. Fairfield. "I'm notsure I could go off and leave Patty with strangers. "

"But I'm not a stranger, " said Mona, "and Aunt Adelaide won't be, as soon as you know her. I haven't seen her myself for some years, but she's a lovely, sweet character, --everybody says so. And then, you see, we wouldn't have to close up our house, and Pattywouldn't have to leave Spring Beach, --and, oh, we could havelovely times!"

"How long will your father be gone?"

"Two months. August and September. He would rather take me withhim, but he said if you all agreed to my plan, he would do so, too. "

"Well, it's a surprise, " said Mr. Fairfield, "and we'll have tothink it over, and talk it over. How does it strike you, Patty?"

Patty considered. It was her habit to decide quickly, but this wasa case with several sides to be looked at. Yet, of course, it mustbe decided at once, for Mr. Galbraith must have time to make hispreparations. 

Patty's heart jumped with joy at the thought of staying at SpringBeach instead of going to the mountains. But--the joy was a littledampened at the idea of staying with Mona, and not at "ThePebbles. "

"Why can't we both stay here?" she said at last. "Let Mona visitme here, and let her aunt chaperon us just the same. "

"Oh, no, " Mona said. "I know father wouldn't consent to that. Yousee, it's a great undertaking to close up our big place, and findhomes for the servants, and look after the horses and gardens andall that, just for two months. Father was relieved at the thoughtof just walking off and leaving it all in charge of Aunt Adelaide. And then, we could have so much more room there, you know--" Monapaused, blushing. She did not want to imply that "Red Chimneys"was a grandly appointed mansion, while "The Pebbles" was only apretty cottage, but that was what she meant. 

"Yes, I know, " said Nan, kindly helping her out. "You have suchimmense grounds, and luxuries of all sorts. Why, your place is aPleasure Park of itself, with the pond and tennis court, andfountains and grottoes and all such things. "

"Yes, it is a lovely summer place, " said Mona, earnestly, "and Ishould do everything I could to make Patty happy there. I know howmuch she wants to stay at Spring Beach, and it seemed such asatisfactory plan all round. "

Patty was still thinking. But, by this time, she was wondering ifshe were really a selfish, disagreeable snob or not. For, thetruth was, Patty did not entirely like Mona, though she had grownto like her much better than at first. Nor did she like Mona'shome, with its ostentatiously expensive appointments, both indoorsand out. And yet, it was exceedingly comfortable and luxurious, and Patty knew she could do exactly as she chose in every respect. 

But, again, Patty was a favourite in Spring Beach society, andMona was not. This might cause complications in the matter ofinvitations to entertainments. But Patty knew this would mostlyredound to Mona's benefit. She would be asked on Patty's accountto places where otherwise she would not have been invited. AndPatty well knew SHE would be left out of nothing just because shewas visiting Mona. 

And yet, to accept her hospitality for two months meant toacknowledge her as an intimate friend, --a chosen companion. Was itquite honest to do this when, privately, Patty disapproved of manyof Mona's ways and tastes? Then, it occurred to Patty that Mr. Hepworth had urged her to do what she could to help Mona, --toimprove her manners, her dress, her tastes. Patty jumped at thisidea, and then as suddenly paused to scrutinise her own motives, and make sure she was not pretending to herself that she did forMona's sake what she was really doing for her own. But being quickat decisions, she saw at once that it was about evenly divided. She was willing, if she could, to help Mona in any way, and shefelt that this justified her in accepting the offered hospitalityof one whom she couldn't emulate. 

Mr. Fairfield watched Patty's face closely, and knew pretty wellwhat sort of a mental controversy she was holding with herself. Hewas not surprised when she said at last:

"Well, so far as I have a voice in this matter, I'd like to go. Ithink it's very kind of Mona to ask me, and I'd try not to be atroublesome visitor. You know, Father Fairfield, how much I wouldrather stay in Spring Beach than go to the mountains. And Isuppose I could take my motor-car to Mona's with me. "

"Yes, of course, " Mona said. "And father says if I don't go toEurope, he'll buy me a runabout just like yours, and we can havelovely times going out together. "

"Would your aunt come at once?" asked Nan, who wanted to know moreabout the chaperon who would have Patty in charge. 

"Yes, father will send for her as soon as we decide. But you know, Mrs. Fairfield, I should keep house, as I always do, and AuntAdelaide would only be with us in the cause of propriety. "

Nan smiled at the thought of Mona's housekeeping, for "RedChimneys" was so liberally provided with servants that Mona'sduties consisted mainly in mentioning her favourite dishes to thecook. 

"Are you sure you could behave yourself, Patty?" asked her father, teasingly, "without either Nan or myself to keep you in order?"

"Oh, yes, " said Patty, drawing down the corners of her mouthdemurely. "In fact, as I should be on my own responsibility, I'dhave to be even more careful of my manners than I am at home. "

Mr. Fairfield sighed a little. "Well, Puss, " he said, "I reallywanted you with us on our trip, but as you'd rather stay here, andas this way seems providentially opened for you, I can only sayyou may accept Mona's invitation if you choose. "

"Then I DO choose, you dear old Daddy!" cried Patty, making a rushfor her father, and, seating herself on the arm of his chair, shepatted his head, while she told him how glad she was of hisconsent. "For, " she said, "I made up my mind not to coax. If youdidn't agree readily, I was going to abide by your wishes, withouta murmur. "

"Oh, what a goody-girl!" said Mr. Fairfield, laughing. "Now, yousee, Virtue is its own reward. "

"And I'm SO glad!" Mona declared, fervently. "Oh, Patty, we'llhave perfectly elegant times! I was so afraid you wouldn't WANT tocome to stay with me. "

"Oh, yes, I do, " said Patty, "but I warn you I'm a self-willedyoung person, and if I insist on having my own way, what are yougoing to do?"

"Let you have it, " said Mona, promptly. "Your way is always betterthan mine. "

"But suppose you two quarrel, " said Mr. Fairfield, "what can youdo then? Patty will have nowhere to go. "

"Oh, we won't quarrel, " said Mona, confidently. "Patty's toosweet-tempered, --"

"And you're too amiable, " supplemented Nan, who was fond of Monain some ways, though not in others. But she, too, thought thatPatty would have a good influence over the motherless girl, andshe was honestly glad that Patty could stay at her belovedseashore for the rest of the summer. 

So it was settled, and Mona went flying home to carry the gladnews to her father, and to begin at once to arrange Patty's rooms. 

CHAPTER III

SUSAN TO THE RESCUE

The day that Mr. And Mrs. Fairfield were to start on their trip tothe mountains came during what is known as "a hot spell. " It wasone of those days when life seems almost unbearable, --when theslightest exertion seems impossible. 

There was no breeze from the ocean, and the faint, languid landbreeze that now and then gave an uncertain puff, was about asrefreshing as a heat-wave from an opened furnace door. 

At the breakfast table, Patty tried to persuade them not to gothat day. "You'll faint in the train, Nan, on a day like this, "she said. "Do wait until to-morrow. "

"There's no prospect of its being any better to-morrow, " said Mr. Fairfield, looking anxious; "and I think the sooner Nan gets away, the better. She needs cool, bracing mountain air. The seashoredoesn't agree with her as it does with you, Patty. "

"I know it, " said Patty, who loved hot weather. "Well, perhapsyou'd better go, then; but it will be just BOILING on the train. "

"No more so than here, " said Nan, smiling. She wore a light pongeesilk travelling gown, which was the coolest garb she could thinkof. "But what's bothering me is that Mrs. Parsons hasn't arrivedyet. "

"Oh, she'll come to-day, " said Patty. "Mona says she telegraphedyesterday that it was too hot to travel, but she'd surely come to-day. "

Mrs. Parsons was the aunt who was to chaperon the two girls at"Red Chimneys, " and Nan wanted to see the lady before she gavePatty into her charge. 

"But it's going to be just as warm to-day, " went on Nan. "Supposeshe can't travel to-day, either?"

"Oh, she'll have to, " said Patty, lightly. "If you can travel, Iguess she can. Now, Nan, don't bother about her. You've enough todo to think of yourself and try to keep cool. I'm glad Louise isgoing with you. She's a good nurse, and you must let her take careof you. "

Louise was the lady's maid who looked after the welfare of bothNan and Patty. But as Patty was going to a house where servantswere more than plentiful, it had been arranged that Louise shouldaccompany Nan. 

"Don't talk as if I were an invalid, Patty. I'm sensitive to theheat, I admit, and this weather is excessive. But I'm not ill, andonce I get a whiff of mountain air I'll be all right. "

"I know it, Nancy; and so fly away and get it. And don't waste athought on poor, worthless me, for I shall be as happy as a clam. I just love broiling, sizzling weather, and I'm sure myexperiences at Mona's will be novel--if nothing else, --and noveltyis always interesting. "

"I hope you will have a good time, Patty, but it all seems soqueer. To go off and leave you with that girl, and an aunt whom wehave never even seen!"

"Well, I'll see her this afternoon, and if she won't give me aphotograph of herself for you, I'll draw you a pen portrait of theDragon Lady. "

"I hope she will be a Dragon, for you need some one to keep yousteady. You mean to do right, but you're so thoughtless andimpulsive of late. I'm afraid it's growing on you, Patty. "

"And I'm afraid you're a dear old goose! The heat has gone to yourhead. Now, forget me and my vagaries, and devote all your time andattention to the consideration of Mrs. Frederick Fairfield. "

"Ready, Nan?" called her husband from the doorway, and then therewas a flurry of leave-takings, and final advices, and last words, and good-bye embraces; and then the motor-car rolled down thedrive carrying the travellers away, and Patty dropped into averanda chair to realise that she was her own mistress. 

Not that her father or Nan were over strict with her; they merelyexercised the kind and gentle supervision that every young girlought to have. But sometimes, of late, Patty had chafed a littleat their restrictions, and though she had no desire to do anythingthey would disapprove of, she enjoyed the novel sense of entirefreedom of action. However, to be responsible to nobody at allseemed to make Patty feel an added responsibility of her ownbehaviour, so she went into the house, determined to do all sheought to do as mistress there. Though her time for such duties wasshort. The Fairfields had been obliged to leave on an earlymorning train, and Patty was not to go to Mona's until late in theafternoon. She had, therefore, several hours, and she wentsystematically to work, looking through each room to make sure allwas in order for closing the house. She put away some books andsome bits of choice bric-a-brac, and then went out to interviewthe cook. 

"Yes, Miss Patty, " said that worthy, in answer to her enquiries, "I've enough av food for yer luncheon, an' thin I'll dispose avthe schraps, and lave the refrigerators clane an' empty. "

"That's right, Susan, " said Patty, in most housekeeperly tones;"and will you go away in time for me to lock up the house afteryou?"

"Yes, Miss; Mrs. Fairfield said we was all to go at five o'clock. Thin Miller will lock up, and give yersilf the keys. "

Patty knew these matters had all been arranged by her parents, butit pleased her to assume an authority. 

"Very well, Susan, " she said. "And where are you all going?""Jane, she's going to take another place, Miss; but I'm going tome sister's for a time. It's a rest I'm nadin'. "

Patty looked kindly at the cook. She had never really talked withher before, as Nan a capable and sufficient housewife, and Pattywas a little surprised to see what a fine-looking woman Susan was. She was Irish, but of the best type. A large, well-built figure, and a sensible, intelligent face. Her abundant hair was slightlygrey, and her still rosy cheeks and dark blue eyes indicated hernationality. Though she spoke with a soft burr, her brogue was notvery noticeable, and Patty felt irresistibly drawn to her. 

"If you want anything, Susan, " she said, "or if I can help you inany way, come to me at once. I shall be at 'Red Chimneys' for twomonths, you know. "

"Thank you, Miss Patty. I'm thinkin' I'll be fair comfortable atmy sister's. But if you do be goin' by in yer autymobile, wave yerhand, just. It'd please us all. You know the house, --down on theScudder Road. "

"Yes, I know, Susan. I often pass there, and I'll wave my hand atyou every time. "

Patty went back to her own room, and continued her preparationsfor her visit to Mona. Although "Red Chimneys" was but two blocksaway, the packing to be done was the same as if for a more distantdestination. Many of Patty's things had already been sent over, and now she was looking up some favourite books and music to takewith her. Though, of course, she would have the keys of her ownhome, and could return for anything she might want. 

Patty expected to go over to Mona's at five o'clock, but at aboutfour Mona herself came flying over to "The Pebbles. " She waved ayellow telegram, and before Patty heard what was in it, shedivined that Mrs. Parsons had again postponed her arrival. 

And this was the truth. 

"Doctor fears sunstroke. Advises me to wait until to-morrow, " themessage read, and Patty and Mona looked at each other in blankdismay. 

"Father doesn't know this, " said Mona. "You see, he left thismorning for New York. His steamer sails this afternoon. Of course, he was sure Aunt Adelaide would come to-day. What shall we do, Patty?"

"Well, of course it's too bad. But I'm not afraid to stay aloneone night without your aunt. You've so many servants, I'm surethere's no danger of fire or burglars. "

"Oh, it isn't that, Patty! I'm not afraid of such things. But, yousee, we've no chaperon, --just us two girls there alone, --it isn'tproper. "

"Well, " Patty laughed, "we can't help it. And if we have nocallers, and go to bed early, no one will be the wiser, andsurely, your aunt will come to-morrow. "

"Oh, I hope she will! I'll telegraph her she MUST! But, --Patty, --you see--well, I shall have to tell you!"

"Tell me what?"

"Why, just this: I have invited a little party to welcome you thisevening. Not many, --just about a dozen of the boys and girls. Andhow can we receive them without Aunt Adelaide there?"

"For mercy's sake, Mona! Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise, --to welcome you to 'Red Chimneys. '"

"Yes, I know. Well, what CAN we do? We must do something! Shall Itelephone to Mrs. Sayre to come and chaperon us?"

"She can't come. She has a house party coming to-day. The Sayregirls are coming to us to-night, but Mrs. Sayre has some olderguests, and she couldn't come. "

"Well, let's ask Mrs. Dennison. No, she's away, I know. How aboutMrs. Lockwood?"

"She's ill; Lena told me so this morning. Oh, Patty, shall I haveto send them all word not to come?"

"Looks that way to me. And I'm sorry to do that, too. How many areasked, Mona?"

"About twelve, counting you and me. I thought it would be such anice welcome for you. "

"And so it would! You're a dear to think of it. I suppose yourthings are all ordered?"

"Yes; a caterer will bring the supper. I don't know what it willbe, --cook looked after it. "

"Cook! Cook! Mona--I have an idea! No, I haven't, either! It's toocrazy! Oh, DO you suppose we could? LET'S!"

"Patty, are YOU crazy? What ARE you talking about? And it's almostfive o'clock. I suppose I must telephone them not to come! Well, I'll go home and do it, and you come on over as soon as you'reready. We'll spend the evening alone in my boudoir, and we'llamuse ourselves somehow. "

"Wait a minute, Mona. Let me think. Yes, I do believe I'll do it!Mona, suppose I provide a chaperon. Will it be all right to havethe party then?"

"Why, yes, if it's a proper kind of a lady, --of course it will. "

Patty's eyes twinkled. "I don't know whether you'll think her aproper lady or not, " she said, "but I do. "

She rang a nearby bell, and when Jane answered, she asked her tosend Susan, the cook, in. 

Susan came, and stood respectfully awaiting Patty's orders. 

"Susan, " Patty began, "you're married, aren't you?"

"Yes, Miss Patty; me name is Hastings. Me husband is dead thisfour years, rist his sowl. "

"Well, Susan, I want you to do something for me, and you may thinkit's very queer, but you'll do it, won't you?"

"Nothin's quare, Miss Patty, if you bid me do it. What is it, ma'am?"

Mona began to look a little scared, but Patty seemed now quitesure of her own mind, and she began, in a kind but firm voice:

"Susan, Miss Mona and I expected to have a party at her house to-night, but her aunt, who was to chaperon us, hasn't arrived. So Iwant you, Susan, to let me fix you up, and dress you in a propergown, and then I want you to act as a lady who is visiting at 'RedChimneys. ' Can you do this?"

It was funny to see the varying expressions on Susan's face. Wonder, amusement, and docility followed each other in quicksuccession, and then she said:

"Is it a masqueradin', belike, you want, Miss Patty?"

"Yes; just that, Susan. Could you do it?"

"Av coorse I cud do it, if you be wantin' me to; but wud I lookgood enough, Miss?"

"You'd look all right, after I dressed you; but, Susan, could youtalk with less, --less accent?"

"Me brogue, is it, Miss? Faith, an' I fear I can't be afterconquerin' that! It's born in me. "

"Patty, " said Mona, "I think your scheme is crazy, --perfectlyCRAZY! But--if you really mean it, I'll tell you that I HAVE anIrish aunt, --at least, sort of Scotch-Irish, --and if we pass Susanoff for her, the--the ACCENT won't matter. "

"Just the thing!" cried Patty, gleefully. "I see my way clear now!It IS a crazy plan, Mona, I admit that, --but do you know of anybetter?"

"No; but, Patty, think a minute. Of course, the truth will leakout, and what will people say?"

"No, it won't leak out, --and, if it did, what harm? Susan is anice, respectable woman, and as a member of my family is capableof chaperoning me in her own personality. But I choose this othergame because it's more fun. I shall dress her up in, --in, --Susan, you couldn't wear a gown of Mrs. Fairfield's, could you?"

"The saints presarve us, Miss Patty, it wuddent go halfway roundme!"

"No; so it wouldn't. Well, I'll find something. Oh, there's a gownin the attic that Mrs. Allen left here--she's Nan's mother, Mona, --that will be just right. It's grey satin and silver lace. Oh, Susan, you'll look GREAT!"

Mona still seemed a trifle unconvinced. 

"Patty, " she said, "you know I usually think what you do is allright, --but this, --well, this seems so very crazy. "

"Mona, my child, " said Patty, serenely, "I warned you that ourways might clash, and you said I might do exactly as I chose whileat 'Red Chimneys. '"

"So I did, Patty, --and so I do. I'll go home now, and leave therest of this performance to you. Come over soon, won't you?"

"Yes, " said Patty, "I'll be there for dinner. Good-bye, Mona. "

After Mona had gone, Patty turned to Susan. 

"You know, Susan, this is to be a dead secret. Don't ever tellanybody. And you must obey my orders implicitly. I'll pay yousomething extra for your trouble. "

"Sure, it's no trouble at all, Miss Patty. I'd do anything for ye, whativer. But you must be afther tellin' me just what to do. "

"Of course I will. And, first of all, Susan, you must go home, --Imean, to your sister's, --get your dinner there, and then come to'Red Chimneys' about half-past seven and ask for me. They'll bringyou right up to my room, and I'll dress you up as I think best. Then we'll take you down to the drawing-room, and all you'll haveto do, Susan, is to sit there all the evening in a big easy chair. Can you knit, Susan?"

"Yes, Miss Patty. "

"Well, bring a piece of knitting work, not an old grey thing, --apiece of nice, fleecy white wool work. Have you any?"

"I've not, Miss, but I'll get some white yarn from my sister, andstart a shawl or a tippet. "

"Yes; do that. Then you just sit there, you know, and knit andglance around the room now and then, and smile benignly. Can yousmile benignly, Susan?"

Susan tried, and after one or two lessons from Patty, waspronounced proficient in that art. 

"Then, Susan, if there's music, you must listen, and wag your headin appreciation, so! When we dance, you must look on with interestand again smile benignly. Not many of the young people will talkto you, except to be introduced at first, but if they do, answerthem pleasantly, and use your brogue as little as possible. Do youunderstand, Susan?"

And as Susan possessed the quick wit and ready adaptability of herrace, she did see; and as she adored her young mistress above anyone on earth, she was only too willing to please her; and, too, the occasion had its charms for a good-hearted, hard-workingIrishwoman. 

She declared her willingness to obey Patty's orders, promised tokeep it all a profound secret, and then went away to her sister'shouse until the appointed time. 

CHAPTER IV

A PERFECTLY GOOD CHAPERON

It was nearly six o'clock when Patty reached "Red Chimneys. " Shecarried a bandbox, and Miller, who followed her, carried a largesuitcase, and various other parcels. 

Mona met them at the door, and, directing that the luggage be sentto Patty's rooms, she carried her visitor off to her own boudoir. 

"Patty, " she began, "I can't let you carry out that ridiculousscheme! I'm going to telephone to the young people not to come. "

"Haven't telephoned yet, have you?" enquired Patty, carelessly, asshe flung herself into an easy-chair, and made vigorous use of alarge fan. 

"No; I waited to tell you. But I'm going to begin now, " and Monalifted a telephone receiver from its hook. 

"Oh, I wouldn't, " said Patty, smiling at her hostess. "You see, I've set my heart on having this party, and I'd hate to have youupset it. "

But, Patty, consider how--"

"Consider, --cow--consider! Well, my fair lady, I have considered, and I must request you to hang up that telephone, and trust all tome. "

When Patty adopted this tone, playful but decided, Mona knew shecould do nothing with her. So she hung up the receiver, but shestill showed a troubled expression as she looked questioningly atpretty Patty. 

But that provoking young person only smiled at her, and slowlywaved her big fan. 

"Awfully warm, even yet, isn't it?" she said. "What time isdinner, Mona? I've a lot to do before that party of yours comesoff. "

"I ordered dinner early, so we'd have time to dress afterward. Come, Patty, I'll show you your rooms. "

The two girls rose, and standing in front of Mona, Patty began tosmooth the lines from the other's brow, with her own finger tips. 

"There there, " she said; "don't worry. Trust all to Smarty-Patty!She'll do the trick. And just turn up the corners of your mouth alittle, so!"

Patty poked her forefingers into Mona's cheeks till she made hersmile, and then Mona gave up. 

"All right, Patty, " she said. "I said you should have your ownway, and so you shall! Get Miller to chaperon us, if you wantto, --I won't say a word! Now, come on with me. "

She led Patty across the hall to the suite of rooms prepared forher. Like everything else at "Red Chimneys, " it was on a fargrander scale than Patty's own home. 

There was a boudoir, bedroom, dressing-room, and bath, all fittedup in the prettiest, daintiest manner. 

The ivory-tinted walls showed panels of rose-coloured brocade, ornate with gilded decorations in Empire style. The marquetryfurniture and bisque ornaments carried out the scheme, and thoughelaborate, the rooms were most attractive and comfortable. 

Patty herself preferred simpler furnishings, but she knew thatMona didn't, and she exclaimed with delight at the beauty ofappointments. 

"It's out best suite, " said Mona, complacently, "and I've had itfixed up freshly for you. "

"It's charming, " declared Patty, "and I know I shall be very happyhere, --IF I can have my own way!" She smiled as she spoke, but shewas in earnest, too, for Mona was dictatorial by nature, and Pattyby no means proposed to be tyrannised over. 

"You shall, Patty! All the time you are here, your word shall belaw in this house, both over the servants and myself. "

"Oh, I can manage the servants, " cried Patty, gaily. "I'm rathergood at that. Now, if I can only manage you!"

"You can! I'll prove so manageable and docile, you'll scarcelyknow me!"

So, having flown her colours, Patty wagged her head sagaciously asMona went away. "I think, Miss Fairfield, " she observed to herreflection in a gold-garlanded mirror, "that you're in for apleasant summer. Firmness tempered with kindness must be yourplan; and I'm pretty sure you can, in that way, manage Monawithout friction. "

Humming snatches of song to herself, Patty continued to exploreher new domain. The rose-coloured boudoir opened into a daintybedroom done in white and gold. Everywhere white silk or lacecurtains were looped back with Frenchy pink satin rosebuds, andthe gilded furniture, with its embroidered satin cushions, madethe room look fit for a princess. Patty laughed with glee, for sheloved dainty prettiness and this was a novel change from her ownsimpler belongings. 

From the bedroom she went on to the dressing-room and bathroom;the former replete with all known appurtenances to Milady'stoilette, and the latter a bewildering vista of marble, silver, and glass. 

Dinner was a gay little feast. Although Patty had dined once ortwice before at "Red Chimneys, " it had been with her parents atformal dinners, and they had been examples of the unrestrainedelegance which Mr. Galbraith deemed the correct way of displayinghis wealth. 

The Fairfields had assumed that the overelaborateness was due tothe festive occasion, but Patty now perceived that the sameformality of service was observed with only the two girls at thetable. And the menu was long and varied enough to have served adinner party. 

Of course, it all appealed to Patty's sense of humour, but as itwas Mona's habit to dine under the supervision of three or fourserving-men, Patty was quite willing to accept the situationplacidly. The servants, however, were no bar to their gay chatter. Except that they did not refer to the expected temporary chaperon, they discussed all the details of the evening's party. 

Many of the courses of the dinner they dismissed without tasting, and so, by half-past seven, Patty was back in her own rooms, andMrs. Hastings appeared promptly at the hour. A maid named Janethad been appointed to look after Patty personally, but she wasdismissed, with instructions to return at eight, and then Pattybegan her transformation scene. 

It was not accomplished without some few difficulties, and muchgiggling, but by eight o'clock, Patty and Mona surveyed a mostacceptable looking chaperon, due to their own handiwork. Susan, orMrs. Hastings, as they called her, looked the picture of a kindly, dignified matron. Her grey hair was done in a simple, becomingfashion, and ornamented with a spray of silver tinsel leaves. Thegrey satin gown of Mrs. Allen's, which Patty had appropriatedwithout compunction, fitted fairly well, and a fichu of old lace, prettily draped, concealed any deficiencies. Though possessing noelegance of manner, Susan had quiet ways, and being observant bynature, she remembered the demeanour of ladies she had worked for, and carried herself so well that Patty and Mona were satisfied asto her ability to carry out their purpose. 

Patty provided Mrs. Hastings with a black feather fan, and gaveher a quick lesson in the art of using it. The piece of whiteknitting work proved satisfactory on inspection, and after a fewfinal injunctions, Patty pronounced the "chaperon" complete. 

Then she called for Janet, and hastily proceeded to make her owntoilette. She chose a white silk muslin, dotted with tiny pinkrosebuds, and further ornamented with fluttering ends of pale pinkribbon. The frock was cut a little low at the throat, and hadshort sleeves, and very cool and sweet Patty looked in it. Hergold curls were piled high on her head, and kept there by a twistof pink ribbon. She wore no jewelry, and the simple attire wasvery becoming to the soft, babyish curves of her neck and dimpledarms. 

Mona appeared in rose-coloured chiffon, richly embroidered. Thegown, though beautiful of itself, was not appropriate for such awarm night; but Mona had not Patty's sense of harmony, and hadadded a heavy necklace and bracelets of wrought Roman gold. 

"You'll melt in all that toggery!" said Patty, bluntly, and Monasighed as she saw Patty's diaphanous frock. Then, led by Mrs. Hastings, they went down to the drawing-room. They put Susanthrough a few lessons in introductions, practised calling her"Aunt Rachel, " and bolstered up her failing courage by telling herhow well she looked. 

The first guest to arrive was Jack Pennington. Being a gracefulmannered boy he acknowledged his introduction to Mrs. Hastingswith just the correct blending of deference and cordiality. "Isn'tit warm?" he said, and as this required no answer save, "It is, indeed, " Susan acquitted herself creditably, and even refrainedfrom saying "indade. " Then the others came, and being a merrycrowd of young people, they merely paused for a word or two withthe elderly stranger, before turning away to their own interests. And, if by chance, one or two showed a tendency to linger andconverse with her, Patty and Mona were at hand to take up theburden of the conversation. 

After all had arrived, Patty conducted Susan to a pleasant seatnear an open window, provided her with her knitting and a book, and gave her a whispered permission to doze a little if she wishedto. 

So far as the girls could see, not one of the guests had suspectedthat Mrs. Hastings was other than an aunt of Mona's, nor had theygiven her a second thought. To their minds a chaperon was anecessary piece of furniture, but of only a momentary interest. She must be greeted, and later, she must be bidden farewell, butno conversation with her between times was necessary. 

The party was a pretty one. Usually, the Spring Beach peopledidn't care much to go to "Red Chimneys, " for Mona was not afavourite. But Patty was, and, invited to meet her, every oneaccepted. And the large rooms, cooled by electric fans, anddecorated with lovely flowers and softly shaded lights, lookedsomehow more attractive, now that Patty Fairfield's gracefulfigure was flitting through them. 

After one of the dances, Patty drifted across the room and stoodnear Susan. That worthy was dutifully looking over her book, andoccasionally glancing thoughtfully round the room. 

"Keep it up, Susan!" whispered Patty. "You're a howling success!Everything's all right. "

"Come for a stroll on the veranda, Patty, " said Jack Pennington, coming up to her. "Mayn't I take her, Mrs. Hastings, if I'll bevery careful of her?"

"Shure an' ye may, sir, " said Susan, heartily, caught off herguard by this sudden request. 

Jack Pennington stared at her, and Susan's eyes fell and her faceturned red in deepest dismay lest she had disgraced her belovedMiss Patty. In a despairing effort to remedy her indiscretion sheassumed a haughty tone and said, "You have my permission. Go withthe young gentleman, Miss Patty. " And with an air of havingaccomplished her duty successfully, Susan picked up her knitting. 

Patty's twitching lips and flushed cheeks made quick-witted JackPennington suspect a joke somewhere, but he gravely offered hisarm, and as they reached the broad veranda and walked toward amoonlighted corner of it, he said, "Interesting lady, that newaunt of Mona's, isn't she?"

"Very, " said Patty, trying not to laugh. 

"I always like that foreign accent, " went on Jack; "is it, --er--French?"

"Well, no, " opined Patty. "I don't think Mrs. Hastings IS French. "

"Ah, German, then, perhaps. I've heard that particular accentbefore, but I can't just place it. "

"I think it's sort of, --of Scotch, don't you?"

"Faith, an' I don't, thin! I'm afther thinkin' she's a daughter avould Ireland, arrah. "

Jack's imitation of Susan's brogue was so funny that Patty laughedoutright. 

"Perhaps the lady IS Irish, " she said; "but she looks charming, and so well-dressed. "

"That's so. She IS much better dressed than when I saw her last. "

"Saw her last! What do you mean?"

"Well, of course I MAY be mistaken, but do you know, she lookslike a--like a lady I saw once in the kitchen garden at 'ThePebbles. '"

"And pray what were you doing in that kitchen garden?"

"Well, I was helping Miller look after your motor one day, and Istrolled around the house, back to the front veranda that way. And, "--Jack's voice sank to an impressive whisper, --"there in themidst of the cabbages and eggplants, --there stood Mrs. Hastings, --I'm SURE it was she, --in a calico gown and checked apron!"

"Oh, Jack!" and Patty burst into laughter. "She IS our cook! Don'tgive it away, will you?"

"Never! Never! But WHAT a joke! Does no one know it?"

"No one at all but Mona and myself. You see--" And then Patty toldthe whole story. 

"Well, that's the best ever!" declared Jack as she finished. "Patty, you do beat all! No one else will guess, I'm sure, --andI'LL never tell. But it's most too good a joke to keep, now, isn'tit?"

"But it's going to BE kept! Why, if some people knew of it, they'ddrum me out of Spring Beach. And anyway, Jack, I wouldn't havedone it, if Susan hadn't been such a dear respectable personherself. "

"I'm sure she is, and to show I believe it, I'll take her out tosupper. "

"Gracious, goodness, Jack! I never thought of supper! Will shehave to eat with us?"

"Of course she will! And, as I say, I'll take her out, so there'llbe no danger of further discovery. "

Patty giggled again. The idea of SUSAN being escorted out to thedining-room of "Red Chimneys"! And by Jack Pennington, the mostaristocratic young man in their set!

"All right, " she said. "But I must sit the other side of you. Iwant to keep my eye on her. "

And so it came to pass that when supper was announced, Jack wentup gallantly and offered his arm to the chaperon. 

This seemed quite natural and proper to the other guests, and theypaid little attention as Mrs. Hastings rose with dignity, and, with her escort, led the procession. 

Susan was resolved to make up for her blunder, and she carriedherself with an air of hauteur, and trailed the grey satin gownafter her quite as if she were used to such. 

"It is a beautiful home, is it not, Mrs. Hastings?" said Jack, byway of making conversation. 

"It is, sir, " returned Susan, careful of speech and accent, butunable to forget her deference. "Such airy rooms and fine, highceilings. "

Jack couldn't help admiring her aplomb, and he chatted away easilyin an endeavour to put her at her ease. 

"Will you sit here, Mrs. Hastings?" he said, offering her the seatat the head of the table, as became the chaperon of the party. 

Susan hesitated, but catching Mona's nod of acquiescence, she sankgracefully into the armchair Jack held for her. 

CHAPTER V

A DINNER PARTY

As Patty expressed it afterward, she felt as limp as a jelly-fishwith the grippe when she saw Susan at the head of Mona's table!Mrs. Hastings herself seemed in no way appalled at the sparklingarray of glass and silver, of lights and flowers, but she wassecretly alarmed lest her ignorance of etiquette should lead herinto blunders that might shame Miss Patty. 

But Jack Pennington proved himself a trump. Without attractingattention, he touched or indicated which spoon or fork Mrs. Hastings should use. Or he gave her valuable advice regarding theviands. 

"I say, " he whispered, "you'd better duck the artichokeHollandaise. You mightn't manage it just right. Or--well--take it, but don't attempt to eat it. You'd sure get into trouble. "

Irish Susan had both quick wit and a warm heart, and sheappreciated gratefully the young man's good-natured assistance, and adroitly followed his instructions. But Jack was a daringrogue, and the temptation to have a little fun was too strong toresist. 

"Are you fond of motoring, Mrs. Hastings?" he asked, innocently, while Patty, on his other side, felt her heart beat madly and hercheeks grow red. 

But Susan wasn't caught napping this time. 

"Oh, I like it, " she said, "but I'm not fair crazy about it, likesome. " She smiled benignly at Patty, and the few guests whooverheard the remarks thought nothing of it. 

But naughty Jack went on. 

"Oh, then you know of Miss Fairfield's fad. I didn't know you knewher so well. I thought you had just arrived here. Have you been toSpring Beach before?"

Susan looked at Jack with twinkling eyes. She well knew he wassaying these things to tease Patty, and she looked kindly at theembarrassed girl as she replied:

"Oh, my niece, Mona, has told me so much about her friend, MissFairfield, that I feel as if I had known her a long time. "

Patty gasped. Surely Susan could take care of herself, after thatastounding speech!

Jack chuckled silently, and as the game promised rare sport, hekept on. 

"Are you fond of bridge, Mrs. Hastings?"

Susan looked at him. So far all had gone well, but she didn't knowhow long she could match his banter. So she favoured him with adeliberate gaze, and said, "Bridge, is it? I'm fond of the game, but I play only with expayrienced players, --so don't ask me. "

"Ho! ho! Jack, that's a good one on you!" said Guy Martin, who satwithin hearing. "You're right, Mrs. Hastings; he's no sort of aplayer, but I'm an expert. May I hope for a game with you sometime?"

"We'll see about it, young sir, " said Susan, with cold dignity, and then turned her attention to her plate. 

In response to a desperate appeal from Patty, Jack stoppedteasing, and made general conversation, which interested the youngpeople, to the exclusion of Susan. 

Then, supper over, he escorted the chaperon from the table, talking to her in low tones. 

"I hope I didn't bother you, " he said. "You see, I know all aboutit, and I think it's fine of you to help the girls out in thisway. "

"You helped me far more than you bothered me, sir, " Susan repliedwith a grateful glance. "Will it soon be over now, sir?"

"Well, they'll have a few more dances, and probably they'll sing alittle. They'll go home before midnight. But, I say, Mrs. Hastings, I won't let 'em trouble you. You sit in this cosycorner, and if you'll take my advice, you'll nod a bit now andthen, --but don't go really to sleep. Then they'll let you alone. "

Susan followed this good counsel, and holding her knittingcarelessly in her lap, she sat quietly, now and then nodding, andopening her eyes with a slight start. The poor woman was reallymost uncomfortable, but Patty had ordered this performance and shewould have done her best had the task been twice as hard. 

"You were a villain to tease poor Susan so at the table, " saidPatty to Jack, as they sauntered on the veranda between dances. 

"She came through with flying colours, " he replied, laughing atthe recollection. 

"Yes, but it was mean of you to fluster the poor thing. "

"Don't you know why I did it?"

"To tease me, I suppose, " and Patty drew down the corners of hermouth and looked like a much injured damsel. 

"Yes; but, incidentally, to see that pinky colour spread all overyour cheeks. It makes you look like a wild rose. "

"Does it?" said Patty, lightly. "And what do I look like at othertimes? A tame rose?"

"No; a primrose. Very prim, sometimes. "

"I have to be very prim when I'm with you, " and Patty glancedsaucily from beneath her long lashes; "you're so inclined to--"

"To what?"

"To friskiness. I NEVER know what you're going to do next. "

"Isn't it nicer to be surprised?"

"Well, --that depends. It is if they're nice surprises. "

"Oh, mine always are! I'm going to surprise you a lot of timesthis summer. Are you to be here, at Mona's, all the rest of theseason?"

"I shall be here two months, anyway. "

"That's time enough for a heap of surprises. Just you wait! But, --I say, --I suppose--oh, pshaw, I know this sounds horrid, but I'vegot to say it. I suppose everything you're invited to, Mona mustbe also?"

Patty's eyes blazed at what she considered a very rudeimplication. 

"Not necessarily, " she said, coldly. "You are quite at liberty toinvite whom you choose. Of course, I shall accept no invitationsthat do not include Mona. "

"Quite right, my child, quite right! Just what I was thinkingmyself. "

Patty knew he was only trying to make up for his rudeness, and shelooked at him severely. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, " shesaid. 

"I am! Oh, I AM! deeply, darkly, desperately ashamed. But I'vesucceeded in making your cheeks turn that peculiar shade of brick-red again!"

"They aren't brick-red!"

"No? Well, a sort of crushed strawberry shading to magenta, then!"

Patty laughed, in spite of herself, and Jack smiled back at her. 

"Am I forguv?" he asked, in a wheedling voice. 

"On condition that you'll be particularly nice to Mona all summer. And it's not much to your credit that I have to ASK such a thingof you!"

"You're right, Patty, " and Jack looked honestly penitent. "I'm agood-for-nothing brute! A boor without any manners at all! Not amanner to my name! But if you'll smile upon me, and let me, --er--surprise you once in a while, I'll, --oh, I'll just tie myself toMona's apron strings!"

"Mona doesn't wear aprons!"

"No, I know it, " returned Jack, coolly, and they both laughed. 

But Patty knew she had already gained one friend for Mona, forheretofore, Jack Pennington had ignored the girl's existence. 

"What are you doing to-morrow, Patty?" asked Dorothy Dennison, asshe and Guy Martin came up to the corner where Patty and Jack weresitting. It was a pleasant nook, a sort of balcony built out fromthe main veranda, and draped with a few clustering vines. Theveranda was lighted with Japanese lanterns, whose gayer glow waslooked down upon by the silvery full moon. 

"We're going to the Sayres' garden party, --Mona and I, " saidPatty. 

"Oh, good gracious!" rejoined Dorothy. "I suppose Mona will haveto be asked everywhere, now you're staying with her!"

"Not to YOUR parties, Dorothy, for I'm sure neither of us wouldcare to come!"

It was rarely that Patty spoke crossly to any one, and still morerarely that she flung out such a bitter speech as that; but shewas getting tired of combating the prevalent attitude of the youngpeople toward Mona, and though she had determined to overcome it, she began to think it meant real warfare. Dorothy looked perfectlyamazed. She had never heard gentle, merry Patty speak like thatbefore. 

Guy Martin looked uncomfortable, and Jack Pennington shook withlaughter. 

"Them cheeks is now a deep solferino colour, " he observed, andPatty's flushed face had to break into smiles. 

"Forgive me, Dorothy, " she said; "I didn't mean what I said, andneither did you. Let's forget it. "

Glad of this easy escape from a difficult situation, Dorothy brokeinto a merry stream of chatter about other things, and thequartette were soon laughing gaily. 

"You managed that beautifully, Patty, " said Jack, as a littlelater, they returned to the house for the last dance. "You showedfine tact. "

"What! In speaking so rudely to Dorothy?"

"Well, in getting out of it so adroitly afterward. And she had herlesson. She won't slight Mona, I fancy. Look here, Patty. You're abrick, to stand up for that girl the way you do, and I want totell you that I'll help you all I can. "

"Oh, Jack, that's awfully good of you. Not but what I think youOUGHT to be kind and polite to her, but of course you haven't thesame reason that I have. I'm her guest, and so I can't stand forany slight or unkindness to her. "

"No, of course not. And there are lots of ways that I can--"

"That you can surprise Mona, " interrupted Patty, laughing. 

Jack smiled appreciation, and to prove it went straight to Monaand asked for the favour of the final dance. Mona was greatlyelated, for handsome Jack Pennington had never asked her to dancebefore. She was not a good dancer, for she was heavy, physically, and self-conscious, mentally; but Jack was skilful, and guided herlightly across the shining floors. 

"I'll see you to-morrow at the Sayres', " he said, as the danceended. 

"Yes, " said Mona, smiling. "We're going to the garden fete. TheSayres have a house party, you know. I've always longed to have ahouse party. "

"This would be a fine place for one, " said Jack, glancing at thelarge and numerous rooms. 

"Yes, it would. Do you suppose I COULD have one?"

"Easy as pie!" declared Jack. "Why don't you?"

"Perhaps I will, after Aunt Adelaide comes. This, --this chaperonto-night is only temporary, you know. "

"Yes, I know, " said Jack, but he said no more. The discovery ofSusan was his secret with Patty, not with Mona. Then the youngpeople prepared to depart, and Patty and Mona stood either side ofMrs. Hastings to assist her, if necessary, in receiving theirgood-nights. 

Jack stood near, too, for he thought he might be of some slighthelp. 

"Good-night, Mrs. Hastings, " said Beatrice Sayre. "The girls arecoming to my garden party to-morrow, and as my mother also expectsguests, I'm sure she'd be glad if you would come. "

Susan, much bewildered at being thus addressed, looked about herhelplessly, and murmured uncertainly, "Thank you, Miss, " when Jackinterrupted by saying, "Such a pity, Bee, but Mrs. Hastings goesaway to-morrow. Another aunt of Mona's is coming to play chaperonat 'Red Chimneys. '"

"Oh, " said Beatrice, carelessly; "then this is good-bye as well asgood-night, Mrs. Hastings. I've SO enjoyed meeting you. "

These conventional phrases meant nothing on Beatrice's part, butit almost convulsed Patty to hear Susan thus addressed. However, she knew she must play the game a few moments longer, and she didso, watching the thoughtless young guests as they shook hands withthe masquerading COOK!

Jack Pennington was the last to go. "I say, " he whispered toPatty, "it's been a great success! I don't see how you ever hadthe nerve to try it, but it worked all right!" Then he went away, and Patty and Mona sank limply into chairs and shook withlaughter. Susan instantly returned to her role of servant, andstood before Patty, as if waiting for further orders. 

"You were fine, Susan, just fine, " Patty said, still giggling asshe looked at the satin clad figure. 

"I did me best, Miss Patty. I made some shlips, sure, but I thriedthat hard, ye wuddent belave!" In her earnestness, Susan lapsedinto her broadest brogue, and the girls laughed afresh to see thesilver headdress wag above Susan's nodding head. 

"You were all right, Susan, " declared Mona. "Now you can trot offhome as fast as you like, or you can stay here over night, as youprefer. "

But Susan wanted to go, as her duty was done, so, changing back toher own costume, she went away, gladdened by Mona's generousdouceur. 

"And now for bed, " said Patty, and the two girls started upstairs. But after getting into a kimono, Mona came tapping at Patty'sdoor. She found that young person in a white negligee, luxuriouslycurled up among the cushions of a wide window seat, gazing idlyout at the black ocean. 

"Patty, you're a wonder!" her hostess remarked, with conviction. "Can you ALWAYS do EVERYTHING you undertake? But I know you can. Inever saw any one like you!"

"No, " said Patty, complacently. "They don't catch 'em like me veryoften. But, I say, Mona, wasn't Susan just a peach? Though if JackPennington hadn't helped, I don't know how she would have behavedat the supper table. "

"Isn't he a nice young man, Patty?"

"Lovely. The flower of chivalry, and the glass of form, orwhatever it is. But he's a waggish youth. "

"Well, he's kind. Patty, I'm going to have a house party, and he'sgoing to help me!"

"You DON'T say! My dear Mona, you ARE blossoming out! But youhaven't asked MY permission yet. "

"Oh, I know you'll agree to anything Jack Pennington favours. "

"Sure, I will! But he seems to favour you, and I don't alwaysagree with you!"

"Well, anyway, Patty, it will be perfectly lovely, --and we'll havea gorgeous time!"

"Where do I come in? Providing cooks for chaperons?"

"Nonsense! Aunt Adelaide will come to-morrow, and she'll do thechaperon act. Now, I'll tell you about the house party. "

"Not to-night, Lady Gay. It's time for you to go beddy, and I, too, need my beauty sleep. "

"You need nothing of the sort, --you're too beautiful as it is!"

"Oh, Mona, --Monissima! DON'T say those things to me! I'm but aweak-minded simpleton, and I MIGHT think you meant them, and growconceited! Hie thee away, fair maiden, and hie pretty swiftly, too. And call me not to breakfast foods until that the sun is welltoward the zenith. "

"You needn't get up till you choose, Patty. You know you aremistress here. "

"No, you're that. I'm merely the adviser-in-chief. And what I saygoes!"

"Indeed it does! Good-night, Patty. "

"Good-night, Mona. Scoot!"

CHAPTER VI

AUNT ADELAIDE

The next morning Patty was making one of her "peregrinatingtoilettes. " She could dress as quickly as any one, if occasionrequired; but, if not, she loved to walk slowly about as shedressed, pausing now and then to look out of a window or into abook. So she dawdled through her pretty rooms, brushing her curlygolden mop, and singing softly to herself. 

"Come in, " she said, in answer to a tap at her door, and Monaburst in, in a wild state of excitement. 

"Aunt Adelaide has arrived!" she exclaimed. 

"Well, that isn't a national calamity, is it?" returned Patty. "Why this look of dismay?"

"Wait till you see her! SHE'S a National Calamity!"

"Well, then, we must get Susan back again! But what's wrong withyour noble aunt?"

"Oh, Patty, she's so queer! I haven't seen her for some years, butshe's not a bit as I remembered her. "

"Oh, don't take it too seriously. Perhaps we can make her over tosuit ourselves. Did you expect her so early?"

"No; but she said she came early to avoid the midday heat. It'salmost eleven. Do finish dressing, Patty, and come down to seeher. "

"Hasten me not, my child. Aunt Adelaide will keep, and I'm not inrapid mood this morning. "

"Oh, bother; come on down as you are, then. That negligee thing isall right. "

"No; Aunt Adelaide might think me a careless young person. I shallget into a tidy frock, and appear before her properly. "

"Well, go on and do it, then. I'll wait for you. " Mona sat down towait, and Patty dropped into a chair before her dressing-table, and soon twisted up her curls into presentable shape. 

"I declare, Patty, " Mona said, "the quicker you twist up thatyellow mop of yours, the more it looks like a coiffure in afashion paper. "

"And, as a rule, THEY look like the dickens. But describe thevisitor to me, Mona. "

"No; I'll let you get an unbiased first impression. Here's Janet, now DO get dressed. "

Except on occasions of haste, or elaborate toilette, Pattypreferred to dress herself, but she submitted to Janet'sministrations, and in a few minutes was hooked into a freshmorning dress of blue and white mull. 

"On, Stanley, on!" she cried, catching Mona's hand, and dancingout into the hall. "Where is the Calamity?"

"Hush, she'll hear you! Her rooms are just over here. She told meto bring you. "

As Patty afterward confided to Mona, she felt, when introduced toMrs. Parsons, as if she were making the acquaintance of a ghost. 

The little lady was so thin, so pale, and so generally ethereallooking, that it seemed as if a strong puff of wind would blow heraway. 

Her face was very white, her large eyes a pale blue, and her hairthat ashen tint which comes when light hair turns grey. The handshe languidly held out to Patty was transparent, and so thin andlimp that it felt like a glove full of small bones. Her voice wasquite in keeping with her general air of fragility. It was high, thin and piping, and she spoke as if every word were a tax on herstrength. 

"How do you do, my dear?" she said, with a wan little smile atPatty. "How pretty you are! I used to be pretty, too; at least, sothey told me. " She gave a trilling little laugh, and Patty said, heartily, "I'm sure they were right; I approve their opinion. "

This pleased Mrs. Parsons mightily, and she leaned back among herchair cushions with a satisfied air. 

Patty felt a distinct liking for the little lady, but she wonderedhow she expected to perform a chaperon's duties for two vigorous, healthy young girls, much inclined to gaieties. 

"I am not ill, " Mrs. Parsons said, almost, it seemed, in answer toPatty's unspoken thought. "I am not very strong, and I can't standhot weather. But I am really well, --though of a delicateconstitution. "

"Perhaps the sea air will make you stronger after a time, "suggested Patty. 

"Oh, I hope so; I hope so. But I fear not. However, I am trying anew treatment, combined with certain medicines, which I am surewill help my failing health. They tell me I am always trying newremedies. But, you see, the advertisements recommend them sohighly that I feel sure they will cure me. And, then, they usuallymake me worse. "

The little lady said this so pathetically that Patty felt sorryfor her. 

"But you have a doctor's advice, don't you?" she asked. 

"No; I've no faith in doctors. One never knows what they put intheir old prescriptions. Now when I buy one of these advertisedmedicines, they send me a lot of little books or circulars tellingme all about it. This last treatment of mine sends more readingmatter, I think, than any of the others, and their pamphlets areSO encouraging. "

"But, Aunt Adelaide, " broke in Mona, "if you're somewhat of aninvalid, how did you come to promise father that you'd look afterus girls this summer?"

"I'm not an invalid, my dear. I'm sure a few more weeks, orperhaps less, of this cure I am trying now will make me a strong, hearty woman. "

Patty looked at the weak little creature, and concluded that ifany medicine could make her strong and hearty, it must indeed be acure-all. 

"May I call you Aunt Adelaide, too?" she said, gently, for shewanted to be on the pleasantest possible terms with Mrs. Parsons, and hoped to be able to help her in some way. 

"Yes, yes, my dear. I seem to take to you at once. I look upon youand Mona both as my nieces and my loved charges. I had a littledaughter once, but she died in infancy. Had she lived, I think shewould have looked like you. You are very pretty, my dear. "

"You mustn't tell me so, Aunt Adelaide, " said Patty, smiling ather. "It isn't good chaperonage to make your girls vain. "

"Mona is pretty, too, " went on Mrs. Parsons, unheeding Patty'swords. "But of a different type. She hasn't your air ofrefinement, --of class. "

"Oh, don't discuss us before each other, " laughed Mona, good-naturedly. "And I'm jealous and envious enough of Patty already, without having those traits fostered. "

"Yes, " went on Aunt Adelaide, reminiscently, "my little girl hadblue eyes and golden hair, --they said she looked like me. She wasvery pretty. Her father was a plain-looking man. Good as gold, Henry was, but plain looking. Not to say homely, --but just plain. "

A faraway look came in the speaker's eyes, and she rambled on andon about her lost husband and daughter, until Patty looked at Monaquestioningly. 

"Yes, yes, Aunt Adelaide, " Mona said, speaking briskly; "but now, don't you want to change your travelling gown for somethinglighter? And then will you lie down for a while, or come with usdown to the west veranda? It is always cool there in the morning. "

"No, I don't want to lie down. I'll join you girls very shortly. Isuppose you have a maid for me, Mona? I shall need one for myexclusive service. "

"Oh, yes, Auntie; you may have Lisette. "

"Not if she's French. I can't abide a French maid. "

"Well, she is, --partly. Then I'll give you Mary. She's a goodAmerican. "

"Americans have no taste. Is there a Norwegian girl on the place?I had a Norwegian maid once, and she--"

"No, there isn't, " said Mona, deeming it wise to cut short anotherstring of reminiscences. "You try Mary, and if you don't like her, we'll see what we can do. "

"Well--send her to me--and we'll see. "

Mona rang for Mary, and then the two girls went down to thepleasant and cool veranda. 

"It's lucky you have such shoals of servants, " said Patty. "At ourhouse, we couldn't give a guest a choice of nationalities. "

"Oh, Patty, isn't she a terror?"

"Who, Mary?"

"No! Aunt Adelaide! It gives me the creeps to look at her. She'sso slight and fragile, I expect to see her go to pieces like asoap bubble. "

"She IS like a soap bubble, isn't she! But, Mona, you mustn't talkabout her like that. I feel sorry for her, she looks so ill andweak. I think we ought to do all we can to cheer her up, and torestore her health and strength. I'm sure she's refined and daintyin her way. "

"Yes, she's all of that. But I don't see how she can do thechaperon act. "

"Oh, well, there isn't much to do. It's only the idea of having amatronly lady here to observe the proprieties. "

"But I don't believe she can do that. I think she'll take to herbed soon. She ought to go to a good sanitarium. "

"Nonsense, Mona, she isn't as ill as all that! Can't you seethrough her? She's the sort of lady who likes to fancy she's ill, and likes to try all sorts of quack medicines. "

"Well, you can look after her, Patty; you seem to understand herso well. "

"All right, I will. Hush, here she comes. "

Mrs. Parsons came slowly out to the veranda. She was followed byMary, carrying a fan, a light wrap, a book, a thermometer, and aglass of lemonade. 

"Sit here, won't you, Aunt Adelaide?" said Mona, politely offeringa comfortable wicker chair. 

"I'll try this, my dear, but I fear it's too low for me. Can youget another cushion or two?"

Mona went for more cushions, and then Aunt Adelaide had to havethe chair moved, for fear of a possible draught, --though therewasn't a breath of wind stirring. Then a table must be movednearer for the book and the lemonade, and the thermometer placedwhere it would get neither sun nor wind. 

"I ALWAYS keep a thermometer near me, " she explained, "and Ialways bring my own, for otherwise I can't feel sure they areaccurate. "

Mrs. Parsons wore a dress of light grey lawn. Though cool looking, it was unbecoming, for it had no touch of black or white torelieve its monotony, and on the colourless lady it had a verydull effect. But, though languid, Aunt Adelaide was quite able togive orders for what she wanted. She sent Mary for another book, and for more sugar for her lemonade. Then she fidgeted because astray sunbeam came too near her. 

"Mary, " she said, petulantly. "Oh, I sent Mary away, didn't I? Howlong she's gone! Mona, can't you find a screen somewhere to shadethat sun a little?"

"There are screens to roll down from the veranda roof, AuntAdelaide; but it is so shady here, and they cut off the breeze so. However, if you want them down---"

"I certainly do, " said the lady, and as Mary returned then, shelowered the rattan blinds. 

But they were no sooner down than Aunt Adelaide wanted them upagain, and when at last she became settled in comfort, she askedMona to read aloud to her. 

"Please excuse me, " said Mona, who was thoroughly annoyed at thefussing and fidgeting ways of her aunt, "I am a very poor reader. "

"I can read fairly well, " said Patty, good-naturedly. "Let metry. "

She picked up Mrs. Parson's book, secretly amused to find that itstitle was "The Higher Health, " and she began to read as well asshe could, and Patty really read very well. 

"Don't go so fast, " commanded her hearer; "valuable informationlike this must be read slowly, with intervals for thought. " Butwhen Patty provided pauses for thought, Aunt Adelaide said, petulantly, "Go on, do; what are you waiting for?"

At last, Patty purposely let her voice grow monotonous and low, and then, as she had hoped, Aunt Adelaide dropped into a doze. 

Seeing that she was really asleep, Patty beckoned to Mona, and thetwo girls slipped away, leaving Mary in charge. 

"Oh, Patty!" cried Mona, as soon as they were out of hearing. "Isn't it awful! How CAN we stand having such a horrid old fusseraround?"

"Whoopee! Mona! moderate your language! Mrs. Parsons isn't so veryold, and she isn't horrid. If she's a fusser, that's just her way, and we must politely submit to it. "

"Submit, nothing! If you think, Patty Fairfield, that I'm going tobe taken care of by that worry-cat, you're greatly mistaken!"

"Stop, Mona! I won't let you call her such names; it isn't nice!"

"She isn't nice, either!"

"She's your aunt, and your guest; and you must treat her withproper respect. She isn't an old lady; I don't believe she'sfifty. And she IS ill, and that makes her querulous. " "Well, doyou want to wait on her, and read to her, and put up with herfussiness all summer?"

"It doesn't matter whether we want to or not. We have to do it. Your father sent for her, and she's here. You can't send heraway. "

"I suppose that's so. But, oh, Patty, how I do dislike her! She'schanged so. When I saw her some years ago, she was sweet andgentle, but not so fidgety and self-centred. "

"You were so young then, Mona. You probably thought little abouther character. And, too, her ill health has come, and that hasundoubtedly ruffled her disposition. "

"Well, she'll ruffle mine, if she stays here long. "

"Of course she'll stay here, and we must make the best of it. Perhaps we can train her to be a little less exacting. And then, too, you can arrange to have the servants wait on her. You needn'tdo it yourself, always. "

"Patty, you're a great comfort. If anybody can train that woman, you can. So please try, for as you say, she'll have to stay, Isuppose, until father comes home. Just think, she's father's ownsister! But she isn't a bit like him. Dad isn't fussy at all. "

"No, your father is of a lovely disposition. And so kind andindulgent to you, Mona. "

"Yes; Dad is a darling. But we don't seem to get into the bestsociety, as he expected, when he built this big house. I wonderwhy. "

"Don't bother about that now, " said Patty, who was going to talkto Mona some time on that very subject, but was not ready yet. "Now, as to Aunt Adelaide, for I may as well call her that sinceshe wishes it. I think, Mona, the only way to manage her is to bealways kind and sweet to her, but not to let her impose upon us. Ican see she is rather exacting, and if we always give in to herwhims, she will always expect it. So let's start out, as we meanto continue. I'll read to her occasionally, but I can't always beat her beck and call. Perhaps Janet can do it. "

"Yes, Janet is a good reader. But, of course, Aunt Adelaide wouldfind fault with her reading, as she did with yours. "

"Yes, I expect that's her nature. But she'll be easy enough to getalong with, if we all play fair. We'll have to give and take. Anddon't judge her by this morning. She was tired and worn, and, asyet, unused to her new surroundings. She'll feel more at home to-morrow. "

"She can't ACT more at home! Well, I'll give her a trial, Patty, but I warn you, if she DOESN'T get placider, I'll suit myself withanother chaperon, that's what I'll do!"

The girls did not see their visitor again until luncheon time, andthen it was the same situation repeated. But few of the viandsserved at table were acceptable to Aunt Adelaide. She provided thebutler with certain "health foods" of her own, and gave himelaborate instructions for preparing them, and then found muchfault with the results of his labours. Patty had to laugh whenMrs. Parsons tasted, critically, a dish the butler anxiouslyoffered. 

"You've cooked it too much!" she exclaimed; "or, no, --you've notcooked it enough! I can scarcely tell WHICH it is, --but it isn'tRIGHT!"

"I'm sorry, ma'am, " said the surprised James. "Shall I cookanother portion?"

"No, " said Mrs. Parsons, resignedly. "I'll make out with this, though it is very distasteful. "

As she had really eaten a hearty luncheon, Mona said only, "I amsorry, Aunt Adelaide; but perhaps you will enjoy the ice cream. "At which she brightened perceptibly, saying:

"Yes, ice cream is my favourite dessert, and I hope, Mona, youwill have it often. "

After luncheon the visitor departed for her own rooms, saying, "Ihope, my dears, you will excuse me now. I always take a nap atthis hour, and as it is so warm I will not reappear until aboutdinner time. "

"Very well, Aunt Adelaide, " said Mona, greatly pleased at theplan. "Ring for Mary when you want her. Patty and I are going outthis afternoon, so we'll all meet at dinner time. "

"Yes, my dear. And will you please order iced tea sent to me atfour o'clock, and have the house kept as quiet as possible duringmy nap hour?"

CHAPTER VII

A GARDEN PARTY

During the afternoon, an ocean breeze had the politeness to arriveon the scene, and it was pleasantly cool when the girls startedfor the garden party. 

"Let's walk, " said Patty, when Mona proposed the motor-car. "It'snot far, and its lovely and cool now. "

So the two girls strolled along the boardwalk, and then turnedinland toward the Sayres' place. 

Patty wore a white, lacy, frilly frock, with touches of paleyellow ribbon here and there. Her hat was of the broad-leafed, flapping variety, circled with a wreath of yellow flowers. Pattycould wear any colour, and the dainty, cool-looking costume wasvery becoming. 

Mona looked very well in light green chiffon, but she hadn'tPatty's liking for simplicity of detail, and her heavy satin sashand profusion of jingling ornaments detracted from the airiness ofher light gown. Her hat was of triangular shape, with a greencockade, and perched jauntily on her befrizzed hair, gave her asomewhat stunning effect. 

"You'd look a lot better, Mona, " said Patty, straightforwardly, "if you didn't curl your hair so tightly. "

"That's all very well for you to say, " returned Mona, a littlepettishly, "for your hair is naturally curly, and you don't haveto use hot tongs. "

"Some day I'll show you how to wave it more loosely; it'll beprettier than those kinky frizzes. "

"Well, these won't last long. The curl comes out of my hair assoon as it's in. And it leaves straight wisps sticking out allover. "

"That's just it. To-morrow I'll show you a wiser and a better planof curling it. "

"I wish you would, Patty. There are lots of things I want you toadvise me about, if you will. "

This showed an unusually docile spirit in Mona, and Patty began tothink that she might help the girl in many ways during their staytogether. 

They turned in at the Sayres' beautiful home, and found thegrounds gaily decked for the garden party. Bunting and banners ofvarious nations were streaming here and there. Huge Japaneseumbrellas shaded rustic settees, and gay little tents dotted thelawn. 

The girls went to the veranda, where Mrs. Sayre and her twodaughters were receiving their guests. There they were introducedto several out-of-town visitors who were staying with the Sayres. 

Captain Sayre, in a most impressive looking white uniform, askedPatty to walk round the grounds with him. 

"For, " said he, as they strolled away, "there's nothing to do at agarden party BUT walk round the grounds, is there?"

"Indeed there is!" cried Patty. "There's lots to do. There'stennis and croquet and quoits and other games I see already. "

"Too hot for such things, " declared the captain. 

"Then, these tents all about, have interesting inhabitants. There's a fortune teller in one, I know. "

"Fortune tellers are never interesting. They just make up a lot ofstuff with no sense to it. "

"But lots of things with no sense to them are interesting, "laughed Patty. "I begin to think, Captain Sayre, that you'reblase. I never met any one before who was really blase. Do tell mehow it feels. "

"Nonsense, child, you're poking fun at me. I'm not blase at all. "

Captain Sayre was not more than five or six years older thanPatty, but he had the air of a man of the world, while Patty'sgreatest charm was her simple, unsophisticated manner. 

"I wish you were, " she said, a little regretfully; "all the boys Iknow are nice, enthusiastic young people, like myself, and I'dlike some one to be different, just for a change. "

"Well, I can't. I assure you, I'm both nice and enthusiastic, ifnot so awfully young. "

Patty smiled up at him. "Prove it, " she said, gaily. 

"All right, I'll prove it by poking an inquisitive nose into everytent on the place. Come on. "

They went the rounds of the gay little festival, and so vivaciousand entertaining did the captain prove, that Patty confessedfrankly that she had misjudged him. 

"You're NOT blase, " she declared. "I never saw any one less so. Ifyou fight with as much energy as you enjoy yourself you must be afine soldier indeed!"

"Oh, I am!" returned the captain, laughing. "I'm one of UncleSam's noblest heroes! He hasn't realised it yet, because I've nothad a real good chance to prove it, but I shall, some day. "

"Perhaps you could show other people, without waiting for UncleSam's turn. "

A slight earnestness in Patty's tone made Captain Sayre look ather quickly. 

"I'll show you now, " he said. "Give me chance for a brave, heroicdeed, and watch me hit it off!"

"I will!" said Patty, with twinkling eyes. "But it's SecretService. I mean Sealed Orders. I'll lead you to it, but you may'hit it off' without realising it. "

"Lead on, fair lady! From now, you are my superior officer. "

But Patty turned the subject then, and the pair went gaily on, stopping often to chat with groups of young people, or to admiresome decorations. 

At last, Patty adroitly managed that they should pause near Mona, who stood talking with Lora Sayre and Jack Pennington. Patty'squick eyes saw that Mona was ill at ease, and that the others wereincluding her in their conversation merely through a perfunctorypoliteness. 

Patty, with her captain in tow, went up to the trio, and alljoined in merry chatter. Then soon, with a gay, challenging glanceat him, Patty said:

"Now Captain Sayre, you have the opportunity you wanted, to askMiss Galbraith to go with you to the fortune teller's tent. "

For a brief instant the young man looked dumfounded, butimmediately recovering himself, he turned to Mona and said, gracefully:

"Miss Fairfield has told you of the secret hope I cherish; willyou grant it, Miss Galbraith?"

Mona, flattered, and a little flustered at this attention, consented, and the two walked away together. 

Jack Pennington gave Patty an understanding glance, but Lora Sayresaid, "How funny for Edgar to do that!" Then realising theimpolite implication, she added, "He's so infatuated with you, Patty. I'm surprised to see him leave you. "

"Soldier men are very fickle, " said Patty, assuming a mock woe-begone expression; "but your cousin is a most interesting man, Lora. "

"Yes, indeed; Edgar is splendid. He has lived in the Philippinesand other queer places, and he tells such funny stories. He ismost entertaining. But I see mother beckoning to me; I must go andsee what she wants. "

Lora ran away, and Jack Pennington remained with Patty. 

"You're a brick!" he exclaimed; "to dispose of that marvellousmilitary model, just so you could play with me!"

"That wasn't my only motive, " said Patty, gazing after the captainand Mona--as they stood at the door of the fortune teller's tent. "He is such a charming man, I wanted to share him with my friend. "

"H'm--you say that to tease me, I suppose. But I remember, beforehe arrived on the scene, you thought ME such a charming man thatyou wanted to share ME with your friend. "

"Oh, yes, " agreed Patty, lightly, "and you promised that you'd BEshared. So don't forget it!"

"As if I'd EVER forget anything YOU say to me! By the way, Monasays she's going to have a house party. What do you s'pose it'llbe like?"

"I s'pose it'll be lovely. She hasn't talked to me about it yet, for we really haven't had time. The new chaperon came to-day. "

"Is she a veritable Dragon? Won't she let you girls do anything?"

Patty laughed. "I don't think DRAGON exactly describes her. Andshe hasn't denied us anything as yet. But then, she only came thismorning. "

"I shall call soon, and make friends with her. I'm always liked bychaperons. "

"Yes, Mrs. Hastings, for example, " said Patty, laughing at therecollection of the night before. 

"Oh, all chaperons look alike to me, " said Jack. "Now, let's goover and hear the band play. "

Across the garden, a fine orchestra was making music, and Pattyhummed in tune, as they strolled over the lawns. As they neared agroup of young people who were eagerly chatting, Guy Martin calledout, "Come on, you two, you're just the ones we want. "

"WHAT for?" queried Jack. 

"To help plan the Pageant. You'll be in it, won't you, Patty? It'sfor charity, you know. "

"I can't promise until I know more about it. What would I have todo?"

"Oh, you have to be part of a float. Stand on a high, wabblypedestal, you know, and wave your arms about like a classic marblefigure. "

"But I never saw a classic marble figure wave her arms about, "objected Patty; "indeed, the most classic ones don't have arms towave. Look at the Milo Venus. "

"I can't look at her, she isn't here. But I look at you, and I seeyou're just the one for 'The Spirit of the Sea. ' Isn't she, Lora?"

But Lora Sayre had set her heart on that part for herself, so shesaid, in a half-absent way, "Yes, I think so. "

"You THINK so!" put in Jack Pennington. "I KNOW so! Patty wouldmake a perfect 'Spirit of the Sea. ' I vote for her!"

"I'm not a candidate, " said Patty, who had divined Lora's wish. "Iwon't agree to take any special part until I know more about thewhole thing. "

"Well, you'll soon know all about it, " went on Guy. "We're goingto have a meeting soon to arrange for the parts, and planeverything. "

"Have that meeting at our house, won't you?" asked Patty, suddenly. "I mean at 'Red Chimneys. ' Won't you all meet there?"

"Why, yes, " said Guy. "We'll be very glad to. I tell you, there'slots to be done. "

Patty had made her suggestion because she knew that if thecommittee met at "Red Chimneys, " they couldn't help giving Mona agood part in the Pageant, and if not, she couldn't feel sure whatmight happen. 

But Lora didn't look satisfied. "I thought you'd meet here, " shesaid, "because mother is chairman of the Float Committee. "

"I know, " returned Guy, "but, for that very reason, she'll have tohave a lot of other meetings here. And as I'm supposed to lookafter the Sea Float, I thought it a kindness to your mother tohave our meetings elsewhere. "

"Oh, I don't care, " said Lora, "have them where you like. "

Lora turned to speak to some people passing, and then walked awaywith them. 

"Now SHE'S mad!" commented Jack. "That's the beautiful part ofgetting up a show; all the girls get mad, one after another. "

"_I_'M going to get mad!" announced Patty, deliberately. 

"You are!" exclaimed Lena Lockwood, in amazement. "I didn't knowyou COULD get mad!"

"Patty gets about as mad as a small Angora kitten, " said Jack. 

"Yes, " agreed Patty, "and I can tell you, kittens, like cats, getawful mad, if they want to. Now I'm going to get mad, if youpeople don't tell me all about this show, NOW! I don't want towait for meetings and things. "

"I'll tell you now, " said Guy, speaking very fast. "It's to be aPageant, a great and glittering Pageant, made up of floats withtableaux on 'em, and bands of music playing, and bannersstreaming, and coloured fire firing, all over Spring Beach. "

"That tells some, but not all, " said Patty. "You tell me more, Lena. "

"Well, the Floats will represent the Sea and different rivers andall sorts of things like that. And they are all under differentcommittees, and every chairman has to look after her own people. "

"And whose people are we?" demanded Patty. 

"Mrs. Sayre has the general committee of floats under her charge. "

"But the Sea Float is my especial care, Patty, " broke in GuyMartin, "and I want you to promise to be Spirit of the Sea. Won'tyou?"

"Not to-day, thank you. I have to think these matters over slowly. What do you want Mona Galbraith to be?"

A silence was the response to this question, and then Guy said:

"I hadn't put her name down yet, but I daresay she'll be asked totake some part. "

"I daresay she WILL, " returned Patty, "and a GOOD part, too! Whycan't she be Spirit of the Sea?"

"Nonsense, that part requires a sylph-like girl, such as--such asyou or Lora. Mona Galbraith is too heavy for any self-respectingspirit. "

"Well, never mind, " said Patty, "there must be plenty of othergood parts that require more substantial specimens of humanity. Arrange your meetings at our house, Guy, and we'll fix it all upthen. "

They changed the subject then, for Mona and Captain Sayre camewalking toward them. 

"Get good fortunes?" asked Jack. 

"Very much so, " returned the captain. "Miss Galbraith is to becomea Duchess later on, and I am to achieve the rank of a Rear-Admiral. What more could we ask?"

"Nothing!" exclaimed Patty. "You'll make a gorgeous Duchess, Mona. I can see you now, prancing around with a jewelled coronet on yournoble brow. "

"Can't you see me, " said Captain Sayre, "prancing around inAdmiral's regalia?"

"But I've never seen you prance at all. I supposed you were toodignified. "

"You did! Well, you never were more mistaken in your life. Watchme, now. " The orchestra was playing in lively time, and CaptainSayre began to do a lively dance, which was something between aSailor's Hornpipe and a Double Shuffle. 

He danced wonderfully well, and as Patty looked at him the spiritof the music inspired her, and throwing off her hat, she prettilycaught up the sides of her frilled skirt, and danced, facing him. He smiled at her, changed his step to a more graceful fancy dance, and they danced an impromptu duet. 

Others gathered about to watch the pretty sight, and Patty soondiscovered that, though she was an accomplished dancer, thecaptain was far more familiar with the latest styles and steps. But he suited his mood to hers, and they advanced, retreated, andbowed, almost as if they had practised together for the purpose. Loud applause greeted them as the band ceased playing, and theywere urged to repeat the dance. 

"No, " said Captain Sayre, laughing; "you forget it is a summer'sday, and that sort of prancing is better suited to a winterevening. I'm going to take Miss Fairfield away to the lemonadetent, before she faints from utter exhaustion. "

"I'm not tired, " protested Patty, but her cheeks were pink fromthe exercise, and she went gladly for the refreshing lemonade. 

"You're a wonderful dancer, " said Captain Sayre. "Who taught you?"

Patty mentioned the name of the teacher she had had in New York. "But, " she said, "I haven't had any lessons of late, and I don'tknow the new fancy dances. "

"Some of them are beautiful; you really ought to know them. Mayn'tI call on you, and teach you a few new steps?"

"I'd love to have you do so. I'm staying with Miss Galbraith, youknow. But you're not here for long, are you?"

"I'll be here about a week, and I may return later for a shorttime. At any rate we can have a few dances. I never saw any one soquick to catch the spirit of the music. You love dancing, don'tyou?"

"Yes, I do. But I love it more in cooler weather. "

"Oh, this hot spell won't last long. And it's so cool mornings. Suppose I run over to see you to-morrow morning. May I?"

"Do, " said Patty, cordially. "Mona and I will be glad to haveyou. "

"But I'm coming to see YOU" said the captain, a little pointedly. 

"You're coming to see us both, " said Patty, very decidedly. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE HOUSE PARTY ARRIVES

"Red Chimneys" was in a turmoil. The house party had been invited, and the house party had accepted their invitations, and all wouldhave been well had it not been for Aunt Adelaide. Somehow or othershe managed to upset every plan, throw cold water on everypleasure, and acted as a general wet blanket on all the doings ofPatty and Mona. 

She was not an over strict chaperon; indeed, she was more thanready to let the girls do whatever they chose; but she dictatedthe way it should be done and continually put forth not onlysuggestions but commands directly opposed to the wishes of theyoung people. 

Often these dictates concerned the merest details. If the girlshad a merry luncheon party invited, that was the very day AuntAdelaide chose for a special rest-cure treatment, and demandedthat the whole house be kept quiet as a church. On the other hand, if the girls were going off for the day, that was the occasionAunt Adelaide felt lonesome, and declared herself cruellyneglected to be left at home alone. 

But it was Mona's nature to submit to the inevitable, --though notalways gracefully. And it was Patty's nature to smooth away roughplaces by her never-failing tact and good nature. The greatesttrouble was with the servants. Those who came in contact with thenervous, fussy lady were harassed beyond endurance by herquerulous and contradictory orders. The cook declared herselfunable to prepare Mrs. Parson's "messes" acceptably, andthreatened every other day to leave. But Patty's coaxingpersuasions, and Mona's promise of increased wages induced her toremain. 

Remonstrance with Aunt Adelaide did no good at all. She assumed anair of injured innocence, asserted her entire indifference to thedetails of Mona's housekeeping, --and then, proceeded to interferejust the same. 

As far as possible, the girls had arranged the house party withoutconsulting her; but, even so, she continually offered her adviceand obtruded her opinions until Mona lost patience. 

"Aunt Adelaide, " she said, when Mrs. Parsons insisted that Pattyshould give up the suite of rooms she occupied to some of thearriving guests, "when Patty came to me I gave her the best rooms, and she's going to stay in them. I know Mrs. Kenerley is bringingher baby and nurse, and that's why I gave her rooms on the thirdfloor, that the baby might not disturb any one. "

"It's too high up for the dear child, " argued Aunt Adelaide. "I'dlike to have her nearer me. "

"You wouldn't, if she's in the habit of crying all night, " saidPatty. "I'm quite willing to give up my pretty rooms, but Monawon't let me, and I never quarrel with my hostess' decisions. "

"Meaning, I suppose, that I do, " said Aunt Adelaide, querulously. "Of course, you girls know more than I do. I'm only a poor, old, set aside nobody. I couldn't expect to be listened to, even when Iadvise you for your own good. "

Patty well knew that any response to this sort of talk wasuseless, so she said, lightly, "We want you mostly for ornament, Aunt Adelaide. If you'll put on one of your prettiest dresses, andsome of that lovely old lace of yours, and your amethystjewellery, and be on hand to welcome our guests this afternoon, Mona and I will relieve you of all bother about householdarrangements. "

This mollified Mrs. Parsons somewhat, for she dearly loved to"dress up" and receive company, so she went away to select hercostume. 

Patty had been at "Red Chimneys" little more than a week, butalready the influence of her taste could be seen in the household. Some of the more gaudy and heavy ornaments, which had beenprovided by a professional decorator, had been removed, and theirplaces filled by palms, or large plain bowls of fresh flowers. 

The cook's extravagant ideas were curbed, and the meals were nowless heavily elaborate, and the viands more delicate and carefullychosen. The service was simpler, and the whole household had lostmuch of its atmosphere of vulgar ostentation. Mona, too, wasimproved. Her frocks were more dainty and becoming, and Patty hadpersuaded her to wear less jewellery and ornamentation. Patty hadalso taught her to wave her hair in pretty, loose curls that werefar more effective than the tight frizzes she had worn. The plansfor the house party were complete, and, to the girls, entirelysatisfactory. 

Adele Kenerley had been a school friend of Mona's, and was comingwith her husband and baby girl. Daisy Dow, another of Mona'sschoolmates, was coming from Chicago, and Roger Farrington and twoother young men would complete the party, which had been invitedfor a week. 

Patty had not accomplished all her wishes, without somedifficulties. Several times Mona had balked at Patty's decrees, and had insisted on following her own inclinations. But by tactfulpersuasion Patty had usually won out, and in all important mattershad carried the day. It was, therefore, with honest pride andsatisfaction that she looked over the house just before thearrival of the guests. 

She had herself superintended the arrangement of the beautifulflowers for which the Galbraiths' garden was famous, and she had, in a moment of victory, persuaded Mona to put the men servantsinto white duck instead of their ornate, gilt-braided livery, andthe maids into white linen uniforms. 

"In this weather, " she said, "let's make our keynote 'coolness, 'and your guests will have a better time than if we overpower themwith your winter splendour. "

Mona began to see that coolness and splendour were rarelycompatible, but she was also beginning to see things as Patty sawthem, so she agreed. The girls had not dared to advise AuntAdelaide as to costume, for just so sure as they advisedsomething, that contradictory lady would be sure to insist onsomething else. 

"But I think I'd better coax her to wear that purple satin, " saidMona, "for if I don't, she'll surely put it on, and if I do, shewon't!"

"Wait and see, " said Patty. "I took pains to hang her lavendercrepe de chine right in the front of her wardrobe, and I hopeshe'll let her eagle eye light on that, and seek no further!"

"Patty, you're a born conspirator. I hope you'll marry a foreigndiplomat, and help him manage his international intrigues. "

"Oh, I could manage the intrigues and the diplomat both, Iexpect. "

"I'm sure you could! Now, let's fly and get dressed. The Kenerleyswill come soon and I'm crazy to see Adele's darling baby. "

Soon after, the girls going downstairs in their fresh, lightsummer frocks, were much pleased to see that Patty's ruse hadsucceeded. Aunt Adelaide was gracefully posed in a veranda chair, wearing the lavender gown, a collar of fine old lace, and heramethyst necklace. She looked gentle and charming, and seemed inhigh good humour. 

"I hope you like this gown, " she said. "I hesitated a long time, but finally chose it because it matched my necklace. "

"It's lovely, " said Patty, enthusiastically; "and it suits youawfully well. Look, Mona, there they come!"

Another moment, and a rosy-cheeked young matron flew into Mona'sarms and greeted her after the most approved manner of reunitedschool friends. 

"You dearest old thing!" she cried. "You haven't changed a bit, except to grow better looking! And, Mona, here's my husband, --Jim, his name is, --but HERE'S the baby!"

A nurse stepped forward, bringing a mite of humanity, who waslaughing and waving her little fat arms, as if delighted to be ofthe party. 

"What an angel of a baby!" cried Mona, taking the smiling infantin her arms. "And a solid angel too, " she added, as the childproved more substantial than she had appeared. 

"Yes; she's nearly two years old, and she weighs exactly right, according to the best schedules. She's a perfect schedule baby inevery way. "

Then the small piece of perfection was handed over to what wasprobably a schedule nurse, and general introductions followed. 

Patty liked the Kenerleys at once. They were breezy and pleasantmannered, and had an affable way of making themselves at home. 

"Mona, " said Mr. Kenerley, --"I shall have to call you that, for Idoubt if my wife has ever even mentioned your last name to me, andif she has, I have forgotten it, --Mona, how long does one have tobe a guest at 'Red Chimneys' before he is allowed to go for a dipin that tempting looking ocean I perceive hard by?"

"Oh, only about ten minutes, " said Mona, laughing at hisimpatience. "Do you want to go now, alone, or will you wait untillater? Some men are coming soon who would probably join you for aswim. I expect Bill Farnsworth. "

"DO you! Dear old Bill! I haven't seen him for years. But he's sobig, he'd take up all the surf, --I think I'll go on by myself. AndI know you girls have lots of gossip to talk over--so, I'll seeyou later. "

Jim Kenerley set off for the Galbraith bathing pavilion, easilydiscernible by its ornate red chimneys, and Mona turned to have agood old-fashioned chat with Adele. 

"Why, where is she?" she exclaimed, and Aunt Adelaide petulantlyexplained that Patty and Adele had gone to look after the baby. "Pretty poor manners, I call it, to leave me here all alone. Itnever occurred to them that I'd like to see the baby, too!"

"Never mind, Aunt Adelaide, you'll have lots of time to see thatbaby. And, of course, Adele wants to go to her rooms and getthings arranged. You and I will wait here for the next arrivals. Laurence Cromer is due about now. He's an artist, you know, andhe'll think you're a picture in that exquisite gown. " Muchmollified at these remarks, Aunt Adelaide rearranged herdraperies, called for another cushion, had a screen lowered, andsat slowly waving a small fan, in expectance of the artist'sadmiration. And perhaps the artist might have given an admiringglance to the picturesque lady in lavender had it not happenedthat just as he came up the veranda steps Patty appeared in thedoorway. Her pink cheeks were a little flushed from a romp withthe baby, a few stray curls had been pulled from their ribbon bybaby's chubby hands, and the laughing face was so fair and winsomethat Laurence Cromer stood stock-still and gazed at her. Then Monaintercepted his vision, but after the necessary introductions andgreetings, the young artist's eyes kept wandering toward Patty, asif drawn by a magnet. 

Young Cromer was a clever artist, though not, as yet, exceedinglyrenowned. He advertised his calling, however, in his costume andappearance. He wore white flannels, but he affected a low rollingcollar and a soft silk tie. His hair was just a trifle longer thanconvention called for, and his well-cut features were marred by adrooping, faraway expression which, he fondly hoped, denotedsoulfulness. 

Patty laughed gaily at him. 

"Don't stare at me, Mr. Cromer, " she said, saucily. "Baby Maypulled my hair down, but I have the grace to be ashamed of myuntidiness. "

"It's exquisite, " said Cromer, looking at her admiringly; "a sweetdisorder in the dress. "

"Oh, I know that lady you quote! She always had her shoestringsuntied and her hat on crooked!"

Cromer looked amazed, as if a saint had been guilty of heresy, andPatty laughed afresh at his astonished look. 

"If you want to see sweet disorder in dress, here's your chance, "cried Mona. "Here comes Daisy Dow, and she's one who never has herhat on straight, by any chance!"

Sure enough, as a big car whizzed up under the porte-cochere, agirl jumped out, with veils flying, coat flapping, and gloves, bag, and handkerchief dropping, as she ran up the steps. 

"Here I am, Mona!" she cried, and her words were unmistakablytrue. 

Daisy Dow was from Chicago, and she looked as if she had blown allthe way from there to Spring Beach. She was, or had been, prettilydressed, but, as Mona had predicted, her hat was awry, her collaraskew, and her shoelace untied. 

The poetical idea of "a sweet disorder in the dress" was a bitoverdone in Daisy's case, but her merry, breezy laugh, and herwhole-souled joy at seeing Mona again rather corresponded with herdisarranged finery. 

"I'm all coming to pieces, " she said, apologetically, as she wasintroduced to the others. "But we flew along so fast, it's awonder there's anything left of me. Can't I go and tidy up, Mona?"

"Yes, indeed. Come along with me, Daisy. They're all here now, Patty, except Bill and Roger. You can look after them. "

"All right, I will. I don't know Mr. Bill, but that won't matter. I know Roger, and of course the other one will be the gentleBill. "

"'Gentle' is good!" laughed Mona. "Little Billy is about six feeteight and weighs a ton. "

"That doesn't frighten me, " declared Patty, calmly. "I've seenbigger men than that, if it was in a circus! Skip along, girls, but come back soon. I think this house party is too much given tostaying in the house. Are you for a dip in the ocean beforedinner, Mr. Cromer?"

"No; not if I may sit here with you instead. "

"Oh, Aunt Adelaide and I are delighted to keep you here. All theguests seem to run away from me. I know not why!"

Naughty Patty drew a mournful sigh, and looked as if she had losther last friend, which look, on her pretty, saucy face, was veryfetching indeed. 

"I'll never run away from you!" declared Mr. Cromer, in so earnesta tone that Patty laughed. 

"You'd better!" she warned. "I'm so contrary minded by nature thatthe more people run away from me the better I like them. "

"Ah, " said Laurence Cromer, gravely; "then I shall start at once. Mrs. Parsons, will you not go for a stroll with me round thegardens?"

Aunt Adelaide rose with alacrity, and willingly started off withthe young artist, who gave not another glance in Patty'sdirection. 

"H'm, " said Patty to herself, as the pair walked away. "H'm! Irather like that young man! He has some go to him. " She laughedaloud at her own involuntary joke, and stood, watching AuntAdelaide's mincing steps, as she tripped along the garden path. 

As Patty stood thus, she did not see or hear a large and stalwartyoung man come up on the veranda, and, smiling roguishly, steal upbehind her. But in a moment, she felt herself clasped in twostrong arms, and a hearty kiss resounded on her pink cheek. 

CHAPTER IX

BIG BILL FARNSWORTH

"How are you?" exclaimed a voice as hearty as the kiss, and Patty, with a wild spring, jumped from the encircling arms, and turned toface a towering giant, who, she knew at once, must be Mr. Farnsworth. 

"How DARE you!" she cried, stamping her foot, and flashing furiousglances, while her dimpled cheeks burned scarlet. 

"Whoopee! Wowly-wow-wow! I thought you were Mona! Oh, can you EVERforgive me? But, no, of course you can't! So pronounce my doom!Shall I dash myself into the roaring billows and seek a waterygrave? Oh, no, no! I see by your haughty glare that is all toomild a punishment! Then, have me tarred and feathered, and drawnand quartered and ridden on a rail! Send for the torturers! Sendfor the Inquisitioners! But, remember this! I didn't know I waskissing a stranger. I thought I was kissing my cousin Mona. If Ihad known, --oh, my dear lady, --if I had KNOWN, --I should havekissed you TWICE!"

This astonishing announcement was doubtless induced by the factthat Patty had been unable to resist his wheedlesome voice andfrank, ingenuous manner, and she had indulged in one of her mostdimpled smiles. 

With her face still flushed by the unexpected caress, and hergolden curls still rumpled from the baby's mischievous littlefingers, Patty looked like a harum-scarum schoolgirl. 

"Be careful, " she warned, shaking a finger at him. "I was justabout to forgive you because of your mistake in identity, but ifyou make me really angry, I'll NEVER forgive you. "

"Come back, and ALL will be forgiven, " said the young man, mock-dramatically, as he held out his arms for a repetition of thescene. 

"This is your punishment, " said Patty, gaily, paying no attentionto his fooling. "You are not to tell of this episode! I knowyou'll want to, for it IS a good joke, but I should beunmercifully teased. And as you owe me something for--for puttingme in a false position----"

"Delightful position!" murmured the young man. 

"You owe me SOMETHING, " went on Patty, severely, "and I claim yourpromise not to tell any one, --not even Mona, --what you did. "

"I WON'T tell, " was the fervent reply. "I swear I won't tell! Itshall be OUR secret, --yours and mine. Our sweet secret, and we'llhave another some day. "

"What!"

"Another secret, I mean. What DID you think I meant? Any one isliable to have a secret, --any two, I mean. And we might chance tobe the two. "

"You're too big to talk such nonsense, " and Patty ran a scornfuleye over the six feet three of broad and weighty masculinity. 

"Oh, I KNOW how big I am. PLEASE don't rub THAT in! I've heard itever since I was out of dresses. Can't you flatter me bypretending I'm small?"

"I could make you FEEL small, if I told you what I really thoughtof you. "

"Well, do that, then. What DO you think of me?"

"I think you very rude and--"

"You don't think any such thing, --because you KNOW I mistook youfor Mona, and it's not rude to kiss one's cousin. "

"Is she your cousin? She never told me so. "

"Well, her grandfather's stepdaughter's sister-in-law married mygrandmother's second cousin twice removed. "

"Oh, then you're not very nearly related. "

"No; that's why we don't look more alike. But, do you know myname? Or shall I introduce myself?"

"I fancy you're Big Bill Farnsworth, aren't you?"

"Yes, --but DON'T call me big, PLEASE!"

"No, I'll call you Little Billee. How's that?"

"That's lovely! Now, what may I call you?"

"Miss Fairfield. "

The big man made an easy and graceful bow. "I am delighted to meetyou, Miss Fair--Fair, with golden hair. Pardon me, I've a terriblememory for names, but a good reserve fund of poetry. "

"Miss Fairfield, my name is. Pray don't forget it again. "

"If you're so curt, I shall think it's a Fairfield and no favour!You're not mad at me, are you?"

"Certainly not. One can't get mad at an utter stranger. "

"Oh, I don't think people who kiss people can be classed as utterstrangers. "

"Well, you will be, if you refer to that mistake again! Now, remember, I forbid you ever to mention it, --to me, or to any oneelse. Here comes Mona. "

Mona and Daisy Dow appeared in the doorway, and seeing Bill, madea dash at him. The young man kissed Mona heartily, and as he didso, he smiled at Patty over Mona's shoulder. He shook hands withDaisy, and soon the three were chatting gaily of old school days. 

Then Roger Farrington came. Not all of Patty's New York friendshad liked Mona, but Roger had always declared the girl was a finenature, spoiled by opulent surroundings. He had gladly acceptedthe invitation to the house party, and came in anticipation of anall-round good time. 

"Hooray! Patty! Here's me!" was his salutation, as he ran up thesteps. 

"Oh, Roger!" cried Patty, and she grasped his hand and showedunfeigned gladness at seeing him. Patty was devoted to herfriends, and Roger was one of her schoolday chums. Mona cameforward and greeted the new guest, and introduced him to thestrangers. 

"Isn't this just too downright jolly!" Roger exclaimed, as helooked at the sea and shore, and then brought his gaze back to themerry group on the veranda. "Haven't you any chaperon person? Orare we all kids together?"

"We have two chaperons, " announced Patty, proudly. "One, you maysee, just down that rose path. The lady in trailing lavender isour house chaperon, Mrs. Parsons. The impressive looking personagebeside her is an artist of high degree. But our other chaperon, --ah, here she comes! Mrs. Kenerley. "

Adele Kenerley appeared then, looking very sweet and dainty in herfresh summer frock, and laughingly expressed her willingness tokeep the house party in order and decorum. 

"It won't be so very easy, Mrs. Kenerley, " said Roger. "My wordfor it, these are wilful and prankish girls. I've known MissFairfield for years, and she's capable of any mischief. MissGalbraith, now, is more sedate. "

"Nonsense!" cried Patty. "I'm the sedate one. "

"You don't look it, " observed Mona. "Your hair is a sight!"

"It is, " said Laurence Cromer, coming up and catching the lastremark; "a sight for gods and men! Miss Fairfield, I beseech you, don't do it up in fillets and things; leave it just as it is, DO!"

"Indeed I won't, " said Patty, and she ran away to her own room toput her curly locks in order. She was quite shocked at themirrored picture of tousled tresses, and did it all up a littlemore severely than usual, by way of amends. 

"May I come in?" and Daisy Dow, after a quick tap at the door, walked in, without waiting for an answer. 

"What lovely hair!" she exclaimed, as Patty pushed in more andmore hairpins. "You're a perfect duck, anyway. I foresee I shallbe terribly jealous of you. But I say, Patty, --I MAY call youPatty, mayn't I?--don't you dare to steal Big Bill Farnsworth awayfrom me! He's my own particular property and I don't allowtrespassing. "

There was an earnest tone underlying Daisy's gay words that madePatty look up at her quickly. "Are you engaged to him?" she asked. 

"No, --not exactly. At least, it isn't announced. But--"

"Oh, pshaw, don't trouble to explain. I won't bother your bigadorer. But if he chooses to speak to me, I shan't be purposelyrude to him. I like boys and young men, Miss Dow, and I like totalk and play and dance with them. But I've no SPECIAL interest inany ONE, and if you have, I shall certainly respect it, --be sureof that. "

"You're a brick, Patty! I was sure you were the minute I laid mytwo honest grey eyes on you. But you're 'most too pretty for mypeace of mind. Bill adores pretty girls. "

"Oh, don't cross bridges before you come to them. Probably he'llnever look at little me, and if he should, I'll be too busy to seehim. There ARE others, you know. "

Reassured by Patty's indifference, Daisy vowed her everlastingfriendship and adoration, and the two went downstairs arm in arm. 

The veranda presented a gay scene--afternoon tea was in progress, and as some of the Spring Beach young people had dropped in, therewere several groups at small tables, or sitting on the verandasteps and railings. 

"I've saved a lovely seat for you, " said Laurence Cromer, advancing to Patty; "just to show you that I'm of a forgivingnature. "

"Why, what have I done to be forgiven for?" asked Patty, openingher blue eyes wide in surprise. 

"You've spoiled your good looks, for one thing. You HAD a littlehead sunning over with curls, and now you have the effect of anice little girl who has washed her face and hands and neatlybrushed her hair. "

"But one can't go around like Slovenly Peter, " said Patty, laughing, as she took the wicker chair he placed for her. 

"Why not, if one is a Pretty Peter?"

"Oh, pshaw, I see you don't know me very well. I never talk topeople who talk about me. "

"Good gracious, how can they help it?" "Well, you see, I'maccustomed to my girl and boy friends, whom I've known for years. But here, somehow, everybody seems more grown up and societyfied. "

"How old are you?"

"It's my impression that that's a rude question, though I'm notsure. "

"It isn't, because you're not old enough to make it rude. Come, how old?"

"Nineteen, please, sir. "

"Well, that's quite old enough to drop boy and girl ways andbehave as a grown-up. "

"But I don't want to, " and Patty's adorable pout proved her words. 

"That doesn't matter. Your 'reluctant feet' have to move onwhether they wish to or not. Are you bashful?"

"Sorta, " and Patty put her finger in her mouth, with a shy simper. 

"You're anything but bashful! You're a coquette!"

"Oh, no!" and Patty opened her eyes wide in horror. "Oh, kind sir, DON'T say THAT!"

But Cromer paid no heed to her words; he was studying her face. "I'm going to paint you, " he announced, "and I shall call it'Reluctant Feet. ' Your head, with its aureole of curls; your wideeyes, your baby chin--"

"Oh, Roger!" cried Patty, as young Farrington came toward her. "What DO you think? Mr. Cromer is going to paint a picture of myhead and call it 'Reluctant Feet'! He says so. "

"Yes, " said Cromer, unconscious of any absurdity; "Miss Fairfieldis a fine subject. "

"That's better than being called an object, " said Roger, joiningthem, "and you DID look an object, Patty, when I arrived! Your wigwas all awry, --and--"

"You haven't a soul for art?" said Cromer, looking solemnly atRoger. 

"No, I haven't an artful soul, I fear. How are you getting along, Patty, down here without your fond but strict parents?"

"Getting along finely, Roger. Aunt Adelaide plays propriety, andMona and I keep house. "

"H'm, I'm 'fraid I scared off our long-haired friend, " said Roger, as Cromer rose and drifted away. "Never mind, I want to talk toyou a little myself. I say, Patsy, don't you let these men flatteryou till you're all puffed up with pride and vanity. "

"Now, Roger, AM I that kind of a goose?"

"Well, you're blossoming out so, and getting so growny-uppylooking, I'm 'fraid you won't be my little Patty-friend muchlonger. "

"'Deed I shall! Don't you worry about that. How do you think Monais looking?"

"Fine! Lots better than when I saw her in May. She dresses better, don't you think?"

"Yes, I guess she does, " said Patty, demurely, with no hint as toWHY Mona's appearance had improved. "She's an awfully nice girl, Roger. "

"Yes, I always said so. And you and she help each other. Sort ofreaction, you know. What do we do down here?"

"Oh, there are oceans of things planned. Parties of all sorts, andpicnics, and dances, and motor trips, and every old thing. Howlong can you stay?"

"I'm invited for a week, but I may have to go home sooner. Isn'tthat Western chap immense?"

For some ridiculous reason, Patty blushed scarlet at the meremention of Mr. Farnsworth. 

"What the--oh, I say, Patty! You're not favouring him, are you?Why, you've only just met him to-day, haven't you?"

"Yes, certainly; I never saw him before. No, I'm not favouringhim, as you call it. "

"Then why are you the colour of a hard-boiled lobster? Patty! quitblushing, or you'll burn up!"

"Don't, Roger; don't be silly. I'm NOT blushing. "

"Oh, no! You're only a delicate shade of crimson vermilion! Well, if you want him, Patty, I'll get him for you. Do you want himnow?"

"No! of course I don't! Do be still, Roger! And stop that foolishsmiling! Well, then, I'm going to talk to Adele Kenerley. "

Patty ran away from Roger, who was decidedly in a teasing mood, and seated herself beside the pretty young matron. 

"Such a GOOD child, " Mrs. Kenerley was saying; "she NEVER cries, and she's SO loving and affectionate. "

"Oh, she's a heavenly baby!" cried Mona, in raptures ofappreciation, and then along came the baby's father, fresh fromhis ocean dip. 

"You must choke off my wife, " he said, smiling, "if she getsstarted on a monologue about that infant prodigy! She can keep itup most of the hours out of the twenty-four, and go right over itall again next day!"

"And why not?" cried Mona. "SUCH a baby deserves appreciation. Ican hardly wait till to-morrow to wake her up and play with her. "

"She's a good enough kiddy, " said the proud young father, tryingto hide his own enthusiasm. 

"Now, Jim, " cried his wife, "you know perfectly well you're abigger idiot about that child than I am! Why, would you believe, Mona--"

"There, there, Adele, if you're going to tell anecdotes of myparental devotion, I'm going to run away! Come on, Farnsworth, let's go for a stroll, and talk over old times. "

The two men walked off together, and the party generally broke up. Most of them went to their rooms to rest or dress for dinner, andPatty concluded that she would grasp the opportunity to write aletter to Nan, a task which she enjoyed, but rarely found timefor. 

"The house party is upon us, " she wrote, "and, though they'rereally very nice, they ARE a little of the west, westy. Butthere's only one girl, Daisy Dow, who's MUCH that way, and Irather think I can manage her. But already she has warned me notto interfere with her young man! As if I would!"

Just here, Patty's cheeks grew red again, and she changed thesubject of her epistolary progress. 

"The baby is a perfect darling, and her parents are very nicepeople. TERRIBLY devoted to the infant, but of course that's to beexpected. Roger is a comfort. It's so nice to have an old friendhere among all these strangers. Oh, and there's an artist who, Iknow, spells his art with a big A. He wants to paint me as 'CherryRipe' or something, I forget what. But I know his portraits willlook just like magazine covers. Though, --I suppose I AM rather ofthat type myself. Oh, me! I wish I were a tall, dark beauty, withmelting brown eyes and midnight tresses, instead of a tow-headed, doll-faced thing. But then, as the poet says, 'We women cannotchoose our lot. ' I'm in for a good time, there's no doubt aboutthat. We've parties and picnics and pageants piled up mountainhigh. So if I don't write again very soon, you'll know it'sbecause I'm a Social Butterfly for the time being, and these aremy Butterfly Days. Aunt Adelaide is rather nicer than when I lastwrote. She gets on her 'company manners, ' and that makes her moreamiable. "

"My goodness gracious!"

This last phrase was spoken aloud, not written, for the low, openwindow, near which Patty sat writing, was suddenly invaded by alaughing face and a pair of broad, burly shoulders, and Big Bill'sbig voice said, "Hello, you pretty little poppet!"

CHAPTER X

JUST A SHORT SPIN

"Stop! Look! Listen!" cried Patty, gaily, as the unabashed intrudercalmly seated himself on the broad, low window-sill. "Do youconsider it good manners to present yourself in this burglariousfashion?"

"Well, you see, my room opens on this same veranda, --indeed theveranda seems to run all around the house on this story, --and so Ithought I'd walk about a bit. Then I chanced to spy you, and--well, I'm still spying. Is this your dinky boudoir? How fussy itis. "

"I like it so, " said Patty, smiling. 

"Of course you do. You're fussy yourself. "

"I am not! I'm NOT fussy!"

"Oh, I don't mean that the way you think I do. I mean you're alldressed fussy, with pink ribbons and lace tassels and furbelows. "

"Yes; I do love frilly clothes. Now, I suppose your ideal girlwears plain tailor-made suits, and stiff white collars, and smallhats without much trimming, --just a band and a quill. "

"Say, that's where you're 'way off! I like to see girls alldollied up in squffly lace over-skirts, --or whatever you call'em, --with dinky little bows here and there. "

"Is this frock all right, then?" asked Patty, demurely, knowingthat her summer afternoon costume was of the very type he hadtried to describe. 

"Just the ticket! I'm not much on millinery, but you look like anapple blossom trimmed with sunshine. "

"Why, you're a poet! Only poets talk like that. I doubt if Mr. Cromer could say anything prettier. "

"'Tisn't pretty enough for you. Only a chap like Austin Dobsoncould make poetry about you. "

The earnest sincerity in the big blue eyes of the Westerner robbedthe words of any semblance of impertinence, and Patty spoke outher surprise. 

"Why, do you read Austin Dobson? I never thought--"

She paused, lest she hurt his feelings by her implication, butFarnsworth went on, quietly:

"You never thought a big, hulking fellow like me could appreciateanything exquisite and dainty, either in poetry or in people, " hesaid. "I don't blame you, Miss Fairfield; I am uncouth, uncultured, and unmannered. But I am fond of books, and, perhapsby the law of contrast, I am especially fond of the Minor Poets. "

"You shan't call yourself those horrid names, " said Patty, for histones rang true, and she began to appreciate his honest nature;"no one can be uncouth or uncultured who loves such reading. Don'tyou love the big poets, too?"

"Yes; but I suppose everybody does that. I say, won't you comeoutside for a bit? That room is stuffy, and the air out here nowis great. Couldn't you skip down with me for a whiff of the sea?"

"Why, I ought to be dressing for dinner. "

"Oh, there's lots of time yet. Come on. Don't tell anybody, justfly out at this window, like Peter Pan, and we'll elope for halfan hour. "

Acting impulsively, Patty swung herself through the low window, and had descended the picturesque outside stairway that led fromthe upper veranda to the lower one before she remembered Daisy'sprohibition. 

"Oh, I think I won't go down to the beach, " she said, suddenlypausing at the foot of the stairs. "I must go right back. "

"Nothing of the sort, " and Farnsworth grasped her arm and fairlymarched her along the path to the gate. "You're not a quitter, Iknow, so what silly notion popped into your head just then?"

Patty laughed outright at his quick appreciation of her mood. 

"Well, " she parried, "you see, I don't know you very well. "

"All the more reason for snatching this chance to get acquainted. "

"Somebody might see us. "

"Let them. It's no crime to stroll down to the beach. "

"Somebody might object to my monopolising you like this. "

"Who, Mona?"

"No; not Mona. "

"Who, then?"

"Is there no one who might justly do so?"

"No, indeed! Unless Mrs. Parsons thinks I'm neglecting her. "

"Nonsense. I don't mean her. But, what about Miss Dow?"

"Daisy Dow! Well, Miss Fairfield, I'm a blunt Westerner, and Idon't know how to say these things subtly, but when you imply thatDaisy has any special interest in me, you do me undeserved honour. I've known her for years, and we're good chums, but she'd have noright to comment if I walked down to the sea, or into it, oracross it. NOW, will you be good?" They had reached the beach, andstood looking at the great rollers coming in, their white creststinged by the last rays of the setting sun, which flashed a good-bye at them from the opposite horizon. 

"It's fortunate you Eastern people have a sea, " Farnsworth said, as he gazed across the black distance, "or you wouldn't know themeaning of the word space. Your lives and living are so cramped. "

"You Western people have a sea, too, I believe, " said Patty. 

"Yes, but we don't really need it, as you do. We have seas ofland, rolling all over the place. We can get our breath inland;you have to come to the ocean to get a full breath. "

"That's the popular superstition. I mean, that we are cramped andall that. But, really, I think we all have room enough. I thinkthe Westerner's idea of wanting several acres to breathe in isjust a habit. "

Farnsworth looked at her steadily. "Perhaps you're right, " hesaid; "at any rate, you seem to know all about it. Do you supposeI could learn to see it as you do?"

"Of course you could. But why should you? If you like the West, the big, breezy, long-distance West, there's no reason why youshould cultivate a taste for our little cramped up, stuffy East. "

"That's right! But I wish I could show you our country. Wouldn'tyou love to go galloping across a great prairie, --tearing aheadfor illimitable miles, --breathing the air that has come, fresh andclean, straight down from the blue sky?"

"You make it sound well, but after that mad gallop is over, whatthen? A shack or ranch, or whatever you call it, with whitewashedwalls, and rush mats and a smoky stove?"

"By George! You're about right! It wouldn't suit YOU, would it?You couldn't fit into that picture!"

"I'm 'fraid not. But if we're going to fit into the picture soonto assemble in Mona's dining-room, we must make a start in thatdirection. Mr. Farnsworth--"

"Call me Bill, oh, DO call me Bill!"

"Why should I?"

"Because I want you to; and because I think you might make thatmuch concession to my Western primitiveness andunceremoniousness. "

"But I don't like the name of Bill. It's so, --so--"

"So uncouth? Yes, it is. But I'm not the sort to be calledWilliam. Well, DO call me something pleasant and amiable. "

"I'll call you Little Billee. That's Thackeray's, and therefore, it's all right. Now, can you slip me back into my own apartmentsas quietly as you took me away?"

"Of course I can, as it's nearly dark now. Here we go!"

He aided her up the stairs, and along the balcony to her ownwindows. Patty sprang lightly over the low sill, and waved herhand gaily as she pulled down her blinds and flashed on theelectric lights. Then she rang for Janet, and found that a hurriedtoilette was necessary if she would be prompt at dinner. 

One of Patty's prettiest evening frocks was a dainty French thingof white chiffon, decked with pale green ribbons and exquisiteartificial apple blossoms made of satin. With a smile at thememory of Farnsworth's allusion to apple blossoms, she put it on, and twisted a wreath of the same lovely flowers in her goldencrown of curls. 

Then she danced downstairs to find the Western man awaiting her. He looked very handsome in evening clothes, and the easyunconsciousness of his pose and manner made him seem to Patty themost attractive man she had ever seen. 

"I've arranged it with Mona, " he said, straightforwardly, "and I'mto take you in to dinner. I want to sit next to you. "

But Patty had caught sight of Daisy Dow, and the angry gleam inthat young woman's eyes warned Patty that Farnsworth's plan bodedtrouble. 

Moreover, perverse Patty objected to being appropriated so calmly, and with a deliberate intent to pique Farnsworth, she replied, gaily:

"Nay, nay, fair sir; it suits me not, thus to be parcelled out. WeEastern girls are not to be had for the asking. "

The smile she flashed at him brought an answering smile toFarnsworth's face, but as he stepped forward to urge her to granthis wish, Patty slipped her hand in Roger's arm, and joined theothers who were already going to the dining-room. 

She had quickly seen that this move on her part would leaveFarnsworth no choice but to escort Daisy Dow, for Roger had beenassigned to that fair maiden. 

"What's up?" enquired Roger, as he obediently followed Patty'swhispered order to "come along and behave yourself. "

"Nothing, " returned Patty, airily; "I have to have my own way, that's all; and as my old friend and comrade, you have to help meto get it. "

"Always ready, " declared Roger, promptly, "but seems to me, Pitty-Pat, the colossal cowboy is already a Willing Willy to yourcaprices. "

"Don't be silly, Roger. He's so unused to our sort of society thathe's willing to bow down at the shrine of any pretty girl. "

"Oh, Patsy-Pat! Do you consider YOURSELF a pretty girl? How CANyou think so? Your nose turns up, and I think you're a littlecross-eyed--"

"Oh, Roger, I am not!"

"Well, perhaps I'm mistaken about that; but you've a freckle onyour left cheek, and a curl on your right temple is out of place. "

"It isn't! I fixed it there on purpose! It's supposed to lookcoquettish. "

"Very untidy!" and Roger glared in pretended disapproval at thecurl that had purposely been allowed to escape from the apple-blossom wreath. 

Patty liked Roger's fooling, for they were old chums andthoroughly good friends, and it was one of his customary jokes topretend that he was trying to correct her tendency to personalvanity. 

Beside the house party, there were several other guests, mostlySpring Beach cottagers, and the dinner was a gay one. JackPennington sat at Patty's other side, and Farnsworth and Daisy Dowwere far away, near the head of the table. 

"Dashing girl, Miss Dow, " said Jack, as he looked at the vivaciousDaisy, who was entertaining those near her with picturesquestories of Western life. 

"Yes, indeed, " said Patty; "and very clever and capable. "

"Now, isn't it funny! Just from the way you say that, I know youdon't like her. "

Patty was dismayed. If she didn't altogether like Daisy, she hadno wish to have other people aware of the fact. 

"Oh, Jack, don't be mean. I DO like her. "

"No, you don't; at least, not very much. She isn't your style. "

"Well, then, if you think that, don't say it. I MUST like Mona'sguests. "

"Yes, of course. Forgive a poor, blundering idiot! And don'tworry, Patty, no one shall ever know from me that you and theDashing Daisy aren't boon companions. "

"You're so nice and understanding, Jacky boy, and I'm muchobliged. Do you remember the night you discovered who our chaperonwas, and you helped me out so beautifully?"

"Always glad to help the ladies. What are we doing to-night, afterthis feast of fat things is over?"

"Nothing especial; dance a little, I suppose, sit around on theveranda, sing choruses, and that sort of thing. "

"There's a glorious full moon. Couldn't we escape for a littlespin? Just a very short one, in my runabout?"

"Yes, I'd love to. Or we could take my runabout. "

"Or Mona's for that matter. I don't care what car we take, but Ido love a short, quick drive, and then come back for the dance. "

"All right, I'll go. Mona won't mind, if I don't stay long. "

"Oh, only just around a block or two. Just to clear the effect ofthese flowers and candles from our brain. "

"Isn't your brain a little weak, if it can't stand flowers andcandles?" asked Patty, laughing. 

"Perhaps it is, and perhaps that's only an excuse to get away. Hooray! Mona's rising now; let's make a mad dash. "

"No; that isn't the way. Let's slide out quietly andinconspicuously, through this side door. "

Adopting this idea, Jack and Patty went out on a side veranda, andstepped across the terrace to the garden paths. The moonlightturned the picturesque flower-beds to fairy fields, and Pattypaused on one of the terrace landings. 

"I don't know as I want to go motoring, Jack, " she said, perchingherself on the marble balustrade; "it's so lovely here. "

"Just as you like, girlie. Ha! methinks I hear vocal speech! Someone approacheth!"

Farnsworth and Daisy Dow came strolling along the terrace, andDaisy took a seat beside Patty, while the two men stood in frontof them. 

"Won't you girls catch cold?" said Farnsworth, in his matter-of-fact way. 

"These be not mortal maidens, " said Jack, who was in whimsicalmood. "These be two goddesses from Olympian heights, who havedeigned to visit us for a brief hour. "

"And unless you're very good to us, " observed Patty, "we'll spreadour wings and fly away. "

"Let's do something, " said Daisy, restlessly; "it's poky, justsitting here, doing nothing. I'd like to go in the ocean. It mustbe lovely to bounce around in the surf by moonlight. "

"You'd bounce into bed with pneumonia, " said Patty. "But Jack andI were talking of motoring. Suppose we take two runabouts and gofor a short spin. "

All agreed, and the quartette went to the garage for the cars. 

The head chauffeur, who was not of an over kindly disposition, informed them that Miss Galbraith's runabout was out of commissionfor the moment, though Miss Fairfield's was in good shape. 

"I'll get mine, " proposed Jack, but Bill Farnsworth said, "No, Idon't understand an electric awfully well. Let's take this car. Ican run this O. K. , and it will hold the four of us. "

"All right, " said Jack; "we're only going a few blocks up thebeach. Hop in, Patty. "

Farnsworth and Daisy sat in front, and Patty and Jack behind, andthey started off at a brisk speed. The girls declined to go backto the house for wraps, as it was a warm evening, and the ridewould be short. But when Farnsworth found himself with the wheelin his hand and a long stretch of hard, white road ahead of him, he forgot all else in the glory of the opportunity, and he let thecar go at an astonishing speed. 

"Isn't this fun!" cried Patty, but the words were fairly blownaway from her lips as they dashed along. 

"This is the way we Westerners ride!" exclaimed Daisy, as she satupright beside Bill, her hair streaming back from her forehead, the light scarf she wore round her neck flapping back into Patty'sface. 

"It's grand!" gasped Jack. "But I hope Big Bill knows what he'sabout. "

"You bet he does!" replied Bill himself, and they whizzed on. 

Patty had never gone so fast. Though it was a warm night, the rushof wind chilled her, and she shivered. Jack, seeing this, pickedup a lap-robe and wrapped it about her. 

"Don't want to turn back yet, do you?" he asked. 

"We must turn soon, " Patty managed to reply, but Jack scarcelyheard the words. 

The big moon was setting when Bill turned the car inland, andshouting, "We're going to drive straight into that moon!" made amad dash toward it. 

"Hurry up!" cried Patty. "Catch it before it drops below thehorizon. Speed her!"

CHAPTER XI

THE WORST STORM EVER!

Patty's gay words added the final spur to Farnsworth's enthusiasm, and with a whoop of glee, he darted ahead faster than ever. Thoughhis manner and appearance gave the effect of recklessness, BigBill knew quite well what he was doing. He was a magnificentdriver, and however seemingly careless he might be, his whole mindwas alert and intent on his work. The road, hard and white, glistened in the moonlight. Straight and clear, it seemed truly tolead directly into the great yellow disk, now dropped almost lowenough to touch it. 

"Whoopee!" shouted Bill. "This is some going! Sit tight, Daisy, and hold on for all you're worth! Are you people in the back hallall right?"

"Right we are!" returned Jack. "Are you going straight THROUGH themoon?"

"Yep! If we catch her in time! Hallo, she's touched the earth!"

It was a great game. The road was so level and so free ofobstruction that they kept the centre, and seemed to be shooting, at whistling speed, into that enormous yellow circle. 

But, already, the horizon was swallowing up their goal. Thelaughing quartette saw the circle of gold become a semi-circle, then a mere arc, and soon only a glimpse of yellow remained, whichimmediately vanished, and save for a faint reminiscent glow, thewestern sky was dark. 

"Where are your stars?" queried Farnsworth, gazing upward. "Nicecountry, this! No stars, no moon, no nothin'!"

"The lamps give enough light, " cried Daisy. "Don't slow down, Bill! Go on, this flying is grand!"

"Come on in, --the flying's fine!" laughed Bill, and again theywent at highest speed. 

But with the setting of the moon, Patty's spirit of adventurecalmed down. 

"Oh, do let's turn back, " she begged. "He doesn't hear me, --makehim hear, Jack. "

"I say, Farnsworth, " and Jack tapped the burly shoulder in frontof him, "we've gone far enough. Back to the old home, eh?"

"Back it is!" and the driver slowed down, and picking a wide, clear space, deftly turned the machine around. But at sight of theeastern sky, every one exclaimed in dismay. 

Though the moon had set clearly, and the west was a dull grey, theeastern sky was black. Turbulent masses of clouds climbed, rolling, to the zenith; faint lights appeared now and then, and adim rumble of distant thunder was heard at intervals. 

"Shower coming up, " said Farnsworth, blithely; "better streak forhome. Wish I'd turned sooner. But we'll beat the storm. Wish thegirls had some wraps. Here, Daisy, take my coat and put it onwhile you've a chance. It'll look pretty silly on you, but it willkeep your furbelows from getting spoiled. "

"Yes, I will take it, Billy. I'm awfully chilly. "

As Daisy already had a laprobe, Patty looked at her inastonishment, as she let Farnsworth take off his coat and put iton her. An ordinary evening coat, it was not a great protection, but Daisy turned up the collar and made herself as comfortable asshe could. Then she tucked the laprobe carefully over her skirts, though as yet no drop of rain had descended. 

"No, indeed!" said Patty, as Jack offered her his coat. "I havethe laprobe, you know, and I'll put it round my shoulders. Nevermind if my skirts are spoilt. Turn up your collar, Jack, it willpour in a minute now. "

And pour it did! Suddenly, without a preliminary sprinkle, thefloods dropped straight from the heavens. A drenching, pouringrain that soaked the occupants of the open car before they couldrealise what had happened. Gusts of wind added to theirdiscomfort, and then the thunder and lightning, drawn nearer, gavethe greatest exhibition of an electrical storm that had been seenall summer. 

Patty, who was confessedly afraid of thunder storms, shivered, onthe verge of nervous hysterics. Finally, at a specially ear-splitting bolt and blinding flash, which were almost simultaneous, she gave a little shriek and pulled the wet laprobe over her head. She crumpled down into a little heap, and, frightened lest sheshould faint, Pennington put his arm round her and held her in areassuring clasp. 

Daisy Dow was more angry than frightened. She hadn't Patty's fearof the elements, but she greatly objected to the uncomfortablesituation in which she found herself. 

"Do get home, Bill!" she cried, crossly. "Can't you go anyfaster?"

The big fellow, in his white shirtsleeves, bent to his wheel. Hehad worn no hat, and the rain fairly rebounded as it dashed on histhick mat of soaking wet hair. 

"Speed her, Bill, " went on Daisy, petulantly; "you could go fastenough in the moonlight, --why do you slow down now, when we allwant to get home?"

No answer from Farnsworth, who was intently looking and listening. 

"Why DO you, Bill?" reiterated the irritating voice, andFarnsworth's never very patient temper gave way. 

"Shut up, Daisy!" he cried. "I'm doing the best I can, --but that'sall the good it does. We've got to stop. The gasolene is out!"

All of them, accustomed to motors, knew what this meant. Like aflash, each mind flew back to think who was to blame for this. Andeach realised that it was not the fault of the chauffeur at "RedChimneys" who had let them take out the car. For, had they notsaid they were going only for a short spin? And the car had beenamply stocked for about two hours. Yes, it must be about two hourssince they started, for in their merry mood they had had nothought of time, and had gone far, far inland. 

"We can't stop, " shrieked Daisy, "in this storm! No house orshelter near! Bill Farnsworth, I'll NEVER forgive you for bringingme into this pickle!"

Farnsworth gave a short, sharp laugh. 

"I can get along without your forgiveness, Daisy, if I can onlyget you people home safely. Great Cats, how it rains! I say, Pennington, what do you think we'd better do? Where's MissFairfield?"

Looking around suddenly, Bill saw no sign of Patty in thenondescript heap by Jack's side. But at his startled question, awet face and a mass of tangled curls and apple blossoms, equallywet, emerged from the soaking laprobe. 

"Here I am!" said a plaintive little voice that tried hard to bebrave. But a sharp flare of lightning sent the golden headsuddenly back to its hiding-place. 

"Miss Fairfield is awfully afraid of electrical storms, " explainedJack, patting the wet heap anywhere, in a well-meant attempt atreassurance. 

"Pooh!" exclaimed Daisy. "What a 'fraid-cat! I'm not frightened, --but I'm terribly wet. I'm soaked! I'm drowned!"

"So are we all, Daisy, " said Bill, shivering as the wind flappedhis dripping shirtsleeves; "but what CAN we do? The car won'tmove. "

"Well, WE can move! Let's get out and walk. "

"Why, Daisy, what's the use? Where could we walk to?"

"Well, I think you two men are horrid! You just sit there and letPatty and me catch our death of cold. Though Patty is wrapped upsnug and warm in that robe. If SHE'S protected you don't careabout ME!"

"Daisy! what nonsense---" began Bill, but Patty's head popped outagain. 

"If you think I'm snug and warm, Daisy Dow, you're greatlymistaken! I NEVER was so uncomfortable in all my life! And I'mscared besides! That's more than you are!"

Jack Pennington laughed. "While the girls are comparing notes ofdiscomfort, " he said, "how about us, Bill? Do you feel, -er--well-groomed and all that?"

Farnsworth looked critically at his soaked apparel. "I've beenDRIER, " he replied, "but you know, Pennington, I'm one of thosechaps who look well in any costume!"

The absurdity of this speech brought Patty's head out again, andshe felt a shock of surprise to note that the jesting words weretrue. Bill Farnsworth, coatless, dripping wet, and exceedinglyuncomfortable, sat upright, tossing back his clustered wet hair, and positively laughing at the situation. 

"Pardon my hilarity, " he said, as he caught a glimpse of Patty'sface, "but you're all so lugubrious, somebody MUST laugh. "

"All right, I'll laugh with you!" and Patty sat upright, the darklaprobe held hoodwise, so that she looked like a mischievous nun. "If you'll please turn off the thunder and lightning, I won't mindthe rain a bit. In fact, I'm getting used to it. I know I wasmeant for a duck, anyway. "

"Well, Duck, the thunder and lightning are getting farther away, "said Bill, truly, "but I do believe it rains harder than ever!What CAN we do?"

"Can't we get under the car?" suggested Daisy. 

"Not very well; and it wouldn't help much. It's rather wet, evenunder there, " and Bill looked at the soaked road. 

"We passed a house about a mile back, " said Patty, "couldn't wewalk back to that?"

"I thought of that, " said Bill, "but I didn't suppose you girlscould walk it, --with those foolish step-ladder heels you'rewearing. And white satin slippers aren't real good style for mud-wading. I could carry you, Miss Fairfield, --you're only a will-o'-the-wisp; but Daisy here is a heavyweight. "

"Oh, no matter about me, " said Daisy, spitefully; "just see thatMiss Fairfield is looked after!"

Big Bill Farnsworth looked at the speaker. "Daisy Dow, " he said, quietly, "don't you get me any more riled than I am! If you do, Iwon't be pleasant!"

"But I can walk, " put in Patty, anxious to prevent a quarrel. "Ihaven't on walking boots exactly, but I can flounder alongsomehow. And we MUST get to shelter! Help me along, Jack, and I'lltry not to mind the thunder and lightning. "

"Plucky little girl!" said Farnsworth, and Daisy scowled in thedarkness. 

"What time is it?" asked Patty, who was now thoroughly ready toface the situation. 

"Just twelve o'clock, " replied Jack, after several futile attemptsto light a match and see his watch. 

"Then we MUST try to get to that house, " declared Patty. "I had noidea it was so late. Come, people, no matter what the result, wemust TRY to reach shelter and civilisation. "

"Right!" said Pennington. "It's the only thing to do. I rememberthe house. There was no light in it, though. "

"No; it's so late. But we can ring up the family, and they'llsurely take us in for the night. "

"Not if they see us first!" exclaimed Bill. "Oh, Miss Fairfield, you look like Ophelia with those flowers tumbling all over yourface!"

Patty laughed, and removing the apple-blossom wreath from herhead, was about to throw it away. But she felt it gently takenfrom her hand in the darkness, and she somehow divined thatFarnsworth had put it in his pocket. 

The combination of this sentimental act with the drenchedcondition of the flower wreath--and, presumably, the pocket, wastoo much for Patty, and she giggled outright. 

"What ARE you laughing at?" snapped Daisy. "_I_ don't see anythingfunny in this whole performance. "

"Oh, DO think it's funny, Daisy, " implored Patty, still laughing. "Oh, DO! for it ISN'T funny at all, unless we MAKE it so bythinking it IS so!"

"Stop talking nonsense, " Daisy flung back. "Oh, I've sprained myankle. I can't walk at all! Oh, oh!"

Farnsworth looked at her. "Daisy, " he said, sternly, "if you'vereally sprained your ankle, we'll have to get back into the car--for I can't carry you. But if you CAN walk, I advise you to doso. "

Daisy looked a little frightened at his severe tone. 

"Oh, I suppose I CAN walk, " she said, "though it hurts medreadfully. Hold me up, Bill. "

"I'll hold you, " he replied, cheerily. "Now we'll take thislantern, and we'll walk ahead. Pennington, you follow with MissFairfield. Don't talk much, you'll need all your strength to walkthrough the storm. It's abating a little, but it's raining catsand dogs yet. "

Unconsciously, Bill had assumed command of the expedition, andinvoluntarily, the others obeyed him. That mile was a dreadfulwalk! At first, it seemed fairly easy, for the road was a goodone, though wet and slippery. But soon the satin slippers weresoaked; stones and bits of gravel made their way inside, and atlast Patty found it almost impossible to keep hers on at all. Jacktried to help, by tying the little slippers on with his own andPatty's handkerchiefs, but these soon gave way. The rain fellsteadily now; not in dashes and sheets, but a moderate downpourthat seemed as if it meant to go on forever. 

Jack could do little to help, save to grasp Patty's arm tightlyand "boost" her along. Daisy stood it better, for she was of farstronger build than fragile Patty, and Big Bill almost carried heralong with his own long, sturdy strides. 

After what seemed an interminable walk, they reached the house inquestion. It was a large, fine-looking structure, but as no lightswere visible, the family had evidently retired. 

"I should think they'd leave a night light in the hall, " grumbledDaisy, as the quartette climbed the veranda steps and stood, dripping, at the front door. 

"Whew!" exclaimed Jack. "It's good to get where that rain doesn'tdrive straight into your eyes, anyway! Ring the bell, Farnsworth. "

"Can't find it. Ah, here it is!" and Bill pushed the electricbutton, and held it, ringing a continuous peal. 

But no one came to the door, and the shivering four grewimpatient, to think that shelter was so near, yet unavailable. 

"You keep punching this bell, Pennington, " suggested Bill, "andI'll reconnoitre round to the other entrances. There must be sidedoors and things. "

Jack kept the bell going, but no one responded, and no lightsshowed in the house. At last Bill returned from his tour ofexploration. 

"I've been all the way round, " he said; "there are three or fourentrances to this mansion, and all have bells, but nobody answeredmy various and insistent ringings. WHAT shall us do now, poorthings?"

"I suppose they're afraid we're burglars, " observed Patty; "andthey're afraid to let us in. "

"If they don't come pretty soon, I WILL be a burglar, " declaredBill, "and I'll get in in burglar fashion. It isn't fair forpeople to have a warm, dry house, and keep forlorn wet people outof it. We've GOT to get in! Let's bang on the doors. "

But no amount of banging and pounding, no shaking of door knobs, no whistling or shouting served to bring response. 

"Throw pebbles at the window, " Patty suggested, and immediately ayoung hailstorm bombarded the second-story panes. 

"No good!" commented Bill. "So here goes!" and without furtherwarning his large and well-aimed foot crashed through a long frontwindow which reached down to the floor. 

"Oh, my gracious!" exclaimed Patty. "WHAT a thing to do!"

"The only way is the best way, " returned Bill, gaily. "Now, wait aminute, you girls, I'll let you in. "

Carefully looking out for the broken glass, Big Bill inserted hishand, sprung back the catch, and opened the window. 

"Don't come in this way, " he cautioned, "I'll open the frontdoor. "

Farnsworth found himself in a large, pleasant room, evidently adrawing-room. But without pausing to look around, he made for thehall, and tried to open the great front doors. 

"Can't do it, " he called to those outside. "I'll open anotherwindow. "

In a moment, he had thrown up the sash of another long, lowwindow, in a room the other side of the hall, and invited hisfriends in. 

"Couldn't let you girls walk in on that broken glass, " heexplained. "Come in this way, and make yourselves at home. "

"We're too wet, --we'll spoil things, " said Patty, hesitating atthe long lace curtains and fine floors and rugs. 

"Nonsense! Come on! Where DO you suppose the electric light keyis? Whoo! here we have it!"

A flood of light filled the room, and the girls saw they were in acomfortable, pleasant library or sitting-room, evidently the homeof cultured, refined people. 

CHAPTER XII

A WELCOME SHELTER

A piano stood open, and Daisy sat at it, striking a few chords of"Home, Sweet Home. "

This made them all laugh, but Farnsworth said, reprovingly, "Comeaway from that, Daisy. We have to enter this house to shelterourselves, but we needn't spoil their belongings unnecessarily. "

Daisy pouted, but she came away from the piano, having alreadyleft many drops of water on its keys and shining rosewood case. 

Patty smiled appreciatively at Bill's thoughtfulness, but said, with growing alarm:

"Where DO you suppose the people are? They MUST have heard us comein, even if they were sound asleep. "

"It's pretty queer, I think, " said Jack. 

"Oh!" cried Daisy, "what do you mean? Do you think there'sanything WRONG?" and she began to cry, in sheer, hysterical frightand discomfort. 

"It IS queer, " agreed Bill, looking out into the hall, andlistening. 

Then Patty's practical good sense came to her aid. 

"Nonsense!" she said. "You're an ungrateful bunch! Here you haveshelter from the storm, and you all begin to cry! Well, no, " sheadded, smiling, "you boys are not exactly crying, --but if you weregirls, you WOULD be! Now, behave yourselves, and brace up to thisoccasion! First, there's a fireplace, and here's a full woodbox. Build a roaring fire, and let's dry off a little. Meantime, I wishyou two men would go over the house, and find out who's in it. Daisy and I will stay here. "

"_I_ won't stay here alone with Patty, " sobbed Daisy, who wasshaking with nervous fear. 

"There, there, Daisy, " said Bill, "don't cry. I'll fix it. MissFairfield, you're a brick! Your ideas, as I shall amend them, arefine! Pennington, you stay here with the girls, and build thebiggest fire you can make. I'll investigate this domicile, and seeif the family are really the Seven Sleepers, or if they're surelyafraid to come downstairs, for fear we're burglars. "

Patty flashed a glance of admiration at the big fellow, but sheonly said:

"Go along, Little Billee; but hurry back and dry yourself beforeyou catch pneumonia. "

Bill went off whistling, and Jack and Patty built a rousing fire. The woodbox was ample and well filled, and the fireplace, a wideone, and the crackling flames felt most grateful to the wetrefugees. Jack wanted to go after Farnsworth, but Daisy wouldn'thear of it, so he stayed with the girls. Soon Big Bill returned, smiling all over his good-natured face. 

"Not a soul in the whole house!" he reported. "I've been all overit, from attic to cellar. Everything in good order; beds made up, and so forth. But no food in the larder, so I assume the familyhas gone away for a time. "

"Well, of all funny situations!" exclaimed Patty. Cheered by thewarmth, her face was smiling and dimpling, and her drying hair wascurling in soft tendrils all over her head. 

"Come to the fire, Little Billee, and see if you can't begin tocommence to dry out a little bit. "

"I've just washed my hair, and I can't do a thing with it!" saidBig Bill, comically, as he ran his fingers through his thick maneof brown, wavy hair. "But, I say, this fire feels good! Wow! butI'm damp! I say, Pennington, I've been thinking. "

"Hard?"

"Yes, hard. Now you must all listen to me. I expect opposition, but it doesn't matter. What I'm going to say now, GOES! See?"

Bill looked almost ferocious in his earnestness, and Patty lookedat him with admiration. He was so big and powerful, physically, and now his determined face and strongly set jaw betokened anequal mental power. "I'm at the head of this expedition, and inthe present emergency, my word is law!" He banged his clenchedfist on the mantel, as he stood before the fire, and seemed fairlyto challenge a reply. 

"Well, go on, " said Patty, laughing. "What's it all about?"

"It's just this. You two girls have got to stay in this house, ALONE, while Pennington and I walk back to Spring Beach, NOW!"

"Good gracious! What for?" exclaimed

Patty, while Daisy screamed, "I WON'T do it! I WON'T stay herealone!"

"Be quiet, " said Bill, looking at Daisy sternly. "You MUST do as Isay. "

"You're right, Farnsworth, " said Jack Pennington. "It's nearly oneo'clock, and we must start right off. "

"Yes, " agreed Bill. "Now, Miss Fairfield, I assure you, you willbe perfectly safe here. It isn't a pleasant prospect, but there'snothing else to be done. The house is securely fastened againstintruders. You can lock the drawing-room doors on this side, sothe broken window need cause you no uneasiness. We will walk backto 'Red Chimneys, ' unless we can get a lift somehow. But, at anyrate, we will send a car back here for you at the earliestpossible moment. "

"It IS the only thing to do, " agreed Patty; "but I hate to haveyou boys start out so wet. Can't you borrow from your host'swardrobe?"

"Good idea!" laughed Bill. "I saw some men's raincoats in thehall. I think we will appropriate them, eh, Pennington?"

With very few further words, the two men took possession ofraincoats, rubbers, and umbrellas belonging to their unknownhosts, and went out through the open, broken window into thenight. It was still raining, but not so hard, and Bill called backcheerily, "Good-night, ladies, " as they tramped away. 

"It's awful, " Daisy whimpered, "to leave us two girls here aloneand unprotected! I know we'll be robbed and murdered byhighwaymen!"

"You're talking nonsense, Daisy, " said Patty, sternly. "Now, lookhere, if you'll just be friendly and decent, we needn't have sucha bad time, but if you're going to be cross and cry all the time, I shall simply let you alone, and we'll have a horrid, uncomfortable time. "

This straightforward, common-sense talk brought Daisy to hersenses, and though she still looked petulant, she made no morecross or unkind speeches. 

"What are you going to do?" she enquired as Patty took off herchiffon gown, and held it carefully before the fire. "That frockis ruined. "

"Yes, I know, but I'm going to pick it out and make it look asdecent as I can. I suppose I'll have to wear it home when I go. Take off yours, and I'll dry them both nicely. I'm good at thissort of thing. Here, I'll unhook it. "

Daisy dropped her own party frock on the floor and showed littleinterest as Patty picked it up and daintily fingered its frillsinto something like shapeliness. 

"Hunt around, Daisy, " Patty said, knowing it best to keep the girloccupied. "Surely you can find something to put round ourshoulders. An afghan or even a table cover would do for a dressingjacket. "

Slightly interested, Daisy went into the next room and returnedwith two lengths of brocaded silk. 

"They're bookcase curtains, " she explained. "I slipped the ringsoff the pole. See, we can each have one. "

"Good!" said Patty, draping the curtain round her shoulders, sontag fashion. "These are fine. Now, see, I'm getting your dressquite fluffy again. "

"So you are. I'll finish it, and you do your own. Aren't you goingto bed, Patty?"

"No, not exactly. Suppose we sleep here. You take the couch, andI'll doze in this big armchair. "

"Are you--are you frightened, Patty?"

"N--no; NO! Of course I'm not! What's there to be afraid of?"

"Well--I am, " and Daisy began to whimper, and then to cry. 

"Daisy Dow! You stop that! I'd be all right if you'd behaveyourself! Now, don't you get hysterical! If you do, I'll--I'lltelephone for the doctor! Oh, Daisy! the TELEPHONE! WHY didn't wethink of that before? There MUST be one! Let's hunt for it. "

Spurred by this new thought, Patty ran through the rooms in searchof a telephone. She found one in the back part of the hall, but, alas, it had been disconnected and was useless. 

"Bill must have found that out, " Patty said, thoughtfully; "and hedidn't tell us. "

"Why not?" demanded Daisy. "Why wouldn't he tell us?"

"Because he's so thoughtful and considerate. I feel sure hethought it would make us feel more lonely if we knew the telephonewas there, but wouldn't work. "

"Well, it does!" declared Daisy. "I'm so lonely and frightened andmiserable, I believe I'll die!"

"Oh, no, you won't, " said Patty, cheerfully. "Now, I'll tell youwhat, Daisy. You lie down on the couch, --here's a nice afghan toput over you, --and I'll sing a little. "

This sounded comfortable, so Daisy, now quite warm and dry, laydown, and after tucking the afghan over her, Patty went to thepiano. She played a few soft chords, and then sang, softly, acrooning lullaby. It is not surprising that under the influence ofthe soothing music, the warm fire, and her own fatigue, Daisy soonfell sound asleep. 

Assured of this, Patty left the piano, and sat in the big easy-chair in front of the fire. She thought over their escapade, andthough it was certainly serious enough, she smiled to herself asshe thought of the humorous side of it. It certainly seemed funnyfor Daisy and herself to be alone in a big, handsome, strangehouse, --wrapped in other people's bookcase curtains! Then shethought of Big Bill and Jack trudging miles and miles through thestorm. What a splendid fellow Bill Farnsworth was, anyhow! He hadleft no room for argument or even discussion; he had decided therewas but one way out of this situation, and he took it. Jack hadacquiesced, and had done as he was told, but Bill had been themoving spirit. What good sense he had shown! And with whatforgetfulness of self he had accepted his own hard part of theperformance. Of course the boys wouldn't have to walk all the wayto Spring Beach. Of course they would manage somehow to get aconveyance, but Bill had not bothered about such details; he hadseen his way, and had walked straight out into it. Surely he was asplendid man, --a big, fine man, --and--he had taken her apple-blossom wreath, --and he had put it in his pocket, --because--because--

And even as she thought of Bill's confiscation of her flowers, Patty's golden head drooped a little, the long lashes fell overher blue eyes, and in the sheltering depths of the soft-cushionedchair, she fell sound asleep. 

A few hours later she awoke. At first she couldn't realise whereshe was, then, like a flash, the truth came to her. Greatlyrefreshed by her nap, she jumped up, smiling. 

The fire was out, so she rekindled it, and proceeded to don herdried but sadly wilted looking party dress. She hesitated amoment, and then concluded to wake Daisy, as a rescuing partymight arrive at any minute. 

Daisy sat up on her couch, and rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"she asked, not yet fully awake. 

"I've no idea, " said Patty, laughing. "I never wear my watch inthe evening. But, " and she looked from the window as she raisedthe blind, "I see streaks of pink, so that must be the east, andthe sun is about ready to rise. So up, up, Lucy, the sun is in thesky, or will be soon. And I'm sure our deliverers will soon cometo rescue us from this durance vile!"

Patty was in high spirits now, and danced about the room while sheurged Daisy to get into her frock. 

"Bookcase curtains are all very well for boudoir jackets, " shesaid, "but not fit for appearance in polite society. See, yourfrock looks fairly well; a lot better than mine. "

Sure enough the soft silk of Daisy's gown had stood its wettingmuch better than Patty's chiffon, but they were both sad wrecks ofthe dainty costumes they had been the evening before. 

Patty flung open the windows, and let in the cool morning air, andas she stepped out on the veranda she cried, "Oh, Daisy, here theycome!"

A big touring car was visible at a distance, and in a moment Pattysaw that Farnsworth himself was driving it. 

"Hooray!" he called, as he came nearer, and Mona, who sat besidehim, cried out, "Oh, Patty, Patty! Are you safe?"

"Safe? Of course I'm safe, " said Patty, who despite her draggleddress, looked like the incarnation of morning as she stood on theveranda, her sweet face glad and smiling beneath its cloud ofgolden curls. 

"Thank Heaven!" cried Big Bill, as he fairly flung himself out ofhis driver's seat and rushed up to her. He almost took her in hisarms, but just checked his mad impulse in time, and grasping bothher hands, shook them vigorously up and down as he whispered, "Oh, my little girl! You never can know what it cost me to go off andleave you here alone!" His frank, honest blue eyes looked straightinto her deep violet ones, and his glance told eloquently of hisremorse and regret for the mischief he had thoughtlessly broughtabout. 

Patty understood at once all his unspoken message, and smiled afull and free forgiveness. 

"It's all right, Little Billee, " she said, softly. "You were abrave, true friend, and I shall never forget your chivalry andtrue kindness. "

A moment more he held her hands, gazing deep into her eyes, andthen turned abruptly to greet Daisy. 

CHAPTER XIII

AT DAISY'S DICTATION

At Farnsworth's directions, the "rescuing party" had brought withthem a glazier and his kit of tools and materials. While he fitteda new pane of glass in place of the broken one, Mona expressed heropinion of the escapade of the night before. 

"It was all your fault, Bill!" she exclaimed. "You ought not tohave driven so fast and so far. "

"I know it, ma'am, " said Big Bill, looking like a culpritschoolboy. "I'm awful 'shamed of myself!"

"And well you may be!" chimed in Adele Kenerley. "Suppose thishouse hadn't been here, what would you have done?"

"I should have built one, " declared Bill, promptly. 

"So you would!" agreed Patty, heartily. 

"You're equal to any emergency, Little Billee; and it WASN'T allyour fault, anyway. _I_ egged you on, because I love to drivefast, especially at night. "

"Very reprehensible tastes, young woman, " said Jim Kenerley, trying to be severe, but not succeeding very well. 

"Oh, you might have known this house was here, " said Mona. "It'sMr. Kemper's house. They've gone away for a month. They're comingback next week. "

"Well, they'll find everything in order, " said Patty. "We didn'thurt a thing, except the window, and we've fixed that. We burnedup a lot of their firewood, though. "

"They won't mind that, " said Mona, laughing. "They're awfully nicepeople. We'll come over and tell them the whole story when theyget home. "

"And now, can't we go home?" said Patty. "I'm just about starved. "

"You poor dear child, " cried Mrs. Kenerley. "You haven't had abite of breakfast! Come on, Mona, let's take Patty and Daisy homein one of the cars; the rest can follow in the other. "

Two cars of people had come over to escort the wanderers home, sothis plan was agreed upon. 

But somehow, Bill Farnsworth managed to hasten the glazier's task, so that all were ready to depart at once. 

"I'll drive the big car, " cried Bill. "Come on, Patty, " and beforeany one realised it, he had swung the girl up into the front seatof the big touring car, and had himself climbed to the driver'sseat. 

"I had to do this, " he said to Patty, as they started off. "I mustspeak to you alone a minute, and be sure that you forgive me forthe trouble I made you. "

"Of course I forgive you, " said Patty, gaily. "I'd forgive you alot more than that. "

"You would? Why?"

"Oh, because I'm such a good forgiver. I'd forgive anybody, anything. "

"Huh! then it isn't much of a compliment to have YOURforgiveness!"

"Well, why should I pay you compliments?"

"That's so! Why SHOULD you? In fact, it ought to be the other way. Let ME pay them to YOU. "

"Oh, I don't care much about them. I get quite a lot, you see--"

"I see you're a spoiled baby, that's what YOU are!"

"Now, --Little Billee!" and Patty's tone was cajoling, and hersideways glance and smile very provoking. 

"And I'd like to do my share of the spoiling!" he continued, looking at her laughing, dimpled face and wind-tossed curls. 

"So you shall! Begin just as soon as you like and spoil me all youcan, " said Patty, still in gay fooling, when she suddenlyremembered Daisy's prohibition of this sort of fun. 

"Of course I don't mean all this, " she said, suddenly speaking ina matter-of-fact tone. 

"But I do, and I shall hold you to it. You know I have yourblossom wreath; I've saved it as a souvenir of last night. "

"That forlorn bit of drowned finery! Oh, Little Billee, I thoughtyou were poetical! No poet could keep such a tawdry old souveniras that!"

"It isn't tawdry. I dried it carefully, and picked the littlepetals all out straight, and it's really lovely. "

"Then if it's in such good shape, I wish you'd give it back to meto wear. I was fond of that wreath. "

"No, it's mine now. I claim right of salvage. But I'll give youanother in place of it, --if I may. "

Patty didn't answer this, for Daisy, tired of being neglected, leaned her head over between the two, and commenced chattering. 

The two girls were well wrapped up in coats and veils Mona hadbrought them, but they were both glad when they came in sight of"Red Chimneys. "

Patty went gaily off to her own rooms, saying she was going tohave a bath and a breakfast, and then she was going to sleep fortwenty-four hours. 

"I'm not, " announced Daisy. "I'm going to make a straight dive forthe breakfast room. Come with me, Bill, and see that I get enoughto eat. "

Roger, Mona, and the Kenerleys were going for an ocean dip, andLaurence Cromer, who was a late riser, had not yet put in anappearance. Aunt Adelaide was with Patty, hearing all about theadventure, so Bill was obliged to accept Daisy's rather peremptoryinvitation. 

"What's the matter with you, Bill?" asked the girl, as she threwoff her motor coat and sat at the table in her low-necked partygown. 

"Nothing. I say, Daisy, why don't you go and get into some togsmore suitable for 9 A. M. ?"

"Because I'm hungry. Yes, James, omelet, and some of the friedchicken. Bill, don't you like me any more?"

"Yes, of course I do. But you ought to act more, --more polite, youknow. "

"Oh, fiddlesticks! You mean more finicky, --like that paragon, Patty. You think she's perfect, because she never raises her voiceabove a certain pitch, and she expects all you men to lie down andlet her walk over you. "

"She MAY walk over me, if she likes; and I want you to stopspeaking of her in that slighting way, Daisy. "

"Oh, you do, do you? And, pray, what right have you to say HOW Ishall speak of her?"

"The right that any man has, to take the part of one who isabsent. "

"You'd like to have more rights than that, wouldn't you?"

"Maybe I would, but I'm not confiding in you. "

"You don't have to. Yours is an open secret. Everybody can seeyou're perfectly gone on that little pink and white thing!"

"That will do, Daisy; don't say another word of that sort!" andBill's voice was so stern and tense that Daisy stopped, a littlefrightened at his demeanour. 

What he might have said further, she never knew, for just then GuyMartin and Lora Sayre came strolling into the room. 

"Hello, people!" said Guy. "Where's everybody that belongs to thischateau? We've come through myriads of empty rooms, but at last wefind the gems of the collection. "

"Why, Miss Dow, " exclaimed Lora, looking at Daisy's gown, "is thisa DINNER party?"

Daisy laughed, and explained, rather pleased than otherwise to bethe sole narrator of the interesting tale. Needless to say, sheand Bill Farnsworth figured as the principal actors in herdramatic version of the motor adventure, and, naturally, Billcould not contradict her. 

"I congratulate you, Miss Dow, " said Guy, "on looking so fit aftersuch a trying ordeal. Patty is all right, isn't she?"

"Oh, yes; she's all right, but you know, she can't stand muchfatigue. And the whole performance unnerved her, and gave her achance to insist on having a beauty sleep. "

"Which she doesn't need for THAT purpose, " laughed Lora, good-naturedly. "But I fear we are keeping you, Miss Dow. Don't youwant to get into a morning frock? Wouldn't you feel morecomfortable?"

"No, it doesn't matter, " and Daisy's manner gave the effect ofsacrificing her comfort to the guests, though really she was of nomind to run away and lose this call. 

"We came to talk about the Pageant, " began Guy. "We want to getthe various parts settled. "

"Well, of course we can't answer for the others, " said Daisy, "butlet's discuss it, --it's such fun, and among us, we may think upsome good ideas. I've had lots of experience with this sort ofthing out West. "

"Oh, have you?" said Guy, eagerly. "Then DO help me out. I have toget up such a lot of characters, --all representative of the sea, you know. I want Mr. Farnsworth here for Father Neptune, that'scertain. "

"I'm quite willing, " said Bill, good-naturedly. "Do I wear abathing suit?"

"No, indeed, " replied Lora. "You wear a gorgeous robe, all darkgreen muslin, in billowy waves, and cotton wool on it for seafoam. Then you'll have a stunning crown and a trident and a lot ofparaphernalia. "

"Lovely, " said Bill. "I do think I'll look just sweet! Who is withme in this misery?"

"Well, the Spirit of the Sea is the next most important figure onthis float. I wanted to be it, but mother thinks I'm not strongenough to stand it. She refuses to let me try. So I suppose itwill be Patty. "

"Patty Fairfield!" exclaimed Daisy. "She's not strong enough, either. Suppose I take that part. I'm used to posing, and I canstand in one position without getting tired. I'll do it, if youwant me to. "

"But we've really asked Patty, " demurred Guy, "and she hasn'tdecided yet. "

"Well, leave it to me, " said Daisy. "I'll ask her, and if shewants the part, all right, and if not, I'll take it. "

This seemed satisfactory, and the matter was dropped while theydiscussed other details of the float. 

Laurence Cromer came down while they were talking, and they alladjourned to the veranda, while the artist gave them the benefitof his advice as to decorations and scenic effects. 

Then the bathers came back from the beach, and all went to workheartily to make and carry out plans for the Pageant. 

Patty had luncheon sent to her room, for she was more affected bythe exposure to the storm and the nerve exhaustion of theadventure than the others were. However, as Mona and Mrs. Kenerleyand Baby May spent much of the time with her, she did not have adull day. In the afternoon Daisy came in. Patty, in a blue silknegligee, sat at her desk writing letters. 

"How sweet you look!" said Daisy, sitting beside her. "When areyou coming downstairs? The boys are moping all over the place. Ibelieve you're staying up here for coquetry. "

The tone was light, but Patty could see that Daisy's words were atleast partly in earnest. But they were untrue, and Patty said, "Oh, I'm going down for tea. I'm just writing to my father. ThenI'll dress and go downstairs. I'm all right, you know. "

"Yes, you look so, " said Daisy, glancing at the bright eyes androseleaf complexion. "You don't look a bit tired. "

"I'm not now; but I was when I reached home this morning. Weren'tyou?"

"Not very. I'm stronger than you are. Guy Martin and Lora Sayrewere here to talk about the Pageant. "

"Were they? Is Lora going to be Spirit of the Sea?"

"No; her mother won't let her. They asked me to take the part, butI don't want to. "

"Why not?" said Patty, looking at her curiously. 

"Oh, I think they'd better have a Spring Beach girl. You, forinstance. "

"They asked me before, but if you'll do it, I'll take somethingelse. Who's going to be Neptune?"

"Bill. That's another reason why you'd better be the Sea Spirit. "

"Nonsense!" and Patty was angry at herself to feel the blush thatrose to her cheek. But Daisy made no comment, and in a moment shesaid suddenly:

"Patty, write a note for me, will you? I've run a sliver into myforefinger and I can't hold a pen. "

"A sliver? Oh, Daisy, does it hurt?"

"No, not much now. I got it out. But the tip of my finger ispainful if I write. You've your pen in your hand, so just scribblea line for me. I can sign it. "

"Of course I will. Dictate, please!"

Patty took a fresh sheet of paper, and tried to look like aprofessional amanuensis. 

"I really would rather not be the Spirit of the Sea, " dictatedDaisy, and Patty wrote obediently. "Please try to get some oneelse for the part. But may I ask you as a personal favour not tospeak of the matter to me at any time. "

"Thank you, " said Daisy, taking the paper from Patty and foldingit. "I can sign it, even if I have to use my left hand. I'm goingto give it to Mr. Martin for, somehow, I don't want to talk aboutthe matter to him. "

"I don't see why, " said Patty, a little puzzled. 

"Never mind, girlie. You know sometimes there are little foolishreasons we don't like to tell of. Don't say anything about allthis to anybody, will you?"

"No, certainly not, " said Patty, wonderingly. 

"Don't tell any one I asked you to write the note. "

"No. "

"You see, I hate to acknowledge a hurt finger. It sounds sosilly. "

The whole affair seemed silly to Patty, for she could see noreason why Daisy shouldn't tell Guy that she didn't want to beSpirit of the Sea. But it was none of her affair, and as Daisywent away she put the whole matter out of her mind. After making aleisurely toilette, she went downstairs and found a group of youngpeople having tea on the veranda. Her appearance was hailed withshouts of joy. Seats were offered her in every choice position, but the pleading look in Farnsworth's big blue eyes persuaded herto sit beside him in a broad, red-cushioned swing. 

"You're all right, little girl, aren't you?" he said, anxiously, and Patty laughed gaily up at him as she answered, "Yes, indeed!and all ready for another adventure, if YOU'LL take care of me!"

"You apple blossom!" whispered Bill. "I won't hold you to yourword, but I'd like to. Do you know, I've promised to be FatherNeptune in this dinky parade they're getting up. Won't I be thegay old Sea Dog! I hope you'll be the Spirit of the Sea. "

"That isn't decided; don't ask me about it yet, " said Patty, whohad no mind to commit herself until Guy should ask her definitelyto take the part. Though since Lora couldn't take it, and Daisywouldn't, she felt pretty sure it would fall to her. 

A number of the Spring Beach boys and girls had drifted in, asthey often did at tea time, and the talk of the many small groupswas all of the coming festivity. Beside the Sea Float, there werethe various rivers to be represented. The Nile would becharacterised by Egyptian costumes and effects. The Hudson wouldbe an attempt at a representation of "The Half Moon. " The Tiberwas to show gorgeous Roman citizens; the Thames proudlycontemplated a houseboat, and the Seine, French scenery. Also, there would be floats representing Venice, Holland, the PanamaCanal, Niagara Falls, the Open Polar Sea, and many others showingsome phase or manifestation of water's great kingdom. 

Daisy had inveigled Guy Martin into a tete-a-tete corner with her, but after a polite quarter of an hour, he declared he must movearound and confer with a few people concerning their parts in thecarnival. 

"How about Patty's being Spirit of the Sea?" he asked. 

"Oh, " Daisy said, "you'd better not say anything to her aboutthat. I asked her, and she gave me this note to give you. It isn'tsigned, nor addressed, but you see it's her handwriting. She wroteit hastily, but she said she didn't want to talk about thematter. "

Guy looked a little surprised, but took the note and read it. "H'm, " he said, "rather NOT be Spirit of the Sea. Get some oneelse. And--as a personal favour, don't speak of the matter to her!Well, Pretty Patty must have a miff of some sort. Most unlike her!However, her word is law. I'll never mention the subject to her, since she asks me not to. But our time is getting short, and mostof the girls have their parts. Miss Dow, won't you be Spirit ofthe Sea?"

"Why, yes, if you want me to, " said Daisy, looking modest anddemure. "I can make the costume easily, because I know just how. It requires fishnet draperies over green chiffon, and lots ofseaweed decorations and that sort of thing. "

"Yes; you have just the right idea. Then I'll put you down forthat. You and Mr. Farnsworth will make a fine pair. I wonder whatPatty WOULD like to be. "

"I'll ask her, " volunteered Daisy. "I know you're awfully busy, Mr. Martin, and I want to help you all I can. So leave that matterto me. "

"Very well, I will, " said Guy, who really had a multitude of caresand affairs; "but be sure to make her take some good part. Itwouldn't be a Pageant at all with Patty Fairfield left out! If Ididn't have to skip away this very minute to keep an engagementwith a scene painter, I'd ask her what's the matter, anyhow!"

"Oh, Mr. Martin, you forget she asked you, as a personal favour, not to speak to her about it. "

"By Jove! So she did! Wonder what's come over the girlie! Ifanybody has offended her, I'll kill him! Well, I must fly, MissDow; attend the rehearsals, won't you? See you tomorrow. "

Guy made hasty adieux to Mona, and went off on his errands. 

Daisy, in high spirits at the success of her ruse, went straightover to Patty. 

"Patty, dear, " she said, sweetly, "I couldn't withstand Mr. Martin's persuasions, and I've promised him I'll be the Spirit ofthe Sea. You know I told you I didn't want to, but he overruled myobjections and I consented. "

"All right, Daisy, " said Patty, without a trace of regret on hersweet face. She did feel regret keenly, for Guy had asked her longago, and she had only hesitated out of generosity toward Lora, whoalso wanted it. But it was not her nature to resent such things, and she concluded that Guy thought Daisy better adapted for thepart than herself. 

"What part will you take?" Daisy went on. "Mr. Martin told me toask you and arrange for you. "

Daisy's manner showed such undue importance and ostentatiousauthority that Jack Pennington spoke up. 

"Are you assistant chairman, Miss Dow?"

"Mr. Martin didn't call it that, " said Daisy, smiling pleasantly;"he only left it to me to see that Miss Fairfield had a good placein the Pageant. "

"You bet Miss Fairfield will have a good place!" exclaimed Jack. "Don't you bother about it, Miss Dow. Let me relieve you of thatduty. _I_'LL see to Miss Fairfield's place. "

"But Mr. Martin left it in my care, " persisted Daisy, getting alittle frightened lest her deceit about the note should bediscovered. 

"Leave Mr. Martin to me, " said Jack, a little curtly. "I'llexplain to him that I relieved you of the responsibility ofPatty's place in the show. I say, Patty, let's you and me be Dutchkiddies on the Holland Float. "

"Shall us?" said Patty, smiling in a whimsical way that meantnothing at all. 

CHAPTER XIV

PAGEANT PLANS

As Patty was preparing for bed that night, Mona came tapping ather door. 

"Come in, " said Patty. "Oh, it's you, Mona, --well, I AM glad tosee you! In the turmoil of this 'house party' of yours, we almostnever see each other alone, do we?"

"No; and I'm sorry. But you're enjoying it, aren't you, Patty?"

"Yes, indeed! I love it! People running in and out all the time, and a lot of people all over the house, --oh, yes, it's gay. "

"Patty, I'm bothered about this Pageant business. How does ithappen that Daisy has taken your part?"

"It wasn't my part. It had never been assigned, until Guypersuaded Daisy to take it. "

"Persuaded fiddlesticks! She MADE him give it to her. "

"No, she didn't. She was determined NOT to have that part, but hecoaxed her into it. She told me so herself. "

"Pooh! You don't know Daisy as I do. You're so sweet and generousyourself you think everybody else is. I wish I hadn't asked herhere. I thought she had outgrown her school-girl tricks. She wasalways like that. "

"Like what?"

"Nothing; never mind. What does Bill say about it?"

"Nothing. I don't believe he knows who's to be Spirit of the Sea. And probably he doesn't care. "

"Probably he DOES! Don't be a goose, Patty Fairfield! You knowthat great big angel Bill adores the ground you walk on. "

"Is he as fond of Real Estate as all that? Well, I can't give itto him, for it's your ground that I'm on most of the time, and Isuppose the beach is owned by the Realty Company or something. "

"FUNNY girl! Patty, you make me laugh boisterously with that witof yours! Well, Miss Sweetness, will you help me with my costume?Guy has 'persuaded' ME to be Cleopatra on the Nile Float. "

"Oh, Mona, how lovely! You'll be a PERFECT Cleopatra. Indeed Iwill help you! What are you going to wear?"

"Whatever's the right thing. Of course it must be magnificent ineffect. I'm going to send for a dressmaker and two helpers to-morrow morning, and put them to work on it. They can fit liningswhile I send to New York for the material. Lizette can go andselect it. What do you think of gold-brocaded white satin?"

"Appropriate enough for Cleopatra, but ridiculous for a pantomimecostume! Get white paper muslin or sateen, and trace a design onit with gold paint. "

"No, sir-ee! I don't get a chance to shine as a dramatic staroften, and I'm going to have the finest costume I can think up!"

"Oh, Mona, you have no sense of proportion, " laughed Patty; "goahead then, and get your white satin, if it will make you happy. "

Apparently it would, and the two girls discussed the Cleopatracostume in all its details, until the little clock on thedressing-table held its two hands straight up in shocked surprise. 

After Mona left her, Patty gave herself a scolding. It was a habitof hers, when bothered, to sit down in front of a mirror and "haveit out with herself" as she expressed it. 

"Patty Fairfield, " she said to the disturbed looking reflectionthat confronted her, "you're a silly, childish old thing to feeldisappointed because you weren't chosen to be Spirit of the Sea!And you're a mean-spirited, ill-tempered GOOSE to feel as you do, because Daisy Dow has that part. She'll be awfully pretty in it, and Guy Martin had a perfect right to choose her, and she had aperfect right to change her mind and say she'd take it, even ifshe HAD told you she didn't want it! Now, Miss, what have you tosay for yourself? Nothing? I thought so. You're vain and conceitedand silly, if you think that you'd be a better Spirit of the Seathan Daisy, and you show a very small and disagreeable nature whenyou take it so to heart. Now, WILL you brace up and forget it?"

And so practical and just was Patty's true nature that she smiledat herself, and agreed to her own remarks. Then dismissing thewhole subject from her mind, she went to bed and to sleep. 

Next day she went in search of Laurence Cromer, and found thatyoung man sketching in a corner of one of the picturesque terracesof "Red Chimneys. "

"Why these shyness?" asked Patty, as he quickly closed his sketch-book at her approach. "Why these modest coquetry? Art afraid ofme? Gentle little me? Who wouldn't hurt a 'squito? Or am it that Ibe unworthy to look upon a masterpiece created by one of ourrisingest young artists?"

"I don't want you to see this sketch till it's finished, " saidCromer, honestly. "It's going to be an awfully pretty bit, butunfinished, it looks like the dickens. Let me sketch you, MissFairfield, may I?"

"Yes, indeed; but can you talk at the same time? I want youradvice. "

"Oh, yes; the more I talk the better I work. Turn a little more tothe right, please. Oh, that's perfect! Rest your fingertips on thebalustrade, so--now, don't move!"

"Huh, " remarked Patty, as Cromer began to sketch in swiftly, "howlong do I have to stand this way? It isn't such an awful lot offun. "

"Oh, DON'T move! This is only a beginning, but I'll make awonderful picture from it. That shining white linen frock is fineagainst the gleaming, sunlit marble of the terrace. "

"All right, I'll stand, " said Patty, goodnaturedly. "Now you canreturn the favour by helping me out of a quandary. Won't youadvise me what part to take in the Pageant? As a matter of fact, Ithink all the best parts are assigned, and I don't want to be 'oneof the populace, ' or just 'a voice heard outside'! I want apicturesque part. "

"I should say you did! Or, rather the picturesque parts all wantyou. Now, _I_'M designing the Niagara Float. It's unfinished, asyet, --the scheme, I mean, --but I know I want a figure for it, asort of a, --well, a Maid of the Mist, don't you know. Aspirituelle girl, draped all in grey misty tulle, and dull silverwings, --long, curving ones, and a star in her hair. "

"Lovely!" cried Patty. "And do you think I could be it?"

"Well, I had a brown-haired girl in mind. Your colouring is morelike 'Dawn' or 'Spring' or 'Sunshine. '"

"Oh, I HATE my tow-head!" exclaimed Patty. "I wish I was a nut-brown maid. "

"Don't be foolish, " said Cromer, in a matter-of-fact way. "You arethe perfection of your own type. I never saw such true Romneycolouring. Pardon me, Miss Fairfield, I'm really speaking of youquite impersonally. Don't be offended, will you?"

"No, indeed, " said Patty. "I quite understand, Mr. Cromer. Butwhat part AM I adapted for in the Pageant?"

"If you will, I'd like you to be Maid of the Mist. As I say, I hadthought of a darker type, but with a floating veil of misty grey, and grey, diaphanous draperies, you would be very effective. Turnthe least bit this way, please. "

Patty obeyed directions, while she thought over his idea. "Maid ofthe Mist" sounded pretty, and the artist's float was sure to be abeautiful one. 

"Yes, I'll take that part, if you want me to, " she said, and Mr. Cromer said he would design her costume that afternoon. 

"Hello, Apple Blossom!" called a big, round voice, and BillFarnsworth came strolling along the terrace. Perched on hisshoulder was Baby May, her tiny hands grasping his thick, wavyhair, and her tiny feet kicking, as she squealed in glee. 

"Misser Bill my horsie, " she announced. "Me go ridy-by. "

"IS there something on my shoulder?" asked Bill, seeminglyunconscious of his burden. "I thought a piece of thistledownlighted there, but it may have blown off. "

"There is a bit of thistledown there, " said Patty, "but don'tbrush it off. It's rather becoming to you. "

"Indeed it is, " agreed Cromer. "I'd like to sketch you and thatmite of humanity together. "

"You're ready to sketch anybody that comes along, seems to me, "observed Bill. "Isn't this Miss Fairfield's turn?"

"I expect she's about tired of holding her pose, " said the artist. "I'll give her a rest, and make a lightning sketch of you two. Baby's mother may like to have it. "

"Oh, give it to me!" begged Patty. "I'd love to have a picture ofBaby May. "

"But there'll be so much more of me in it than Baby May, " saidBill, gravely. 

"Never mind, " laughed Patty. "I shan't object to your presencethere. Now, I'll run away while you pose, for I MIGHT make youlaugh at the wrong time. "

"Don't go, " pleaded Bill, but Patty had already gone. 

"What a beautiful thing she is, " said Cromer, as he worked away athis sketch-block. He spoke quite as if referring to some inanimateobject, for he looked at Patty only with an artist's eye. 

"She is, " agreed Bill. "She's all of that, and then some. She'llmake a perfect Spirit of the Sea. I say, Cromer, help me rig up myNeptune togs, will you?"

"Of course I will, old chap. But Miss Fairfield isn't going to beon your float. She's agreed to be my Maid of the Mist. "

"She HAS! I say, Cromer, that's too bad of you! How did youpersuade her to change her plan?"

"She didn't change. She had no idea of being on your float. Sheasked me what I thought she'd better be, and she said all the mostdesirable parts were already assigned. "

"H'm, quite so! Oh, of course, --certainly! Yes, yes, INDEED!"

"What's the matter with you, Bill? Are you raving? Your speech isa bit incoherent. "

"Incoherent, is it? Lucky for you! If I were coherent, or saidwhat I'm thinking, you'd be some surprised! You go on making yourpencil marks while I think this thing out. All right, Baby; didUncle Bill joggle you too much? There, --now you're comfy again, aren't you? I say, Laurence, I'll have my picture taken some otherday. Excuse me now, won't you? I have a few small fish to fry. Come, Babykins, let's go find mummy. "

"H'm, " said Laurence Cromer to himself, as Bill swung off withmighty strides toward the house. "Somehow, I fancy he'll regainhis lost Spirit of the Sea, or there'll be something doing!"

Baby May was gently, if somewhat unceremoniously, deposited in hermother's lap, and Bill said gaily, "Much obliged for this dance. Reserve me one for to-morrow morning at the same hour. And, I say, Mrs. Kenerley, could you put me on the trail of Miss Fairfield?"

"She went off in her runabout with Roger Farrington. I think she'sheading for the telegraph office to order much materials andgewgaws for the Pageant. "

"Then, do you know where Daisy Dow is? I MUST flirt withsomebody!"

"Try me, " said pretty little Mrs. Kenerley, demurely. 

"I would, but I'm afraid Baby May would tell her father. "

"That's so; she might. Well, Daisy is at the telephone in thelibrary; I hear her talking. "

"Thank you, " said Big Bill, abruptly, and started for the library. 

"Yes, " he heard Daisy saying as he entered the room, "a long, light green veil, floating backward, held by a wreath of silverstars ... Certainly ... Oh, yes, I understand ... Good-bye. "

She hung up the receiver, and turned to see Bill looking at herwith a peculiar expression on his handsome, honest face. 

"What are you going to represent in your light green veil, Daisy?"he asked. 

"The Spirit of the Sea, " she replied. "I've arranged for theloveliest costume, --all green and shimmery, and dripping withseaweed. "

"How did you happen to be chosen for that part, Daisy?"

"Guy Martin insisted upon it. He said there was no one else justright for it. "

"How about Patty Fairfield?"

"Oh, she WOULDN'T take it. She told Guy so. "

"She did! I wonder WHY she wouldn't take it?"

"I don't know, Bill, I'm sure. It COULDN'T have been becauseyou're Neptune, could it?"

"It might be, " Bill flung out, between closed teeth, and turning, he strode quickly away. 

"Bill, " called Daisy, and he returned. 

"What is it?" he said, and his face showed a hurt, pained look, rather than anger. 

"Only this: Patty asked Guy as a special favour not to mentionthis matter to her. So I daresay you'll feel in honour bound notto speak of it. "

"H'm; I don't know as my honour binds me very strongly in thatdirection. "

"But it MUST, Bill!" and Daisy looked distinctly troubled. "Ioughtn't to have told you, for Patty trusted me not to tellanybody. "

"Patty ought to know better than to trust you at all!" and withthis parting shaft, Bill walked away. On the veranda he met GuyMartin, who had called for a moment to discuss some Pageant planswith Mona. Guy was just leaving, and Bill walked by his side, downthe path to the gate. 

"Just a moment, Martin, please. As man to man, tell me if PattyFairfield refused to take the part of the Spirit of the Sea?"

"Why, yes; she did, " said Guy, looking perplexed. "It's a queerbusiness and very unlike Patty. But she wrote me a note, sayingshe didn't want the part, and asking me not to mention the matterto her at all. "

"She did? Thank you. Good-bye. " And Bill returned to the house, apparently thinking deeply. 

"Hello, Billy Boy, what's the matter?" called Mona, gaily, as hecame up the veranda steps. 

"I'm pining for you, " returned Bill. "Do shed the light of yourcountenance on me for a few blissful moments. You're the mostunattainable hostess I ever house-partied with!"

"All right, I'll walk down to the lower terrace and back with you. Now, tell me what's on your mind. "

"How sympathetic you are, Mona. Well, I will tell you. I'm allbroken up over this Pageant business. I wanted Patty Fairfield onthe float with me, and she won't take the part, and now Daisy hascabbaged it. "

"I know it. But Patty says Guy Martin chose Daisy in preference toher. And she says it's all right. "

"Great jumping Anacondas! She says THAT, does she? And she saysit's all right, does she? Well, it's just about as far from allright as the North Pole is from the South Pole! Oh--ho! E--hee!Wow, wow! I perceive a small beam of light breaking in upon thisblack cat's pocket of a situation! Mona, will you excuse me whileI go to raise large and elegant ructions among your lady friends?"

"Now, Bill, don't stir up a fuss. I know your wild Western way ofgiving people 'a piece of your mind, ' but Spring Beach societydoesn't approve of such methods. What's it all about, Bill? Tellme, and let's settle it quietly. "

"Settle it quietly! When an injustice has been done that ought tobe blazoned from East to West!"

"Yes, and make matters most uncomfortable for the victim of thatinjustice. "

Big Bill calmed down. The anger faded from his face, his handsunclenched themselves, and he sat down on the terrace balustrade. 

"You're right, Mona, " he said, in a low, tense voice. "I'm nothingbut an untamed cowboy! I have no refinement, no culture, nojudgment. But I'll do as you say; I'll settle this thing QUIETLY. "

As a matter of fact, Bill's quiet, stern face and firm-set jawbetokened an even more strenuous "settlement" than his blusteringmood had done; but he dropped the whole subject, and began to talkto Mona, interestedly, about her own part in the Pageant. 

CHAPTER XV

IN THE ARBOUR

After returning from her motor ride with Roger, Patty went to herroom to write some letters. 

But she had written only so far as "My dearest Nan, " when a bigpink rose came flying through the open window and fell right onthe paper. 

Patty looked up, laughing, for she knew it was Bill who threw theblossom. 

The bay window of Patty's boudoir opened on a particularlypleasant corner of the upper veranda, --a corner provided withwicker seats and tables, and screened by awnings from the middaysun. And when Patty was seated by her desk in that same baywindow, half-hidden by the thin, fluttering curtain draperies, BigBill Farnsworth had an incurable habit of strolling by. But he didnot respond to Patty's laughter in kind. 

"Come out here, " he said, and his tone was not peremptory, butbeseechingly in earnest. Wondering a little, Patty rose andstepped over the low sill to the veranda. Bill took her two littlehands in his own two big ones, and looked her straight in theeyes. 

"What part are YOU going to take in this foolish racket they'regetting up?" he asked. 

"I'm going to be Maid of the Mist, " answered Patty, trying tospeak as if she didn't care. 

"Why aren't you going to be Spirit of the Sea?"

"Because Guy asked Daisy to take that part. "

"Yes! he asked her after you had refused to take it!"

"Refused! What do you mean?"

"Oh, I know all about it! You wrote a note to Martin, telling himyou wouldn't take the part, and asking him not to mention thesubject to you again. "

"What!" and all the colour went out of Patty's face as the thoughtflashed across her mind what this meant. She saw at once thatDaisy had given that note to Guy, as coming from HER! She saw thatDaisy MUST have done this intentionally! And this knowledge of adeed so despicable, so IMPOSSIBLE, from Patty's standpoint, stunned her like a blow. 

But she quickly recovered herself. Patty's mind always JUMPED fromone thought to another, and she knew, instantly, that howevercontemptible Daisy's act had been, she could not and would notdisclose it. 

"Oh, that note, " she said, striving to speak carelessly. 

"Yes, THAT NOTE, " repeated Bill, still gazing straight at her. "Tell me about it. "

"There's nothing to tell, " said Patty, her voice trembling alittle at this true statement of fact. 

"You wrote it?"

"Yes, --I wrote it, " Patty declared, for she could not tell thecircumstance of her writing it. 

Bill let go her hands, and a vanquished look came into his eyes. 

"I--I hoped you didn't, " he said, simply; "but as you did, then Iknow WHY you did it. Because you didn't want to be on the floatwith me. "

"Oh, no, -NO, Bill!" cried Patty, shocked at this added injustice. "It wasn't THAT, --truly it wasn't!"

Gladness lighted up Bill's face, and his big blue eyes beamedagain. 

"Wasn't it?" he said. "Wasn't it, Apple Blossom? Then, tell me, why DID you write it?"

"But I don't want to tell you, " and Patty pouted one of her veryprettiest pouts. 

"But you shall tell me! If you don't, "--Bill came a step nearer, --"I'll pick you up and toss you up into the top branches of thatbiggest pine tree over there!"

"Pooh! Who's afraid?"

Patty's saucy smile was too much for Bill, and, catching her up, he cradled her in his strong arms, and swung her back and forth, as if preparatory to pitching her into the tree. 

"Here you go!" he said, laughing at her surprised face. "One, --two--"

"Mr. Farnsworth!" exclaimed a shocked voice, and Aunt Adelaidecame hastening toward them. 

Bill set Patty down, not hastily, but very deliberately, and thensaid, with an anxious air:

"How did it go, Mrs. Parsons? We're practising for our great scenein the Pageant--the Spirit of the Sea, tossed by old FatherNeptune. I do my part all right, but Miss Fairfield needs morepractice, don't you think so?"

Aunt Adelaide looked scrutinisingly at the young man, but hisexpression was so earnest that she couldn't doubt him. 

"Patty looked scared to death, " she said, with reminiscentcriticism. "Oughtn't she to look more gay and careless?"

"She certainly ought, " assented Bill. "Will you try the scene oncemore, Miss Fairfield, with Mrs. Parsons for audience?"

"I will not!" exclaimed Patty, and trying hard to repress hergiggles, she fled back through her window, and drew the curtains. 

"I didn't know you were to have acting on the floats, " said AuntAdelaide, innocently. 

"I'm not sure that we shall, " returned Farnsworth, easily. "I hada notion it would be effective, but perhaps not. Do you know whereMiss Dow is, by any chance?"

"Why, I think she's just starting for the Sayres'. Yes, there shegoes now, --walking down the path. " "WILL you excuse me then, Mrs. Parsons, if I make a hurried exit? I want to see her on a MOSTimportant matter. "

Big Bill fairly flung himself down the little staircase that ledfrom the upper veranda to the lower one, and in a few moments, with long strides, he had overtaken Daisy, who was alone. 

"Whoop-ee! Daisy, wait a minute!" he cried, as he neared her. 

"What for?" and Daisy turned, smiling, but her smile faded as shecaught sight of Bill's face. 

"Because I tell you to!" thundered Bill. "Because I want to talkto you, --and, right now!"

"I--I'm going on an errand--" faltered Daisy, fairly frightened athis vehemence. 

"I don't care if you're going on an errand for the Czar of Russia;you turn around, and walk along with me. "

"Where to?"

"Wherever I lead you! Here's a rose arbour, this will do. In withyou!"

Daisy entered the arbour, trembling. She had never seen Farnsworthso angry before, and her guilty conscience made her feel sure hehad discovered her treachery. In the arbour they were screenedfrom observation, and Bill lowered his voice. 

"Now, " said he, "tell me all about this 'Spirit of the Sea'business. What underhanded game did you play to get the part awayfrom Patty Fairfield?"

"I didn't! She told Guy Martin she wouldn't take it. "

"Yes; she wrote him a note. Now, in some way or other, you madeher write that note. How did you do it?"

"Did she tell you I made her write it?"

"No, she didn't! She said she wrote it, but she wouldn't tell mewhy. "

Daisy's eyes opened wide. Then Patty KNEW the note had been givento Guy in her name, and yet she didn't denounce Daisy! Suchgenerosity was almost outside Daisy's comprehension, and shepaused to think it out. At last she said:

"Why do YOU think she wouldn't tell you?"

"I don't THINK, I KNOW! A man has only to look into PattyFairfield's clear, honest eyes to know that she's incapable ofmeanness or deceit. While you, --forgive me, Daisy, but I've knownyou for years, --and you ARE capable of gaining your own ends byunderhanded methods. "

"What do you accuse me of?" and Daisy's air of injured innocencewas well assumed. 

"I don't know, " and Bill looked exceedingly perplexed. "But I DOknow that in some way you persuaded Patty to give up that part, because you wanted it yourself. "

Daisy drew a long breath of relief. Then, she thought, he didn'tknow, after all, just what she HAD done, and perhaps she couldcarry it through yet. 

"You're mistaken, " she said, in a kind way, "Patty did write thatnote, but she had her own reasons, and she desired, especially, that no one should mention the subject to her. "

"Yes, " said Bill, "and it's that strange reluctance to having thesubject mentioned that makes me suspect YOUR hand in the matter. Patty refused to discuss it with me, but the look of blankastonishment in her face, when I referred to that note, convincedme there's a bit of deviltry SOMEWHERE. And I ascribe it to you!"

"You do me an injustice, " and now Daisy's tone was haughty anddistant; "but I cannot resent it. For Patty's sake, I too mustrefuse to discuss this matter. Think of me as you will, --I cannotdefend myself. "

Daisy's face grew so sad and martyr-like that generous-heartedBill was almost convinced of her innocence. 

"I say, Daisy, " he began, "if I'm wronging you in this matter, I'll never forgive myself. "

"Oh, never mind, Bill; I'm used to being misunderstood. But I'llforgive you, if you'll promise never to refer to the subject againto me, or to any one else. "

Bill might have promised this, but the too eager gleam in Daisy'seyes again roused his suspicions. And just then he saw Pattycrossing a bit of lawn near them. 

"Whoo-ee!" he called, and as Patty turned, he beckoned for her tocome to them. 

"What's wanted?" called Patty, gaily, as she neared the arbour. 

"You, " said Bill, while Daisy sank down on the arbour seat, andseemed to crumple up in abject fear of what was about to happen. 

"Now, Miss Fairfield, " Bill began, "there's a little matter I wantcleared up. It's the note you wrote to Mr. Martin saying youdidn't wish to be Spirit of the Sea. "

Daisy cast one piteous, despairing glance at Patty, and thencovered her face in her hands. 

At first, Patty's blue eyes flashed with a righteous indignation, to think how Daisy had abused her kindness in writing that note atdictation. Then a great wave of compassion swept through herheart. The deed was so foreign to her own nature that she feltdeep pity for one who was capable of such a thing. And Daisy'sevident misery roused her sympathy. She didn't stop to think thatprobably Daisy's regret was at being found out and not for thedeed itself, but Patty's forgiveness was full and free, evenbefore it was asked. In her unbounded generosity of heart, sheresolved to shield Daisy from Farnsworth's wrath. 

"What about the note?" she asked, simply. 

"Did you write it?"

"I did. "

"Did any one force or persuade you to write it?"

"I did it willingly, and without compulsion. "

"Did Daisy know you wrote it?"

"She knew it, yes. She gave it to Guy Martin. "

Bill was nonplussed. He KNEW there was some secret about thatnote, but he couldn't quite fathom it. 

And every word Patty spoke, though quite true, and seeming toexonerate Daisy, made the guilty girl more and more amazed thatone she had so injured COULD be so forgiving. 

"Didn't you want to be Spirit of the Sea?" Bill said at last, desperately anxious on that point. 

Patty hesitated. She couldn't truly say she didn't, and to say shedid would bring up the question of the note again. 

"I DID want to, " she said, slowly, "but, since Daisy has thatpart, --and I have another, and a very pretty part, --I am quitecontent. "

"Then there is nothing more to be said, " Farnsworth muttered. "Theincident is closed. "

He started to leave the arbour, and Daisy lifted her troubled eyesto Patty's face. Patty tried to smile, but there must have been aninvoluntary shadow of reproach in her blue eyes, which, for somereason, went straight to Daisy's heart. 

"DON'T look at me like that, Patty, " she cried out; "I can't bearit! Bill, come back! The incident ISN'T closed. I want to tellyou, Bill, what I did. Patty wrote that note, at my dictation, thinking it was for me, --I had a hurt finger, --and I told her I'dsign it, --and I DIDN'T sign it, --I gave it to Guy as if it wasfrom her--oh, Patty--will you forgive me? WILL you?"

"There, there, Daisy, " and Patty put her arms around the sobbinggirl. "Never mind, it's all right. "

"It isn't all right!" exclaimed Farnsworth, his eyes blazing. "Daisy Dow, do you mean to tell me--"

"She doesn't mean to tell YOU anything, " interrupted Patty. "She'sonly going to tell me. I wish you'd go away. This note matter isentirely between Daisy and myself. It's--it's a sort of a--a joke, you see. "

Daisy sat up straight, and stared at Patty. What sort of a girlwas this, anyhow, who could forgive so freely and fully, and thencall it all a JOKE!

But Daisy knew generosity when she saw it, and with her heartoverflowing with gratitude at Patty's kindness, she bravelyacknowledged her own fault. 

"It ISN'T a joke, Bill, " she said, in an unsteady voice. "I did ahorrid, hateful thing, and Patty is so angelic and forgiving shemakes me feel too mean to live. "

"Nonsense, " said Patty, "there's no harm done, I'm glad you ownedup, Daisy, for now we can forget the whole episode, and startfresh. "

But Farnsworth couldn't toss the matter aside so easily. 

"Daisy, " he said, looking at her sternly, "I never heard of such amean piece of business in my life! I think--"

"Never mind what you think!" cried Patty, turning on him like alittle fury. "YOU'RE the MEAN one, --to rub it in when Daisy isfeeling so bad over it. "

"She ought to feel bad, " growled Bill. 

"Well, she DOES, if that's such a comfort to you, " retorted Patty. "Now, go away, and leave us girls alone, won't you? This is ourown little sewing circle, and we don't want any men at it. "

Patty was really so relieved at the turn things had taken, thatshe gave Bill a happy smile, which contradicted her crusty words. 

"No, I won't go away, " he declared; "you girls want to weep oneach other's shoulders, --that's what you want. I'm going to stayand see the performance. "

"You can't stay, unless you'll say you forgive Daisy, and love herjust the same. "

"Just the same as who?" demanded Bill, quickly, and Patty blushedadorably. 

"Just the same as you always did, " she returned, severely. 

"Do forgive me, Bill, " said Daisy, contritely; "I'm awfullysorry. "

Farnsworth looked at her, squarely. "I'll forgive you, Daisy, " hesaid, "if you'll make good. Let Patty take the Spirit of the Seapart, and you take something else. "

"I won't do it, " said Patty, quickly, but Daisy said, "Yes, youmust. I shan't feel that you've really forgiven me unless you do. "

As a matter of fact, Daisy saw little prospect of pleasure forherself in being Spirit of the Sea, after all this, and shedoubted whether Bill would be Neptune if she did. 

Patty demurred further, but both the others coaxed so hard thatshe finally yielded to their persuasions. 

"What will the others say?" she asked, at last. 

"Nothing at all, " responded Bill, promptly. "Simply announce thatyou and Daisy have agreed to change parts. Then Daisy can be 'Maidof the Mist, ' and you can be the Water Sprite of old Neptune'sfloat. "

"I'll do it, on one condition, " said Patty; "and that is, that noone else is let into our secret. Let Guy continue to think that Isent him that note, but that I changed my mind about it. And don'ttell anybody at all, not even Mona, the truth of the matter. "

"Gee! You're a wonder!" exclaimed Farnsworth, and Daisy threw herarms round Patty's neck and kissed her. 

"Oh, don't give me undue credit, " Patty said, laughing; "but, yousee, I just naturally hate a 'fuss, ' and I want to forget allabout this affair right away. Daisy, you're just the sort of brownhair and eyes Mr. Cromer wants for his Maid of the Mist. You'll beperfectly sweet in that. "

"You're perfectly sweet in everything, Patty; I never saw any onelike you!"

"Neither did I, " said Farnsworth, with emphasis. 

"Oh, here you are, " drawled a slow voice, and Laurence Cromer camesauntering along in search of Patty. "Don't you want to discussyour costume now? There's only a half-hour before luncheon time. "

"Well, you see, Mr. Cromer, " said Patty, smiling at him, "you saidyou wanted a more brownish lady for your misty maid. So Miss Dowand I have decided to change places. "

"All right, " agreed Cromer. "It makes no difference to me, personally, of course. I'm merely designing the Niagara Float asan architect would. I think perhaps a brunette would be betteradapted to the part of Maid of the Mist, as I have planned it, butit's as you choose. "

"Then we choose this way, " declared Patty. 

"Run along, Daisy, and Mr. Cromer will tell you just what to getfor your misty robes. "

Daisy went away, and Farnsworth turned to Patty with a reproachfulglance. 

"You let her off too easy, " he said. "A girl who would do a thinglike that ought to be punished. "

"Punished, how?" said Patty, quietly. 

"Her deceit ought to be exposed before the others. It oughtn't tobe hushed up, --it makes it too easy for her. "

"Her deceit, as you call it, affected no one but me. Therefore, there's no reason for any one else to know of it. And Daisy hasbeen punished quite enough. I read in her eyes the sorrow andremorse she has suffered for what she did. And I know she did iton a sudden impulse, --an uncontrollable desire to have thatparticular part in the Pageant. Now, I have forgiven and forgottenit all, it's but a trifle. And I can see no reason why YOU shouldstill hold it against her. "

Farnsworth looked steadily into Patty's eyes, and a sort of shamedflush rose to his cheeks. 

"You're bigger than I am, Little Girl, " he said, as he held outhis hand. 

Patty put her little hand into his, and in that understandingclasp, they buried the subject never to refer to it again. 

"Oh, no, I'm not really bigger than you, " she said, lightly. 

"Not physically, no, " he returned, looking down at her. "If youwere, I couldn't toss you into a treetop!"

"You got out of that beautifully with Aunt Adelaide, " and Pattylaughed at the recollection. "But I'm going to scold you forpicking me up in that unceremonious fashion. "

"I know, --it WAS dreadful! But, --perhaps I did it on a suddenimpulse, --you know, --you forgive THOSE!"

Patty remembered her defence of Daisy, and couldn't repress asmile at the boy's wheedlesome argument. 

"Well, don't let it happen again, " she said with an attempt atextreme hauteur. 

But Farnsworth replied, "When I get a real good chance, I'm goingto pick you up and carry you a million miles away. "

"Catch me first!" cried Patty, and darting away from him, she ranlike a deer toward the house. 

Farnsworth stood looking after her, but made no move to follow. 

The big fellow was thinking to himself, wondering and pondering inhis slow, honest way, on why that little scrap of pink and whitehumanity had all unconsciously twined herself around his veryheartstrings. 

"Apple Blossom!" he murmured, beneath his breath, and thensauntered slowly toward the house. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEA

The night of the Pageant was as beautiful as the most exactingyoung person could desire. There was no moon, but there seemed tobe an extra bright scattering of stars to make up for it. A soft, cool ocean breeze stirred the air, there was no dampness, andeverybody pronounced the evening as perfect as if specially madefor the occasion. 

An early dinner was served at "Red Chimneys, " and then the guestsdispersed to don their carnival costumes. 

With her usual promptness, Patty was ready first, and coming downto the drawing-room, found nobody there. So she took opportunityto admire her own effects in the multitude of mirrors. 

It was an exquisite reflection that faced her. She had not adoptedDaisy's idea of fishnet, as that seemed to her too heavy. LaurenceCromer had approved of her own suggestions, and together they haddesigned her costume. It was of pale green chiffon, trailing awayin long, wavy lines. Over it, hung from the shoulders a tunic-likedrapery of white chiffon. This was frosted, here and there, withbroken, shimmering lines of silver, and the whole effect hinted ofmoonlight on the sea. 

Patty's wonderful hair fell in curling, tumbling masses over hershoulders and far down her back. In it were twined a few strandsof seaweed, --beautifully coloured French work, which LaurenceCromer had procured from somewhere by a very special order. Acrossthe top of her head a silver band confined the riotous curls, andfrom it, in the centre, rose an upright silver star. 

Though simple, the whole costume was harmonious and picturesque, and suited Patty's fair beauty to perfection. Her bare arms andthroat were soft and rounded as a baby's, and her lovely face hada pink glow of happiness, while her eyes were like two starlitviolets. 

She peacocked about the room, frankly delighted at her ownreflection in the mirrors, and practised the pose she was toassume on the Float. 

In the mirror she saw that a majestic figure was entering theroom, and wheeling swiftly about, she beheld Father Neptunehimself smiling at her. 

Farnsworth had sent to a theatrical costumer in the city for hisgarb, and very handsome he looked in a dark green velvet robe thathung in classic folds. He wore a snow-white wig and long whitebeard, and a gold and jewelled crown that was dazzlingly regal. Hecarried a trident, and in all respects, looked the part as Neptuneis so often pictured. Patty gazed at him a moment in silentadmiration, and then sprang to her pose, lightly poised forward, her weight on one foot, and her arms gracefully outspread. 

Big Bill held his breath. Always lithe and graceful, to-nightPatty looked like a veritable spirit. Her floating draperies, hergolden hair, and her perfect face, crowned with the single silverstar, seemed to belong to some super-human being, not to a meremortal. 

Big Bill walked slowly toward her. 

"Patty!" he murmured, almost beneath his breath. "Apple Blossom! Iwant you so!"

A lovelier pink rose to Patty's cheeks, for it was impossible tomistake the earnestness in Bill's voice. She smiled at him, gentlyfor a moment, and then roguishly, and her dimples flashed intoview, as she danced lightly away from him, calling back over hershoulder, "Catch me first!"

"You'll say that once too often yet, my lady!" declaredFarnsworth, as he stood with folded arms looking after her, butnot following her dancing footsteps. 

At the hall doorway, Patty turned and looked back, down the longroom. Farnsworth stood where she had left him, and his majesticpose, as he held his gilded trident, suited well his stalwart, magnificent physique. 

"Come back here, " he said, and his voice was not dictatorial, butquietly compelling. 

Slowly Patty danced down the room, swaying, as if in rhythm withunheard music. As she came to a pause in front of Farnsworth, shemade him a sweeping, mocking courtesy. 

"Father Neptune, god of the Sea!" she said, as if offering homage. 

Farnsworth raised his hand, dramatically. 

"Spirit of the Sea, " he said, "Nymph of the silver-crested waves, kneel before me!"

Catching his mood, Patty sank gracefully on one knee, bowing herfair head before the majestic sea-god. 

"I crown thee, " Neptune went on, "fairest of all nymphs, loveliestof all goddesses. Spirit of the Sea, but also, maiden of the appleblossoms. "

Patty felt a light touch on her bowed head, but did not move, until a moment later, Neptune held out his hand. 

"Rise, Spirit of the Sea, crowned by Neptune, god of the Ocean!"

Patty rose, and in a nearby mirror saw her crown. It was a slenderwreath of wonderfully fine workmanship. Leaves of fairy-likesilver filigree, and tiny apple blossoms, of pink and whiteenamel. Light in weight, soft, yet sparkling in effect, it restedon her fair head, in no way interfering with the silver star thatflashed above it. Indeed, it seemed the last touch needed toperfect the beauty of Patty's costume, and her face was more thanever like an apple blossom as she turned to thank Farnsworth forhis gift. 

But before she could do so, several people sprang in from thehall, where they had been watching the coronation ceremony. 

"Hooray for you two!" cried Roger. "You show true dramatic genius!Patty, you're a peach to-night! Bill, you're a hummer!"

Only Daisy was unsmiling. A pang of jealousy thrilled her heart, as she saw the exquisite picture Patty made, and saw, too, thelovely gift Farnsworth had given her. Daisy's costume wasbeautiful and exceedingly artistic, but the grey, misty garbseemed tame beside Patty's clear coloured draperies and bright, sea-weed tangled hair. 

"Patty, you're wonderful!" Mona exclaimed. "If I weren't soweighted down with this dragging train, I'd hug you!"

Mona looked regal in her Cleopatra costume. She had chosen a richwhite and gold brocaded satin, and the gold lace on the trainwhich hung from her shoulders, made it heavy indeed. She wasloaded with jewels, both real and paste, and her Egyptianheaddress was both gorgeous and becoming. Mona had never looked sowell, and Roger, who was Father Nile, expressed his admirationfrankly. 

"I say, Mona, " he declared, "if the real Cleo Pat looked like you, I don't blame old Mark for flirting with her. Maybe I'll flirtwith you before the evening is over. "

"Ha! Minion! Methinks thou art presumptuous!" said Mona, marchingabout theatrically. But she smiled at Roger, for the two hadbecome good friends. 

Adele and Jim Kenerley were Dutch young people, and in blue andwhite cotton costumes, looked as if they had just alighted from anold Delft platter. 

Laurence Cromer took no costume part, as he had to direct theposing of the characters and the scenic details of the parade. 

Mrs. Parsons was enchanted with the gorgeousness of her party ofyoung people, and when Patty gave her a sprig of seaweed to tuckin her bodice, she felt as if she belonged to the water carnival. 

Motors carried the laughing crowd to the Sayres' house, from wherethe floats were to start. 

Of course Old Ocean's Float led the parade. Though not veryrealistic, it was a theatrical representation of the sea, and thegreat billows, made of green muslin crested with cotton battingand stretched over somewhat wabbly framework, tossed and swayedalmost like the Atlantic breakers. At the back end of the floatwas a great canopied throne, on which sat the gold-crowned Neptuneholding his firmly planted trident. Before him seemed to dance theSpirit of the Sea, for Patty, now in one pose and now in another, was outlined against the dark billows with charming effect. Abright electric light streaming from a point above the throne, illuminated both characters and threw into relief the shells andseaweed that decorated the sides of the float. 

The other floats were equally well done, --some even better inartistic conception. Each received uproarious applause as itrolled slowly along the line of march. Hotels and cottages wereall illuminated, and the whole population of Spring Beach was outadmiring the Pageant. 

"Aren't you tired, Patty?" asked Farnsworth, gently, as shechanged her pose. 

"Yes, I am, " she confessed; "but it isn't the posing, --it's thejolting. I had no idea the ocean was so rickety!"

"Poor little girlie! I wish I could do something for you. But wehave to go a couple of miles further yet. Can you stand it!"

"Yes; but I'd rather SIT it!"

"Do! Come and sit on this throne beside me. There's plenty ofroom. "

"Oh, nonsense, I couldn't. What would the people think?"

"Do you want to KNOW what they'd think?" returned Farnsworth, promptly. "They'd think that you were old Neptune's Queen, andthat you meant to sit beside him all the rest of your life. Letthem think that, Patty, --and, let it be true! Will you, my appleblossom girl?"

"No, Bill, " said Patty, quietly, and changed her pose so that shedid not face him. His words had startled her. Above the rumblingof the float, she had heard him clearly, though, of course, theycould not be overheard by the laughing, chattering bystanders. 

His earnest tones had left no room for doubt of his meaning, andafter Patty's first shock of surprise, she felt a deep regret thathe should have spoken thus. But in an instant her quick wit toldher that she must not think about it now. She must turn alaughing, careless face to the passing audience. 

"Nay, nay, Neptune, " she said, facing him again, "I must play myown part. If a life on the ocean wave is not as easy as I hadhoped, yet must I brave it out to the end. "

Farnsworth took his cue. He knew he ought not to have spoken soseriously at this time, but it was really involuntary. He hadfallen deeply in love with the Eastern girl, and his Westernwhole-heartedness made it difficult for him to conceal hisfeelings. He flashed a warm, sunny smile at her and said heartily:

"All right, Sea Sprite! I know your pluck and perseverance. You'llget there, with bells on! Take the easiest pose you can, and hangon to that foam-crested wave near you. It sways a bit, but it'sfirmly anchored. I looked out for that, before I trusted you tothis ramshackle old hay wagon!"

Patty smiled back, really helped by his hearty sympathy andstrong, ringing voice. 

"I HATE to be so, --so unable to stand things!" she exclaimed, pouting a little. 

"You're no Sandow girl, " he replied; "but--one can't expect anapple blossom to be as strong as a--a cabbage!"

"Nor as strong as a great big Westerner, " she returned, lookingadmiringly at the stalwart Neptune, and thereby pleasing himgreatly, for Big Bill was honestly proud of his pounds and inches. 

At last they reached the Country Club, which was theirdestination, and the parade was over; though as the carnival wasto conclude with a supper and a dance for the participators, thebest part of the fun was yet to come. Aunt Adelaide, who hadreached the clubhouse a little earlier, was waiting for hercharges, and Bill promptly escorted Patty to her. 

"Look after this little girl, won't you, Mrs. Parsons?" he said. "She'll be O. K. After a few moments' rest, but a seafaring lifeis a hard one, and this little craft is glad to get into port. "

Patty gave him a grateful glance, and said:

"Nonsense, Aunt Adelaide, I'm not really tired, but I just want tosit down a while. My feet have a headache!"

"I don't wonder!" declared Mona. "It was awful for you to perch onone toe for a hundred million mile ride! And I reclined at ease ona Roman trident, or whatever you call it!" "Tripod, you mean, "said Adele, laughing, "or is it trireme?"

"Dunno, " said Mona, who was arranging Patty in a soft easy-chairin the dressing-room of the club. "Now, you sit there, you SeaWitch, " she commanded, "and I'll have a maid bring you a hotbouillon or a weak tea, whichever you prefer. You can't havecoffee, it might spoil that pinky-winky complexion of yours. "

"Nothing can spoil that!" said Daisy, and though the remarksounded complimentary, it was prompted by a spirit of jealousy. Daisy had truly appreciated Patty's generosity in the matter ofthe note but she couldn't gracefully submit to having her ownbrunette beauty eclipsed by what she called a doll-face. 

Patty's weariness was purely muscular, and so of short duration, and after ten minutes' rest, she was feeling as fresh as ever. 

"Now, what do we do?" she asked, shaking her draperies into placeand adjusting the new wreath on her hair. 

"Now comes the supper, " said Mona, "and I'm glad of it. Come on, girls. "

The long dining hall at the club was a pretty sight. The guestswere all in their Pageant costumes, and as the various floatgroups mingled, the contrasts were effective. A Venetian gondolierescorted a fisher girl of the Seine, or a bold buccaneer from theSpanish Main clanked his sword in time with the clatter of thewooden sabots of a Holland lass. 

Neptune was waiting to escort the Spirit of the Sea to a table, but as Patty came through the dressing-room door, Captain Sayrebowed before her, and asked the honour of taking her to supper. AsFarnsworth had made no engagement with Patty, merely taking it forgranted that she would go with him, she saw no reason to declineCaptain Sayre's invitation, and went gaily away with him. 

Farnsworth gazed after her with a look of dazed bewilderment. 

"Had you asked her?" said an amused voice, and turning, he sawMrs. Parsons at his elbow. 

"No! I was too stupid to think of it!"

"Patty is so very popular, you know, it's difficult to secure herfavours. Have you engaged any dances?"

"No! What an idiot I am! You see, Mrs. Parsons, I'm not really a'society man, ' and in these formal affairs, I'm a bit out of myelement. Will you do me the honour to go to supper with me?"

Aunt Adelaide looked at the towering figure in its regal velvetrobes. 

"I oughtn't to, " she said, with a little laugh, "but I can'tresist the temptation. So I will! The idea of MY going with theking of the whole show!"

"Excepting Miss Fairfield, there's no one I'd rather have, " saidBig Bill, honestly, and so Father Neptune strode majestically tohis seat at the head of the table, and at his right sat primly, fluttering Aunt Adelaide, instead of the witching sprite he hadexpected to place there. 

Patty was really glad, for she didn't wish to appear tooexclusively with Farnsworth, and yet she was a littledisappointed, too, for as the Spirit of the Sea, her place was byFather Neptune. 

But Captain Sayre made himself very entertaining, and as JackPennington was on her other side, she soon forgot all about LittleBillee, and gave herself up to the fun of the moment. 

"I well remember your beautiful dancing, " said the captain. "Willyou give me some waltzes?"

"I don't give them plurally, " said Patty, smiling at him. "I'llgive you one, perhaps; a half one, anyway. "

"Not enough!" said Captain Sayre, decidedly. "I must have morethan that, by fair means--or otherwise. Where is your card?"

"I haven't any yet; won't it be time enough to get one aftersupper?"

"Yes, if you let me see it before any one else. I find it's atrick with the young men here to make dance engagementssurreptitiously at the supper table. "

Patty glanced about, and saw more than one tasselled cardappearing and disappearing from hand to hand. 

A moment later, she heard a voice behind her chair. "AppleBlossom, " it whispered, "I've brought you a dance card. Say 'Thankyou, Bill. '"

"Thank you, Father Neptune, " said Patty, flashing a smile at him, as she took the card, and turned back to the captain. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE APPLE BLOSSOM DANCE

"Now I have a programme, Captain Sayre, " Patty said. "If youreally want a part of a dance--"

"I don't!" declared the captain, positively. "There are someladies I'd dance half a dance with, but NOT with you. "

"Then I suppose I'll have to give you a whole one, " Patty sighed, "and I know I won't have enough to go 'round. You know it's late, and there are only ten dances on the list. "

"And they're half gone!" exclaimed Captain Sayre, as he looked atthe card Patty had handed him. 

"What!" she cried, looking at it herself. 

Sure enough there was a very big black B. F. Written against everyother dance!

"Bill Farnsworth!" she exclaimed. "Well, if he hasn't a nerve! Hewants the earth!"

"And the sea, and all that in them is!" said Captain Sayre. "Lookhere, Miss Fairfield, I'll be satisfied with the other five. Thus, you're dividing your dances evenly, don't you see?"

"Nonsense! I'll agree to no such highway robbery! You may have adance, Captain Sayre, --take a waltz, if you like; and then give memy card again. Do you want one, Jack?"

"DO I? Does a squirrel want nuts? Only one, Sea Spirit?"

"Yes, only one. It's such a short programme to-night. "

"And is Big Bill to have five?"

"Indeed, no! I shall cross those all off but one. "

Learning, somehow, of what was going on, most of the men at thetable began to beg Patty for a dance, and in a few moments hercard was filled. 

She shook her head reprovingly at Farnsworth, who quite understoodthe reason. 

Supper over, the dancing began, and as it was a summer evening, the dances alternated with cooling strolls on the long verandas ofthe club house. Patty loved to dance, and greatly preferred gooddancers for partners. 

Captain Sayre was especially proficient in the art, and as theirdance was followed by an "extra, " he persuaded Patty to do a fancydance with him, like they had danced at the Sayres' garden party. Soon most of the dancers had paused to watch the two, swaying andpirouetting in a dance, partly impromptu, and partly fashioned onsome they had previously learned. It was a pretty sight. Patty, whose step was light as thistledown, followed any hint of CaptainSayre's, and so clever were his leads that the audience broke intoloud applause. It was almost more than Farnsworth could bear. Hestood looking at them with such a wistful expression that Pattyconcluded to stop. 

"I'm a little tired, " she whispered to her partner, "but I want todance a moment alone. Will you let me? And ask the orchestra toplay the Spring Song. "

"I'll love to look at you, " declared the captain, and at the endof a measure, he gracefully danced away from her, and Patty stoodalone. 

The rest had all ceased dancing now, preferring to watch, and asthey were nearly all Patty's friends and acquaintances, she feltno embarrassment. 

"The Apple Blossom Dance, " she said, and flung herself into aseries of wonderful rhythmic motions that seemed to give hint ofall the charms of spring. One could almost see flowers and hearbirds as the light draperies swayed like veils in a soft breeze. And then, with a fleeting glance and smile at Farnsworth, Pattyplucked apple blossoms from overhanging boughs, and tossed them tothe audience. There were no trees, and there were no blossoms, butso exquisite was her portrayal of blossom time, and so lovely herswaying arms and tossing hair that many were ready to declare theycould even detect the fragrance of the flowers. But when Pattyessayed to stop, the riotous applause that followed and the criesof "Encore! encore!" persuaded her to dance once more, though verytired. 

More languidly this time the apple blossoms were plucked from thebranches, more slowly the springtime steps were taken, and beforeshe reached a point in the music where she could stop, Patty wasswaying from faintness, not by design. 

Farnsworth saw this, and acting on a sudden impulse, he swung thegreat folds of his trailing velvet over his arm, and with a fewgliding steps, reached her side, threw an arm round her, andsuiting his steps to hers, continued the figure she had begun. Buthe supported her weary little form, he held her in a strong, firmclasp, and, a fine dancer himself, he completed the "Apple BlossomDance" with her, which she never could have done alone. Then, after bowing together to the delighted and tumultuously applaudingaudience, he led her to a seat, and shielded her from theunthinking crowd, who begged her to dance for them again. 

"Little Billee, you're a dear!" said Patty, as the next dance tookthe people away again. "How did you know I was going to sinkthrough the floor in just one more minute?"

"I saw how tired you were, and though I hated to 'butt in' on yourperformance, I just felt I had to, to save you from collapse. "

"You DIDN'T 'butt in'! You're a beautiful dancer, better thanCaptain Sayre, in some ways, though you don't know so many fancysteps. But you picked up my idea of the apple blossom steps atonce!"

"Because that's OUR dance. And you're my property to-night, anyway. Didn't Neptune crown the Spirit of the Sea?"

"Yes, and I haven't yet thanked you for this lovely wreath! It'sthe most beautiful thing! Where DID you get it?"

"I had it made, to replace the one I stole from you the night ofthe storm. "

"You didn't steal that, --I gave it to you. "

"Well, and so I give you this one in return. Will you wear itsometimes?"

"I'll wear it often, it's so lovely. And SO becoming, --isn't it?"

Naughty Patty smiled most provokingly up into the big blue eyesthat looked intently at her. 

"Becoming?" he said. "Yes, it IS! What isn't becoming to you, youlittle beauty?"

"There, there, don't flatter me!" and Patty cast down her eyesdemurely. "Oh, Jack, is this our dance?" And with a saucy bow, Patty left Big Bill, and strolled away on Jack Pennington's arm. 

"You're a regular out and out belle to-night, Patty, " he said, frankly. "All the men are crazy over you, and all the girls areenvious. "

"'Tisn't me, " said Patty, meekly. "It's this ridiculous green rigand my unkempt hair. "

"Shouldn't wonder, " returned Jack, teasingly; "girls always lookbest in fancy dress. "

"So do the boys, " Patty retorted. "Isn't Bill Farnsworth stunningin that Neptune toga, --or whatever it's called?"

"Pooh, you'd think he was stunning in anything, wouldn't you?"

"Oh, --I don't know--" and Patty put her fingertip in her mouth, and looked so exaggeratedly shy that Jack burst into laughter. 

"You're a rogue, Patty, " he declared. "If you don't look outyou'll grow up a flirt. "

"Am I flirting with you?" and Patty opened her eyes very wide inmock horror at such an idea. 

"No, --not exactly. But you may, if you like. "

"I DON'T like!" said Patty, decidedly. "We're good chums, Jack, and I want to stay so. No flirt nonsense about us, is there?"

"No, " said Jack; "let's dance, " and away they whirled in a gaytwo-step. 

When the dancing was over, the "Red Chimneys" party started forhome in various motors. Patty thought Bill would ask her to ridewith him, but he didn't come near her, and she wondered if he wereannoyed or offended in any way. 

She confessed to feeling a little tired, and rode quietly besideAunt Adelaide, leaning her sunny head on that lady's shoulder. 

"But it was lovely!" she said, with a sort of purr like acontented kitten. "I'd like to have a Pageant every night!"

"Yes, you would!" exclaimed Roger, who sat in front of her in thebig motor. "You'd be dancing in a sanitarium next thing you knew. "

"Pooh!" retorted Patty. "I'm not a decrepit old invalid yet, am I, Aunt Adelaide?"

"No, dearie; but you must take care of yourself. I think a coldcompress on your forehead to-night would do you good. "

"And a hot compress on my chin, and two lukewarm ones on my ears, "teased Patty, laughing at the solicitous tones of the older lady. "No, sir-ee! I'll catch a nap or two, and tomorrow I'll be asright as a--as a--what's that thing that's so awfully right?"

"A trivet, " said Mona. 

"Yes, a trivet. I've no idea what it is, but I'll be one!"

There was a light supper set out in the dining-room at "RedChimneys, " but no one wanted any, so good-nights were said almostimmediately and the wearied revellers sought their rooms. 

"No kimono parties to-night, girls, " said Patty, firmly. "I'mgoing straight to bed. "

"All right, " agreed Mona and Daisy, "we'll save our gossip tillmorning. "

But Patty didn't go straight to bed. She flashed on the lights inher rose-coloured boudoir, drew the curtains of the bay window, and then threw herself into a big easy-chair. She was thinking ofMr. William Farnsworth. She wished he hadn't said what he had. Itworried her, somehow. And when he said good-night just now, he hada look in his eyes that meant, --well, perhaps it didn't meananything after all. Perhaps he was only flirting, --as Pattyherself was. But was she? She had just asked herself thisquestion, really seriously, when a rose came flying in at thewindow and fell at her feet. She looked up quickly, --she was SUREshe had drawn the curtains. Yes, she had done so, but there wasjust a little space between them, where they didn't quite join. 

Well, it must have been a good marksman who could throw soaccurately! Westerners were accounted good marksmen, --it MIGHTbe--

And then a second rose followed the first, and others, atintervals, until a good-sized heap lay at Patty's feet. 

Laughing in spite of herself, she went to the window, and peepedout between the curtains. 

"Why, it's you!" she exclaimed, as if she hadn't known it all thetime. 

"Yes, " and Big Bill smiled at her over the armful of roses hestill held. "I've completely stripped the rose garden, but I hadto bombard you with something!"

"Are you a bombardier?"

"No, I'm a beggar. I'm begging you to come out here for a fewminutes and see the moonlight on the ocean. "

"Why, there isn't any moon!"

"That's so! I mean the sun. "

"Well, the sun isn't QUITE up yet!"

"That's so! Well, I mean the--the stars, --there, I knew SOMETHINGwas shining!"

Bill's laugh was so infectious that Patty couldn't help joiningit, but she said:

"I can't, Little Billee. It's too late, and I'm too tired, and--"

"But I'm going away to-morrow. "

"You are! I didn't know. "

"Do you CARE? Oh, Patty, come out for a minute, I want to tell yousomething. "

Still in her green draperies and silver wreath, Patty stepped outon the veranda, saying, "Just for a tiny minute, then. "

Bill had discarded his Neptune trappings, and in evening dress, was his handsome self again. 

"You were fine as Neptune, " said Patty, looking at him criticallyas he stood against a veranda pillar, "but you're better as aplain man. "

"Thank you!" said Bill, ironically. 

"Fishing! Well, I DIDN'T mean that you're plain, but, --I won't saywhat I did mean. "

"Oh, dear! Another fond hope shattered! I WISH I knew what you DIDmean!"

"Don't be silly, or I'll run back. If you'll promise not to besilly, I'll stay another minute. "

"But, you see, I never know when I am silly. "

"Almost always! Now let's talk about the Pageant. Didn't Daisylook pretty?"

"Yes. But I fancy blondes myself. "

"Now that's ambiguous. I don't know whether you mean becauseyou're one or because I'm one. "

"Why! So you ARE a blonde, aren't you? I never noticed it before!"

"Really? How nice! I've always wondered how I'd strike an entirestranger!"

"Why strike him at all?"

"Now you're silly again! But I mean, I'd like to know what anutter stranger would think of me. "

"I hate to be called an utter stranger, but I haven't the leastobjection to saying what I think of you. In fact, I'd like to! MayI?"

"Is it nice?" asked Patty, frightened a little at Bill's quiettones. 

"Judge for yourself. I think you are the most beautiful girl Ihave ever seen, --and the most fascinating. I think you have thesweetest nature and disposition imaginable. I think you have justenough perversity to give you the Zip you need. "

"What is Zip?"

"Never mind; don't interrupt. I think you are the most adorablefluff of femininity in the world, --and I KNOW I love you, and Iwant you for all my very own. Patty, --DARLING, --tell me now whatyou think of ME. "

"Oh, Bill, DON'T say such things to me, --PLEASE, don't!" AndPatty's overstrung nerves gave way, and she began to cry. 

"I won't, dear, --I won't, if it bothers you, " and Big Bill's armwent round her in such a comforting way that Patty wept on hisbroad shoulder. 

"Don't, --don't think me a silly, " she said, smiling up at himthrough her tears, "but--I'm so tired, and sleepy, --if you couldjust wait till morning, --I'd tell you then what I think of you. "

"Very well, dear, I'll wait. "

"No, you needn't, I'll tell you now, " and Patty suddenly drew awayfrom Bill's arm and faced him bravely. "I'm a coward, --that's whatI am! And I cried because, --because I can't say what you want meto, and--and I HATE to hurt your feelings, --because I LIKE you somuch. "

"Patty! do you KNOW what you're talking about?"

"Yes, I do! But I can't seem to say it out plain, without hurtingyour nice, big, kind heart. "

"Let me say it for you, little girl. Is it this? Is it that youlike me as a friend, and a comrade--chum, but you don't love me asI love you, and you're afraid it will hurt me to know it?"

"Yes, yes, that's it! How did you know?"

"You told me yourself, unconsciously. Now, listen, my girl. I onlylove you MORE for being brave and honest about it. And I love youmore still for your dear, kind heart that can't bear to hurtanybody. And to prove that love, I'm not going to say any more toyou on this subject, --at least, not now. Forget what I have said;let us go back to our good comradeship. I startled you; I spoketoo soon, I know. So forget it, my apple blossom, and rememberonly that Little Billee is your friend, who would do anything inthe world for you. "

"You're an awfully nice man, " said Patty, not coyly, butsincerely, as she laid her hand on his arm a moment. 

"Now you HAVE told me what you think of me!" cried Farnsworth, gaily, and taking the little hand he held it lightly clasped inhis own. "And I thank you, lady, for those kind words! Now, youcan look at the moon just a minute longer, and then you must fly, little bird, to your nest in the tree. "

"Yes, I must go. Tell me, Little Billee, where did you learn todance so well?"

"It's mostly my natural grace! I took a few lessons of a wanderingminstrel, out home, but I don't know the technique of it, as youand that ornamental captain do. "

"But you could learn easily. Shall I teach you?"

"No, --Apple Blossom, I think not. "

"Oh, there won't be time. You said you're leaving to-morrow! Mustyou go?"

"It doesn't matter whether I must or not. If you look at me likethat, I WON'T! There, there, Sea Witch, run away, or--or I'llflirt with you!"

"Yes, it's time I went, " said Patty, demurely, gathering up herdraperies. "But, Billee, how can I thank you for the dear, sweetlovely wreath?"

"Well, there are several ways in which you COULD thank me, --thoughI'm not sure you WOULD. Suppose we just consider me thanked?"

"That doesn't seem much. Shall I write you a note?"

"That doesn't seem VERY much. Why don't you give me a gift inreturn?"

"I will! What do you want? A penknife?"

"Mercy, no! I'll have to think it over. Wait! I have it! Have yourpicture taken--with the wreath on, and give me that. "

"All right, I will. Or perhaps Mr. Cromer would sketch me in thiswhole rig. "

"PERHAPS he WOULD!" and Farnsworth caught his breath, as he lookedat the vision of loveliness before him. "But we'll see about thatlater. Skip to bed now, Apple Blossom, and don't appear belowdecks before noon to-morrow. "

"No, I won't. I'm awful tired. Good-night, Little Billee. "

"Good-night, Apple Blossom Girl, " and Farnsworth held aside thecurtain as Patty stepped through the window. 

A shower of flowers flew after her, for Bill had picked up hisremaining posies, and Patty laughed softly, as the curtain felland she stood in her room, surrounded by a scattered heap ofroses. 

"Just like a theatrical lady, " she said, smiling and bowing to animaginary audience, for Patty loved to "make-believe. "

And then she took off her silver wreath and put it carefully away. 

"Little Billee is SUCH a nice boy, " she said, reflectively, as sheclosed the box. 

CHAPTER XVIII

A COQUETTISH COOK

"Hello, Pattypet, " said Mona, appearing at Patty's bedside nextmorning. "How's your chocolate? Does it suit you?"

"Delicious, " said Patty, who was luxuriously nestling among herpillows while she ate her breakfast. 

"Well, make the most of it, for you'll never get anything more fitto eat or drink in this happy home. "

"What DO you mean?"

"Listen to my tale of woe. The chef and his wife have both left. "

"Francois? And Marie! Why, whatever for?"

"Your English is a bit damaged, but I'll tell you. You see, AuntAdelaide flew into one of her biggest tantrums, because hershirred egg was shirred too full, or her waffles didn't waff, --orsomething, --and she sent for Francois and gave him such a largepiece of her mind that he picked up his Marie and walked off. "

"Have they really GONE?"

"They really have. I've telephoned to the Intelligence Place, andI can't get a first-class cook down here at all. I shall have tosend to the city for one, but, meantime--what to do! What to do!"

"H'm, --and you've guests for luncheon!"

"Yes, the whole Sayre tribe. The captain just CAN'T keep away fromYOU! Patty, do you know you're a real belle? Everybody was crazyabout you last night. "

"Fiddlesticks! Just because I had on a green frock and let my hairhang down. "

"Your hair is WONDERFUL. But I didn't come up here to tell you ofyour own attractions! I want your able advice on how to have aluncheon party without a cook. "

"Oh, pooh! that's TOO easy! Give me a helper of some sort, andI'll cook your old luncheon. And I'll promise you it will be justgrand!"

"Cook! You? I won't let you. What do you take me for? No, you comewith me, and we'll go somewhere where cooks grow and BUY one. "

"There won't be time, Mona. What time is luncheon to be?"

"Half-past one; and it's about ten now. "

"Oceans of time, then; I tell you, I'll see to the kitchen forluncheon. But of course, you must have a cook, for permanent use. "

"Well, rather. But I'll get one from New York by to-morrowmorning. And you know Adele Kenerley's friends are coming todinner to-night. What about that?"

"Leave all to me. I will arrange. But I want somebody to help me. How about Daisy?"

"Daisy's no good at that sort of thing. And I don't like to askAdele. Say, Patty, let Bill help you; he's a fine cook, I've beenon camp picnics with him, and I know. And maybe he wouldn't beGLAD to help you in anything! Ah, there, Patty, you're blushing! Ifeared as much! Oh, Patty, DO you like him?"

"'Course I like him. He's a jolly chap, and we're good chums. "

"But is that all? Patty, tell me; I won't tell. "

"There's nothing to tell, Mona. I like Little Billee a whole lot, but I'm not in love with him, if that's what you mean. "

"Yes, that's what I mean. I hoped you were. "

"Well, I'm not. And I'm not going to be in love with anybody foryears and years. I'm fancy-free, and I mean to stay so. So don'ttry to tease me, for you won't get any fun out of it. "

"That's so; you're too straightforward to be teased successfully. Patty, you've been a real lesson to me this summer. I've learned alot from you. I don't mean to gush, but I DO want to tell you howI appreciate and cherish all the kindness you've shown me. "

"Dear old Mona, I'm glad if I've said or done anything to make youfeel like that! You're a trump, girl, and I'm glad to have you fora friend. Now, vanish, my lady, and as soon as I can scrabble intoa costume, I'll meet you below stairs, and solve all your kitchenproblems for you. "

"But, Patty, I CAN'T let you go into the kitchen!"

"You can't keep me out, you mean! I'm delighted to have thechance. Aprons are terribly becoming to me. "

"Do you want one of the parlourmaid's aprons?"

"I do not! I want a big, all-enveloping cook's apron. "

"Well, I suppose you don't want a man's. I'll find you one ofMarie's. "

"I don't care whose it is, if it's big. Skip, now!"

Mona vanished, and Patty jumped out of bed, and dressed for hernew work. She chose a pink-sprigged dimity, simply made, withshort sleeves and collarless neck. A dainty breakfast capsurmounted her coil of curls, donned, it must be confessed, because of its extreme becomingness. Mona provided a large, plainwhite apron, and going to the kitchen, Patty considered thesituation. 

The viands for the luncheon had arrived, but were not in the leastprepared for use. A large basket showed a quantity of live crabs, which lay quietly enough, but a twitching claw here and therebetrayed their activity. 

"Mercy!" cried Mona, "let's throw these away! You can't doanything with these creatures!"

"Nonsense, " said Patty, "I'm versed in the ways of crabs. I'llattend to them. What else, Mona?"

"Oh, here are some queer looking things from the butcher's. Idon't know what they are. Can they be brains?"

"No, they're sweetbreads, and fine ones, too. And here is theromaine for the salad, and lovely squabs to roast. Oh, Mona, I'mjust in my element! I LOVE to do these things; you know I'm a borncook. But I must have a helper. "

"I know; Marie always helped Francois. They were a splendid pair. It's a pity Aunt Adelaide had to stir them up so, --and all overnothing. "

"Well, don't cry over spilt eggs. I'll do up this luncheon, andI'll fix it so I can slip up and dress, and appear at the table asif nothing had happened. The waitress and the butler can managethe serving process?"

"Oh, yes. I HATE to have you do it, Patty, but I don't know whatelse to do. Here, I'll help you. "

Patty had already filled a huge kettle with boiling water, and wasabout to put the crabs in it. 

"All right, Mona; catch that side of the basket, and slide themin, all together. It seems awful to scald them, but the sooner thequicker. Now, --in they go!"

But in they DIDN'T go! One frisky crab shot out a long claw andnearly grabbed Mona's finger, which so scared her that she droppedher side of the flat basket, and the crabs all slid out on thefloor instead of into the kettle. 

With suddenly aroused agility they scuttled in every direction, some waggling to cover under tables and chairs, and some dancingabout in the middle of the floor. 

Hearing Mona's shrieks and Patty's laughter, Daisy came runningdown. But the sight was too horrifying for her, and she turned andsped back upstairs. Poor Daisy was not so much to be blamed, forhaving lived all her life in Chicago, she had never chanced to seelive crabs before, and the strange creatures were a bit startling. 

She flew out on the veranda and caught Big Bill by one sleeve, andRoger by another. 

"Come! Come!" she cried. "Patty and Mona are nearly killed! Oh, hurry! You'll be too late!"

"Where, where?" cried Roger, while Farnsworth turned white withthe sudden shock of Daisy's words. He thought some dreadfulaccident had happened, and fear for Patty's welfare nearlyparalysed him. 

"This way! That way!" screamed Daisy, darting toward the kitchenstairway, and then flying back again. 

Down the stairs raced the two men, and into the kitchen. Therethey found Patty standing on a side table, armed with a longpoker, while Mona danced about on the large table, brandishing abroom in one hand and a mop in the other. Patty was in paroxysmsof laughter at Mona's antics, but Mona herself was in terror ofher life, and yelled like a wild Indian. 

"Get down! Go 'way!" she cried, as an adventurous crab tried, mostineffectually, to climb the table leg. 

Roger sprang on to the table beside Mona. "There, there, " he said, "you rest a while, and I'll holler for you. Go 'way! Get down! Go'way, you!"

His imitation of Mona's frightened voice was so funny Patty beganto laugh afresh, and Farnsworth joined her. 

"Get up here on my table, Little Billee, " cried Patty. "You'll becaptured and swallowed alive by these monsters!"

Big Bill sat on the corner of Patty's table and looked at her. 

"You make a charming little housewife, " he said, glancing at thecap and apron. 

"Help me, won't you?" Patty returned, blushing a little, butignoring his words. "I'm going to cook the luncheon, and first ofall we must boil these crabs. Can't you corral them and invitethem into that kettle of water? We had them started in the rightdirection, but somehow they got away. "

"Right-o!" agreed Bill, and placing the toe of his big shoe gentlyon a passing crab, he picked it up by the hinge of its left hindleg, and deftly dropped it in the boiling water. 

"That's just the right way!" said Patty, nodding approval. "I canpick them up that way, too, but there are so many sprinkled aroundthis floor, I'm afraid they'll pick me up first. "

"Yes, they might, Apple Blossom. You sit tight, till I round themall up. Lend a hand, Farrington. "

So Roger poked out the unwilling creatures from their lairs, andBill assisted them to their destination, while the two girlslooked on. 

"Good work!" cried Patty as the last shelly specimen disappearedbeneath the bubbles. "Now, they must boil for twenty minutes. Theydon't mind it NOW. "

The girls came down from their tables, and explained thesituation. 

"Don't worry, Mona, " said Farnsworth, in his kind way. "Patty andI will cook luncheon, and this afternoon I'll go out and get you acook if I have to kidnap one. "

"All right, Bill, " said Mona, laughing. "Come on, Roger, let'sleave these two. You know too many cooks spoil the broth!"

"So they do!" called Bill, gaily, as Mona, after this partingshaft, fled upstairs. "Do I understand, little Apple Blossom, " heobserved, gently, "that you're really going to cook this elaborateluncheon all yourself?"

"Yes, sir, " said Patty, looking very meek and demure. 

"CAN you do it?"

"Yes, sir. " Patty dropped her eyes, and drew her toe along a crackin the floor, like a bashful child. 

"You little rascal! I believe you can! Well, then, you can be chefand I'll be assistant. I WAS going to arrange it the other way. "

"Oh, no, sir! I'll give the orders. " And Patty looked as wise anddignified as a small bluebird on a twig. 

"You bet you will, my lady! Now, first and foremost, shall I parethe potatoes?"

"Oh, Billee, there must be a scullery maid or something for that!"

"Don't see any, and don't want any! I'm not afraid of staining mylily-white fingers. You'd better put those sweetbreads in coldwater to blanch them, and cut up some bread to dry out a littlefor the squab stuffing. "

"For goodness gracious sake! Do you know it all?" exclaimed Patty, looking at him in amazement. 

"Yes, I know everything in all the world. I'm a terrible knower!"

"You are so! How did you learn it all?"

"Born so. Are you going to have that sort of a grape fruit muddlein glasses?"

"Yes; with candied cherries in it. Don't you love it?"

"Yes, if you do. What thou lovest, I will love, and thy discardsshall be mine also. "

"Amiable boy! Now, don't talk to me, I have to measure thesethings very carefully. "

"Oh, I say! Let me make the salad dressing. I'm a hummer at it, and I don't measure a thing. "

Patty looked at him coldly. 

"If you turn out to be a BETTER cook than I am, " she said, "I'llnever speak to you again!"

"Oh, I'm not! I'm a FEARFUL cook! I spoil everything I touch!DON'T ask me to make that dressing! DON'T!"

Patty couldn't help laughing at his foolishness, and the work wentmerrily on. 

But picking out the crabs was a tedious task. It was easy enough, and Patty was deft and dainty, but it took a long time, and thesharp shells cut her fingers now and then. 

"Let me do it, dear, " said Farnsworth, quietly, and he took fromher the fork she was using. 

"Oh, thank you!" she said, gratefully. "You ARE a help, LittleBillee. "

"I'm always ready to help YOU, Patty girl; call on me any time, anywhere; if ever you want me, --I'm right there. "

"I think somebody else might have helped us with these crabs, anyway. "

"They would, if we asked them. I like it better this way. Alonewith thee, --just you and me, --the crabs to free, --is bliss forwe!"

"Speak for yourself, John! I don't see any bliss in picking outcrabs. I've cut and scratched every single solitary finger Ipossess!"

"Poor little girl! But, you see, I offer you my hand, --both hands, in fact, --there's ten extra fingers at your disposal, if you wantthem. And all willing and eager to work for you. "

"Mr. Farnsworth, how do you suppose I can make croquettes if youtalk to me like that? One tablespoonful of flour, --two of butter, three eggs--"

"Pooh, can't you read a recipe and be proposed to at the sametime?"

"Yes, I CAN, " Patty flashed back, "but, --I pay attention only tothe recipe!"

"'Twas ever thus, " Bill sighed. 

"What! EVERY time you've proposed?" said Patty, roguishly. 

"No, because I've never proposed before. Don't you think I do itwell for a beginner?"

"Not very. "

"Not very! You little scamp, what do you know about it? Have youhad a wide experience in proposals?"

"I shouldn't tell you if I had. One of flour, two of butter, three--"

"Three blithering wheelbarrows! Apple Blossom, have you any ideahow I love you?"

"Don't put me out, Bill. One of flour, two of butter, three eggs--"

"Now, isn't she the limit?" mused Bill, apparently addressing thecrabs. "I express my devotion in terms of endearment, and shebabbles like a parrot of flour and butter!"

"If I don't, you'll have no croquettes, " and Patty moulded themixture into oval balls, and arranged them in a frying sieve. 

As the time grew shorter they worked away in earnest, and soonafter one o'clock everything was ready. The finishing touches andthe serving of the hot dishes were left to the butler andwaitress, who were none too willing to do anything outside theirown restricted sphere, but whom Patty cajoled by smiles, till theywere her abject slaves. 

"Now go and tidy yourself up, " Patty said to Bill, "and I willtoo, and see who can get down to the drawing-room first. "

"Huh, I haven't to arrange a lot of furbelows. I'll beat you allto pieces. "

But he little knew Patty's powers of haste in emergency, and whenfifteen minutes later he descended to the drawing-room, where theguests were already arriving, Patty was there before him. 

She was in a soft, frilly white frock, with knots of pale blueribbon here and there, the knots holding sprays of tiny pinkrosebuds. A blue ribbon banded her head, and save for an extramoist curliness in the soft rings of hair on her temples, no onecould have guessed that the serene looking girl had worked hardand steadily for three hours in a kitchen. 

"I surrender, " whispered Bill; "you're the swiftest little pieceof property I ever saw!"

"Please address me in less undignified language, " said Patty, slowly waving a feather fan. 

Bill bent a trifle lower, and murmured close to her ear, "Mademoiselle Apple Blossom, you are the sweetest thing in theworld. "

CHAPTER XIX

A FORCED MARCH

After luncheon they all strolled out on the verandas or throughthe gardens, and Patty and Mona slipped away to hold a council ofwar by themselves. 

"You're a darling, Patty, " Mona said, "and I was perfectly amazedat those wonderful messes you fixed up for luncheon. "

"I don't approve of the term you apply to my confections!"

"Well, you know what I mean. They were all PERFECT, you fairlyoutdid Francois. "

"That's better. Now, Mona mine, we must acquire some servants, andthat right speedily. "

"Yes, but how? I think I'd better telephone the dinner guests notto come. "

"I'd hate to do that. They're Adele's friends, and she's soanxious to have them come here. "

"I know it, but what can we do? I won't let you cook again. "

"No, I don't want to cook dinner. Luncheon seems different, somehow. But I do believe if I take Camilla, and scour all theplains around Spring Beach, I can catch something that can cook. "

"I'd hate to have a poor cook. "

"Yes, I know; I mean a first-class cook, though, perhaps not achef. "

"Well, go ahead, Patty, but you'll have to start at once. Yourcook ought to be here by four, and it's almost three now. "

"'I slip, I slide, I gleam, I glance, '--what comes next? Nevermind, I'll just scoot. "

Throwing on a white pongee dust cloak over her pretty frock, Pattydeclared herself ready to start, and Mona ordered an electricrunabout brought from the garage. 

But Miss Patricia Fairfield had no intention of going alone uponher quest. Walking up to a group of men talking on the veranda, she paused in front of Farnsworth. 

"I want you, " she said, calmly. 

"I am yours, " he responded with equal calm, and throwing away hiscigar, turned to go with her. 

"Don't you want me?" asked Captain Sayre, eagerly. 

"And me?" added Cromer. 

"I know you want me, " put in Roger, "but you're too shy to sayso. "

"I want you all, " said Patty, beaming on the group, "but I likeyou one at a time, and this is Little Billee's turn. "

"What's up, my lady?" said Farnsworth, as he started the swiftlittle car. 

"Why, just this. Turn toward the main road, please. We've simplygot to find a cook for Mona within an hour. I KNOW we can do it, --but, YOU tell ME how. "

"Dead easy, child. We'll just go out and kidnap one. "

"But cooks aren't found sitting in deserted baby carriages, to betempted with candy. Now be sensible. Can't you think of any plan?"

"Not a plan! Can you?"

"Well, all I can think of is to go to see Susan. "

"Susan it is! Where does the lady reside?"

"Down this way two blocks, then turn to the right. "

"She is won! We are gone! Over bank, bush and scar, They'll have fleet steeds that follow!" quoth young Lochinvar. '"

"I know Susan wouldn't come, but she may know of some one else, "went on Patty. "Here we are; stop at this house. "

"No, Miss Patty, " said Susan, when the case was laid before her, "I don't rightly know of anny wan for the place. I'd go mesilf, --for I'm a good, fair cook, --but I can't be afther makin' themfiddly-faddly contraptions Miss Galbraith has. "

"Well, Susan, if we can find a cook, will you come as helper? Justfor a few days, till Miss Galbraith can get some people down fromNew York. "

"Yes, Miss Patty; I'll do that. Now, I'm bethinkin' me, there'sthe Cartwrights' cook. She's a perfessional, and the family hasgone away for three days, sure. Cuddent she do ye?"

"Fine!" cried Patty. "Where do the Cartwrights live?"

"Up the road a piece, an' thin down beyant a couple o' miles. Don't ye know the big grey stone house, wid towers?"

"Oh, yes; I know where you mean. And is the cook there? What's hername?"

"Yes, she's there. An' her name is O'Brien. It's Irish she is, butshe knows more cookin' than manny Frinch jumpin'-jacks! If she'llgo wid yez, I'll go. "

"Well, I'll tell you, Susan. You go on over to Miss Galbraith'snow. Tell her I sent you, and that I'll bring Mrs. O'Brien inabout half an hour. Then you go to the kitchen and get thingsstarted. "

"My, it's the foine head ye have on ye, Miss Patty! That's a grandplan!"

Susan turned back to her sister's house, and the motor-car dartedforward. 

"So far, so good, " said Patty. "But now to get the O'Brien. Suppose she won't come?"

"Don't borrow trouble, Apple Blossom. Let's suppose she WILL come, and meanwhile let's enjoy our ride. It was dear of you to ask meto come with you. "

"Well, you see, I didn't know but it might require force topersuade a cook to go back with us, and, --and you're so big, youknow. "

"Then I'm glad I'm so big, since brawn and strength win favour inmy lady's sight. "

"You ARE strong, aren't you?" and Patty looked at the giant besideher. "I think, " she went on slowly, "your strength must be as thestrength of ten. "

"I hope so, " and Farnsworth's voice took or a graver note, "andfor the right reason. "

Just then they came in sight of the Cartwright place. 

"Good gracious!" cried Patty, as they drove in. "Here are fourthousand dogs coming to meet us!"

Patty's estimate of their number was extravagant, but there WEREfive or six dogs, and they were large and full-lunged specimens oftheir kind. 

"I'm frightened, " said Patty. "They're watchdogs, you know, turnedloose because the people are away. Don't get out, Billee, they'llbit you! They're bloodhounds, I'm sure!"

"Then I'll play I'm Eliza crossing the ice, and you can sit hereand be Little Eva. "

Patty had to laugh at his foolishness, but the dogs WERE fierce, and she was glad when at last his repeated rings at the doorbellwere answered. 

"Nobody at home, " said a voice, as the door opened only a narrowcrack, and but part of a face could be seen. 

"Is that so?" said Bill, pleasantly. "But you're at home, aren'tyou? And perhaps you're the very one I want to see. Are you Mrs. O'Brien?"

"Yes, I am, " and the door opened just a trifle wider; "but thefamily is away, an' me ordhers is to admit nobody at all, at all. "

"Well, we don't want to be admitted, but won't you step outside amoment?"

Farnsworth emphasised his remarks by pushing the door wide open, and, partly out of curiosity, Mrs. O'Brien stepped outside. Shewas a small woman, but her face wore a look of grim determination, as if she were afraid of nothing. She quieted the barking dogs, and turned to Patty. 

"Don't be afraid, Miss, " she said; "they won't hurt ye, now thatthey see me a-talkin' to yez. Did ye want to see Mrs. Cartwright?She ain't home, an' won't be till day after tomorrah. "

"No, " said Patty, "I don't know Mrs. Cartwright. I want to seeyou. Susan Hastings, my own cook, said your people were away, andso perhaps you would go out to cook for a couple of days to obligea neighbour. "

"Oblige a neighbour, is it? Sure no lady would come afther anotherlady's cook, underhanded like, when the lady's away!"

Patty's face flushed with righteous indignation. 

"It ISN'T underhanded!" she exclaimed, "You don't understand! Idon't want you PERMANENTLY, but only for a day, or two days atmost, --because our cook has left. "

"Arrah, ma'am, you said your cook was Susan Hastings! Yer a quareleddy, I'm thinkin', an' yer husband here, is another! Sthrivin'to entice away a cook as is satisfied wid her place, and who maneshonest by her employers!"

Farnsworth was grinning broadly at the assumption of his andPatty's relationship, but Patty was enraged at the implication ofunderhandedness. 

"He ISN'T my husband!" she cried, "and I don't want a cook formyself, but for another lady!"

"Are ye runnin' an intilligence office, belike?"

"Here!" cried Bill, sharply. "Don't you speak like that to thatlady! Now, you listen to me. We are both visitors at MissGalbraith's. Her cook left suddenly, and we want you to come andcook for us, two days if you will, --but one day ANYWAY! See? Doyou understand that? You're to go over to Miss Galbraith's now, with us, and cook dinner tonight. After dinner, you may do as youlike about staying longer. We'll pay you well, and there's noreason whatever why you shouldn't oblige us. "

At first the Irishwoman looked a little intimidated at Bill'smanner and his gruff tones, but in a moment she flared up. 

"I'll do nothin' of the sort! I'm left here in charge of thisplace, an' here I'll shtay!"

"Is there no one else to guard the place?"

"Yis, there's the second gardener, an' the coachman. I cooks theirmeals for them. The other servants is away for two days. "

"Well, the second coachman and third gardener, or whatever theirnumbers are, can cook for themselves to-night. You're going withus, --see? With US, --NOW!"

"I'll not go, sor--" began Mrs. O'Brien, but Big Bill picked thelittle woman up in his arms, as if she had been a child. 

"This is a case of kidnapping a cook, Patty, " he said. "I told youI'd do it!"

Paying no attention to his struggling burden, Farnsworth pulledshut the door of the Cartwrights' house, shook it to make sure itclosed with a snap lock, and then gently but firmly carried Mrs. O'Brien to the motor-car. 

"Take the driving seat, Patty, " he directed, and, as she did so, he deposited the cook in the seat beside her. Then he climbed intothe small seat at the rear and remarked:

"Let her go, Patty; and unless you sit still and behave yourself, Mrs. O'Brien, you'll fall out and get damaged. Now be a nice cook, and make the best of this. You're kidnapped, you see, --you can'thelp yourself, --and so, what are you going to do about it?"

The cook sat bolt upright, her hard, unsmiling face lookingstraight ahead, and she replied, between clenched teeth, "Wanst Iget out, I'll go straight back home, if it's a hundherd miles yezdo be takin' me!"

"Oh, don't do that, " and Patty's voice was sweet and coaxing. "Letme tell you something, Mrs. O'Brien. You know Susan Hastings, --what a nice woman she is. Well, once I was in a great emergency, worse even than to-day, and knowing the warm, kind hearts of theIrish, I went to Susan and asked her to help me out. And shedid, --splendidly! Now, I know you've got that same warm Irish heart, but for some reason you don't WANT to help me out of my trouble. Won't you tell me WHAT that reason is?"

Mrs. O'Brien turned and looked at her. 

"Me heart's warrum enough, " she said, "an' I'd be glad to sarvethe likes of such a pretty leddy as yersilf, --but, I won't shtandbein' carried off by kidnappers!"

"But listen, " said Patty, who was beginning to hope she couldcajole the woman into a good humour; "you must realise that thegentleman is a Western man. Now they do things very differentlyout there from what men do here. If they want anything or anybodythey just TAKE them!"

"H'm, h'm, " murmured Farnsworth, affirmatively over Patty'sshoulder. 

She paid no attention to his interruption, and went on, "So, yousee, Mrs. O'Brien, you mustn't mind the rude and untutored mannersof the savage tribes. This gentleman is a--is an INDIAN!"

"You don't tell me, Miss!"

"Yes, he is. And though you're perfectly safe if you do just as hetells you, if you rebel, he might--he might TOMAHAWK you!"

"Lor', Miss, is he as bad as that?"

"Oh, he's AWFUL bad! He's terrible! He's--why, he's IRRESISTIBLE!"

Big Bill was shaking with laughter, but Mrs. O'Brien couldn't seehim, and Patty herself looked half scared out of her wits. 

"Now, I'll tell you what, Mrs. O'Brien, " she went on, "you let mebe your friend; trust to me, and I'll see that no harm comes toyou. If you'll cook this dinner to-night, I'll promise to send youhome safely to-morrow morning, and Miss Galbraith will pay youwell beside. Susan Hastings will be with you as a helper, and--andif you only make your mind up to it, you can have a real goodtime!"

Patty felt that she ended her speech rather lamely, but hereloquence had given out. And the sound of Bill's chuckles, behindher, made it difficult not to laugh herself. 

But either Patty's friendliness or fear of Bill's ferocity seemedto conquer Mrs. O'Brien's rebellious spirit, and she sat calmly inher place, though making no further observations. 

Nor could Farnsworth and Patty converse, for as Bill sat behind, and they were flying rapidly along, speech was inconvenient if notimpossible. 

Farnsworth kept a sharp eye on his captive; though he knew shecould not escape now, he wasn't sure what strange turn her tempermight take. But Patty felt sure that if she could once get thecook into the kitchen at "Red Chimneys, " and under the influenceof Susan's common sense and powers of persuasion, all would bewell. She drove round to the kitchen entrance, and as she stoppedthe car, Farnsworth jumped down to assist their passenger out. 

Uncertain just how to show her unwillingness to do their bidding, Mrs. O'Brien sat still and refused to move. Whereupon, Pattyjumped down and ran into the kitchen. 

"Susan, " she cried, "here's the cook! Come out and make her behaveherself!"

Susan followed Patty out, and saw the new arrival. 

"Is it yersilf, Ann O'Brien?" she cried, joyfully. "Come on in, now. "

"I'll not come! These vilyans kidnapped me, and I'll cook nodinner fer the likes o' thim!"

"Arrah now, it's yersilf is the vilyan! Ye ought to be proud to bekidnapped by Miss Patty, and Misther Bill! Get down here, yegossoon, an' behave like a dacint woman!"

Susan's authoritative voice, and Farnsworth's apparent readinessto assist her, if she delayed, persuaded Mrs. O'Brien to leave thecar. She went into the kitchen with Susan, and Patty turned abeaming face to Bill. 

"It's all right now, " she said. "Susan will bring her around. But, oh, Billee, how DID you DARE to do such a thing?"

"I'd dare anything to get you what you want. And you said youwanted that particular cook. So I got her. "

"But you'll be arrested for kidnapping!"

"Oh, I think not. I'll telephone over to that second-rategardener, and I fancy I can make it all right. "

Then Bill and Patty sauntered round the house to the veranda. 

"Where's your cook?" cried Mona. 

"In the kitchen, where she belongs, " replied Patty. "Do you wanther here?"

"No, but how did you get one?"

"Kidnapped her!" declared Patty, and then amid the laughter oftheir hearers, they told the whole story. 

"I never heard of such a thing!" said Aunt Adelaide, with adisapproving frown. 

"But it was that, or no dinner, " said Patty, plaintively. 

"I think it's great!" said Roger. "And the end is not yet! In anhour, all sorts of police and detectives and weird things likethat will come up here and arrest us. "

"They'll only take Patty and me, " said Farnsworth, "and we canlook out for ourselves, can't we, A. B. ?"

But Patty only smiled, and ran away to her own room. 

CHAPTER XX

GOOD-BYE FOR NOW

It was the day of Farnsworth's departure. In fact, the whole houseparty was leaving. Roger had already gone, and the Kenerleys andDaisy Dow were to go next day, while Cromer, who had becomeattached to Spring Beach, had concluded to transfer himself to ahotel and stay the rest of the summer. 

"I hate to have you all go, " said Mona, dolefully. "Now that I'venew servants, and such good ones, I'd like to have you all stay onindefinitely. "

"There are others, " suggested Jim Kenerley. 

"I know, but I don't want others. This crowd has become so chummyand nice it's a pity to break it up. Aren't you sorry to go, Bill?"

"Haven't gone yet!" said Farnsworth, cheerfully. 

"But your things are all packed, and you're to go this afternoon, "said Mona. 

"Well, it's morning now; why borrow trouble? Let's have some funinstead. "

"Yes, let's!" and Mona brightened up. "Let's go on a picnic!"

"I hate picnics, " said Daisy; "they're no fun. Let's motor over toLakeville. "

"I hate Lakeville, " said Patty. "Let's have a dress-up party ofsome kind. "

"We can't get up a fancy dress party in a few hours, " objectedAdele Kenerley. "Let's have a contest of some sort, --with prizes. Tennis, --or basket ball. "

"Oh, it's too warm for those things, " said Laurence Cromer. "Let'sdo something quieter. I'll tell you what, --let's play HumanParcheesi! Just the thing. "

"What IS Human Parcheesi?" asked Patty, interested at once. 

"Oh, it's a new game, " explained Cromer; "in fact, I just made itup this instant. "

"How do you play it?" asked Mona. 

"I don't quite know myself yet. I haven't finished making it up. Anyway, you have to have more people. Let me see, we have sevenhere. Can you get some more, Mona? We won't play till afterluncheon. It will take the rest of the morning for me to finishmaking up the game. We'll play on the west lawn. Oh, it's going tobe lovely! I want four billion yards of red ribbon and cosydecorations and a lot of things! Skip to the telephone, Mona, andinvite enough people to make twenty of us all together. Tell 'emto come at three o'clock, I'll be ready then. "

"Bill has to go away about six, " said Mona, doubtfully. 

"Well, make 'em come at two, then. The game won't take long, oncewe get started. Now, I'll select four players. Mona will be one, and Daisy Dow, Jim Kenerley and I will be the others. "

Mona was already at the telephone, and the other selected playersdrew around Cromer to learn what they were to do. 

"It's going to be the greatest fun ever, " he declared. "If wecan't get red ribbon, we'll take twine. Guess it'll be better, anyhow. Mona, will you send a slave to the general store to buy alot of balls of twine?"

"I'll attend to it, " said Patty, "Mona's telephoning. "

When Patty returned from this errand, the others were all out onthe west lawn. Farnsworth and Jim Kenerley were measuring offspaces, and a gardener was driving in pegs. 

When the twine arrived, it was stretched on these pegs, until thewhole lawn was diagrammed like a parcheesi board. There were thefour squares in the corners, representing "Homes, " there was alarge square in the centre, and the paths were marked into regularrectangles with a "Safety Spot" in every fifth space. 

So carefully was the measuring done that at a short distance itlooked exactly like a parcheesi board, except the colouring. 

"Now, " said Cromer, when the ground was ready, "each of you four'Players' must fix up your corner 'Homes' with a differentcolour. "

So Daisy chose pink, and Mona blue, and Mr. Kenerley yellow, andLaurence Cromer green. 

Rugs of appropriate colours were brought from the house for these"Homes, " and a few wicker chairs or campstools were placed inthem. Then the spirit of emulation was roused, and the "Players"sought for little tables, vases of flowers, or potted palms todecorate their "Homes. "

Mrs. Kenerley helped her husband, and Patty assisted Cromer, withtheir feminine tastes and ideas, and Patty prevailed on the headgardener to cut his choicest flowers to decorate the game. 

"You see, " Laurence said, "we COULD get this thing up beautifully, with canopies and flags of the four colours, and turkey red stripsdown these paths and all that. But this will do for a makeshiftgame. "

The central square was prettily arranged with a set of furniturebrought from a veranda, a tea table, a stand of flowers, and aflagpole and flag. 

Comfortable seats were arranged here for Mrs. Parsons, and any oneelse who was merely a spectator of the game. Under Cromer'sdirections, the girls made sixteen caps and sashes of cheesecloth, four of each colour. 

The guests whom Mona invited all came, and soon after two o'clockthe game began. The four "Players, " each decorated with his or herown colour, went to their respective homes, and from there calledout the names of those whom they wished for "Counters. " Monacalled first, and promptly chose Patty. 

When Patty came to Mona's "Home" she was given a blue cap andsash, which she immediately donned. 

Daisy was next, and she chose Farnsworth, who went forward toreceive his pink cap and sash. 

After a time each "Player" had chosen four counters, and the capsand sashes were all proudly worn. 

"Now we 'Players, '" Cromer directed, "stay here in our 'Homes, 'and we send out our 'Counters, ' just as if we were playing realparcheesi. Daisy, you throw your dice first. "

Daisy threw the dice which had been provided, and she threw a fiveand a three. 

"Put a counter out with the five, " said Cromer, "and let him marchthree squares for the three. "

Amid much laughter and fun, Daisy sent Big Bill Farnsworth outfirst, and ordered him to march three spaces. This Farnsworth did, and stood waiting for his next move. 

Then Jim Kenerley threw, but threw only a three and a four, so hehad to wait another turn. 

The game proved to be great fun. A five thrown allowed anothercounter started out, and all other throws meant movements of thecounters. A counter on a "Safety Spot" was secure againstinvaders, but on an unprotected square one might be sent back"Home" to start all over again. 

Of course the great central square was the goal, and thererefreshing lemonade or iced tea awaited the "Counters. " Many werethe amusing exigencies. Daisy had just triumphantly put out herlast counter when two others were returned ignominiously "Home. "

Counters chatted affably with other counters who chanced to be onadjoining squares, or gleefully sent them home, as they invadedthe same square. 

Patty stood comfortably on a "Safety Spot, " with Captain Sayre onthe next space but one. 

"This is a great game, " said she. "Isn't Mr. Cromer clever toinvent it? Do you know I already see great possibilities in it. I'm going to get up a fine one for a charity or something. "

"Yes, do; I'll help you. Make people pay to be 'Counters, ' andthen have prizes for those who get all the way around. "

"Yes, and then have--"

But Captain Sayre had been moved four spaces away, and was out ofhearing distance, though he could still smile and wave his hand atPatty on her "Safety Spot. "

As the game progressed, one after another reached the CentralSquare, but as Jim Kenerley got all four of his "Counters" infirst he was declared winner. 

Then all ran into the Central Square and soon discovered that"Parcheesi" gave them a good appetite for tea and cakes. 

Soon after five the Spring Beach guests went home, charmed withthe new game, and promising to play it again some day. The "RedChimneys" party congratulated Cromer heartily on his cleverentertainment, and renewed their lamentations that the house partywould be so soon only a memory. 

"Let's all go over to the Country Club for a farewell dinner anddance, " suggested Jim Kenerley. 

"All right, " agreed Patty, who was always ready for a dance. 

"I can't go, " said Farnsworth. "I have to take the six-thirtytrain, --but you others go on. "

"Too bad, old fellow, " said Kenerley; "wish you could go. But therest of you will, won't you?"

They all accepted the invitation, and went away to dress. 

Patty hung back a moment to say good-bye to Bill, but Daisyforestalled her. 

"Oh, Bill, " she said, "walk with me as far as the rose garden. Iwant to say my farewells to you. "

Farnsworth couldn't well refuse, so he went off with Daisy, givingPatty a pleading look over his shoulder which she rightly read tomean that he wanted to see her again before he left. 

But Daisy prolonged her interview as much as possible, with theamiable intention of keeping Patty and Bill apart. 

At last Bill said, as they stood on the terrace, "You ought to bedressing, Daisy. You'll be late for the club dinner party. "

"No hurry, " she said, shrugging her shoulders, "I can go overlater. "

"How?" asked Farnsworth, suddenly interested. 

"Oh, Barker will take me over in a runabout. "

"But Barker's to take me to the station. You'd better go with therest, Daisy. "

Something in Bill's tone made Daisy acquiesce, so she said, shortly, "Oh, very well, " and turned toward the house. 

She went to her room, and Farnsworth looked about for Patty. Shewas nowhere to be seen, and all the first floor rooms were emptysave for a servant here and there. Finally Bill said to aparlourmaid, "Please go to Miss Fairfield and ask her if she willcome down and see Mr. Farnsworth just a minute. "

The maid departed, and a moment later Patty came down. She was alldressed for the dinner, in a soft, shimmering, pale blue chiffon, and she wore Bill's wreath in her hair. 

"Apple Blossom, " he said, softly, and his voice choked in histhroat. 

"I've been trying to get you a moment alone all day, " he said, "but I couldn't. I believe you evaded me on purpose!"

"Why should I?" and Patty looked a little scared. 

"I'll tell you why! Because you knew what I wanted to say to you!Because you KNOW--confound that butler! He's everywhere at once!Patty, come in the drawing-room. "

"Jane's in there, " said Patty, demurely, and smiling up at Billfrom under her long lashes. 

"Well, come, --oh, come anywhere, where I can speak to you alone aminute!"

"Just one minute, " said Patty, "no more!"

"All right, but where can we go?"

"Here!" said Patty, and leading him through the dining-room, sheopened the door of the butler's pantry, a spacious and attractiveroom of itself. 

"James won't be in here to-night, " she said, "as we are diningout. But I'll only stay a minute. "

"But, Patty, DARLING, I want to tell you, --you know I'm goingaway, and I won't see you again, --and I MUST tell you, --I must ASKyou--"

"Patty--Pat-ty! Bill! Where ARE you both?"

Mona's voice rose high as she called, and it was joined by otherscalling the same two names. 

"They're calling, we must go!" exclaimed Patty. 

"Go! Nothing!" cried Big Bill, savagely. He glanced round, --he sawthe dumb-waiter, built large and roomy in accordance with all theplans of "Red Chimneys. "

In about three seconds he had picked Patty up, and before she knewit, she found herself sitting on the top shelf of that big dumb-waiter, and, moreover, she found herself being lowered, at firstslowly, and then rapidly. 

She was about to scream when she heard Big Bill whisper softly, but commandingly, "Not a word! Not a sound! I'll pull you up in afew minutes. "

She heard the doors above her close. She was in total darkness. She had no desire to scream, but she was consumed with laughter. 

Farnsworth had hidden her! Hidden her from Mona and the others, inthe dumb-waiter! What a man he was! She had no idea what heintended to do next, but she was not afraid. It was an escapade, and of all things Patty loved an escapade!

After closing the doors, Bill put out the light in the butler'spantry, opened the door, slipped through the dimly lighted dining-room, and came around by a side hall to the group in the mainhall. 

"Calling me?" he said. "I was just coming to say good-bye to youall. Where's Patty?"

"That's what we want to know, " said Mona. "We thought she was withyou. "

"She isn't, " said Bill, truthfully enough. 

"Well, where CAN she be? I've looked everywhere! Even in thepantries. "

"Hasn't one load already started?"

"Yes, Aunt Adelaide and the Kenerleys have gone. "

"Didn't she go with them?"

"Why, she MUST have done so. Well, good-bye, dear old Bill, comeand see us again next summer, won't you?"

"I will so!" and Bill shook Mona's hand mightily, as an earnest ofhis words. 

"And I'm sorry to go off and leave you, but you go to the stationin a few minutes, don't you?"

"Yes, and Barker will look after me. Run along, Mona, I'll writeyou in a day or two, and tell you how much I've enjoyed my visithere. "

Some further cordial good-byes were said, and then the car startedoff with Daisy, Mona, and Cromer to the Country Club. Farnsworthflew back to the pantry. 

"Hello, " he said, as he drew up the dumb-waiter, "you WILL evademe, will you, you little bunch of perversity?"

Patty, who was still laughing at his daring deed, said, "Have theyall gone?" "They sure have! You and I are here all alone. "

"Oh, Bill!" and Patty's lip quivered a little. "How COULD you dothat? What SHALL I do?"

"Now don't get ruffled, little one; my train goes in twentyminutes. You're going to the station to see me off, and thenBarker will take you on to the Country Club to join the rest ofthem. You won't be half an hour late!"

This wasn't a VERY dreadful outlook, so Patty smiled again. 

"Why stay in this queer place?" she said. "Why not go out on theveranda?"

"No; there are eleven hundred servants bobbing up everywhere! HereI can have you all to myself long enough to make you answer onequestion. Apple Blossom, will you marry me?"

"No, sir; thank you, " and Patty blushed, but looked straight intoFarnsworth's eyes. 

"You mean it, don't you?" he said, returning her gaze. "And whynot, little girl?"

"Because, Billee, I don't want to marry anybody, --at least, notfor years and years. I like you AWFULLY, --and I appreciate allyour kindness, and your, --your liking for me----"

"Don't say liking, sweetheart; it's love, --deep, true, BIG lovefor you, --you little sunbeam. Oh, Patty, CAN'T you?"

"No, Little Billee, I can't, --but, --but I DO like to have you loveme like that!"

"Then I shall WAIT, dear!" and Bill's voice was full of triumphantgladness. "If you like to have me love you, I can hope and believethat some day you'll love me. You ARE too young, dear, you're justa little girl, I know. "

"Why, I'm not even 'out, '" said Patty. "I'm to come out nextwinter, you know. "

"Yes, and then you'll have lots of admirers, and they'll flatteryou, but they won't spoil you. I know your sweet, simple, generousnature; it can't be spoiled, even by the foolishnesses ofsociety. " "Will YOU come to my coming-out party, Bill?"

"I don't know, perhaps so. I may see you before then. And I'llwrite to you, mayn't I, Apple Blossom?"

"Oh, yes, do! I love to get letters, and I know I'll love yours. "

"DO love them, dear, and perhaps, through them, learn to love, --Jiminetty Christmas, Apple Blossom, I've just ten minutes to catchthat train! Come on, dear, fly with me, at least to the railroadstation!"

They flew, and by speeding the car, Barker just managed to reachthe station in time. The ride was a silent one, but Farnsworthheld Patty's hand in a close, warm pressure all the way. As theyreached the platform, he bent over her and whispered:

"Good-bye, sweetheart, DEAR little Apple Blossom. Some day I shallcome back and win you for my own. Until then, I shall just wait, --and love you. "

A light kiss fell on the little hand he had been holding, and thenFarnsworth flung himself out of the motor-car, and on to theplatform of the already moving train. 

"To the Country Club, Barker, " said Patty.