PATTY'S SOCIAL SEASON

by

CAROLYN WELLS

Author ofThe TWO LITTLE WOMEN SeriesThe MARJORIE Booksetc. 

Grosset & Dunlap, PublishersNew York

Copyright, 1913By Dodd, Mead and Company

Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE I Flowers! 9 II At the Dance 25 III Happy Saturdays 42 IV An Invitation 60 V Happy Guests 76 VI Confidences 94 VII More Making Up 108 VIII A Delightful Invitation 125 IX Fern Falls 141 X Christmas Eve 158 XI The Christmas Spirit 174 XII Coasting 192 XIII Hide and Seek 208 XIV A Proposal 225 XV A Christmas Card 243 XVI Stormbound 260 XVII The Country Club Ball 284 XVIII Back to New York 300 XIX An Exciting Chase 316 XX Bridesmaid Patty 333

CHAPTER I

FLOWERS!

"Patty, do come along and get your luncheon before everything growscold!"

"'And the stars are old, And the leaves of the judgment book unfold, '"chanted Patty, who had just learned this new song, and was apt to singit at unexpected moments. She sat on the floor in the middle of thelong drawing-room of her New York home. To say she was surrounded byflowers, faintly expresses it. She was hemmed in, barricaded, nearlysmothered in flowers. 

They were or had been in enormous florist's boxes, and as fast asPatty opened the boxes and read the cards which accompanied theblossoms, Jane took the boxes away. 

It was the great occasion of Patty's début, and in accordance withthe social custom, all her friends had sent her flowers as a messageof congratulation. 

"You certainly have heaps of friends, " said Elise, who was helpingarrange the bouquets. 

"Friends!" cried Patty; "nobody could have as many friends as this!These flowers must be also from my enemies, my casual acquaintances, and indeed from utter strangers! I think the whole hilarious populaceof New York has gone mad on the subject of sending flowers!"

Even as she spoke, Jane came in with several more boxes, followed byMiller, fairly staggering under an enormous box that was almost toomuch for one man to carry. Behind him was Nan, who went straight toPatty and held out both hands to assist her to rise. 

"Patty, " she said, "if you don't come out this minute, you never _can_get out! A few more of these boxes, and the door will be completelyblocked up. "

"That's so, Nan, " and Patty scrambled to her feet. "Come on, girls, let's gather our foodings while we may. These flowers will keep; but Ishudder to think of the accumulation when we come back from luncheon!"

"I didn't know there were so many flowers in the world, " said MonaGalbraith, who paused to look back into the drawing-room. 

"There aren't, " said Patty solemnly; "it's an optical illusion. Don'tyou know how the Indian jugglers make you see flowers growing, whenthere aren't any flowers there? Well, this is like that. "

Following Nan, Patty's pretty stepmother, the three girls, arm in arm, danced along to the dining-room, quite hungry enough to do justice tothe tempting luncheon they found there. 

All the morning they had been untying the flower boxes and making alist of the donors. 

"Just think of the notes of thanks I have to write, " said Patty, groaning at the outlook. 

"Wish we could help you, " said Elise, "but I suppose you have to dothose yourself. "

"Yes; and I think it will take me the rest of my natural life! What'sthe use of 'coming out, ' if I have got to go right in again, and writeall those notes? Why, there are hundreds!"

"Thousands!" corrected Elise. And Mona said, "Looks to me likemillions!"

"Who sent that last big box, Patty?" asked Nan; "the one that justcame. "

"Dunno, Nancy; probably the Czar of Russia or the King of the CannibalIslands. But I mean to take time to eat my luncheon in peace, even ifthe flowers aren't all in place by the time the company comes. "

"We can't stay very long, " said Elise; "of course, Mona and I have togo home and dress and be back here at four o'clock, and it's nearlytwo, now. "

"All right, " said Patty; "the boys are coming, and they'll do therest. We couldn't hang the flowers on the wall, anyway. "

"We ought to have had a florist to attend to it, " said Nan, thoughtfully; "I had no idea there'd be so many. "

"Oh, it'll be all right, " returned Patty. "Father's coming home early, and Roger and Ken will be over, and Mr. Hepworth will directproceedings. "

Even as she spoke the men's voices were heard in the hall, and Pattyjumped up from the table and ran to the drawing-room. 

"Did you ever see anything like it?" she exclaimed, and her visitorsagreed that they never had. 

"It must be awful to be so popular, Patty, " said Roger. "If I evercome out, I shall ask my friends to send fruit instead of flowers. "

"Patty would have to start a canning factory, if she had done that, "said Kenneth, laughing. "Let's open this big box, Patty. Who sent it?"

"I haven't an idea, but there must be a card inside. "

They opened the immense box, and found it full to the brim withexquisite Killarney roses. 

After some search, Roger discovered a small envelope, with a cardinside. The card read, "Mr. William Farnsworth, " and written beneaththe engraved name was the message, "With congratulations and bestwishes. "

"From Big Bill!" exclaimed Mona. "For goodness' sake, Patty, whydidn't he send you more? But these didn't come all the way fromArizona, where he is. "

"No, " said Patty, looking at the label on the box; "he must have justsent an order to a New York florist. "

"To two or three florists, I should think, " said Mr. Hepworth. "Whatcan we do with them all?"

But the crowd of merry young people set to work, and in an hour thefloral chaos was reduced to a wonderful vision of symmetry and beauty. Under Mr. Hepworth's directions, the flowers were banked on themantels and window-seats, and hung in groups on the wall, andclustered on the door-frames in a profusion which had behind it amethodical and symmetrical intent. 

"It's perfectly beautiful!" declared Nan, who, with her husband, wastaking her first view of the finished effect. "It's a perfect shame tospoil this bower of beauty by cramming it with a crowd of people, whowill jostle your bouquets all to bits. "

"Well, we can't help it, " said Patty. "You see, we invited the people, as well as the flowers, so we must take the consequences. But theycan't reach those that are up high, and as soon as the party is over, I'm going to put them all in fresh water----"

"What! the party?" and Kenneth looked astounded. 

"I mean the flowers, " said Patty, not deigning to laugh at hisfoolishness. "And then, to-morrow morning, I'm going to send them allto the hospital. "

"The people?" said Kenneth again. "That's thoughtful of you, Patty! Ihave no doubt they'll be in condition to go. I'm about ready, myself. "

"Well, you may go now, " and Patty smiled at him. "Your work is donehere, and I'm going away to dress. Good-bye, Ken; this is the lasttime you'll see me as a little girl. When next we meet, I shall be ayoung lady, a fully-fledged society lady, whose only thoughts will befor dancing and gaiety of all sorts. "

"Nonsense, " said Kenneth; "you can't scare me. You'll be the same oldPatty, foolish and irresponsible, --but sunshiny and sweet as ever. "

"Thank you, Ken, " said Patty, for there was a note of earnestness inKenneth's voice that the girl was quick to catch. They had beenfriends since childhood, and while Patty did not take her "coming out"very seriously, yet she realised that it meant she was grown up and achild no longer. 

"Don't let it all spoil you, Patty. " It was Mr. Hepworth who saidthis, as he was about to follow Kenneth out. "I have a right tolecture you, you know, and I want to warn you----"

"Oh, don't do it now, Mr. Hepworth, " said Patty, laughing; "theoccasion is solemn enough, I'm sure, and if you lecture me, I shallburst into large weeps of tears! Do let me 'come out' without beinglectured, and you can come round to-morrow and give me all thewarnings you like. "

"You're right, little Patty, " and Hepworth looked at her kindly. "Iought not to spoil one of the happiest days of your life with tooserious thought. Yours is a butterfly nature----"

"But butterfly natures are nice; aren't they, Mr. Hepworth?" and Pattylooked up at him with the roguishness that she could never quitecontrol. 

"Yes, ----" and the man hesitated a moment, as he looked into Patty'sblue eyes. Then, suddenly, "Yes, indeed, _very_ nice. " And, turningabruptly, he left her. 

"Now, you girls, skip, " ordered Patty. 

"You haven't more than time to fly home and get dressed, for I don'twant you to be late and delay the ceremony. "

"Gracious! it sounds like a wedding, " cried Mona, laughing. 

"Well, it isn't!" declared Patty. "I may have a wedding some day, butthat's in the far, far future; why, I'm only just entering society, and when I'm married, I suppose I shall leave it. I expect to haveheaps of fun between this and then. "

The programme for the occasion was an afternoon reception, from fouro'clock until seven. This was really Patty's début. A dinner at eightwas to follow, to which were invited about a dozen of her dearestfriends, and after this would be a dance, to which a goodly numbermore were asked. 

"You ought to have time for an hour's rest, Patty, " said Nan, as shedrew the girl away from a last look at the beautiful flowers, and tookher up to her room. 

"Well, I haven't, little steppy-mother. It will be just about all MissPatricia Fairfield can do to get into her purple and fine linen byfour o'clock p. M. , and methinks you'd better begin on your own gladtoilette, or you'll be late yourself. "

"Was I _ever_ late?" asked Nan, scornfully, and as Patty responded, "never anything but, " she ran away to her own room. 

However, four o'clock found all the members of the reception party intheir places. 

Patty looked adorable in soft white chiffon, untrimmed, save for somefine lace round the slightly low-cut neck. She wore a string of smallbut perfect pearls which her father had given her for the occasion, and she carried a beautiful bouquet of orchids, which was Nan's gift. 

Patty had never looked prettier. Her rose-leaf cheeks were slightlyflushed with excitement, and her big violet eyes were bright andsparkling. Her golden hair, which was really unusual in texture andquantity, was dressed simply, yet in a manner very becoming to hersmall, prettily poised head. On her brow and temples it rippled innatural ringlets, which gave her piquant face a charming, childisheffect. Patty was certainly a beauty, but she was of such a sweet, unspoiled nature, and of such simple, dainty manners, that everybodyloved her. 

Her father looked at her rather thoughtfully, half unable to realisethat his little Patty had really grown up and was taking her place insociety. He had no fears for her, he knew her sweet nature too well;but he was earnestly hoping that she was starting out on a life ofhappiness and well-being. Though healthy and moderately strong, Pattywas not of a robust constitution, and there was danger that too muchgaiety might result in a nervous breakdown. This, Mr. Fairfielddetermined to guard against; and resolved that, while Patty should beallowed generally to do as she chose, he should keep a strict eyeagainst her overdoing. 

Nan had much the same thoughts as she looked at the lovely débutante, so exquisite in her fresh young beauty. Nan's gown of heavy white lacewas very becoming, and though a secondary figure, she ably shared thehonours of the afternoon with Patty. 

Mona and Elise assisted in the capacity of "Floaters, " and in theirpale pink frocks, they were quite in harmony with the floral settingof the picture. 

And then the guests began to arrive, and Patty learned what it meantto stand and shake hands, and receive the same compliments andcongratulations over and over again. It was interesting at first, butshe grew very tired as the hours went by. 

"Now, I say, " exclaimed a cheery voice, suddenly, "it can't be thatyou have to stand here continuously from four to seven! Mrs. Fairfield, mayn't I take Patty to get a cup of tea or an ice, and youstay here and 'come out' until she returns?"

It was Philip Van Reypen who made this request, and Nan consentedreadily. "Yes, indeed, Philip, " she said, "do take her off to rest aminute. I think most of the people have arrived; and, anyway, you mustbring her back shortly. "

"I will, " and young Van Reypen led Patty through the crowd to thedining-room. 

"I ought to find you a 'quiet little corner, '" he said, smiling; "butI don't see such a thing anywhere about. So I'll just place you on oneof these gimcrack gilt chairs, and I'll ask you to keep this one next, for me, until I make a raid on the table. What will you have?"

"I don't really want anything, Philip, but just to sit here a momentand rest. I had no idea coming out was so tiresome! I believe I'vesaid, 'oh, thank you!' a billion times!"

"Yes, you said it to me, " and Philip laughed at the recollection, "andI can tell you, Patty, it had the real society ring! You said it likea conventionalised parrot. "

"Well, I don't care if I did! It was the proper thing to say, andnobody could say it a million times in succession, without soundingparrotty! I know now how the President feels when he has to shakehands with the whole United States!"

Philip left her, and returned in a moment, followed by a waiter, whobrought them hot bouillon and tiny sandwiches. 

"My, but these are good!" exclaimed Patty, as she nibbled and sipped. "Why, Philip, I believe I was hungry and that's what made me tired!Oh, hello, Mona! Did you get leave of absence, too?"

"Yes; the mad rush is pretty much over. Only a few late stragglersnow, and Elise is floating them. Here's Roger. He says you wouldn'tspeak to him this afternoon, except to say, 'oh, thank you!' threetimes. "

"I couldn't help it, " returned Patty, laughing. "That's all I said toanybody. I felt like a rubber stamp--repeating myself. Well, thankgoodness, I'm out!"

"But you're not a bit more grown up than when you were in, " saidKenneth, joining the group around Patty. 

"Oh, pshaw, I'm never going to be grown up. Now I'm rested, Philip;please take me back to Nan. She said we must return soon. "

So Patty went back to the drawing-room, and insisted that herstepmother should go for a little refreshment. "I can hold the fortalone now, " she said; "you've no idea how capable I am, now that I'mreally out. Run along, Nan, and get some of those sandwiches; they'reawfully good. "

"It isn't romantic, Patty, to think about eating when you'recelebrating an occasion like this, " reproved Philip. 

"Well, I'm not romantic, " declared Patty, "and I never expect to be. Oh, how do you do, Mr. Galbraith? It's so late, I feared you weren'tcoming. " And Patty held out her hand to Mona's father. 

"How d'y'do, Patty?" And Mr. Galbraith shook hands heartily. "Isuppose I ought to say all sorts of pretty things to you, but youknow, I'm not much up in social chat. "

"I'm glad of it, " said Patty, "and then I won't have to say, 'oh, thank you!' to you. Mona is looking beautiful this afternoon, isn'tshe?"

"She's a fine girl--a fine girl. " Mr. Galbraith's eyes rested on hisdaughter a little thoughtfully. He was a Chicago man, who had made hisfortune suddenly, and was a little bewildered at his own success. Hisone interest in life, outside of business matters, was his daughterMona, for whom he desired every possible good, and to whose wishes andwhims he always willingly consented. 

At her request, he had closed his Chicago home and come to spend thewinter in New York, that Mona might be near Patty, whom she adored. The Galbraiths were living for the winter at the Plaza Hotel, andPatty, who had grown fond of Mona, was glad to have her friend so nearher. 

"She's a fine girl, " Mr. Galbraith repeated, "and a good-lookinggirl. " He paused a moment, and then added in a sudden burst ofconfidence, "but, Patty, I wish she had a mother. You know how Iidolise her, but I can't do for her what a mother would do. I've urgedher to have a chaperon or a companion of some sort, but she won't doit. She says a father is chaperon enough for her, and so we live alonein that big hotel, and I'm afraid it isn't right. Right for her, Imean. I don't care a snap about conventions, but Mona is impulsive, even headstrong, and I wish she had an older woman to guide and adviseher. "

"I wish she did, Mr. Galbraith, " said Patty, earnestly, for the twowere chatting by themselves, and no one else was within hearing. "I'vethought about it, and I've talked with my stepmother about it. PerhapsI could persuade Mona to do as you wish her to. "

"I hope you can, Patty; I do hope you can. You know, Mona is dignifiedand all that, and as proud as they make them. Nobody would dare tospeak to her if she didn't want them to; but, Patty, here's thetrouble. There's a young man at the hotel named Lansing. He's notespecially attractive, and yet, somehow, he has gained Mona's favour. I have told my girl that I do not like him, but she only laughs andsays carelessly that he's all right. Now, I mustn't detain you longer, my child; there are people waiting to speak to you. But, some time, Iwant to have a little talk to you about this, and perhaps you can helpme in some way. For I believe, Patty, that that Lansing man is tryingto win my girl for the sake of her money. He has all the appearancesof a fortune-hunter, and I can't let Mona throw herself away on such. "

"I should think not!" exclaimed Patty, indignantly. And then Mr. Galbraith moved away to give his place to other guests who werearriving. 

CHAPTER II

AT THE DANCE

At eight o'clock that same evening, Patty came down to her own dinnerparty. An hour's rest had freshened her up wonderfully, and she hadchanged her little white frock for a dinner gown of pale greenchiffon, sparkling with silver embroidery. It trailed behind her in amost grown-up fashion, and she entered the drawing-room with anexaggerated air of dignity. 

"Huh, " cried Roger; "look at grown-up Patty! Isn't she the haughtylady? Patty, if you put on such airs, you'll be old before your time!"

"Airs, nothing!" retorted Patty, and with a skipping little dancestep, she crossed the room, picked up a sofa pillow, and aimed itdeftly at Roger, who caught it on the wing. 

"That's better, " he said. "We can't have any of these _grande dame_airs. Now, who is the lucky man who is to take you out to dinner? Me?"

"No, not you, " and Patty looked at him, critically; "you won't do, andneither will Kenneth, nor Phil Van Reypen, nor Mr. Hepworth. " Shelooked at them each in turn, and smiled so merrily that they could takeno offence. "I think, " she said, "I shall select the best-looking andbest-natured gentleman, and walk out with him. " Whereupon she tuckedher arm through her father's, and led the way to the dining-room, followed by the rest of the merry crowd. 

The dinner was a beautiful one, for Nan had spared no pains or thoughtto make it worthy of the occasion. At the girls' places were beautifulsouvenirs, in the shape of fans of carved ivory with lace mounts, while the men received attractive stick-pins. 

"Shall you feel like dancing after all this gaiety, Patty?" asked VanReypen. 

"Well, rather!" declared Patty. "Why, I'd feel like dancing if I'dbeen through a--civil war! I could scarcely keep still when theorchestra was playing this afternoon, and I'm crazy for to-night'sdance to begin. "

"Frivolous young person, very, " murmured Philip. "Never saw suchdevotion to the vain follies of life! However, since you're determinedto dance, will you honour me with the first one to-night?"

"Why, I don't mind, if you don't, " said Patty, dimpling at him. 

"And give me the second, " said Kenneth and Roger simultaneously. 

"I can't do these sums in my head, " said Patty; "I'll get all mixedup. Let's wait till we get our dance orders, and fill them up, hit ormiss. "

"You be the miss and I'll try to make a hit, " said Philip. 

"What waggery!" exclaimed Patty, shaking her head. "If you're tooclever, Philip, I can't dance with you. When I dance, I keep my mindon my feet, not on my head. "

"That explains your good dancing, " said Mr. Hepworth, laughing. "Perhaps, if I could keep my mind on my feet, I could dance better. "

"Oh, you're too highminded for such low levels, " laughed Patty, whileMona, who was rather practical, said, seriously, "Do you really thinkabout your feet all the time you're dancing, Patty?"

"No, " returned Patty; "sometimes I have to think about my partner'sfeet, to keep out of the way of them. "

When they returned to the drawing-room, they found it had been clearedfor the dance, and soon the evening guests began to arrive. 

Patty again stood by Nan to receive them, and after greeting manypeople she knew, she was surprised to find herself confronted by astranger. He was a thick-set, stockily-built man, several years olderthan most of Patty's friends. He had black hair and eyes and a shortblack moustache and a round, heavy type of face. His black eyes wereof the audacious sort, and he flashed a glance of admiration at Patty. Before she could speak, or even offer her hand, Mona sprang forward, saying, "Patty, this is my friend Mr. Lansing. I took the liberty ofinviting him to your dance. Mrs. Fairfield, may I present Mr. Lansing?"

Patty was angry. This, of course, must be the man of whom Mr. Galbraith had spoken, and, aside from the fact that he seemedundesirable, Patty felt that Mona had no right to invite him withoutasking permission from her hostess. 

But Nan knew nothing of all this, and she cordially greeted thestranger because he was a friend of Mona's. Patty recovered herequilibrium sufficiently to say, "How do you do, Mr. Lansing?" in anon-committal sort of way, but she couldn't refrain from giving Mona aside glance of reproof, to which, however, that young woman paid noattention. 

In another moment Mona had drifted away, and had taken Mr. Lansingwith her. Patty turned to speak to Nan about him, but just then somemore guests arrived; and then the dancing began, and Patty had nofurther opportunity. 

As Patty had promised, she gave the first dance to Philip Van Reypen;and after that she was fairly besieged by would-be partners. The factthat she was hostess at her own coming-out ball, the fact that shedanced beautifully, and the fact that she was so pretty and charming, all combined to make her, as was not unusual, the most popular girlpresent. 

"Anything left for me?" asked Roger, gaily, as he threaded the crowdsat Patty's side. 

"I saved one for you, " said Patty, smiling at him; "for I hoped you'dask me, sooner or later. "

Roger gratefully accepted the dance Patty had saved for him, and soonafter he came to claim her for it. 

"I say, Patty, " he began when they were whirling about the floor, "whois that stuff Mona has trailing after her?"

"Moderate your language, Roger, " said Patty, smiling up at him, andnoticing that his expression was very wrathy indeed. 

"He doesn't deserve moderate language! He's a bounder, if I ever sawone! What's he doing here?"

"He seems to be dancing, " said Patty, demurely, "and he doesn't dancehalf badly, either. "

"Oh, stop your fooling, Patty; I'm not in the mood for it. Tell me whohe is. "

Patty had never known Roger to be so out of temper, and she resentedhis tone, which was almost rude. Now, for all her sweetness, Patty hada touch of perversity in her nature, and Roger had roused it. So shesaid: "I don't know why you speak like that, Roger. He's a friend ofMona's, and lives at the Hotel Plaza, where she lives. "

"The fact that two people live in the same big hotel doesn't give themthe right to be friends, " growled Roger. "Who introduced them, anyhow?"

"I don't know, I'm sure, " said Patty, her patience exhausted; "but Mr. Galbraith knows him, so it must be all right. "

Patty was not quite ingenuous in this speech, for she knew perfectlywell, from what Mr. Galbraith had said to her, that it was not allright. But she was irritated by Roger's demeanour, and perverselydisagreed with him. 

"Well, I don't believe he's all right; I don't like his looks a bit, and, Patty, you know as well as I do, that the Galbraiths are notquite competent always to select the people best worth knowing. "

"Oh, what a fuss you are, Roger; and it's hardly fair when you don'tknow anything at all about Mr. Lansing. "

"Do you?"

"No, " and then Patty hesitated. She did know something, --she knew whatMr. Galbraith had told her. But she was not of a mind to tell this toRoger. "I only met him as I was introduced, " she said, "and Mona hasnever so much as even mentioned him to me. "

"Didn't she ask you if she might bring him to-night?"

"No; I suppose, as an intimate friend, she didn't think thatnecessary. "

"It _was_ necessary, Patty, and you know it, if Mona doesn't. Now, look here; you and I are Mona's friends; and if there are any socialmatters that she isn't quite familiar with, it's up to us to help herout a little. And I, for one, don't believe that man is the right sortfor her to be acquainted with; and I'm going to find out about him. "

"Well, I'm sure I'm willing you should, Roger; but you needn't makesuch a bluster about it. "

"I'm not making a bluster, Patty. "

"You are so!"

"I am not!"

And then they both realised that they were bickering like twochildren, and they laughed simultaneously as they swept on round thedancing-room. The music stopped just then, and as they were near awindow-seat, Patty sat down for a moment. "You go on, Roger, " shesaid, "and hunt up your next partner, or fight a duel with Mr. Lansing, or do whatever amuses you. My partner will come to hunt meup, I'm sure, and I'll just wait here. "

"Who is your next partner, Patty?"

"Haven't looked at my card; but, never mind, he'll come. You runalong. "

As Roger's next partner was Mona, and as he was anxious to talk to herabout her new friend, Roger obeyed Patty's bidding and strolled away. 

Patty sat alone for a moment, knowing full well who was her nextpartner, and then Mr. Lansing appeared and made a low bow before her. 

Now, Patty had not chosen to express to Roger her real opinion of thisnew man, but in reality she did not approve of him. Though fairlygood-looking and correctly dressed, there was about him a certainsomething--or perhaps, rather, he lacked a certain something thatinvariably stamps the well-bred man. He stared at Patty a trifle toofreely; he sat down beside her with a little too much informality; andhe began conversation a little too familiarly. All of these thingsPatty saw and resented, but as hostess she could not, of course, beopenly rude. 

"Nice, jolly rooms you've got here for a party, " Mr. Lansing remarked, rolling his eyes about appreciatively, "and a jolly lot of people, too. Some class to 'em!"

Patty looked at him coldly. She was not accustomed to this style ofexpression. Her friends perhaps occasionally used a slang word orterm, but it was done in a spirit of gaiety or as a jest, whereas thisman used his expressions as formal conversation. 

"Yes, I have many kind and delightful friends, " said Patty, a littlestiffly. 

"You sure have! Rich, too, most of 'em. "

Patty made no response to this, and Mr. Lansing turned suddenly tolook at her. "I say, Miss Fairfield, do you know what I think? I thinkyou are prejudiced against me, and I think somebody put you up to it, and I think I know who. Now, look here, won't you give me a fair show?Do you think it's just to judge a man by what other people say abouthim?"

"How do you know I've heard anything about you, Mr. Lansing?"

"Well, you give me the icy glare before I've said half a dozen wordsto you! So, take it from me, somebody's been putting you wise to mydefects. "

He wagged his head so sagaciously at this speech, that Patty wasforced to smile. On a sudden impulse, she decided to speak frankly. "Suppose I tell you the truth, Mr. Lansing, that I'm not accustomed tobeing addressed in such--well, in such slangy terms. "

"Oh, is that it? Pooh, I'll bet those chums of yours talk slang to youonce in a while. "

"What my chums may do is no criterion for an absolute stranger, "--andnow Patty spoke very haughtily indeed. 

"That's so, Miss Fairfield; you're dead right, --and I apologise. But, truly, it's a habit with me. I'm from Chicago, and I believe peopleuse more slang out there. "

"The best Chicago people don't, " said Patty, seriously. 

Mr. Lansing smiled at her, a trifle whimsically. 

"I'm afraid I don't class up with the best people, " he confessed; "butif it will please you better, I'll cut out the slang. Shall we have aturn at this two-step?"

Patty rose without a word, and in a moment they were circling thefloor. Mr. Lansing was a good dancer, and especially skilful inguiding his partner. Patty, herself such an expert dancer, waspeculiarly sensitive to the good points of a partner, and she enjoyedthe dance with Mr. Lansing, even though she felt she did not like theman. And yet he had a certain fascination in his manner, and when thedance was over, Patty looked at him with kinder eyes than she had whenthey began. But all that he had won of her favour he lost by his finalspeech, for as the dance ended, he said, brusquely: "Now, I'll tumbleyou into a seat, and chase my next victim. "

Patty stood looking after him, almost moved to laughter at what he hadsaid, and yet indignant that a man, and a comparative stranger, shouldaddress her thus. 

"What's the matter, Lady Fair?" and Philip Van Reypen came up to her. "Methinks thou hast a ruffled brow. "

"No, it's my frock that's ruffled, " said Patty, demurely. "You menknow so little of millinery!"

"That's true enough, and if you will smile again, I'll drop thesubject of ruffles. And now for my errand; will you go out to supperwith me?"

"Goodness, is it supper time? I thought the evening had scarcelybegun!"

"Alas! look at the programme, " and Van Reypen showed her that it was, indeed, time for intermission. 

"Intermission is French for supper, " he said, gravely, "and I'd liketo know if you'd rather sit on the stairs in good old orthodox partyfashion, or if you'd rather go to the dining-room in state?"

"Who are on the stairs?"

"I shall be, if you are. You don't want to know more than that, doyou?" The young man's gaze was so reproachful that Patty giggled. 

"You are a great factor in my happiness, Mr. Van Reypen, " she said, saucily; "but you are not all the world to me! So, if I flock on thestairs with you, I must know what other doves will be perching there. "

"Oh, doves!" in a tone of great relief. "I thought you wanted to knowwhat men you would find there, --you inveterate coquette, you! Well, Elise is there waiting for you, and Miss Farley. "

"And Mona Galbraith?"

"I don't know; I didn't see Miss Galbraith. But if you will go withme, I will accumulate for you any young ladies you desire. "

"And any men?"

"The men I shall have to fight off, not invite!"

Laughing at each other's chaff, they sauntered across to the hall andfound the stairs already pretty well occupied. 

"Why is it, " Mr. Hepworth was saying, "that you young people preferthe stairs to the nice, comfortable seats at little tables in thedining-room?"

"Habit, " said Patty, laughing, as she made her way up a few steps;"I've always eaten my party suppers on the stairs, and I dare say Ialways shall. When I build a house I shall have a great, broadstaircase, like they have in palaces, and then everybody can eat onthe stairs. "

"I'm going to give a party, " announced Van Reypen, "and it's going tobe in the new Pennsylvania Station. There are enormous staircasesthere. "

"All right, I'll come to it, " said Patty, and then Mona and Mr. Lansing came strolling along the hall, and demanded room on the stairsalso. 

"Seats all taken, " declared Roger, who had had a real tiff with Monaon the subject of her new friend. The others, too, did not seem towelcome Mr. Lansing, and though one or two moved slightly, they didnot make room for the newcomers. 

Patty was uncertain what she ought to do. She remembered what Mr. Galbraith had said, and she felt that to send Mona and Mr. Lansingaway would be to throw them more exclusively in each other's society;and she thought that Mr. Galbraith meant for her to keep Mona underher own eye as much as possible. But to call the pair upon the stairsand make room for them would annoy, she felt sure, the rest of thegroup. 

She looked at Roger and at Philip Van Reypen, and both of them gaveher an eloquent glance of appeal not to add to their party. Then shechanced to glance at Mr. Hepworth and found him smiling at her. Shethought she knew what he meant, and immediately she said, "Come uphere by me, Mona; and you come too, Mr. Lansing. We can make roomeasily if we move about a little. "

There was considerable moving about, and finally Patty found herselfat the top of the group with Mona and Mr. Lansing. Christine and Mr. Hepworth were directly below them, and then Elise and Kenneth. 

Mr. Van Reypen and Roger Farrington declared their intention of makinga raid on the dining-room and kidnapping waiters with trays ofsupplies. On their return the supper plates were passed up to those onthe stairs, and Van Reypen and Roger calmly walked away. 

Patty knew perfectly well what they meant. They intended her tounderstand that if she and Mona persisted in cultivating theacquaintance of the man they considered objectionable, they did notcare to be of the party. 

"Which is perfectly ridiculous!" said Patty to herself, as sherealised the state of things. "Those boys needn't think they candictate to me at my own party!"

Whereupon, perverse Patty began to make herself extremely andespecially agreeable to Mr. Lansing, and Mona was greatly delighted atthe turn things had taken. 

Christine and Mr. Hepworth joined in the conversation, and perhapsbecause of what Patty had said earlier in the evening, Mr. Lansingavoided to a great extent the use of slang expressions, and madehimself really interesting and entertaining. 

"What a fascinating man he is, " said Christine later, to Patty, whenMona and her new friend had walked away to the "extra" supper dance. 

"Do you think so?" said Patty, looking at Christine in astonishment. "He was rather nicer than I thought him at first, but, Christine, Inever dreamed _you_ would approve of him! But you never can tell whena quiet little mouse like you is going to break loose. Why did youlike him, Christine?"

"I don't know exactly; only he seemed so breezy and unusual. "

"Yes, he's that, " and Patty wagged her head, knowingly; "but I don'tlike him very much, Christine, and you mustn't, either. Now run awayand play. "

Patty's last direction was because she saw a young man coming to askChristine for this dance; while two others were rapidly coming towardherself. 

The rest of the evening was danced gaily away, but neither Roger norPhilip Van Reypen came near Patty. To be sure, she had plenty ofpartners, but she felt a little offended at her two friends' attitude, for she knew she hadn't really deserved it. 

But when the dance was over, Patty's good-nights to Roger and Philipwere quite as gentle and cordial as those she said to any one else. She smiled her best smiles at them, and though not as responsive asusual, they made polite adieux and departed with no further referenceto the troublesome matter. 

CHAPTER III

HAPPY SATURDAYS

As was not to be wondered at, Patty slept late the next morning. Andwhen she awakened, she lay, cozily tucked in her coverlets, thinkingover the occurrences of the night before. 

Presently Jane came in with a dainty tray of chocolate and rolls, andthen, with some big, fluffy pillows behind her, Patty sat up in bed, and thoughtfully nibbled away at a crust. 

Then Nan came in, in her pretty morning gown, and, drawing up a littlerocker, sat down by Patty's bedside. 

"Are you in mood for a gossip, Patty?" she asked, and Patty replied, "Yes, indeedy! I want to talk over the whole thing. In the firstplace, Nan, it was a howling, screaming success, wasn't it?"

"Why, yes, of course; how could it be otherwise? with the nicestpeople and the nicest flowers and the nicest girl in New York City!"

"In the whole United States, you mean, " said Patty, complacently, asshe took a spoonful of chocolate. "Yes, the party in all its parts wasall right. There wasn't a flaw. But, oh, Nan, I got into a scrap withthe boys. "

"What boys? and what _is_ a scrap? Patty, now that you're out, youmustn't use those slang words you're so fond of. "

"Nan, " and Patty shook her spoon solemnly at her stepmother, "I'vecome to realise that there is slang and slang. Now, the few littleinnocent bits I use, don't count at all, because I just say them forfun and to help make my meaning clear. But that man last night, --thatLansing man, --why, Nan, his slang is altogether a different matter. "

"Well, Patty, he, himself, seems to be an altogether different matterfrom the people we know. "

"Yes, doesn't he? And yet, Nan, he isn't so bad. Well, anyway, let metell you what Mr. Galbraith says. "

"That's just it!" declared Nan, after Patty had finished her story. "That man _is_ a fortune-hunter, and he means to try to marry Mona forthe sake of her father's money!"

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Patty, laughing; "isn't it grand to be grown up! Isee I'm mixed up in a matrimonial tangle already!"

"Nothing of the sort, you foolish child! There won't be any matrimonialtangle. Mr. Galbraith is quite right; this man must be discouraged, andMona must be made to see him in his true light. "

"But, Nan, he isn't so awful. You know, sometimes he was quitefascinating. "

"Yes, you think that, because he has big dark eyes and rolled them atyou. "

"Goodness! it sounds like a game of bowls. No, I don't mean that;but--well, I'll tell you what I do mean. He said we weren't fair tohim, to judge him adversely, not knowing anything about him. And Ithink so, too, Nan; it doesn't seem fair or right to say a man is abounder, --that's what Roger called him, --when we don't know anythingabout him, really. "

"Patty, you're a goose! Don't you suppose we'll find out about him? Ofcourse, _we_ can't, but your father and Mr. Galbraith, --yes, and RogerFarrington, will soon find out his standing. "

"Well, " said Patty, with a relieved sigh, "then I needn't bother about_him_ any more. But, Nan, I have troubles of my own. Philip and Rogerare both mad at me!"

"Goodness! Patty, how awful! Do you suppose they'll stay mad all day?"

"Oh, it isn't just a momentary tiff; they are up and down angry! Why, neither of them danced with me or even spoke to me after supper lastnight!"

"Well, it was probably your own fault. "

"My own fault, indeed! It was all because of that horrid Lansing man. Well, if they want to stay mad, they may! _I_ shan't make anyadvances. "

"Don't worry, my child. Into each life some little squabbles mustfall, --and though you're fairly good-natured, as a rule, you can'texpect it always to be smooth sailing. "

Seeing she could get no sympathy from her stepmother, Patty droppedthe subject of her quarrels, and remarked, with a yawn, "Well, Isuppose I may as well get up, and begin on those flower notes. Whatshall I say, Nan, something like this? 'Miss Patricia Fairfield thanksyou for your kind donation of expensive blossoms, but as it's such abother to write the notes of acknowledgment, she really wishes youhadn't sent them. '"

"What base ingratitude! Patty, I'm ashamed of you! or I would be, if Ithought you meant a word of it, but I know you don't. What are youdoing this afternoon?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. We're going to have a club, just a littleclub, --only four of us girls. And, Nan, you know there are so manyclubs that make an awful fuss and yet don't really _do_ anything. Well, this is going to be a _Doing_ Club. We're going to be real_doers_. "

"It sounds lovely, Patty. What are you going to do?"

"We don't know yet, that's what the meeting's for this afternoon. Butwe're going to do good, you know--some kind of good. You know, Nan, Ialways said I didn't want to be just a social butterfly and nothingelse. I want to accomplish something that will give some joy orcomfort to somebody. "

Patty's blue eyes looked very earnest and sincere as she said this, and Nan kissed her, saying, "I know you do, Patty, dearest, and I knowyou'll succeed in your doing. If I can help you in any way, be sure toask me; and now I'll run away and let you dress. "

Patty made a leisurely toilette; and then, in a trailing blue silknégligée, she went into her boudoir and began to write her notes. 

It was not a difficult task, and she did not really mind it, though itwas a long list. But Patty had a knack at writing graceful littlenotes, and although she jested about it, she was really grateful tothe kind friends who had sent the flowers. 

"I don't know _why_ I have so many friends, " she said to herself, asshe scanned the rows of names. "To be sure, a great many are reallyfriends of father's and Nan's, but there's a lot of our crowd, too, and lots of out of town people. Perhaps it would be a good idea to dothe farthest away first, and so work back to New York. "

Patty picked up Mr. Farnsworth's card, and read again the message onit. "H'm, " she said to herself, "it sounds to me a trifle formal andconventional--considering all things. Now, Little Billee is a Westernman, --but how different he is from that Lansing person! I wonder whatmakes the difference. Little Billee isn't formal or conventional abit, and yet his manners are as far removed from Horace Lansing's aswhite is from black. Oh, well, I know the reason well enough. It'sbecause Little Billee is a thorough gentleman at heart; and the otherone is, --well, I guess he's what Roger called him. Now, what shall Isay to Mr. William Farnsworth by way of thanks for his truly beautifulpink roses? I'd like to write a nice, every-day letter, and tell himall about the party and everything; but, as he just sent his visitingcard, with a mere line on it, I suppose I must reply very formally. "

Patty began her formal note, but tore up half a dozen beginningsbefore she completed one to her satisfaction. This one read, "MissPatricia Fairfield thanks Mr. William Farnsworth sincerely for hisexquisite gift of roses, and for his kind congratulations. "

Patty gave a little sigh as she sealed this missive and addressed itto her friend in Arizona. 

With the exception of the roses, Patty had never heard a word from BigBill since they were at Spring Beach together. She had told her fatherand Nan of what Mr. Farnsworth had said to her down there, and as theyhad agreed that Patty was altogether too young even to think of such athing as being engaged to anybody, it was wiser to hold nocorrespondence with him at all. 

Apparently, this in no way disappointed the young man, for he had madeno effort on his part to recall himself to Patty's remembrance, untilthe occasion of sending the flowers. 

Patty had liked Bill extremely, but as Arizona was far away, and shehad no reason to think she would ever see him again, she gave him fewthoughts. However, the thoughts, when she did allow them to come, werepleasant ones. Although she had sealed the note she intended to send, she began another one, and the opening words were "Little Billee. "This note she wrote in the first person, and thanked him simply andnaturally for the flowers. Then, for a signature, she made a carefullyand daintily drawn pen-and-ink sketch of an apple blossom. She wasclever at flower-sketching, and she sat a moment admiring her ownhandiwork. Then a flush spread over her pretty face, and she spokesternly to herself, as was her habit when she disapproved of her ownactions. 

"Patty Fairfield, " she said, reprovingly, "you ought to be ashamed tothink of sending a personal, lettery sort of a note like that, to aman who sent you the formalest kind of a message! He only sent theflowers, because convention demanded it! He never gave you one singlethought after that last time he saw you, --and that's all there isabout _that_!"

And then, to her great surprise, luncheon was announced, and she foundthat her whole morning was gone and only one name on her list crossedoff!

 * * * * *

The club that met that afternoon in Mona's pretty sitting-room in thePlaza Hotel, consisted of only four girls--Patty, Mona, Elise, andClementine Morse. 

It was thought wiser to start with a few earnest members and thenenlarge the number later if it seemed advisable. 

"What a beautiful room!" said Clementine, as she tossed off her furs. "Don't you like it, Mona, to live in a big hotel like this, and yethave your own rooms, like a home all to yourself?"

"Yes, I like it in some ways; but I'm alone a great deal. However, Iwould be that, if father and I lived in a house or an apartment. "

"You ought to have a companion of some sort, Mona, " said Patty, whothought this a good opportunity to urge Mr. Galbraith's wishes. 

"No, thank you, " and Mona tossed her head, disdainfully; "I know whatcompanions are! Snoopy old maids who won't let you do anything, orcareless, easy-going old ladies who pay no attention to you. If Icould have a companion of my own age and tastes, I'd like that, --but Isuppose that wouldn't do. "

"Hardly, " said Elise, laughing; "that would only mean your fatherwould have two troublesome girls to look after instead of one. And Idaresay, Mona, you are quite as much as he can handle. "

"I suppose I am. But he's so good to me I'm afraid he spoils me. Butcome on, girls, let's organise our club. "

"Don't let's have too much organisation, " said Clementine. "Do youknow, I think lots of clubs, especially charity clubs, have so muchorganisation that they haven't anything else. One club I joined fell topieces before it was fairly started, because the two vice-presidentssquabbled so. "

"If there's anything I hate, " declared Patty, "it's a squabble. Whatever else we girls do, let's try not to have any friction. Now, Iknow perfectly well that none of us four is _very_ meek or mild. "

"I am, " declared Elise, assuming an angelic expression, which madethem all laugh, for Elise was really the one most likely to takeoffence at trifles, or to flare up impulsively if any one disagreedwith her. 

Patty knew this only too well, and was trying to forestall it by apreliminary treaty of peace. 

"Well, then, let's be an organisation that doesn't organise, " saidMona, "but let's be it _now_. "

"I think, " said Patty, "that our end and aim ought to be to do good tosomebody who doesn't expect it. Now, that isn't quite what I mean, --Imean to people who wouldn't accept it if it seemed like charity, butto whom we could give a pleasure that they would really like. "

"Patty, my child, " said Clementine, "I think your ideas are all right, but I must say you don't express them very clearly. Let's get down tosomething definite. Do you mean to give material things, --likepresents or money?"

"That's just exactly what I _don't_ mean, Clem! Don't you rememberthat little club we used to have at school, --the Merry Grigs?"

"Indeed I do! All we had to do was to be merry and gay. "

"Well, that's what I mean, --in a way, --if you know what I mean. "

"Oh, Patty, " cried Mona, "I never knew you to be so hopelessly vague. Now, for instance, how would it be if we gave a lovely motor ride tosome poor shop girl, or somebody that never gets into a motor?"

"That's it!" cried Clementine, approvingly; "I was thinking of sendingflowers to hospitals, but that's so general. Now, your suggestion, Mona, is definite, and just the right sort of thing. "

"But aren't we going to have a president and treasurer, and thingslike that?" asked Elise. 

"No, " said Patty; "my mind is clearing now, and I begin to see ourclub. Instead of a president, we'll all four be presidents, andinstead of a treasurer, we'll all four be treasurers. We'll give moneywhen it's necessary, or we'll use our motor cars, or buy flowers, orwhatever we like; but we won't have dues and officers and things. "

"But the shop girls are always busy; how can we take them motoring?"asked Elise. 

"That was only a suggestion, " said Mona; "it needn't be exactly a shopgirl; but anybody we know of, who would enjoy a little unexpectedpleasure. "

"The principle is exactly right, " said Clementine; "now, let's get itdown to practicability. As Mona says, we needn't necessarily choose ashop girl, --but suppose we do, many of them are free Saturdayafternoon. "

"Only in the summer time, " objected Elise. 

"Yes, perhaps, in the big shops; but there are lots of them, inoffices, --or even school teachers, --who would be free Saturdayafternoons. Well, anyway, here's what I'm thinking of, and you can allsay what you think of it. Suppose we try, every week, to give a happySaturday afternoon to somebody who wouldn't have it otherwise. "

"The Happy Saturday Afternoon Club!" cried Patty; "that's a lovelyname! let's do it!"

"But, " said Elise, "that would mean giving up our Saturday afternoons. Do we want to do that? What about matinées?"

"I think we ought to be willing to sacrifice something, " said Patty, thoughtfully; "but I do love Saturday matinées. "

"Oh, if there's anything especial, we needn't consider ourselves boundto give up the afternoon, " said Clementine. "For that matter, we couldsend a couple of girls for a motor ride without going ourselves. "

"But that's more like charity, " objected Patty: "I meant to go withthem, and be real nice and pleasant with them, and make a bright spotin their lives that they would always remember. "

"They'd always remember you, Patty, if you were the bright spot, "declared Mona, who idolised her friend. "But I must confess I do liketo be definite about this thing. Now, how's this for a plan? To-day'sThursday. Suppose we begin on Saturday and make a start at something. Suppose we each of us pick out a girl, --or a boy, for that matter, --ora child or anybody, and think what we can do to make them happy onSaturday afternoon. "

"Now we're getting somewhere, " said Elise, approvingly. "I've pickedmine already. She's a girl who comes to our house quite often to sewfor the children. She's a sweet little thing, but she looks as if shenever had a real good time in all her life. Now, can the rest of youthink of anybody like that?"

"Yes, I have one, " said Mona. "Your suggestion made me think of her. She's my manicure girl. She comes here, and sometimes she's so tiredshe's ready to drop! She works awfully hard, and never takes a dayoff, because she has to support two little sisters. But I'll make hertake a holiday Saturday afternoon, somehow. "

"There's a girl I'd like to have, " said Clementine, thoughtfully;"she's at the ribbon counter in Walker's. She always waits on methere; and she has such a wistful air, I'd like to do her a kindness. I don't suppose she could get off, --but I could go and ask the head ofthe department, and perhaps he'd let her. "

"I can't think of anybody, " said Patty, "except one person, that Iwould simply _love_ to have. And that's a very tired and cross-lookinglady who gives out embroidery patterns in a dreadful place, way downtown. I believe it would sweeten her up for a year to have a littlespree with us. "

"All right, " said Mona. "Now we have selected our guests, what shallwe do with them? Say, a motor ride and a cup of tea afterward in somepretty tea room?"

"I think, " said Elise, "that we'd better give them luncheon first. They can't enjoy a motor ride if they're hungry, and they probablywill be. "

"Luncheon where?" said Patty, looking puzzled; "at one of our houses?"

"I could have them here, easily enough, " said Mona. "Our dining-roomhere, would really be better than any of the homes of you girls. Because you all have people, and I haven't. Father would just as lievelunch downstairs, in the main dining-room. "

"That's lovely of you, Mona, " said Patty. "I was going to suggest somesmall, quiet restaurant, but a luncheon here in your pretty dining-roomwould indeed be a bright spot for them to remember. But suppose theywon't come?"

"Then we must ask someone instead, " said Clementine; "let's promiseeach to bring someone with us on Saturday, and if the first one we askdeclines, keep on asking till we get somebody. Of course, Mona, we'llshare the expense of the luncheon equally. "

"Nonsense, " returned Mona; "I'll be glad to give that. "

"No, " said Patty, firmly; "we'll each pay a quarter of whatever theluncheon costs. And let's have it good and substantial, and yet havesome pretty, fancy things too. For, you know, this isn't a charity ora soup kitchen, --it's to give those girls a bright and beautiful sceneto look back on. "

"Oh, it will be lovely!" cried Mona. "I'll have pretty place cards, and favours, and everything. "

"But we mustn't overdo it, " said Clementine. 

"You know, to the unaccustomed, an elaborate table may proveembarrassing. "

"That will be all right, " said Patty, smiling. "Mona can fix hertable, and I'll come over before the luncheon, and if she has too manyor too grand flumadiddles, I'll take some of them off. I don't wantour guests struck dumb by too much grandeur, but I do want thingspretty and nice. Suppose we each bring a favor for our own guest. "

"Something useful?" said Elise. 

"No; _not_ a suit of flannel underwear or a pair of shoes! But apretty necktie or handkerchief, if you like, or even a little goldpin, or a silver one. "

"Or a picture or cast, " said Clementine. 

"Yes, " and Patty nodded approval; "but it ought to be a little thingthat would look like a luncheon souvenir and not like a Christmaspresent. I think they ought to be all alike. "

"So do I, " said Mona, "and I think a little pin in a jeweler's boxwill be the prettiest; and then a lovely bunch of flowers at eachplate, and an awfully pretty place-card. "

"Oh, it will be beautiful!" cried Patty, jumping up and dancing aboutthe room; "but I must flit, girls, --I have an engagement at five. Wait, what about motors? I'm sure we can use our big car. "

"And ours, " said all the rest together. 

"Well, we'll need two, " said Clementine, "and two of us girls and twoguests can go in each. We'll see which cars can be used mostconveniently; perhaps our fathers may have something to say on thatsubject. But we can arrange all such things by telephone to-morrow. The main thing is to get our guests. "

"Oh, we'll do that, " said Patty, "if we have to go out into thehighways and hedges after them. "

CHAPTER IV

AN INVITATION

The next morning Patty started off in her own little electric runaboutwith Miller, the chauffeur. 

She let him drive, and gave the address, as she stepped in, "TheMonongahela Art Embroidery Company, " adding a number in lowerBroadway. 

The correct Miller could not suppress a slight smile as he said, "Where I took you once before, Miss Patty?" And Patty smiled, as shesaid, "Yes, Miller. "

But it was with a different feeling that she entered the big buildingthis time, and she went straight to department B. On her way she metthe red-headed boy who had so amused her when she was there a yearago. 

He greeted her with the same lack of formality that had previouslycharacterised him. 

"Is youse up against it again?" he inquired, grinning broadly. "It'ought youse didn't get no cinch, and had to can de whole projick. "

"I'm not on the same 'projick' now, " said Patty, smiling at him. "Isdepartment B in the same place?"

"Sure it is, " and for some reason the boy added, "miss, " after amomentary pause, which made Patty realise his different attitudetoward her, now that she wore a more elaborate costume, than when hehad seen her in a purposely plain little suit. 

"And is the same lady still in charge of it?"

"Yep; dey ain't nuttin' lessen dynnimite goin' to boost Mis' Greeneouten o' here!"

"Then Mrs. Greene is the lady I want to see, " and Patty threaded herway through the narrow passages between the piled up boxes. 

"No pass needed; she's a free show, " the boy called after her, and ina moment Patty found herself again in the presence of the sharp-faced, tired-looking woman whom she had once interviewed regarding herembroidery work. 

"This is Mrs. Greene, isn't it?" said Patty, pleasantly. 

"Yes, I am, " snapped the woman. "You don't want work again, do you?"

"No, " said Patty, smiling, "I come this time on quite a differenterrand. "

"Then you don't want to see _me_. I'm here only to give out work. DidMr. Myers send you?"

"No, I came of my own accord. Now, Mrs. Greene, forget the work for amoment, and let me tell you what I want. "

"If it's subscribin' to any fund, or belongin' to any working woman'sclub run by you swell ladies, you can count me out. I ain't got timefor foolishness. "

"It isn't anything like that, " and Patty laughed so merrily that Mrs. Greene's hard face softened in spite of herself. "Well, what is it?"she asked, in a less belligerent tone. 

"It's only this, " and though Patty's errand had seemed to her simpleenough before she came in, she now began to wonder how Mrs. Greenewould take it. "Some friends of mine and I are asking three or fourpeople to lunch with us and take a little motor ride on Saturday, andI want you to come as my guest?"

"What!" and Mrs. Greene's face was blank with amazement, but hermanner betokened an impending burst of wrath. 

Patty realised that the woman's pride was up in arms at the idea ofpatronage, and she was at her wit's end how to make the real spirit ofher invitation understood. 

As it chanced, she unwittingly took the right tack. So earnest was shethat her lips quivered a little, and her eyes showed a pleading, pathetic expression, as she said, "_Please_ don't misunderstand me, Mrs. Greene. If you would enjoy it, I want you to come to our party onSaturday as our welcome guest. If you wouldn't enjoy it, --just sayso, --but--but _don't_ scold me!"

Mrs. Greene looked puzzled, and then the hard, stern mouth broke intoan actual smile. 

"Well, I declare, " she said, "I do believe you've got a real heart!"

"And I do believe that _you_ have!" exclaimed Patty. "And, now that weknow the truth about each other, you'll come, won't you?"

"Tell me about it, " and the speaker seemed still uncertain, thoughwavering. 

So Patty told her, honestly and straightforwardly, the circumstancesof the party, and wound up by saying, "I truly want you, Mrs. Greene, for the simple reason that I want you to enjoy the afternoon, --and forno other reason. "

"And I'll come, and be awful glad of the chance! Why, I've never had aride in a motor car in my life, and I've never eaten in one of thosefandangle hotels; and the way you put it, I'm just crazy to go!"

"Do you have holiday Saturday afternoon?"

"Yes, all these downtown places do. "

"Very well, then, I shall expect you at the Plaza at one o'clock. Askfor Miss Galbraith, and they will show you right up to her rooms. "

"Land! it does seem too good to be true! Say, Miss Fairfield, I'veonly got a black mohair to wear, --will that do?"

"Of course it will. Maybe you've a pretty bit of embroidery orsomething to lighten it up a little. "

"Yes, I've got a linjerry collar and cuffs that I've just been achin'to wear ever since my sister gave them to me last Christmas. "

"Then I shall expect you on Saturday, and I'm so glad. "

With a smiling bow, Patty started away, but she saw by Mrs. Greene'sface, there was something left unsaid. 

"What is it?" she asked, kindly, stepping back again to the counter. 

"Say, Miss Fairfield, " and Mrs. Greene twisted her fingers a littlenervously, "don't think this is queer, --but won't you wear one of yourreal pretty dresses? I do like to see a pretty, stylish dress, --and Inever get a chance. "

"Of course I will, " said Patty, heartily; "I've a brand-new one thatI've never worn, and I'll honour the occasion with it, on Saturday. "

And then Patty went away, greatly pleased at her success. 

"Had quite a buzz, didn't yer?" observed the red-headed boy, lookingat Patty with curiosity, as she passed him. 

"Yes, I did. By the way, young man, what is your name?"

"Rosy; should think you'd know without askin', " and he grabbed a bunchof his red hair with a comical grin. 

"Well, I didn't know whether it was that or Freckles, " said Patty, whowas moved to chaff him, by reason of his good-natured _camaraderie_. 

"Might just as well 'a' been, " and Rosy grinned wider than ever. 

Patty nodded a good-bye, and went on, rapidly turning over in her minda new plan that would include Rosy in some future happy Saturdayafternoon. But this plan must wait for development, as the comingSaturday was enough to occupy her thoughts for the present. 

"Home, Miller, " she said, as she took her seat. Miller gave a relievedsigh, for he was always more or less afraid of Patty's escapades; andhe didn't like to have her go alone into these strange buildings. 

They whizzed homeward, and at luncheon time Patty gave Nan a graphicaccount of her interview with Mrs. Greene. 

"I think that's the funniest of all, " said Nan, "that she should wantyou to wear your elaborate clothes. "

"So do I, " said Patty. "We girls had planned to wear our plainestdresses, thinking to make our guests feel more at ease. And whenMadame Greene spoke of her black mohair, I thought I'd even rip thetrimming off my brown waist! But not so, --far otherwise. So I shallget me into that new American Beauty satin, and I hope to goodness itwill suit her taste. I expect she's fearfully critical. "

"Perhaps the other girls' guests won't feel as Mrs. Greene does aboutthis matter. What then?"

"Now, Nan, don't stir up trouble! I have only my own guest to lookafter, and I shall dress my part. The others will have to do asseemeth unto them best. Oh, Nan, it's going to be heaps of fun!"

"Yes, if it turns out right, --without any awkwardness or embarrassment. "

"Oh, you old wet blanket! Now, you know perfectly well, we're doing ourbest. And if we're awkward, we can't help it. We're going thisafternoon to get the favours. What do you think of little pins, --silvergilt, or enamel?"

"They'd be all right, or hatpins, either. "

"No, hatpins everybody has. And they don't show, anyhow. That amethystone of mine always hides itself behind a bow or a feather. No; I'msure a nice little round brooch is the best thing. "

"How about gloves?"

"Or overshoes? or knitted wash-cloths? Nan, can't I bang it into yourhead that this affair is for pleasure, not profit? Would you give_your_ luncheon guests gloves as souvenirs?"

"I suppose you're right, Patty. But it _is_ an experiment. "

"Of course it is! And it's going to be a successful one, and theforerunner of many others!"

 * * * * *

Half an hour before luncheon time, Patty walked into Mona's dining-room. She wore her new gown of American Beauty satin, softly draped with athin black marquisette, and a soft sash of black satin. Her hat was allblack, with a Beauty rose tucked under the brim, and resting against herfair hair. 

Mona surveyed her with delight. "You look unusually well, Patty, --butthat's not saying anything unusual, for you always look unusuallywell. "

"Good gracious, Mona, what kind of English is that? And a doubtfulcompliment beside! But I see you're preoccupied, so I shan't expectmuch appreciation of my new costume. Simple but tasty, isn't it?"

As she spoke, Patty was looking at herself in a long mirror andcraning her neck to get a view of her back. She was fond of prettyclothes, and her new gown, though rich, was really simple in line andcolouring. 

"Your table is beautiful, Mona, " she said, suddenly bringing herattention from her own raiment to the festal preparation. 

The girls had decided that, since Christmas was only about a fortnightaway, it would be attractive to use Christmas decorations for theirparty. And so the round table showed crossed strips of broad redribbon, under bands of lace, and a central decoration of a realChristmas tree, with beautiful fancy ornaments and colored electriclights. At each place was an elaborate bonbonnière of Christmas red, decked with sprays of holly. The place cards were Christmassy; and thelittle brooches they had bought, were in dainty boxes tied with hollyribbon. 

"It's perfectly lovely, Mona, " said Patty, enthusiastically. "Thereisn't a bit too much of anything, and it's just as cheery and jolly asit can be. "

"I thought I wouldn't have any flowers on the table, " Mona explained, "for they didn't go with the other things. So, you see, I've thesefour big bunches of red carnations around the room, and I shall givethem each one to take home. Of course, I have boxes ready forthem, --and then, Patty, I thought we'd distribute the Christmas treedecorations among them, --and I have the boxes big, so we can put thoseand the place-cards and candy-boxes and souvenirs all in them. Andthen, you know, it won't seem like _giving_ them things; for you knowyourself how keen people are to take away their place cards and suchthings. "

"They are, indeed! I've been _surprised_ the people who have_everything_ will gather up their cards and trumpery boxes after aluncheon! And your thoughtfulness is lovely, Mona. We'll each givethem our own place-card and box, too. "

"Yes; and then, you see, they'll have quite a few little things fortheir own Christmas, and that will make them remember the 'brightspot' all the more. "

"Of course it will! Mona, you're a perfect _darling_!" And Pattygrasped Mona's shoulders and swung her about in a mad dance ofjubilation. 

"And, Patty, " Mona went on, "Mr. Lansing wants to help us with ourHappy Saturdays Club. He says he could go with us some afternoon, totake a lot of newsboys to the circus. "

"Why, Mona Galbraith!" and Patty stared at her friend in astonishment. "Have you been telling _him_ about our club?"

"Yes; of course, I have. It's no secret society, is it?"

"No; but we don't want men for members. "

"But, Patty, he would be a help. I'd love to give some of those poorlittle newsboys a good time, and we couldn't do it, just by ourselves. "

Suddenly, Patty thought of "Rosy, " and her idea of including him insome of their plans. To be sure, it would be better to have a man tohelp manage such a project. But not Mr. Lansing!

"No, Mona, " she said; "our club is made up of just us four girls, andwe can find plenty to do among girls or women. At least, for thiswinter. If it's all a success, we can do more next winter, and perhapsget some men to help us then. If we want to take newsboys to thecircus, father will go with us. Don't be everlastingly dragging inthat Mr. Lansing. "

"I'm _not_ dragging him in! He kindly offered to help. But ofcourse, --if you don't want him----"

"Well, I don't! And, look here, Mona, I wish you'd let him alone, yourself. He's not like the men of our set, and I want you to realisethat. Roger says he's a bounder, --if you know what that is. "

"Pooh! Roger is jealous. "

"Yes, I think he is. But, aside from that, he's right about Mr. Lansing not being the right kind of a friend for you. Philip VanReypen says the same thing. "

"Oh, pshaw! Mr. Van Reypen is an old stuck-up! He thinks nobody is anygood if they don't begin their names with a Van. "

"Now, Mona, don't be silly. I'm sure I don't know what you see soadmirable in Mr. Lansing, but I do think you ought to be advised byothers who know better than you. Why, your own father doesn't likehim. "

"I know dad doesn't; but--well, all the same, I _do_! Why, Patty, he'sawfully interesting, and he brings me flowers and candy and books----"

"Now, stop, Mona. You know you don't care for those things! You canhave all you want, without Mr. Lansing's gifts. You like him, becausehe flatters you, and--well, I must admit that he has a way with him. "

"Oh, yes, Patty, he has! Why, when you know him, he's reallyfascinating!"

"Well, don't let him fascinate you. He's loud, Mona. He's not oursort. Now, do promise me to see less of him, won't you? He seems to becalling on you very often. "

"Yes, he does. But how can I stop that? I can't be rude to him. "

"Well, you can be cool. Every girl can discourage a man's attentions, if she wants to. "

"H'm; you seem to know a great deal about it. "

"I only know what my common sense tells me. Mona, dear, _do_ drop thatman! Why, Roger is worth a dozen of him!"

"Roger's all right, --but Mr. Lansing is so, --so, --well, he'sdifferent. "

"He is, indeed! And that's the trouble. The difference is all inRoger's favour, if you only could see it. "

"Well, I can't! Now, look here, Patty. You know how much I care foryou, but I won't have you talking to me like a Dutch Aunt. I madefather bring me to New York this winter, so I could be near you, andwe could have fun together. But, if you're going to scold me all thetime, we won't have any fun at all. "

Patty began to realise that, though Mona might be coaxed, she couldnever be driven. So she concluded to drop the subject, and use morethought and tact in her endeavours to break up Mona's new friendship. 

And then Clementine Morse came, so the matter had to be laid aside. 

"Is Jenny here?" asked Clementine, as she tossed off her furs. 

"Jenny who?"

"My guest, Jenny Bisbee. She's the ribbon girl I told you about. I hadthe greatest time to get her off for the afternoon. I had to go toWalker's, you know, and see all sorts of Heads of Departments. My!they acted like Crowned Heads! They said it wouldn't do at all, --itwould establish a precedent, --and all sorts of things like that. But, somehow or other, I wheedled them into it, and at last they said Jennymight come. She was just crazy about it. She said, she never has anyfun in her life, except looking at the new ribbons when they come in!Oh, girls, isn't it awful _never_ to have any fun? I expect Jenny willbe embarrassed, but I'm sure she'll enjoy it all. Oh, how lovely thetable looks! Mona, you are a wonder! I never should have thought ofall those Christmas fixings. "

"I'm glad you like them. Say, Clementine, don't you think it would benice to have men members in our club?"

"Why, I don't know. No, I guess not, though my brother Clifford saysit's a great game, and he'd like to help us. "

"Yes, and I know another man who wants to help, " said Mona, eagerly, when Clementine interrupted her. 

"I hope it isn't that strange being you brought to Patty's party!Wherever _did_ you pick up that freak, Mona?"

"He _isn't_ a freak! Mr. Lansing is not a rich man, but he's veryexclusive. He told me so himself. "

"Don't you believe it!" and Clementine laughed merrily. "As a rule, people who say themselves that they're exclusive, are _not_. And oneglance at that man is enough to show his standing. "

"What _is_ his standing, then?" said Mona, sulkily. 

"Outside the pale of society, if not outside the pale of civilisation, "retorted Clementine, who was plain-spoken. 

"Don't let's talk about Mr. Lansing now, " broke in Patty, who fearedan unpleasant element in their pleasant occasion. "And, anyway, herecomes Elise. "

CHAPTER V

HAPPY GUESTS

Elise came in, bringing her guest with her. The three girls waiting inthe sitting-room were surprised to see the small, dainty person whomElise introduced as Miss Anna Gorman. She had a sweet, sad littleface, and wore a simple one-piece gown of dove-grey voile. Her hat wasgrey, also; a turban shape, with a small knot of pink roses at oneside. Anna was not pretty, but she had a refined air, and a gentlemanner. Though embarrassed, she strove not to show it, and tried toappear at ease. 

Mona greeted her cordially: "How do you do, Anna?" she said, for theyhad agreed to call the girls informally, by their Christian names. "Iam glad to see you. Come with me into the boudoir, and lay off yourcoat. " Mona herself assisted, for she thought it better not to haveher maid about. 

"I'm well, thank you, " said Anna, in response to Mona's inquiry, andthen she broke out, impulsively: "Oh, I'm so happy to be here! It wasso heavenly kind of you young ladies to ask me. You don't _know_ whatit means to me!"

"Why, I'm very glad, " said Mona, touched at the girl's gratitude. "Now, I hope you'll just have the time of your life!"

"Oh, I shall, indeed! I know it. I'm enjoying every minute, just beingin these lovely rooms, and seeing you kind ladies. "

Then Mona's manicure girl came. Her name was Celeste Arleson, and shewas a tall, slender young woman, garbed all in black. It was the gownshe always wore at her work, and, being of French descent, she had anair of charm that made her attractive. 

"Good-morning, Celeste; come right in, " said Mona, and then sheintroduced her to Anna. 

The two looked at each other a little shyly, and then Anna said, "Good-morning, " in a timid way. 

Mona felt embarrassed, too, and began to wonder if their party wouldbe a failure, after all. 

But Patty came in then and, with her ever-ready tact, took the twovisitors to the drawing-room, and began to show them some pictures andcurios. 

Then Jenny Bisbee came, the girl from the ribbon counter, whomClementine had invited. 

"My, isn't this fine!" she exclaimed, as she met the others. "I justdo think it's fine!"

"I'm glad we could arrange for you to come, " said Clementine, cordially. 

"Glad! My gracious, I guess I'm glad! Well! if you measured ribbonfrom morning till night, I guess you'd be glad to get away from it foronce. Why, I measure ribbon in my dreams, from night till morning. Ican't seem to get away from that everlasting stretching out ofthirty-six inches, over and over again. "

"But the ribbons are so pretty, " said Clementine, by way of beingagreeable. 

"Yes; when they first come in. But after a few weeks you get so tiredof the patterns. My, I feel as if I could throw that Dresden sashribbon on the floor and stamp on it, I'm so tired of seeing it! Andthere's one piece of gay brocade that hits me in the eye everymorning. I can't stand that piece much longer. "

"I'll come round some day, and buy it, " said Patty, laughinggood-naturedly. "I didn't know the ribbons were so individual to you. "

"Yes, they are. There's one piece of light blue satin ribbon, plainand wide, that I just love. It's a real comfort to me. "

Jenny gave a little sigh, as she thought of her favourite ribbon, andPatty looked at her in wonderment, that she should be so sensitive tocolour and texture. But her taste in colours did not seem to extend toher clothes. Jenny was a pale little thing, with ashy blonde hair, andlarge, light blue eyes. She wore a nondescript tan-coloured dress, without tone or shape; and she had a weary, exhausted air, as ifchronically tired. 

Conversation was a little difficult. The four hostesses tried theirbest to be entertaining without being patronising, but it was not aneasy task. At least, their advances were not easily received, and theguests seemed to be on the alert to resent anything that savoured ofpatronage. But help came from an unexpected quarter. Just at oneo'clock Mrs. Greene arrived. 

"My land!" she exclaimed, as she entered the room, "if this isn't grand!I wouldn't of missed it for a farm! You see, I waited out on the corner, till it was just one o'clock. I know enough to get to a party just onthe minute. My bringin' up was good, if I have fell off a little since. But my folks was always awful particular people, --wouldn't even taketheir pie in their hands. My husband, now, he was different. He wasn't afool, nor he wasn't much else. But I only had him a year, and then he upand got killed in a rolling mill. Nice man, John, but not veryforth-putting. So I've shifted for myself ever since. Not that I've doneso awful well. I'm slow, I am. I never was one o' those to sew with ahot needle and a scorching thread, but I do my stent right along. But, my! how I do rattle on! You might think I don't often go in goodsociety. Well, I don't! So I must make the most of this chance. "

Mrs. Greene's chatter had been broken in upon by introductions andgreetings, but that bothered her not at all. She nodded her headaffably at the different ones, but kept right on talking. 

So Mona was fairly obliged to interrupt her. 

"Now, let us go out to luncheon, " she said, after the maid hadannounced it twice. 

"Glad to, " said Mrs. Greene. "Oh, my land! what a pretty sight!"

She stood stock still in the doorway, and had to be urged forward, inorder that the others might follow. 

"Well, I didn't know a table _could_ look so handsome!" she went on. "My land! I s'pose it's been thirty years since I've went to a realparty feast, and then, I can tell you, it wasn't much like this!"

Probably not, for Mona's table, with the coloured electric lightsblazing from the pretty Christmas tree, the soft radiance of the room, the fragrance of flowers, the exquisite table appointments, and thepretty, kindly hostesses, was a scene well worthy of praise. 

Anna Gorman trembled a little as she took her seat, and sat, wide-eyed, looking almost as if in a trance of delight. CelesteArleson was less embarrassed, as her profession took her into finemansions and in presence of fashionable people every day. 

Jenny Bisbee looked rapturous. "Oh, " she said, "Oh! I am _so_ happy!"

The guests all looked a trifle awestruck when the first courseappeared, of grapefruit, served in tall, slender ice-glasses, eachwith a red ribbon tied round its stem, and a sprig of holly in thebow. 

"Well, did you ever!" exclaimed Mrs. Greene. "And is this the way theydo things now? Well, well! It does look 'most too good to eat, but I'mready to tackle it. "

Anna Gorman looked a little pained, as if this homely enthusiasmjarred upon her sense of fitness. But Mona said hospitably, "Yes, indeed, Mrs. Greene, --it's here to be eaten. "

"Now, I'm free to confess, I don't know what spoon to take, " Mrs. Greene acknowledged, looking blankly at the row of flat silver beforeher. 

"I know, " spoke up Jenny Bisbee, eagerly; "I read it in a Sundaypaper. You begin at the outside of the row, and eat in!"

"Land! are you sure to come out right, that way? S'pose you had a forkleft for your ice cream!"

"We'll risk it, " said Mona, smiling. "Let's use this spoon at theoutside, as Jenny suggests. "

The second course was clam bouillon, and after it was served, a maidpassed a dish of whipped cream. 

Mrs. Greene watched carefully as Mona placed a spoonful on the top ofher soup, and then she exclaimed:

"Well, if that don't beat all! What is that, might I ask?"

"Whipped cream, " said Mona. "Won't you have some?"

"Well, I will, --as you took some. But if that ain't the greatest! Now, just let me tell you. A friend of mine, --she has seen some highsociety, --she was telling me a little how to behave. And she told meof a country person she knew, who had some soup in a cup once. And hethought it was tea, and he ca'mly puts in milk and sugar! Well, he wasjust kerflum-mixed, that poor man, when he found it was soup! So, myfriend says, says she: 'Now, Almira, whatever you do, _don't_ put milkin your soup!' And, I declare to goodness, here you're doin' just thatvery thing!"

"Well, we won't put any sugar in, " said Mona, pleasantly; "but I thinkthe cream improves it. You like it, don't you, Jenny?"

"Heavenly!" said Jenny, rolling her eyes up with such a comicallyblissful expression that Elise nearly choked. 

As Patty had agreed, the luncheon was good and substantial, ratherthan elaborate. The broiled chicken, dainty vegetables, and prettysalad all met the guests' hearty approval and appreciation; and whenthe ice cream was served, Mrs. Greene discovered she had both a forkand a spoon at her disposal. 

"Well, I never!" she observed. "Ain't that handy, now? I s'pose youtake whichever one you like. "

"Yes, " said Mona. "You see, there is strawberry sauce for the icecream, and that makes it seem more like a pudding. "

"So it does, so it does, " agreed Mrs. Greene, "though, land knows, itain't much like the puddin's I'm accustomed to. Cottage, rice, andbread is about the variety we get, in the puddin' line. Not but whatI'm mighty grateful to get those. "

"I like chocolate pudding, " said Jenny, in a low voice, and apparentlywith great effort. Patty knew she made the remark because she thoughtit her duty to join in the conversation; and she felt such heroismdeserved recognition. 

"So do I, " she said, smiling kindly at Jenny. "In fact, I likeanything with chocolate in it. "

"So do I, " returned Jenny, a little bolder under this expressedsympathy of tastes. "Once I had a whole box of chocolate candies, --apound box it was. I've got the box yet. I'm awful careful of the lacepaper. "

"I often get boxes of candy, " said Celeste, unable to repress this bitof vanity. "My customers give them to me. "

"My, " said Jenny, "that must be fine. Is it grand to be a manicure?"

"I like it, " said Celeste, "because it takes me among nice people. They're mostly good to me. "

"My ladies are nice to me, too, " observed Anna. "I only sew in nicehouses. But I don't see the ladies much. It's different with you, MissArleson. "

"Well, I don't see nice ladies, " broke in Jenny. "My, how those queensof society can snap at you! Seems 'if they blame me for everything:the stock, the price, the slow cash boys, --whatever bothers 'em, it'sall my fault. "

"That is unkind, " said Clementine. "But shopping does make some peoplecross. "

"Indeed it does!" returned Jenny. "But I'm going to forget it just forto-day. When I sit here and see these things, all so beautiful andsparkly and bright, I pretend there isn't any shop or shopping in allthe world. "

Jenny's smile was almost roguish, and lighted up her pale face tillshe looked almost pretty. 

Then they had coffee, and snapping crackers with caps inside, and theyput on the caps and laughed at each other's grotesque appearance. 

Mrs. Greene's cap was a tri-corne, with a gay cockade, which gave hera militant air, quite in keeping with her strong face. Patty had aruffled night-cap, which made her look grotesque, and Anna Gorman hada frilled sunbonnet. 

Celeste had a Tam o' Shanter, which just suited her piquant face, andJenny had a Scotch cap, which became her well. 

"Now, " said Mona, as she rose from the table, "I'm going to give youeach a bunch of these carnations----"

"To take home?" broke in Jenny, unable to repress her eagerness. 

"Yes; and I'll have them put in boxes for you, along with your cardsand souvenirs, which, of course, you must take home also. And, ifthere's room, I'll put in some of these Christmas tree thingamajigs, and you can use them for something at Christmas time. "

"Oh!" exclaimed Jenny; "maybe my two kid brothers won't just about gocrazy over 'em! Says I to myself, just the other day, 'What's going inthem kids' stockings is more'n I know; but something there must be. 'And, --here you are!"

"Here you are!" said Mona, tucking an extra snapping cracker or two inJenny's box. 

"We plan to go for a motor ride, now, " said Mona. "I wonder if yougirls are dressed warmly enough. "

All declared that they were, but Mona provided several extra cloaksand wraps, lest any one should take cold. 

"We have two cars for our trip, " she explained; "Miss Farrington'slimousine and my own. Has any one any preference which way we shallgo?"

"Well, " said Mrs. Greene, "if you ask me, I'd like best to ride upFifth Avenue. There ought to be some fine show of dress, a brightafternoon like this. And there ain't anything I admire like stylishclothes. That's a real handsome gown you got on, Miss Fairfield. "

"Do you like it?" said Patty, smiling. 

"Yes, I do. It's fashionable of cut, and yet it ain't drawed so tightas some. And a becomin' colour, too. "

"It's a dandy, " observed Jenny. "I see lots of good clothes on mycustomers, but they don't all have such taste as Miss Fairfield's. Andall you other ladies here, " she added, politely, glancing round. 

"Now, are we all ready?" asked Mona, looking over the group. "Mrs. Greene, I fear you won't be warm enough, though your jacket _is_thick, isn't it? But I'm going to throw this boa round your neck, byway of precaution. Please wear it; I have another. "

"My land! if this ain't luxuriant, " and Mrs. Greene smoothed theneckpiece and muff that Mona put on her. "What is this fur, MissGalbraith?"

"That is caracul. Do you like it?"

"Like it? Well, I think it's just too scrumptious for anything. I'llremember the feel of it for a year. And so genteel looking, too. "

"Yes, it's a good fur, " said Mona, carelessly throwing a sable scarfround her own throat. "Now, let us start. "

Down went the eight in an elevator, and Mrs. Greene was overjoyed tofind that she was attended with quite as much deference as Monaherself. Elise and Clementine took their guests in the Farrington car, leaving Patty and Mona, with their guests, for the Galbraith car. 

Celeste Arleson enjoyed the ride, but she was not so openly enthusiasticas Mrs. Greene. 

"My!" exclaimed that worthy, as she bobbed up and down on the springycushions; "to think it's come at last! Why, I _never_ expected to ridein one of these. I saved up once for a taxicab ride, but I had to usemy savings for a case of grippe, so I never felt to try it again. "

"Did you have grippe?" said Patty, sympathetically; "that was toobad. "

"Well, no; it wasn't _my_ grippe. Leastways, I didn't have it. It wasa lady that lived in the same boardin' house, along with me. But she'dhad misfortune, and lost her money, so I couldn't do no less than tohelp her. Poor thing! she was crossed in love and it made her queer. But that Rosy, --you know, that redhead boy, Miss Fairfield?"

"Yes, I do, " returned Patty, smiling. 

"Well, he says she was queered in love, and it made her cross! Sheworks in our place, you know. Well, cross she is; and, my land! if shewasn't cross when she had the grippe! You know, it ain't soothin' onfolks' nerves. "

"No, " said Patty; "so I've understood. Well, Mrs. Greene, now you cansee plenty of fashionable costumes. Do you enjoy it?"

"My! I'm just drinkin' 'em in! Furs is worn a lot this year, ain'tthey? Well, I don't wonder. Why, I feel real regal in this fur ofyours, Miss Galbraith. I don't know when I've had such a pleasure asthe wearin' of this fur. "

"Now, we'll go through the park and up Riverside Drive, " said Mona, asthey neared Eighty-sixth Street. It was pleasant in the Park, and thefine motors, with their smartly-apparelled occupants, delighted Mrs. Greene's very soul. 

"Where would you like to go, Celeste?" asked Mona; "or do you like thePark and the River drive?"

"If I might, Miss Galbraith, I'd like to go to Grant's Tomb. I'vealways wanted to go there, but I never can get a spare hour, --or if Ido, I'm too tired for the trip. "

"Certainly, you shall. Would you like that, Mrs. Greene?"

"Oh, land, yes! I've never been there, either. Quite some few timesI've thought to go, but something always interferes. "

So to Grant's Tomb they went. The other car followed, and all went into look at the impressive mausoleum. 

"Makes you feel kind o' solemn, " said Mrs. Greene, as they came out. "Think of lyin' there in that eternal rock, as you might say, and thewhole nation comin' to weep over your bier. "

"They don't all weep, " observed Celeste. 

"Well, in a manner o' speakin', they do, " said Mrs. Greene, gently. "Not real tears, maybe; but, you know, to weep over a bier, is afigger of speech; and so far as its meanin' goes, Grant's got it. And, after all, it's the meanin' that counts. "

It was nearing sundown as they started down the Drive, and Monaproposed that they go to a tea room, and then take their guests totheir several homes. 

"Oh, how pretty!" said Mrs. Greene, as they all went into the MarieJeannette Tea Room. 

The younger girls chose chocolate, but Mrs. Greene said, "Give me acup of tea. There's nothing like it, to my mind. And to think ofhaving tea in this beautiful place, all decked with posies. I'll justthrow this fur a little open, but keep it over my shoulders. It looksso luxuriant that way. "

Mona ordered dainty sandwiches and little fancy cakes--and after apleasant half-hour they started homeward. They left Celeste at herhome first, and then took Mrs. Greene to hers. 

"I live way down on East Eleventh Street, " she said, apologetically;"and I oughtn't to let you go clear down there with me. But, --oh, well, I might as well own up, --I'd just love to roll up to our door inthis car!"

"And so you shall, " said Mona, appreciating this bit of femininevanity. "And, Mrs. Greene, if you'll accept them, I'd like to make youa present of those furs. I don't need them, for I have several othersets, and you're very welcome to them. "

"My land!" said Mrs. Greene, and then could say no more, for her voicechoked, and two tears rolled down her cheeks. 

"And to think I thought you ladies were stuck up!" she said, in avoice of contrition. "Why, two angels straight from Heaven couldn't bemore kind or whole-soulder than you two are. But, Miss Galbraith, Ican't accept such a gift, --I--I ought not to. "

Mrs. Greene was caressing the fur as she spoke, and Mona patted herhand, saying laughingly:

"I couldn't take it away from anybody who loves it as you do. Pleasekeep it. I'm more glad to give it to you than you can possibly be tohave it. "

So Mrs. Greene kept the furs, --and her beaming face proved the depthof thankfulness which she tried, all inadequately, to express. 

CHAPTER VI

CONFIDENCES

Mona went home with Patty to dinner, as she often did when the girlshad been together during the afternoon. 

At the dinner table the elder Fairfields were greatly entertained bythe account of the first Happy Saturday Afternoon. 

"But aren't you afraid, " Mr. Fairfield asked, "that such unaccustomedluxuries will make those people discontented with their own conditions?"

"Now, father Fairfield, " exclaimed Patty, "you ought to know betterthan that! you might as well say that a man in a prison ought never tosee a ray of sunlight, because it would make him more discontentedwith his dark jail. "

"That's true, " agreed Nan; "I think it's lovely to give these peoplesuch a pleasure, and if I can help in any way, Patty, I'll be gladto. "

"And then it's the memory of it, " said Mona. 

"You know yourself how pleasant it is to look back and remember anypleasure you may have had; and when it's only one, and such a big one, the pleasure of remembrance is even greater. "

"That's good philosophy, Mona, " said Mr. Fairfield, approvingly, "andI take back what I said. I think the plans you girls have made areexcellent; and I, too, will be glad to help if I can. "

"Other people have offered to help us, " began Mona, but Pattyinterrupted her, saying: "We don't want any help from peopleindividually. I mean, father, if you will lend us the car, and thingslike that, we'll be glad, of course. But we don't want any personalassistance in our plans. "

"All right, chickadee; far be it from me to intrude. But I thoughtperhaps if you wanted to make a little excursion, say, to see theStatue of Liberty, or even to go to the circus, you might like a manalong with you as a Courier General. "

"That's just what Mr. Lansing said!" exclaimed Mona, which was thevery remark Patty had been fearing. 

"That's just what we're _not_ going to do!" she declared. "We're onlygoing to places where we can go by ourselves, or if we need achaperon, we'll take Nan. But we don't want any men in on this deal. "

"I don't see why, " began Mona, but Patty promptly silenced her bysaying, "You _do_ see why. Now, Mona, don't say anything more aboutit. There isn't any circus now, and it's time enough when it comes, todecide about going to it; and I don't want to go, anyway. There arelots of things nicer than a circus. "

"Mr. Lansing said he'd send us a box for the Hippodrome, some Saturdayafternoon, " said Mona, a little diffidently. 

"That's awfully kind of him, " said Nan. "I should think you girlswould be delighted with that. "

"A box, " and Patty looked scornful. "Why, a box only holds six, sowith us four, we could only invite two guests. I don't think much ofthat scheme!"

"I'll donate a box also, " said Mr. Fairfield. "You can get themadjoining, and with two of you girls in one and two in the other, youcan invite eight guests. "

Patty hesitated. The plan sounded attractive, and she quickly thoughtthat she could invite Rosy for one of the guests and give the boy aHappy Saturday Afternoon. But she didn't want to accept anything fromMr. Lansing, though she couldn't quite bring herself to say so, frankly. 

"What's the matter, Patty?" asked Nan. "You don't like the idea of theHippodrome, though I don't see why. "

"I _do_ like it, " said Patty, "but we can't decide these things in aminute. We ought to have a meeting of the club and talk it over. "

"Nonsense, " said Mona. "You know very well, Patty, it isn't a formalclub. I'm going to accept these two Hippodrome boxes, and tell thegirls that we can each invite two guests. The Hippodrome show islovely this year, and anybody would like it, whether children orgrown-ups. And we're much obliged to you, Mr. Fairfield. "

"You're taking a great deal upon yourself, Mona, " said Patty. "You'renot president of the club. "

"Neither are you. "

"Well, _I'm_ not dictating how things shall be run. "

"Well, I _am_! So all you'll have to do, is to run along with me. "

Mona was so laughingly good-natured that Patty's serious face brokeinto a smile, too. She was annoyed at the idea of being underobligation to Mr. Lansing, but, after all, it was hardly fair to standin the way of eight people's pleasure. So she surrendered gracefully. 

"All right, Mona, " she said; "we'll have the Hippodrome party. I knowone guest I shall invite, who's sure to enjoy it. He's a boy aboutfourteen, and the funniest thing you ever saw. "

"I'd like to take children, too, " said Mona; "but I don't know many. Ithink I'll ask Celeste's two little sisters. "

It was characteristic of Patty not to dwell on anything unpleasant, sohaving made up her mind to accept Mr. Lansing's favour, she enteredheartily into the plan for the next party. 

But after dinner, when the girls were alone in Patty's boudoir, shesaid to Mona, seriously, "You know I didn't want to take that box fromMr. Lansing. "

"Of course I know it, Patty, " and Mona smiled, complacently. "But Imade you do it, didn't I? I knew I should in the end, but your fatherhelped me unexpectedly, by offering a second box. Now, Pattikins, youmay as well stop disliking Mr. Lansing. He's my friend, and he's goingto stay my friend. He may have some faults, but everybody has. "

"But, Mona, he isn't our sort at all. I don't see _why_ you like him. "

"He mayn't be your sort, but he's mine; and I like him because I likehim! That's the only reason that anybody likes anybody. You thinknobody's any good unless they have all sorts of aristocratic ancestry!Like that Van Reypen man who's always dangling after you. "

"He isn't dangling now, " said Patty. "I haven't seen him since myparty. "

"You haven't! Is he mad at you?"

"Yes; he and Roger are both mad at me; and all on account of your oldMr. Lansing!"

"Yes, Roger's mad at me, too, on account of that same poor, misunderstood young gentleman. But they'll get over it. Don't worry, Patty. "

"Mona, I'd like to shake you! I might just as well reason with theRock of Gibraltar as to try to influence _you_. Don't you know thatyour father asked me to try to persuade you to drop that Lansing man?"

Patty had not intended to divulge this confidence of Mr. Galbraith, but she was at her wit's end to find some argument that would carryany weight with her headstrong friend. 

"Oh, daddy!" said Mona, carelessly. "He talks to me by the hour, and Ijust laugh at him and drum tunes on his dear old bald head. He hasn'tanything, really, against Mr. Lansing, you know; it's nothing butprejudice. "

"A very well-founded prejudice, then! Why, Mona, that man isn't fitto--to----"

"To worship the ground I walk on, " suggested Mona, calmly. "Well, hedoes, Patty, so you may as well stop interfering. "

"Oh, if you look upon it as interfering!"

"Well, I don't know what you call it, if not that. But I don't mind. Go ahead, if it amuses you. But I'm sorry if my affairs make troublebetween you and your friends. However, I don't believe Mr. Van Reypenwill stay angry at you very long. And as for Roger, --well, I wouldn'tworry about him. Of course, you're going to Elise's dance on Tuesdaynight?"

"Yes, of course. And I've no doubt I'll make up with Roger, then; butI don't know about Philip. I doubt if he'll be there. "

"I haven't the least doubt. Where you are, there will Mr. Van Reypenbe, also, --if he can possibly get an invitation. "

 * * * * *

Mona was right in her opinion. At Elise's dance on Tuesday night, almost the first man Patty saw, as she entered the drawing-room, wasPhilip Van Reypen. He greeted her pleasantly, but with a certainreserve quite different from his usual eager cordiality. 

"May I have a dance, Miss Fairfield?" he said, holding out his handfor her card. 

Quick-witted Patty chose just the tone that she knew would irritatehim. "Certainly, Mr. Van Reypen, " she said, carelessly, and as shehanded him her card, she turned to smile at another man who was justcoming to speak to her. When Philip handed back her card, she took itwithout looking at it, or at him, and handed it to Mr. Drayton, seemingly greatly interested in what dances he might select. 

Van Reypen looked at her a moment in amazement. He had intended to becool toward her, but the tables were turned, and she was decidedlycool toward him. 

However, his look of surprise was not lost upon Miss PatriciaFairfield, who saw him out of the corner of her eye, even though shewas apparently engrossed with Mr. Drayton. 

And then, as usual, Patty was besieged by several men at once, allbegging for dances, and her card was quickly filled. 

"What _can_ I do with so many suitors?" she cried, raising her handsin pretty bewilderment, as her card was passed from one to another. "Don't take all the dances, please; I want to save some for my specialfavourites. "

"Meaning me?" said Kenneth Harper, who had just joined the group intime to hear Patty's remark. 

"You, for one, " said Patty, smiling on him, "but there are seventeenothers. "

"I'm two or three of the seventeen, " said Roger, gaining possession ofthe card. "May I have three, Patty?"

One look flashed from Roger's dark eyes to Patty's blue ones, and inthat glance their foolish little quarrel was forgiven and forgotten. 

Roger had a big, generous nature, and so had Patty, and with a smilethey were good friends again. 

Patty's mind worked quickly. She had no intention of giving Rogerthree dances, but she saw that he and Mona were not yet on speakingterms. So she nodded assent, as he scribbled his initials in threeplaces, thinking to herself that before the evening was over, two ofthem should be transferred to Mona's card. 

Patty was looking lovely in pale blue chiffon with tiny Frenchrosebuds of pink satin adorning it here and there. Her golden hair wasclustered in becoming puffs and curls, tucked into a little net ofgold mesh, with coquettish bunches of rosebuds above each ear. 

But, though Patty was pretty and wore lovely clothes, her chief charmwas her happy, smiling face and her gay, good-natured friendliness. Shesmiled on everybody, not with a set smile of society, but in a frank, happy enjoyment of the good time she was having, and appreciation ofthe good time that everybody else helped her to have. 

"You are all so kind to me, " she was saying to Robert Kenton, who hadjust come in; "and I want to thank you, Mr. Kenton, for the beautifulflowers you sent. I do love valley lilies, they're so--so----"

"They're so sentimental, " suggested Rob Kenton, smiling. 

"Well, yes, --if you mean them to be, " said Patty, dimpling at him. "Any flower is sentimental, if the sender means it so. "

"Or if the receiver wants it to be. Did you?" and Kenton smiled backat her. 

"Oh, yes, of _course_ I do!" And Patty put on an exaggeratedly soulfullook. "I'm _that_ sentimental you wouldn't believe! But I forget thelanguage of flowers. What do lilies of the valley mean, --especiallywith orchids in the middle of the bunch?"

"Undying affection, " responded Kenton, promptly. "Do you accept it?"

"I'd be glad to, but I suppose that means it lasts for ever andever, --so you needn't ever send me any more flowers!"

"Oh, it isn't as undying as all that! It needs to be revived sometimeswith fresh flowers. "

"It's a little too complicated for me to think it out now, " and Pattysmiled at him, roguishly. "Besides, here are more suitors approaching;so if you'll please give me back my card, Mr. Kenton, --though I don'tbelieve there's room for another one. "

"Not one?" said the man who took it, disappointedly; for sure enough, every space was filled. "But there'll be an extra or two. May I haveone of those?"

"Oh, I never arrange those in advance, " said Patty. "My partners taketheir chances on those. But I'll give you half of this dance, " and shecalmly cut in two the one dance against which Philip Van Reypen hadset his aristocratic initials. 

Then the dancing began, and what with the fine music, the perfectfloor, and usually good partners, Patty enjoyed herself thoroughly. She loved dancing, and being accomplished in all sorts of fancydances, could learn any new or intricate steps in a moment. 

After a few dances she found herself whirling about the room withRoger, and she determined to carry out her plan of reconciling him andMona. Mr. Lansing was not at the dance, for Elise had positivelydeclined to invite him; and so, though Mona was there, she was rathercool to Elise, and favoured Roger only with a distant bow as agreeting. 

"You and Mona are acting like two silly idiots, " was Patty's somewhatdefinite manner of beginning her conversation. 

"You think so?" said Roger, as he guided her skilfully round anothercouple who were madly dashing toward them. 

"Yes, I do. And, Roger, I want you to take my advice and make up withher. "

"I've nothing to make up. "

"Yes, you have, too. You and Mona are good friends, or have been, andthere's no reason why you should act as you do. "

"There's a very good reason; and he has most objectionable manners, "declared Roger, looking sulky. 

"I don't like his manners, either; but I tell you honestly, Roger, you're going about it the wrong way. I know Mona awfully well, --betterthan you do. And she's proud-spirited, and even a little contrary, andif you act as you do toward her, you simply throw her into the arms ofthat objectionable-mannered man!"

"Good Heavens, Patty, what a speech!"

"Well, of course, I don't mean literally, but if you won't speak toher at all, on account of Mr. Lansing, why of course she's going tofeel just piqued enough to smile on him all the more. Can't youunderstand that?"

"Let her!" growled Roger. 

"No, we won't let her, --any such thing! I don't like that man a bitbetter than you do, but do you suppose I'm going to show it by beingunkind and mean to Mona? That's not tactful. "

"I don't want to be tactful. I want him to let her alone. "

"Well, you can't make him do that, unless you shoot him; and thatmeans a lot of bother all round. "

"It might be worth the bother. "

"Don't talk nonsense, I'm in earnest. You're seriously fond of Mona, aren't you, Roger?"

"Yes, I am; or rather, I was until that cad came between us. "

"He isn't exactly a cad, " said Patty, judicially. "I do believe inbeing fair, and while the man hasn't all the culture in the world, heis kind-hearted and----"

"And awfully good to his mother, let us hope, " and Roger smiled, alittle sourly. "Now, Patty girl, you'd better keep your pretty littlefingers out of this pie. It isn't like you to interfere in otherpeople's affairs, and I'd rather you wouldn't. "

"Oh, fiddle-de-fudge, Roger! I'm not interfering, and it _is_ myaffair. Mona is my affair, and so are you; and now your Aunt Patty isgoing to bring about a reconciliation. "

"Not on my part, " declared Roger, stoutly;

CHAPTER VII

MORE MAKING UP

After the sixth dance was over, Patty asked her partner to bring Mr. Everson to her, and then she awaited his coming on a little sofa in analcove. 

If Eugene Everson was surprised at the summons, he did not show it, but advanced courteously, and took a seat by Patty's side. He had adance engaged with her much later in the evening, so Patty said, pleasantly:

"Mr. Everson, don't think my request strange, but won't you exchangeour later dance for this number seven?"

"I would gladly, Miss Fairfield, but I'm engaged for this. "

"Yes, I know, " and Patty favoured him with one of her most bewitchingsmiles; "but the lady is Miss Galbraith, as I happen to know, and MissGalbraith is a very dear friend of mine, and, --oh, well, it's a matterof 'first aid to the injured. ' I don't want to tell you all about it, Mr. Everson, but the truth is, I want Miss Galbraith to dance thisnumber with another man, --because, --because----"

It was not quite so easy as Patty had anticipated. She didn't want togo so far as to explain the real situation, and she became suddenlyaware that she was somewhat embarrassed. Her face flushed rosy pink, and she cast an appealing glance from her violet-blue eyes into theamused face of the man beside her. 

"I haven't an idea of what it is all about, Miss Fairfield, but pleaseconsider me entirely at the orders of yourself and Miss Galbraith. Aman at a party is at best but a puppet to dance at the bidding of anyfair lady. And what better fortune could I ask than to be allowed toobey your decree?"

Patty was greatly relieved when he took the matter thus lightly. Inwhimsical conversation she was on her own ground, and she respondedgaily: "Let it remain a mystery, then; and obey as a noble knight alady's decree. Dance with me, and trust it to me that Miss Galbraithis also obeying a decree of mine. "

"For a small person, you seem to issue decrees of surprising numberand rapidity, " and Everson, who was a large man, looked down at Pattywith an air of amusement. 

"Yes, sir, " said Patty, demurely, "I'm accustomed to it. Decrees aremy strong point. I issue them 'most all the time. "

"And are they always obeyed?"

"Alas, noble sir, not always. Though I'm not sure that your questionis as flattering as the remarks most young men make to me. "

"Perhaps not. But when you know me better, Miss Fairfield, you'll findout that I'm very different from the common herd. "

"Really? How interesting! I hope I shall know you better very soon, for I adore unusual people. "

"And do unusual people adore you?"

"I can't tell; I've never met one before, " and after the briefest ofsaucy glances, Patty dropped her eyes demurely. 

"Aren't you one yourself?"

"Oh, no!" And Patty looked up with an air of greatest surprise; "I'mjust a plain little every-day girl. "

"You're a plain little coquette, that's what you are!"

"You are indeed unusual, sir, to call me plain!" and Patty lookedabout as indignant as an angry kitten. 

"Perhaps, when I know you better, I may change my opinion of yourplainness. Will you dance now?"

The music had been playing for some moments, and signifying herassent, Patty rose, and they joined the dancers who were circling thefloor. Mr. Everson was a fine dancer, but he was all unprepared forPatty's exquisite perfection in the art. 

"Why, Miss Fairfield, " he said, unable to suppress his admiration, "Ididn't know anybody danced like you, except professionals. "

"Oh, yes, I'm a good dancer, " said Patty, carelessly; "and so are you, for that matter. Do you think they've made up?"

"Who?"

"Miss Galbraith and Mr. Farrington. See, we're just passing them. Oh, I'm afraid they haven't!"

It was difficult to judge by the glance they obtained in passing, butPatty declared that both Mona's and Roger's faces looked like thunderclouds. 

"Give them a little longer, " said Mr. Everson, who began to see howmatters stood. 

"Perhaps another round, and we will find them smiling into eachother's eyes. "

But when they next circled the long room, Mona and Roger were nowhereto be seen. 

"Aha, " said Everson, "the conservatory for theirs! It must be allright! Shall we trail 'em?"

"Yes, " said Patty. "I don't care if they see us. Let's walk throughthe conservatory. "

They did so, and spied Mona and Roger sitting under a group of palms, engaged in earnest conversation. They were not smiling, but they weretalking very seriously, with no indication of quarrelling. 

"I guess it's all right, " said Patty, with a little sigh. "It'sawfully nice to have friends, Mr. Everson, but sometimes they're agreat care; aren't they?"

"If you'll let me be your friend, Miss Fairfield, I'll promise neverto be a care, and I'll help you to care for your other cares. "

"Goodness, what a complicated offer! If I could straighten all thosecares you speak of, I might decide to take you as a friend. I think Iwill, anyway, --you were so nice about giving me this dance. "

"I was only too delighted to do so, Miss Fairfield. "

"Thank you. You know it is in place of our other one, number sixteen. "

"Oh, we must have that also. "

"No, it was a fair exchange. You can get another partner for sixteen. "

"But I don't want to. If you throw me over, I shall sit in a cornerand mope. "

"Oh, don't do that! Well, I'll tell you what, I'll give you half ofsixteen, and you can mope the other half. "

And then Patty's next partner claimed her, and Mr. Everson went away. 

Having done all she could in the matter of conciliating Mona andRoger, Patty bethought herself of her own little tiff with Philip VanReypen. It did not bother her much, for she had little doubt that shecould soon cajole him back to friendship, and she assured herself thatif she couldn't, she didn't care. 

And so, when he came to claim his dance, which was the last beforesupper, Patty met him with an air of cool politeness, which greatlyirritated the Van Reypen pride. 

He had thought, had even hoped, Patty would be humble and repentant, but she showed no such attitude, and the young man was slightly at aloss as to what manner to assume, himself. 

But he followed her lead, and with punctilious courtesy asked her todance, and they stepped out on to the floor. 

For a few rounds they danced in silence, and then Philip said, in aperfunctory way: "You're enjoying this party?"

"I have been, up to this dance, " and Patty smiled pleasantly, as shespoke. 

"And you're not enjoying yourself now?" Philip said, suppressing hisdesire to shake her. 

"Oh, _no_, sir!" and Patty looked at him with big, round eyes. 

"Why not?"

"I don't like to dance with a man who doesn't like me. "

"I _do_ like you, you silly child. "

"Oh, no, you don't, either! and I'm _not_ a silly child. "

"And you're not enjoying this dance with me?"

"Not a bit!"

"Then there's no use going on with it, " and releasing her, Philiptucked one of her hands through his arm, and calmly marched her intothe conservatory. The seat under the palms was vacant, and as she tookher place in one corner of it, he poked one or two cushions deftlybehind her back and made her entirely comfortable. Then he sat downbeside her. 

"Now, " he commanded, "say you're sorry. "

"Sorry for what?"

"That you carried on with that horrid man and spoiled our friendship. "

"Didn't carry on, and he isn't a horrid man, and our friendship isn'tspoiled, and I'm not sorry. "

"Not sorry that our friendship isn't spoiled?"

"No; 'course I'm not! You don't s'pose I want it to be spoiled, doyou?"

"Well, you certainly did all in your power to spoil it. "

"Now, look here, Philip Van Reypen, I've already exhausted myself thisevening patching up one spoiled friendship, and it's just about wornme out! Now if ours needs any patching up, you'll have to do ityourself. I shan't raise a finger toward it!"

Patty leaned back among her pillows, looking lovely and provoking. Shetried to scowl at him, but her dimples broke through the scowl andturned it into a smile. Whereupon, she dropped her eyes, and tried toassume a look of bored indifference. 

Van Reypen looked at her. "So she won't raise a finger, won't she? AndI've got to do it myself, have I? Well, then, I suppose I'll have toraise her finger for her. " Patty's hand was lying idly in her lap, andhe picked up her slender pink forefinger slowly, and with anabstracted air. "I don't know how raising a finger helps to patch up aspoiled friendship, " he went on, as if to himself, "but she seems tothink it does, and so, of course, it does! Well, now, mademoiselle, your finger is raised, --is our quarrel all patched up?"

Philip held her finger in one hand, and clasped her whole hand withthe other, as he smiled into her eyes, awaiting an answer to hisquestion. 

Patty looked up suddenly, and quickly drew her hand away. 

"Unhand me, villain!" she laughed, "and don't bother about ourfriendship! I'm not worrying over it. "

"You needn't, little girl, " and Philip's voice rang true. "Nothing can_ever_ shake it! And I apologise for my foolish anger. If you want toaffect the society of men I don't like, --of course I've no right tosay a word, and I won't. At any rate, not now, for I don't want tospoil this blessed making-up with even a thought of anythingunpleasant. "

"Now, that's real nice of you, Philip, " and Patty fairly beamed athim. "It's so nice to be friends again, after being near-not-friends!"

"Yes, milady, and you made up just in time. Aunty Van is having anopera party to-morrow night, and she wants you to go. "

"Are you going?" and Patty put her fingertip in her mouth, and lookedbabyishly at him. 

"Oh, don't let that influence you. Decide for yourself. "

"Well, since _you_ don't care whether I go or not, I believe I won'tgo. "

"Foolish child! Of course you'll go. And then, as you know very well, wild horses couldn't keep me away. "

"How do wild horses keep people away? They must be trained to do it. And _then_, they're not wild horses any more. "

"What foolishness you do talk! Well, will you go to the opera withus?"

"Yes, and thank you kindly, sir. Or, rather, I thank your august auntfor the invitation. "

"No, thank me. As a matter of fact, I made up the party. So it'sreally mine, though I accept Aunty Van's box for the occasion. "

"'Tis well, fair sir. I thank thee greatly. What may I do for thee inreturn?"

Patty clasped her hands and looked a pretty suppliant, begging afavour. 

"Give me half a dozen more dances, " replied Philip, taking her card tolook at. 

"Not one left, " said Patty, calmly. 

"And most of them halves!" exclaimed Philip. "What a belle you are, Patty!"

"All the girls are, " she returned, carelessly, which, however, was notquite true. "But I'll tell you what I will do. I'll give you half ofnumber sixteen. That's Mr. Everson's, but I'll divide it. I told him Ishould. "

"You little witch! Did you save it for me?"

"M--m----, " and Patty slowly wagged her head up and down. 

"That was dear of you! But don't you think for a minute that's all I'mgoing to have! There'll be an extra or two, and I claim them all!"

"Hear the man talk!" exclaimed Patty. "Why, I do believe they'rebeginning an extra now! Mr. Van Reypen, won't you dance it with me?"Patty jumped up and stood before him, lightly swaying in time to themusic. 

Philip sat looking at her, entranced by the pretty vision; and evenbefore he could rise, Kenneth Harper came to Patty, and obeying asudden coquettish impulse, she put her hand lightly on Kenneth'sshoulder and they danced away. 

Philip Van Reypen sat looking after them, smiling. 

"What a transparent child she is, " he thought to himself. "Her prettylittle coquetries are like the gambols of a kitten. Now, she thinksI'm going to be annoyed at losing this dance with her. Well, --Iam, --but I don't propose to quarrel with her about it. "

And then Patty and Kenneth came dancing back again; and Patty calmlytold Mr. Van Reypen it was his turn now. 

Philip took her hand and they started off, and when that dance wasfinished it was supper-time. 

As usual, Patty and her most especial friends grouped in some pleasantcorner for supper. But, looking about, she missed a familiar face. 

"Where is Christine Farley?" she said. "She always has supper with us. Do you know where she is, Mr. Hepworth?"

Gilbert Hepworth drew near Patty, and spoke in a low voice: "I thinkshe has gone to the dressing-room, " he said. "I wish you'd go up andsee her, Patty. "

A little startled at his serious face, Patty ran upstairs, to Elise'sroom, where she had taken off her wraps. 

There was Christine, who had thrown herself on a couch, and buried herface in the pillows. 

"Why, Christine, what is the matter, dear?" and Patty laid her handgently on Christine's hair. 

"Oh, Patty, don't speak to me! I am not fit to have you touch me!"

"Good gracious, Christine, what _do_ you mean?" and Patty began tothink her friend had suddenly lost her mind. 

"I'm a bad, wicked girl! You were my friend, and now I've done anawful, dreadful thing! But, truly, _truly_, Patty, I didn't mean to!"

"Christine Farley, stop this foolishness! Sit up here this minute, andtell me what you're talking about! I believe you're crazy. "

Christine sat up, her pale hair falling from its bands, and her eyesfull of tears. 

"I've--I've--stolen----" she began. 

"Oh, you goose! _do_ go on! What have you stolen? A pin from Elise'spin cushion, --or some powder from her puff-box? Another dab on yournose would greatly improve your appearance, --if you ask me! It's asred as a beet!"

"Patty, don't giggle! I'm serious. Oh, Patty, _Patty_, _do_ forgiveme!"

"I'll forgive you _anything_, if you'll tell me what's the matter, andconvince me that you haven't lost your mind. Now, Christine, don't you_dare_ ask me to forgive you again, until you tell me _what for_!"

"Well, you see, you were away all summer. "

"Yes, so I was, " agreed Patty, in bewilderment. 

"And you have been so busy socially this fall and winter, I haven'tseen much of you. "

"No, " agreed Patty, still more deeply mystified. 

"And--and--Gil--Mr. Hepworth hasn't either----"

"Oh!" cried Patty, a great light breaking in upon her; "oh, --oh!--OH!!Christine, do you _mean_ it? Oh, how perfectly _lovely_! I'm _so_glad!"

"You're glad?" and Christine opened her eyes in amazement. 

"Why, of _course_ I'm glad, you silly! Did you think _I_ wanted him?Oh, you Blessed Goose!"

"Oh, Patty, I'm _so_ relieved. You see, I thought you looked upon himas your especial property. I know he cared a lot for you, --he stilldoes. But----"

"But he and I are about as well suited as chalk and cheese! Whereas, he's just the one for you! Oh, Christine, darling, I'm delighted! MayI tell? Can we announce it to-night?"

"Oh, no! You see, he just told me to-night. And I felt guilty at once. I knew I had stolen him from you. "

"Oh, Christine, _don't_! Don't say such things! He wasn't mine tosteal. We've always been friends, but I never cared for him _that_way. "

"That's what he said; but I felt guilty all the same. "

"Well, stop it, right now! Mr. Hepworth is lovely; he's one of thebest friends I ever had, and if I have any claim on his interest oraffection, I'm only too glad to hand it over to you. Now, brace up, powder your nose, and come down to supper. And you needn't think youcan keep this thing secret! I won't tell, --but your two faces willgive it away at once. Don't blame _me_ if people guess it!"

"Don't let them, Patty; not to-night. Keep me by you, and right aftersupper I'll go home. "

"All right, girlie; just as you like. But don't look at G. H. Oryou'll betray your own dear little heart. "

However, they reckoned without the other interested party. 

When the two girls came downstairs, smiling, and with their arms abouteach other, Mr. Hepworth went to meet them, and drew Christine's armthrough his own with an unmistakable air of proprietorship. Christine'sblushes, and Patty's smiles, confirmed Hepworth's attitude, and a shoutof understanding went up from their group of intimates. 

"Yes, it's so, " said Patty; "but I promised Christine I wouldn'ttell!"

And then there were congratulations and good wishes from everybody, and the pretty little Southern girl was quite overcome at being sosuddenly the centre of attraction. 

"It's perfectly lovely, " said Patty, holding out her hand to Hepworth, "and I'm as glad for you as I can be, --and for Christine, too. "

"Thank you, Patty, " he returned, and for a moment he held her eyeswith his own. Then he said, "Thank you, " again, and turned away. 

CHAPTER VIII

A DELIGHTFUL INVITATION

Patty was singing softly to herself, as she fluttered around herboudoir at a rather late hour the next morning. Robed in a soft bluesilk négligée, with her golden curls tucked into a little lacebreakfast cap, she now paused to take a sip of chocolate or a bit of aroll from her breakfast tray, then danced over to the window to lookout, or back to her desk to look up her calendar of engagements forthe day. 

"What a flutter-budget you are, Patty, " said Nan, appearing at thedoorway, and pausing to watch Patty's erratic movements. 

Patty flew across the room and greeted her stepmother with anaffectionate squeeze, and then flew back and dropped comfortably onthe couch, tucking one foot under her, and thereby dropping off alittle blue silk boudoir slipper as she did so. 

"Oh, Nan!" she began, "it was the most exciting party ever! What _do_you think? Christine and Mr. Hepworth are engaged!"

"Christine! and Gilbert Hepworth!" and Nan was quite as surprised atthe news as Patty could desire. 

"Yes, isn't it great! and oh, Nan, what _do_ you think? Christine wasall broken up, --crying in fact, --because, --did you ever know anythingso ridiculous?--because she thought she was taking him away from me!"

Nan looked at Patty a little curiously. "Well; you must know, Patty, he certainly thought a great deal of you. "

"Of course he did! And of course he _does!_--You speak as if he weredead!--and I think a great deal of him, and I think a heap ofChristine, and I think they are perfectly suited to each other, and Ithink it's all just lovely! Don't you?"

"Yes, " said Nan, slowly. "Then, you didn't care for him especially, Patty?"

"Good gracious, Nan, if you mean was I in love with him, I sure was_not!_ Little girls like me don't fall in love with elderly gentlemen;and this particular little girl isn't falling in love anyway. Why, Nan, I'm only just out, and I do perfectly adore being out! I wantthree or four years of good, solid outness before I even think offalling in love with anybody. Of course I shall marry eventually, andbe a beautiful, lovely housekeeper, just exactly like you. But, if youremember, my lady, you were some few years older than nineteen whenyou married my revered father. "

"That's true enough, Patty, and I can tell you I'm glad I didn'taccept any of the young men who asked me before Fred did. "

"I'm jolly glad, too; and father was in luck when he got you. Butyou're not going to be rid of me yet for a long time, I can tell youthat much. Well, more things happened last night. Philip and I made upour quarrel, --which wasn't much of a quarrel anyway, --and Roger andMona are pretty much at peace again; though, if Mona keeps on withthat Lansing idiot, Roger won't stand it much longer. And I'm going tothe opera to-night in the Van Reypen box, and I'm going skatingto-morrow, --oh, there's the mail!"

Patty jumped up and ran to take the letters from Jane, who brought ina trayful. 

"Quite a bunch for you, Nansome, " and Patty tossed a lot of letters inNan's lap. "And a whole lot of beautiful, fat envelopes for me. 'Mostall invitations, as you can see at a glance. Two or three requests forcharity, --they show on the outside, too. A few bills, a few circularsand advertisements, and all the rest invitations. Isn't it gorgeous, Nan, to be invited to such heaps of things?"

"Don't wear yourself out, Patty, " returned Nan, a littleabsent-mindedly, being absorbed in a letter from her mother. 

Having weeded out the more interesting looking letters, Patty returnedto her sofa, and curled up there with both feet under her, lookinglike a very pretty and very civilised little Turk. With a slenderpaper cutter she slashed all the envelopes, and then went through themone by one, making running comments of delight or indifference as sheread the various contents. 

But suddenly a more excited exclamation broke from her. "Oh, mygoodness, gracious, sakes alive!" she cried. "Nan, _will_ you listento this!"

"Wait a minute, honey, till I finish this letter, " and Nan went onreading to herself. 

Patty dashed through eight pages of sprawly penmanship, and as soon asshe finished she read it all over again. 

"Now, Miss Fairfield, what's it all about?" and Nan folded her ownletter and returned it to its envelope. 

"Well, in a nutshell, it's a Christmas Country House Party! Couldanything be more delightfuller?"

"Who, where, what, when?" And Nan patiently awaited furtherenlightenment. 

"Oh, Nan, it's _too_ gorgeous!" And Patty's eyes ran through the letteragain. "You know Adèle Kenerley, who was down at Mona's lastsummer, --well, she and Jim have bought a place at Fern Falls, --whereverthat may be, --somewhere up in Connecticut, --in the Berkshires, youknow. Heavenly in summer, dunno what it'll be in winter. But all thesame that's where the house party is, Christmas, --stay two or threeweeks, --all our crowd, --oh, Nan! isn't it beatific!"

Patty bounded to her feet, and gathering up the sides of heraccordion-pleated gown, she executed a triumphant dance about theroom, winding up by kicking her little blue silk slipper straight overNan's head. 

"Moderate your transports, my love, " Nan said, calmly. "I don't wantconcussion of the brain, from being hit by a French heel. "

"Not much of a compliment to my skilful ballet dancing, " and Pattyflung herself into the cushions again. "But, Nan, you don't understand;everybody's going! Elise and Mona and the boys, and oh, gracious, _do_show some enthusiasm!"

"Don't have to, " said Nan, smiling, "when you show enough for adozen. "

"Well, I'll call up Mona, she'll have something to say. "

Patty reached for the telephone, and in a few moments both girls weretalking at once, and the conversation ran something like this:

"Yes, I did, and, Patty----"

"Of course I am! Oh, I don't know about that! If I----"

"But of course if Daisy is there----"

"Well, we can't help that, and anyway----"

"Tuesday, I suppose; but Adèle said----"

"No, Monday, Mona, for us, and the boys----"

"I'm not sure that I'll go. You see----"

"Now, stop such nonsense! Of course he isn't invited, but I'll neverspeak to you again if----"

"Oh, of course I will, but I'll only stay----"

"Yes, all our best frocks, and lots of presents and, oh, Mona, come onover here, do. There's oceans of things to talk about!"

"All right, I will. Good-bye. "

"Good-bye. " And Patty hung up the receiver. "She's coming over here, Nan; there's so much to plan for, you know. Do help me, won't you? Aregular Christmas tree, and all that, you know; and presents foreverybody, and a dance at the country club, and I don't know whatall. "

"Yes, you will have a lovely time. " And Nan smiled with sympathy atthe excited girl, whose sparkling eyes and tumbled hair betokened herstate of mind. 

Mona came over and spent the rest of the day, and plans were made andunmade and remade with startling rapidity. 

Mona began to voice regrets that Mr. Lansing was not invited to thehouse party, but Patty interrupted at once:

"Now, Mona Galbraith, you stop that! Adèle has a lovely party madeup, and you're not going to spoil it by even so much as a reference tothat man! Roger will be there for Christmas, and if that isn't enoughfor you, you can stay home!"

"Isn't Elise going?"

"No, she can't. She's going South next week with her mother, and Idoubt if Philip Van Reypen will go. His aunt won't want him to leaveher at the holidays. Do you know, I'm a little sorry Daisy Dow is upthere. "

"You don't like her, do you, Patty?"

"I would, if she'd like me. But she's always snippy to me. "

"'Cause she's jealous of you, " observed Mona, sapiently. 

"Nonsense! She has no reason to be. I never interfere with her. "

"Well, never mind, don't let her bother you. Hal Ferris will be there. You don't know him, do you? He's Adèle's brother. "

"No, I never met him. She wrote that he'd be there. "

"He's the dearest boy. Well, he's older than Adèle, but he seems likea boy, --he's so full of capers. Adèle says it's a beautiful bighouse, just right for a jolly, old-fashioned Christmas party. "

 * * * * *

The days simply flew by as Christmas drew nearer. There was so much todo socially, and then there were the Happy Saturday Afternoons to beplanned and carried out, and the Christmas shopping to be done. 

This last was greatly added to because of the house party, for Pattyknew the generosity of her hosts, and she wanted to do her share inthe presentation festivities. 

She undertook to dress a huge doll for baby May. Nan helped her withthis or she never could have finished the elaborate wardrobe. Sheselected a beautiful doll, of goodly size, but not big enough to becumbersome to little two-year-old arms. With her knack for dressmakingand her taste for colour, she made half a dozen dainty and beautifulfrocks, and also little coats and hats, and all the various accessoriesof a doll's outfit. 

She bought a doll's trunk and suit-case to contain these things, andadded parasol, furs, jewelry, and all the marvellous little trinketsthat the toy shop afforded. 

"I spent so much time and thought on this doll, " said Patty, one day, "that I shall have to buy things for the others. I can't sew any more, Nan; my fingers are all like nutmeg graters now. "

"Poor child, " sympathised Nan. "You have worked hard, I know, butAdèle will appreciate it more than if you had made something forherself. By all means buy the rest of your gifts. "

So Patty bought a beautiful luncheon set of filet lace and embroideryfor Mrs. Kenerley, and an Oriental antique paper cutter for herhusband. 

She bought a handsome opera bag for Mona and a similar one for DaisyDow, that there might be no rivalry there. She bought a few handsomeand worth-while books for the men who would be at the party, andattractive trinkets for the house servants. 

Of course, in addition to these, she had to prepare a great many giftsfor her New York friends, as well as for her own family and many ofher relatives. But both Patty and Nan enjoyed shopping, and went aboutit with method and common sense. 

"I can't see, " said Patty, as they started off in the car one morning, "why people make such a bugbear of Christmas shopping. I think it'seasy enough. "

"Perhaps it's because you have plenty of money, Patty. You know, notevery one has such a liberal father as you have. "

Patty looked thoughtful. "I don't think it's that, Nan; at least, notentirely. I think it's more common sense, and not being fussy. Now, Igive lots of presents that cost very little; and then, of course, Igive a lot of expensive ones, too. But it's just as easy to buy thecheap ones, if not easier. You just make up your mind what you want tospend for a certain present, and then you buy the nicest thing you seefor that amount. It's when people fuss and bother, and can't make uptheir minds among half a dozen different things, that they get worriedand bothered about Christmas. I do believe most of their trouble comesfrom lack of decision, which is only another way of saying that theyhaven't common sense or even common gumption!"

"Well, Patty, whatever else you may lack, you certainly have commonsense and gumption; I'll give you credit for them. "

"Thank you, Nan; much obliged, I'm sure. I wish I could return thecompliment, but sometimes I think you haven't much of those thingsyourself. "

Nan flashed a smile at Patty, entirely unmoved by this criticism; forshe knew that she was vacillating and sometimes undecided, as comparedto Patty's quick-witted grasp of a subject and instantaneous decision. 

"Have I told you, " said Patty, "what we're going to do next Saturdayafternoon? I do think it's going to be lovely. And I do hope it won'tmake the girls mad, but I don't think it will. You know, Nan, what anawful lot of things we all get every Christmas that we don't want andcan't use, although they're awfully pretty and nice. We just lay themaway in cupboards, and there they stay. Well, on Saturday, we're goingto take a lot of these things and give them to people. "

"For Christmas presents? Why, Christmas is two weeks off yet. "

"That's just it! Not for presents to themselves, but presents for themto give to other people. "

"Oh, I begin to see. "

"Yes; it isn't the least bit _charity_, you see. Why, one of the peopleI'm going to give things to, is Christine. With her work, and beingengaged and all, she hasn't any time to make things, or even to goshopping, and she can't afford to buy much, anyway. So I'm going to giveher one or two beautiful silk bags that were given to me two or threeyears ago. They're perfectly fresh, never been out of their boxes. AndI'm going to give her one or two beautiful, fine handkerchiefs in boxes, and two or three lovely books, and two or three pieces of bric-a-brac, and a Japanese ivory carving. Don't you see, Nan, she can give these toher friends for Christmas, and it will save her a lot of trouble andexpense. And dear knows, _I_ don't want them! My rooms are chock-a-blockwith just such things, now. And I know she won't feel offended, when Itell her about it straightforwardly. "

"Of course she won't be offended with you, Patty; and I think the ideais lovely. I've a lot of things put away I'll give you. I neverthought of such a thing before. "

"The girls thought at first that maybe it might not work, but I talkedthem around and now they're all in for it. I'm going to take somethings to Mrs. Greene. I've quite a lot for her, and I'll tell her shecan give them all away, or keep some herself, just as she likes. AndI've things for Rosy, that freckled-faced boy, you know. I have gamesand picture-puzzles and books that I used to have myself. Of coursethey're all perfectly new. I wouldn't give anything that had been usedat all. And we're going Saturday afternoon to take these thingsaround. Mona has lovely things, and so has Elise. You see, we get somany Christmas and birthday presents, and card party prizes, and suchthings, and I do think it's sensible to make use of them forsomebody's pleasure instead of sticking them away in dark cupboards. And, Nan, what do you think?--with each lot of things we're going togive a dozen sheets of white tissue paper and a bolt of holly ribbonand some little tags so they can fix up real Christmassy presents togive away. "

"Patty, you're a wonder, " said Nan, looking affectionately at the girlbeside her. "How do you think of all these things?"

"Common sense and general gumption, " returned Patty. "Very usefultraits, _I_ find 'em. And here we are at our first shopping place. "

Assisted by Patty's common sense and expeditious judgment, theyaccomplished a great deal that morning, and returned home with theirlists considerably shortened. 

"It does seem funny, " said Patty, that same afternoon, "to be tying upthese things almost two weeks ahead of time. But with all thenewspapers and magazines urging you to do your shopping early, andsend off your parcels early, you can't really do otherwise. "

Patty was surrounded by presents of all sorts, boxes of all sizes, pieces of ribbon, and all sorts of cards and tags. 

"I'm sick and tired of holly ribbon and red ribbon, " she said, as shedeftly tied up her parcels. "So, this year, I'm using white satinribbon and gilt cord. It's an awfully pretty combination, and theselittle green and gilt tags are lovely, don't you think?"

Her audience, which consisted of Elise and Mona, were watching herwork with admiration. They had offered to help, but after anineffectual attempt to meet Patty's idea of how a box should be tiedup, they abandoned the effort, and sat watching her nimble fingersfly. 

"You ought to get a position in some shop where they advertise, 'onlyexperienced parcel wrappers need apply, '" said Elise. "I never sawsuch neat parcels. "

"You're evidently going to be an old maid, " said Mona, "you're sofussy and tidy. "

"I do like things tidy, " admitted Patty, "and if that interferes withmy having a husband, why, of course I'll have to give him up. For Ican't stand not having things neat about me. "

"Do you call this room neat?" asked Elise, smiling as she looked aboutat the scattered boxes and papers, cut strings, and little piles ofshredded tissue. 

"Yes, I do, " declared Patty, stoutly. "This kind of stuff can bepicked up in a jiffy, and then the room is all in order. This istemporary, you see. By untidiness, I mean dirt and dust, and bureaudrawers in a mess, and desks in disorder. "

"That's me, " confessed Mona, cheerfully. "Not the dirt and dust, perhaps, --the maids look after that. But I just _can't_ keep mybelongings in their places. "

"Neither can I, " said Elise. "I don't see how you do it, Patty. "

"Oh, pshaw! it's no credit to me, I just can't help it. I'd have a fitif they weren't all nice and in order. And if that means I'm going tobe an old maid, I can't help it, --and I don't care!"

"Hoo-hoo!" said Elise. 

CHAPTER IX

FERN FALLS

Christmas would be on Wednesday, and it was arranged that Patty andMona should go up to Fern Falls on Monday. Roger and Philip Van Reypenwere to go up on Tuesday for the Christmas Eve celebration; and therest of the house-party were already at the Kenerleys'. 

The girls started off early in the afternoon, and a train ride ofthree hours brought them to the pretty little New England village ofFern Falls. 

Jim Kenerley met them with a motor. 

"We hoped for snow, " he said, as he cordially greeted the befurredyoung women who stepped off the train at the little station. "So muchmore Christmassy, you know. But, at any rate, we have cold, clearweather, and that's something. Hop in, now. Adèle didn't come to meetyou, --sent all kinds of excuses, which I've forgotten, but she cantell you herself, when we reach the house. Here, I'll sit between you, and keep you from shaking around and perhaps spilling out. "

Cheery Jim Kenerley bustled them into the tonneau, looked after theirluggage, and then, taking his own place, drew up the fur robes snugly, and the chauffeur started off. It was a four-mile spin to the house, for the village itself was distant from the station, and theKenerleys' house a mile or so beyond. 

It was cold, but the girls were warmly wrapped up and didn't a bitmind the clear, frosty air, though in an open car. "Didn't bring thelimousine, " Mr. Kenerley rattled on. "Can't abide to be shut up in astuffy glass house, and then, you know, people who ride in glasshouses mustn't throw stones. "

"But, you see, we girls couldn't hit anything if we did throw astone, " said Patty. "At least, women have that reputation. "

"That's so, " agreed Jim. "Can't even hit the side of a barn, so theysay. But I expect you girls that grow up with athletics and basketball, and such things, put the old proverbs to rout. "

"How's Daisy?" asked Mona. "Same as ever?"

"Yep; same as ever. Daisy's all right, you know, if things go her way. But if not----"

"If not, she makes them go her way, " said Mona, and Jim laughed andagreed, "She sure does!"

At last they reached the house, which Jim informed them they haddubbed the Kenerley Kennel, for no particular reason, except that itsounded well. 

"But you have dogs?" asked Patty, as they rolled up the driveway. 

"Yes, but we didn't exactly name it after them. Hello, here are thegirls!"

Adèle and Daisy appeared in the doorway, and greeted the visitors intruly feminine fashion, which included much laughter and exclamation. 

"Where do I come in?" said a laughing voice, and a big, laughing manleft his seat by the fireplace and came toward them. 

"This is my brother, " said Adèle, "by name, Mr. Harold Ferris, --butcommonly called Chub. "

The name was not inapt, for Mr. Ferris showed a round, chubby face, with big, dancing black eyes and ringlets of dark hair clustered onhis brow. Only his enormous size prevented his appearance beingpositively infantile, and his round, dimpled face was as good-naturedas that of a laughing baby. 

"And so you're the two girls who are to spend Christmas with us, " hesaid, beaming down on them from his great height. "Well, you'll do!"

He looked approvingly from Patty's flower face to Mona's glowingbeauty, and truly it would have been hard to find two more attractivelooking girls. The sudden transition from the cold out-of-doors to thewarmth of the blazing fire had flushed their cheeks and brightenedtheir eyes, and the hearty welcome they received brought smiles ofdelight to their faces. 

"Now, come away with me, " said Adèle, "and get off your furs andwraps, and make yourselves pretty for tea. "

"Oh, I know what you'll do, " said Chub, in an aggrieved tone. "You'lljust go upstairs and hob-nob and talk and gossip and chatter andbabble, and never get down here again! I know girls! Why, first thingI know, you'll be having your tea sent up there!"

"Great idea!" exclaimed Patty, twinkling her eyes at him. "Let's dothat, Adèle; kimono party, you know. We'll see you at dinner time, Mr. Ferris. "

"Dinner time, nothing! If you're not back here in fifteen minutes, thewhole crowd of you, I'll--I'll----"

"Well, what will you do?" laughed Mona. 

"Never you mind, --you'll find out all too soon. Now, skip, andremember, tea will be served in just fifteen minutes. "

The girls had really no intention of not returning, and it was notmuch more than the allotted time before Patty and Mona were arrayed insoft, pretty house-dresses and reappeared in the great hall, where teawas already being placed for them. 

The big fireplace had cosy seats on either side, and the cracklinglogs and flickering blaze made all the light that was needed save fora pair of tall cathedral candles in their antique standards. 

"What a duck of a house!" exclaimed Patty, as she came down the broadstaircase, her soft, rose-coloured chiffon gown shimmering in thefirelight. She cuddled up in a corner near the fire, and Hal Ferrisbrought a cushion to put behind her. 

"It ought to be a rose-coloured one, " he said, apologetically; "but Ididn't see one handy to grab, and really this old blue isn't half badfor a background. "

"Much obliged for your kind colour-scheme, " said Patty, smiling athim, "and I'll have one lump, please, and a bit of lemon. "

Big Mr. Ferris proved himself tactful as well as kind, for he dividedhis attentions impartially among the four ladies. 

"A little shy of men; aren't we, Adèle?" he said to his sister. "EvenJim seems to have disappeared. Not that I mind being the only pebbleon the beach, --far from it, --but I'm afraid I can't prove entertainingenough for four. "

"You're doing nobly so far, " said Patty, cuddling into her cushion, for she loved luxurious warmth, like a kitten. 

"Two more men are coming to dinner, girls, " said their hostess; "andto-morrow, you know, we'll have two more house-party guests. Don'tworry, Chub, you shan't be overworked, I promise you. "

After a pleasant tea hour, the girls went again to their rooms, ostensibly to rest before dinner, but really to have what Patty calleda kimono party. 

All in their pretty négligées, they gathered in Adèle's room andtalked as rapidly and interruptingly as any four girls can. 

"Do you hear from Bill Farnsworth often?" asked Daisy of Patty, _apropos_ of nothing but her own curiosity. 

"Not often, Daisy, " returned Patty, of no mind to pursue the subject. 

"But don't you ever hear from him?" persisted the other. 

"Oh, sometimes, " said Patty, carelessly. "He sent me flowers for mycoming-out party. "

"I hear from Bill sometimes, " said Adèle. "I asked him to come tothis party, but he couldn't possibly leave just now. He's awfullybusy. "

"What's he doing?" asked Mona. 

"I don't know exactly, " answered Adèle. "Jim can tell you, but it hassomething to do with prospecting of mines. Say, girls, do you want tosee the baby before she's put to bed?"

Of course they did, and they all trooped into the nursery to admirethe tiny mite of humanity, who looked a picture, with her tumbledcurls and her laughing face, just ready for bed. 

She remembered Patty and Mona, and greeted them without shyness, clinging to Patty's neck and begging her to stay and sing her tosleep. 

This Patty would have done, but Adèle wouldn't allow it, and orderedthe girls back to their rooms to dress for dinner. 

"Eight o'clock sharp, " she warned them, "and don't put on yourprettiest gowns; save those for to-morrow night. "

Patty wandered around her room, singing softly, as she dressed. Looking over her dinner gowns, she decided upon her second best, awhite marquisette with a garniture of pearl beads and knots of paleblue velvet. When the maid came to assist her she was nearly dressed, and ten minutes before the dinner hour she was quite ready to godownstairs. "I may as well go on down, " she thought to herself. "I canexplore the house a little. "

She looked in at Mona's door as she passed, but as that young womanwas just having her gown put over her head, she didn't see Patty, andso Patty went on downstairs. 

There was no one about, so she strolled through the various rooms, admiring the big, pleasant living-room, the cosy library, and thendrifted back to the great hall, which was very large, even for amodern country house. It was wainscoted in dark wood, and containedmany antique bits of furniture and some fine specimens of old armourand other curios. Jim Kenerley's father had been rather a notedcollector, and had left his treasures to his only son. They had chosenthis house as being roomy and well-fitted for their belongings. 

Patty came back to the great fireplace, and stood there, leaning hergolden head against one of the massive uprights. 

"Adèle told me you were a peach, " exclaimed a laughing voice, "butshe didn't half tell me how much of a one you are!"

Patty turned her head slowly, and looked at Mr. Hal Ferris. 

"And I thought you were a mannerly boy!" she said, in a tone of gravereproach. 

"I beg your pardon, " he exclaimed. "I do indeed! I'm almost a strangerto you, I know; I ought to have waited until I know you better to sayanything of that sort to you! May I take it back, and then say it toyou again after I do know you better?"

Patty couldn't help smiling at his mock dismay. 

"And how well shall I have to know you, " he went on, "before I can sayit to you properly?"

"I can't answer that question at once, " said Patty. "We'll have to letour acquaintance proceed, and see----"

"And see how the cat jumps, " he suggested. 

"Yes, " agreed Patty. "And, by the way, what a jumper that cat mustbe. "

"Small wonder, with everybody waiting to see how she jumps! Oh, pshaw!here comes a horde of people, and our pleasant tête-à-tête isspoiled!"

"Never mind; we'll have another some time, " and Patty gave him adimpled smile that quite completed the undoing of Mr. Harold Ferris. 

The "horde" proved to be two young men from nearby country houses, Mr. Collins and Mr. Hoyt. And then the other members of the householdappeared, and soon dinner was announced. 

"We haven't any especial guest of honour, " said Mrs. Kenerley, "foryou're all so very honourable. So pair off just as you like. "

Hal Ferris jumped a low chair and two footstools to reach Patty beforeany one else could. "Come in with me, " he said. "I know the way to thedining-room. "

"I'm glad to be shown, " said Patty. "You see, I've never been herebefore. "

"I know it; that's why I'm being so kind to you. To-morrow I'll takeyou up in the tower--it's great. "

"Why, is this place a castle?"

"Not exactly, but it's modelled after an old château. Really, it's amost interesting house. "

"All right. To-morrow we'll explore it thoroughly. "

And then they took their seats at the table, and as the party wassmall, conversation became general. 

Suddenly Patty became aware that Mr. Collins, who sat on the other sideof her, was trying to attract her attention. He was a mild-manneredyoung man, and he looked at her reproachfully. 

"I've asked you a question three times, Miss Fairfield, " he said, "andyou never even heard it. "

"Then you certainly can't expect me to answer it, Mr. Collins, " andPatty laughed gaily. "Won't you repeat it for me, please? I'll promiseto hear it this time. "

"I said, did you ever make a lemon pig?"

"A lemon pig! No, I never did. How do you make it?"

"Oh, they're the maddest fun! I say, Mrs. Kenerley, mayn't we have alemon?"

"Certainly, Mr. Collins. "

"And, oh, I say, Mrs. Kenerley, if it isn't too much trouble, mayn'twe have a box of matches, and two black pins, and a bit of paper?"

"And a colander and a tack hammer and a bar of soap?" asked Ferris, but Mr. Collins said, gravely: "No, we don't want those. "

The articles he had asked for were soon provided, and in the slow, grave way in which he did everything, Mr. Collins began to make thestrange animal of which he had spoken. The lemon formed the whole pig, with four matches for his legs, two black pins for his eyes, and anarrow strip of paper, first curled round a match, for his tail. Itwas neither artistic nor realistic, but it was an exceedingly comicalpig, and soon it began to squeak in an astonishingly pig-like voice. Then a tap at the window was heard, and a farmer's gruff voiceshouted: "Have you my pig in there? My little Lemmy pig?"

"Yes, " responded Mr. Collins, "we have; and we mean to keep him, too. "

"I'll have the law of ye, " shouted the farmer. "Me pig escaped fromthe sty, and I call upon ye to give him up!"

"We won't do it!" shouted several of the men in chorus. 

"Then, kape him!" returned the voice of the farmer, and they heard hisheavy tramp as he strode away. 

Patty looked puzzled. She couldn't understand what it all meant, untilHal Ferris whispered, "It was only Collins; he's a ventriloquist. "

"Oh, " said Patty, turning to Mr. Collins, delightedly, "was it reallyyou? Oh, how do you do it? I've always wanted to hear a ventriloquist, and I never did before. "

"Oh, yes, you did!" said a voice from the other end of the table, andPatty looked up, saying earnestly, "No, I didn't!" when she realisedthat the accusation had really come from Mr. Collins. 

"Oh, what fun!" she cried, clapping her hands. "Do some more!"

"I'd rather he wouldn't, " said Adèle, and Patty looked at her insurprise. "Why not, Adèle?" she asked. 

Everybody laughed, and Adèle said: "You're too easily fooled, Patty. That was Mr. Collins speaking like me. He knows my voice so well hecan imitate it. "

"He'd better stop it!" came in a deep growl from Jim Kenerley's end ofthe table, and Patty was surprised at such a speech from her urbanehost. Then she realised that that, too, was Mr. Collins speaking. 

"I just love it!" she exclaimed. "I've always wanted to know how to doit. Won't you teach me?"

"You couldn't learn, " said Mr. Collins, smiling at her. 

And then Patty _heard herself_ say: "I could so! I think you're realmean!"

Her bewildered look changed to admiration at his wonderful imitationof her voice, and the natural, petulant tone of the remark. 

"It's too wonderful!" she said. "Some other time, Mr. Collins, afterdinner, maybe, will you teach me just a little about it?"

"I'll try, " he said, kindly; "but I warn you, Miss Fairfield, it isn'teasy to learn, unless one has a natural gift for it, and a peculiarthroat formation. "

"Don't teach her, " begged Daisy Dow. "She'll be keeping us awake allnight with her practising. "

It was like Daisy to say something unpleasant; but Patty only smiledat her, and said, "I'll practise being an angel, and sing you tosleep, Daisy. "

"You sing like an angel without any practice, " said Mona, who wasalways irritated when Daisy was what Patty called snippy. 

"Oh, do you sing, Miss Fairfield?" said Mr. Hoyt, from across thetable. "You must join our Christmas choir, then. We're going to have aglorious old carolling time to-morrow night. "

"I'll be glad to, " replied Patty, "if I know your music. "

But after dinner, when they tried some of the music, they discoveredthat Patty could sing readily at sight, and she was gladly welcomed tothe musical circle of Fern Falls. 

"How long are you staying here?" asked Mr. Hoyt. 

"A month, at least, " Adèle answered for Patty. 

"Oh, no, not so long as that, " Patty protested. "A fortnight, atmost. "

But Adèle only smiled, and said, "We'll see about that, my dear. "

After a time, Hal Ferris came to Patty, and tried to draw her awayfrom the group around the piano. 

"You're neglecting me shamefully, " he said; "and I'm the brother ofyour hostess! Guests should always be especially kind to the Brotherof a Hostess. "

"What can I do for you?" asked Patty, smiling, as she walked out tothe hall with him. 

"Quit talking to the other people, and devote yourself to me, " was theprompt response. 

"Do all your sister's guests do that?"

"I don't want 'em all to; I only want you to. "

"And what about _my_ wants?"

"Yes; _what_ about them? You want to talk to me, _don't_ you?"

His tone and smile were so roguishly eager that Patty felt a strongliking for this big, boyish chap. 

"I'll talk for ten minutes, " she said, "and then we're going to dance, I believe. "

"Oh, and then they'll all be after you! I say, " and he drew her towarda window, from where the moonlight could be plainly seen, "Let's goout and skate. The ice is fine!"

"Skate! You must be crazy!"

"Yes; I supposed you'd say so! But to-morrow more people are coming, and I'll never see anything of you. Say, how about this? Are you gameto get up and go for an early morning skate, just with me, and not letanybody else know?"

"I'd like that!" and Patty's eyes sparkled, for she dearly loved earlymorning fresh air. "Of course, we'll tell Adèle. "

"Yes; so she'll have some breakfast made for us. But nobody else. Howabout eight o'clock? Regular breakfast will be at nine-thirty. "

"Good! I'll be ready at eight. "

"Meet me in the breakfast-room at eight, then. Do you know where itis? Just off the big dining-room. "

"What are you two hob-nobbing about?" asked Daisy, curiously, as shestrolled over toward them. 

"I'm just telling Miss Fairfield about the plan of the house, " saidFerris, innocently. "It's well planned, isn't it?"

"Very, " said Patty. 

CHAPTER X

CHRISTMAS EVE

As Patty stepped out of her room into the hall the next morning, ateight o'clock, she found Hal Ferris already tiptoeing down the stairs. He put his finger to his lip with a great show of secrecy, which madePatty laugh. 

"Why must we be so careful?" she whispered. "We're not doing anythingwrong. "

"No; but it's so much more fun to pretend we are. Let's pretend we'reon a mysterious mission, and if we are discovered we're lost!"

So they crept downstairs silently, and reached the breakfast-room, without seeing any one except one or two of the maids, who weredusting about. 

Patty had on a trim, short skirt of white cloth and a blouse of softwhite silk. Over this she wore a scarlet coat, and her golden curlswere tucked into a little scarlet skating cap with a saucy, waggingtassel. 

But in the warm, cheery breakfast-room she threw off her coat and satdown at the table. 

"I didn't intend to eat anything, " she said; "but the coffee smells sogood, I think I'll have a cup of it, with a roll. " She smiled at thewaitress, who stood ready to attend to her wishes, and Hal took a seatbeside her, saying he would have some coffee also. 

"We won't eat our breakfast now, you know, " he went on; "but we'llcome back with raging appetites and eat anything we can find. I say, this is jolly cosy, having coffee here together like this! I s'poseyou won't come down every morning?"

"No, indeed, " and Patty laughed. "I don't mind admitting I hate to getup early. I usually breakfast in my room and dawdle around until allhours. "

"Just like a girl!" said Hal, sniffing a little. 

"Well, I _am_ a girl, " retorted Patty. 

"You sure are! _Some_ girl, I should say! Well, now, Girl, if you'reready, let's start. "

He held Patty's scarlet coat for her while she slipped in her arms. 

Then he disappeared for a moment, and returned wearing a dark redsweater, which was very becoming to his athletic figure and broadshoulders. 

"Come on, Girl, " he said, gathering up their skates, and off theystarted. 

"It's nearly half a mile to the lake. Are you good for that muchwalk?" Ferris asked, as they swung along at a brisk pace. 

"Oh, yes, indeed, I like to walk; and I like to skate, but I like bestof all to dance. "

"I should think you would, --you're a ripping dancer. You know, to-night we'll have 'Sir Roger de Coverley' and old-fashioned danceslike that. You like them?"

"Yes, for a change; but I like the new ones best. Are we going to haveany dressing up to-night? I do love dressing up. "

"Glad rags, do you mean?"

"No; I mean fancy costumes. "

"Oh, that. Well, old Jim's going to be Santa Claus. I don't thinkanybody else will wear uncivilised clothes. "

"But I want to. Can't you and I rig up in something, just for fun?"

"Oh, I say! that would be fun. What can we be? Romeo and Juliet, orJack and Jill?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that. Something more like Christmas, you know. Well, I'll think it over through the day, and we'll fix it up. "

Skating on the lake so early in the morning proved to be gloriousexercise. The ice was perfect, and the crisp, clear air filled themwith exhilaration. 

Both were good skaters, and though they did not attempt fancy figures, they spent nearly an hour skating around the lake. 

"That's the best skate I ever had!" declared Hal, when they concludedto return home. 

"It certainly was fine, " declared Patty, "and by the time we've walkedback to the house, I shall be quite ready for some eggs and bacon. "

"And toast and marmalade, " supplemented Ferris. 

"I wonder if Daisy will be down. Does she come down to breakfastusually?"

"Sometimes and sometimes not, " answered Ferris, carelessly. "She's alaw unto herself, is Daisy Dow. "

"You've known her a long time, haven't you?"

"Just about all our lives. Used to go to school together, and we werealways scrapping. Daisy's a nice girl, and a pretty girl, but she surehas got a temper. "

"And a good thing to have sometimes. I often wish I had more. "

"Nonsense! you're perfect just as you are. "

"Oh, what a pretty speech! If you're going to talk like that, I shalltake the longest way home. "

"I'd willingly agree to that, but I don't believe you're in need offurther exercise just now. Come, own up you're a little bit tired. "

"Hardly enough to call it tired, but if there is a short cut homelet's take it. "

"And what about the pretty speeches I'm to make to you?"

"Leave those till after breakfast. Or leave them till this evening andgive them to me for a Christmas gift. "

"Under the mistletoe?" and Ferris looked mischievous. 

"Certainly not, " said Patty, with great dignity. "I'm too grown-up forsuch foolishness as that!"

"Oh, I don't know, " said Ferris. 

 * * * * *

The appearance of the two runaways in the breakfast-room was greetedwith shouts of surprise. 

Adèle knew they had gone skating, but no one else did, and it wassupposed they hadn't yet come downstairs. 

Patty's glowing cheeks were almost as scarlet as her coat and cap, while Ferris was grinning with boyish enthusiasm. 

"Top o' the morning to you all, " he cried. "Me and Miss Fairfield, we've been skating for an hour. "

"On the lake?" cried Daisy, in surprise. "Why, you must have startedbefore sunrise. "

"Oh, no, not that, " declared Patty, as, throwing off her wraps, shetook a seat next to Adèle; "but long enough to get up a ravenousappetite. I hope the Kenerley larder is well stocked. "

"Why didn't you let us all in on this game?" asked the host. "I thinka morning skating party would be just about right. "

"All right, " said Patty. "We'll have one any morning you say. I shallbe here for a fortnight, and I'll go any morning you like. "

"I won't go, " declared Mona. "I hate skating, and I hate getting upearly, so count me out. "

"I doubt if any one goes very soon, " said Adèle, "for I think there'sa storm coming. It looks bright out of doors, but it feels like snowin the air. "

"It does, " agreed her brother; "and I hope it will snow. I'd like areal good, old-fashioned snowstorm for Christmas. "

"Well, I hope it won't begin before night, " said Adèle. "We've a lotto do to-day. I want you all to help me decorate the tree and fix thepresents. "

"Of course we will, " said Patty. "But, if I may, I want to skip overto the village on an errand. Can some one take me over, Adèle, ormust I walk?"

"I'll go with you, " said Daisy, who was of no mind to be left out ofPatty's escapades, if she could help it. 

"All right, Daisy, but you mustn't tell what I buy, because it's asecret. "

"Everything's a secret at Christmas time, " said Mr. Kenerley; "but, Patty, you can have the small motor, and go over to the village anytime you like. "

As there was room for them all, Daisy and Mona both accompanied Pattyon her trip to the village, and Hal Ferris volunteered to drive thecar. But when they reached the country shop, Patty laughingly refusedto let any of the party go inside with her, saying that her purchaseswould be a Christmas secret. 

She bought a great many yards of the material known as Turkey red, andalso a whole piece of white illusion. Some gilt paper completed herlist, and she ran back to the car, the shopkeeper following with herbundles. They attended to some errands for Adèle, and then whizzedback to the house just in time to see the Christmas tree being putinto place. 

"We're going to have the tree at five o'clock, " said Adèle, "onaccount of baby May. It's really for her, you know, and so I have itbefore dinner. "

"Fine!" declared Patty. "And where do we put our presents?"

"On these tables, " and Adèle pointed to several small stands alreadywell heaped with tissue-papered parcels. 

"Very well, I'll get mine, " and Patty went flying up to her room. Monafollowed, and the two girls returned laden with their bundles. 

"What fascinating looking parcels, " said Adèle, as she helped toplace them where they belonged. "Now, Patty, about the tree; would youhave bayberry candles on it, or only the electric lights?"

"Oh, have the candles. They're so nice and traditional, you know. Unless you're afraid of fire. "

"No; all the decorations are fireproof. Jim would have them so. See, we've lots of this Niagara Falls stuff. "

Adèle referred to a decoration of spun glass, which was thrown allover the tree in cascades, looking almost like the foam of awaterfall. This would not burn, even if the flame of a candle wereheld to it. 

"It's perfectly beautiful!" exclaimed Patty. "I never saw anythinglike it before. "

They scattered it all over the tree, the men going up on step-laddersto reach the top branches. 

The tree was set in the great, high-vaulted hall, and was a noblespecimen of an evergreen. Hundreds of electric lights were fastened toits branches; and the thick bayberry candles were placed by means ofholders that clasped the tree trunk, and so were held firmly and safe. 

Adèle's prognostications had been correct. For, soon after luncheon, it began to snow. Fine flakes at first, but with a steadiness thatbetokened a real snowstorm. 

"I'm so glad, " exclaimed Patty, dancing about. "I do love a whiteChristmas. It won't interfere with your guests, will it, Adèle?"

"No; if Mr. Van Reypen and Mr. Farrington get up from New York withouthaving their trains blocked by snowdrifts, I imagine our Fern Fallspeople will be able to get here for the dinner and the dance. "

The two men arrived during the afternoon, and came in laden withparcels and looking almost like Santa Claus himself. 

"Had to bring all this stuff with us, " explained Roger, "for fear ofdelays with expresses and things. Presents for everybody, --and thensome. Where shall we put them?"

Adèle superintended the placing of the parcels, and the men threw offtheir overcoats, and they all gathered round the blazing fire in thehall. 

"This is right down jolly!" declared Philip Van Reypen. "I haven't hada real country Christmas since I was a boy. And this big fire and thetree and the snowstorm outside make it just perfect. "

"I ordered the snowstorm, " said Adèle. "I like to have any littlething that will give my guests pleasure. "

"Awfully good of you, Mrs. Kenerley, " said Philip. "I wanted toflatter myself that I brought it with me, but it seems not. Have you ahill anywhere near? Perhaps we can go coasting to-morrow. "

"Plenty of hills; but I don't believe there's a sled about theplace--is there, Jim?"

"We'll find some, somehow, if there's any coasting. We may have to putone of the motor cars on runners and try that. "

"They had sleds at the country store. I saw them this morning, " saidPatty. "And that reminds me I have a little work to do on a Christmassecret, so if you'll excuse me, I'll run away. "

Patty ran away to the nursery, where Fräulein, the baby's governess, was working away at the materials Patty had brought home that morning. 

"Yes, that's right, " said Patty, as she closed the door behind her. "You've caught my idea exactly, Fräulein. Now, I'll try on mine, andthen, afterward, we'll call up Mr. Ferris to try on his. "

 * * * * *

At five o'clock the sounding of a Chinese gong called everybody tocome to the Christmas tree. 

The grown people arrived first, as the principal part of the fun wasto see the surprise and delight of baby May when she should see thetree. 

"Let me sit by you, Patty, " said Philip Van Reypen, as they found aplace on one of the fireside benches. "I've missed you awfully sinceyou left New York. "

"Huh, " said Patty, "I've only been gone twenty-four hours. "

"Twenty-four hours seems like a lifetime when _you're_ not in NewYork. "

"Hush your foolishness; here comes the baby. "

The tree had been illuminated; the electric lights were shining andthe candles twinkling, when little May came toddling into the hall. She was a dear baby, and her pretty hair lay in soft ringlets all overthe little head. Her dainty white frock was short, and she wore littlewhite socks and slippers. She came forward a few steps, and then spiedthe tree and stood stock still. 

"What a booful!" she exclaimed, "oh, _what_ a booful!"

Then she went up near the tree, sat down on the floor in front of it, clasped her little fat hands in her lap, and just stared at it. 

"I yike to yook at it!" she said, turning to smile at Patty, in afriendly way. "It's so booful!" she further explained. 

"Don't you want something off it?" asked Patty, who was now sitting onthe floor beside the baby. 

"Zes; all of ze fings. Zey is all for me! all for baby May!"

As a matter of fact, there were no gifts on the tree, only decorationsand lights, but Patty took one or two little trinkets from thebranches, and put them in the baby's lap. "There, " she said. "How doyou like those, baby May?"

"Booful, booful, " said the child, whose vocabulary seemed limited byreason of her excited delight. 

And then a jingle, as of tiny sleighbells, was heard outside. The doorflew open, and in came a personage whom May recognised at once. 

"Santa Claus!" she cried. "Oh, Santa Claus!" And jumping up from thefloor, she ran to meet him as fast as her little fat legs could carryher. 

"Down on the floor!" she cried, tugging at his red coat. "Baby May'sSanta Claus! Sit down on floor by baby May!"

Jim Kenerley, who was arrayed in the regulation garb of a St. Nicholas, sat down beside his little girl, and taking his pack fromhis back, placed it in front of her. 

"All for baby May!" she said, appreciating the situation at once. 

"Yes, all for baby May, " returned her mother, for in the pack wereonly the child's presents. 

One by one the little hands took the gifts from their wrappings, andsoon the baby herself was almost lost sight of in a helter-skeltercollection of dolls and teddy bears and woolly dogs and baa lambs andmore dolls. To say nothing of kittens and candies, and balls, andevery sort of a toy that was nice and soft and pleasant. 

The doll Patty had brought, with its wonderful wardrobe, pleased thebaby especially, and she declared at once that the doll's name shouldbe Patty. 

Having undone all her treasures, the baby elected to have a generalromp with Santa Claus, whom she well knew to be her father. Jim hadmade no attempt to disguise lest it should frighten the child, and sohis own gay young face looked out from a voluminous snow-white wig andlong white beard. His costume was the conventional red, belted coat, edged with white fur, and a fur-trimmed red cap with a bobbing tassel. 

Among the toys was a pair of horse lines with bells on it, and soonMay had her good-natured father transformed into a riding-horse andgalloping madly round the hall. 

Then all present must needs play games suited to the calibre of thelittle one, and Ring around a Rosy and London Bridge proved to be herfavourites. 

After these unwonted exertions, everybody was ready for tea, which wasthen brought in. As a special dispensation, May was allowed to haveher bread and milk at the same time, with the added indulgence of afew little cakes. 

"Isn't she a perfect dear?" said Patty, as she stood with the baby inher arms, after tea was finished. 

"She is, " declared Philip, who stood near. "I'm not much up onkiddies, but she's about the best-natured little piece I ever saw. Ithought they always cried after a big racket like this. "

"She must say good-night now, " said Adèle. "It's quite time, andbeside, I want her to go away while her reputation is good. Now, Maisie May, go to Fräulein and go beddy. "

"Patty take May beddy. "

"No, dear, Patty must stay here with mother. "

"Patty take May beddy! _Zes!_" The finality of this decision wasunmistakable. The most casual observer could see that unless it werecomplied with the scene might lose something of its sunshine andmerriment. 

"I should say, " judicially observed Philip, "that unless Miss May hasher way this time, there will be one large and elegant ruction. "

"But I _must_ make her obey me, " said Adèle, a little uncertainly. 

"Fiddlestrings, Adèle, " returned Patty; "this is no time fordiscipline. The poor baby is about worn out with fatigue andexcitement. You know, it has been her busy day. Let's humour her thistime. I'll take her away, and I'll return anon. "

"Anon isn't a very long time, is it?" said Adèle, laughing, and Halremarked, "If it is, we'll all come after you, Miss Fairfield. "

So Patty went away, carrying the now smiling baby, and Fräulein wentalong with her, knowing the little thing would soon drop to sleep, anyway, from sheer fatigue. 

CHAPTER XI

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Patty soon returned, saying the country was saved, and now she wasready for her presents. 

And then everybody began untying things, and soon the whole place wasknee-deep in tissue papers and ribbons. 

All exclaimed with delight at their own gifts, and then exclaimed withdelight at the others' gifts. 

Mr. And Mrs. Kenerley gave Patty one of those Oriental garments knownas a Mandarin coat. It was of pale blue silk, heavy with elaborateembroidery and gold braiding, and Patty was enchanted with it. 

"Just what I wanted!" she exclaimed, "and I don't care if that _is_what everybody always says, _I_ mean it! I've wanted one a long time. They're so heavenly for party wraps or opera cloaks. Mona has abeauty, but this is handsomer still. "

"Yes, it is, " admitted Mona; "and now open that box, Patty. It's mygift to you, and I want to see if you like it. "

"Oh, I know I shall like it, of course. Why, Mona Galbraith, if itisn't a lace scarf! Real Brussels point! You generous girl, it's _too_beautiful!"

"Isn't it lovely?" cried Daisy. "Now, this is mine to you, Patty. Itisn't nearly as handsome; it's just a bag. "

"But what a grand one!" exclaimed Patty, as she unwrapped thebeautiful French confection. "I simply adore bags. I can't have toomany of them. My goodness! I'm getting as many presents as baby May!"

Sure enough, Patty was surrounded with gifts and trinkets of allsorts. Philip's present was a small but exquisite water-color in agilded frame. Roger gave her a glass and silver flower-basket. 

"I gave each of you girls exactly the same thing, " he said, "because Ididn't want you scrapping over me. Mrs. Kenerley, I included you, too, if you will accept one of them. "

They were beautiful ornaments, and the four together were so effectivethat Adèle declared she should use them that night for a dinner tabledecoration at their Christmas feast. 

Hal Ferris gave each of the girls a beautiful book, and everybody hadso many presents of all sorts that it was almost impossible toremember who gave anything. 

"What I need is a card catalogue, " said Patty. "I never can rememberwhich is which, I know. "

"And I know another thing, " said Adèle. "If you girls don't scamperoff and dress, you won't be ready for dinner at eight o'clock. Andthere are lots of guests coming. And more this evening for the countrydance. Now, disperse, all of you, and put on your prettiest frocks forChristmas Eve. "

Patty had a new gown for the occasion, of an exquisite shade of pinkchiffon, which just matched her cheeks. She did up her hair simply, with a pink ribbon around it, and a pink rose tucked over one ear. 

After she was all dressed, she flew to the nursery for a little confabwith Fräulein, who was working away on the Turkey red. 

"Will it be done?" asked Patty, anxiously. 

"Oh, yes, indeed, Miss Patty; in ample time. And the crowns, too. "

"Everything all right?" inquired a voice in the doorway, and HalFerris stepped into the nursery. 

"Yes, " said Patty, her eyes sparkling. "Fräulein will have them allready by the time dinner's over. Oh, I do _love_ to dress up!"

"You can't look any sweeter than you do this way, " said Ferris, glancing approvingly at the little pink dancing frock. 

"You are so nice and complimentary, " said Patty, flashing a smile athim, and then they went downstairs together. 

Dinner was a real Christmas feast. The table was properly decoratedwith red ribbons and red candles and holly, and everybody hadsouvenirs and Christmassy sort of trinkets, and everybody was very gayand festive, and an air of Christmas jollity pervaded the atmosphere. 

After dinner they all returned to the great hall, where the Christmastree was again lighted to add to the holiday effect. 

Then Patty and Hal, who had let Adèle into their secret, slipped awayfrom the crowd, and ran up to the nursery, where Fräulein wasawaiting them. 

The baby was asleep in the next room, so they must needs be carefulnot to awaken her, and they tiptoed about as Fräulein helped them todon the robes she had made. 

The Turkey red she had fashioned into a full-draped cloak, which sheadjusted around Hal's broad shoulders. It was trimmed with white fur, and was caught up on one shoulder, toga fashion, with a spray ofholly. A massive gilt pasteboard crown she put on his head, and gavehim a long wand or sceptre covered with gilt paper and topped with acap and bells. 

"I wonder if they'll know I'm Lord of Misrule, " whispered Hal, as hestalked up and down before the mirror, swishing his draperies about inregal fashion. 

"If they don't, I'll tell 'em, " said Patty. "I wonder if they'll knowwhat I am. "

"You look like an angel, " said Hal, as he gazed at her. 

The garment Fräulein had made for Patty was simply straight, flowingbreadths of the white illusion, which fell straight from hershoulders, her pink gown beneath giving it a faint rosy tinge. Fromher head the illusion rippled in a long veil, floating down behind, and there were long angel sleeves of the same material. 

On her head was a small crown of gilt paper, with a large gilt star infront, and she carried a gilt wand with a star on the end. 

But the masterpiece of the costume, and one that did great credit tothe ingenuity of Fräulein, was a pair of wings that were fastened toPatty's shoulders. They were made of fine net, covered with fringedtissue paper, which had the effect of soft white feathers. 

Altogether Patty was a lovely vision, and it is doubtful if "TheChristmas Spirit" was represented more beautifully anywhere on earththat Christmas Eve. 

She floated about the room, delighted to be "dressed up. "

Then, flying into the hall, she listened over the banister till sheheard Adèle's signal from the piano. 

Still listening, she heard Adèle begin to sing softly a carol called"The Christmas Spirit. "

Slowly, in time to the music, Patty came down the great staircase. Shepaused on the landing, which was but a few steps from the bottom, andstanding there, motionless as a picture, joined her voice to Adèle's. 

She sang the beautiful carol, Adèle now singing alto, and the visionof the beautiful Christmas Spirit, and the tones of Patty's exquisitevoice, gave the guests assembled in the hall a Christmas memory thatthey could never forget. 

As the last notes died away, there was a significant pause, and then astorm of applause broke out. 

They insisted on another song, but Patty shook her head laughingly, and the next moment Adèle played a merry, rollicking march on thepiano and the Lord of Misrule came bounding downstairs. He had a longtrumpet in his hand, upon which he sounded a few notes, and then wavedhis sceptre majestically. 

"I'm the Lord of Misrule, " he announced, "and I have come to directour Christmas revels. To-night my word is law; you are all mysubjects, and must obey my decrees!"

A shout of applause greeted this gay banter, and then as Adèle playeda lively strain, the Lord of Misrule gave a clever clog dance on thestaircase landing. 

Then he sprang down the steps, and clasping the Christmas Spirit, thetwo tripped away into a gay impromptu dance. 

"Everybody dance!" shouted the Lord of Misrule, brandishing hissceptre aloft, and obedient to his orders, the others caught the gayspirit, and soon they were all dancing. 

Later they had the country dances--Virginia reel, Sir Roger, andothers which Patty had never heard of before, but which she had nodifficulty in learning. 

It was not long, however, before she laid aside her somewhatuncomfortable wings, and also the illusion draperies, which did notwell survive the intricacies of the figure dances. 

So, once again in her pretty pink frock, she entered into the danceswith the zest she always felt for that amusement. 

"I think it's my turn, " said Roger, coming up to her at last. 

"And I'm glad to be with a friend again, after all these strangers, "she said, as they danced away. "Though they're awfully nice men, andsome of them are very good dancers. You and Mona are all right, aren'tyou, Roger?"

Patty said this so suddenly that he was caught off his guard. 

"Not all right, " he said, "and never will be until she'll consent tocut the acquaintance of that Lansing!"

"She'll never do that!" and Patty wagged her head positively. 

"Then she can get along without my friendship. "

"Now, Roger, what's the use of acting like that? Mona has a right tochoose her friends. "

"Patty, I believe you like that man yourself!"

"I don't dislike him; at least, not as much as you do. But I don't seeany reason for you to take the matter so seriously. At any rate, whileyou're up here, forget it, won't you, and be good to Mona. "

"Oh, I'll be good to her fast enough, if she'll be good to me. I thinka heap of that girl, Patty, and I don't want to see her in theclutches of a bad man like Lansing. "

"You don't know that he's a bad man. "

"Well, he's a fortune-hunter, --that's bad enough. "

"Pooh, every man that looks at a girl doesn't want to marry her forher money. "

"But that man does. "

"Then cut him out! Why, Roger, you're worth a dozen Lansings, and ifyou want to marry Mona, why don't you tell her so?"

"Oh, Patty, do you think I'd have the ghost of a chance?"

"I certainly do. That is, if Mona has a grain of sense in that prettyhead of hers. "

"Well, --say, Patty, --this sounds queer, I know, --but you and I aresuch pals, --couldn't you just say a good word for----"

"Roger Farrington! the idea! I never supposed you were _bashful_!"

"I never was before, --but I'm a little afraid of Mona. She's so, --sodecided, you know. "

"Very well. Make her decide in your favour. But, mark my words, youngman, you'll never win her by getting grumpy and sour just because shesmiles on another man. In fact, you'd better praise Mr. Lansing. Thatwould be the best way to make her lose interest in him. "

"Patty Fairfield! I'm ashamed of you. I always knew you were a flirt, but anything like that would be downright deception. "

"Oh, fiddle-de-dee! All's fair in love and war. You're toomatter-of-fact, Roger, --too staid and practical. Brace up and teaseMona. Get her guessing--and the game will be all in your own hands. "

"How do you know these things, Patty? You're too young for suchworldly wisdom. "

"Oh, women are born with a spirit of contrariness. And, anyway, it'shuman nature. Now, you jolly Mona up, and stop looking as if you'dlost your last friend, --and then see how the cat jumps. Why, what isHal Ferris doing?"

The Lord of Misrule had jumped up on a table, and was flourishing hissceptre, and announcing that he would now issue a few decrees, andthey must immediately be obeyed. 

He said the audience wished to see some well-acted plays, and he wouldask some of the guests present to favour them. 

"As these dramas are necessarily impromptu, " he said, "you will pleasecome forward and do your parts as soon as your names are called. Anydelay, hesitation, or tardiness will be punished to the full extent ofthe Law of Misrule. The first play, ladies and gentlemen, will be arealistic representation of the great tragedy of 'Jack and Jill. ' Itwill be acted by Mr. Van Reypen and Miss Fairfield. Ready! Time!"

Philip and Patty went forward at once, for though they had had nointimation of this act, they were quite ready to take their part inthe merriment. 

Philip caught up one of the glass baskets which he had brought up forgifts, and declared that represented their pail. 

"It isn't mine!" cried Daisy. "I don't want mine smashed!"

"No matter what happens, " returned Philip, "we must be realistic. "

"Here, take this instead, " said Jim Kenerley, offering an antiquecopper bucket, which was one of his pet pieces. 

"All right, it _is_ better. Now, the play begins. This is anillustrated ballad, you know. Will somebody with a sweet voice kindlyrecite the words?"

"I will, " volunteered Hal, himself. "My voice is as sweet as taffy. "

He began intoning the nursery rhyme, and Patty and Philip strolledthrough the hall, swinging the bucket between them, and acting liketwo country children going for water. They climbed the stairs, laboriously, as if clambering up a steep hill, and as they went up, Philip hastily whispered to Patty how they were to come down. 

She understood quickly, and as the second line was drawled out theystood at the top of the stairs. Then when Hal said, "Jack felldown----" there was a terrific plunge and Philip tumbled, head overheels, all the way downstairs, with the big copper bucket rollingbumpety-bump down beside him. He was a trained athlete, and knew howto fall without hurting himself, but his mad pitching made it seementirely an accidental fall. In the screams of laughter, the last linecould scarcely be heard, but when Hal said, "And Jill came tumblingafter, " Patty poised on the top step, leaning over so far that itseemed as if in a moment she must pitch headlong. Her fancy dancetraining enabled her to hold this precarious position, and as shestood, motionless, a beautiful tableau, everybody applauded. 

"All over!" cried the Lord of Misrule, after a moment. "Curtain'sdown!"

There was only an imaginary curtain, so considering herself dismissed, Patty came tripping downstairs, and the broken-crowned Jack stoodwaiting to receive her. 

"Good work!" he commented. "How could you stand in that breakneckposition?"

"How could you take that breakneck fall?" she queried back, and thenthey sought a nearby seat to witness the next "play. "

"Now, " said the Lord of Misrule, "we will have a thrilling drama byMiss Dow and--well, she may select her own company. "

"I choose Jim Kenerley, " said Daisy, suddenly remembering a littletrick they used to do in school. A whispered word was enough to recallit to Jim's mind, and in a twinkling he had snatched a gay silklamp-shade from an electrolier and clapped it on his head, and drapedaround him a Bagdad couch cover. Then he caught up a big bronze daggerfrom a writing-table, and he and Daisy went to the staircase landing, which was almost like a stage. Seemingly, Jim was a fearful bandit, dragging a lady, who hung back with moans and cries. 

On the landing, he brandished the dagger fearsomely, and Daisy kneltbefore him, begging for mercy. At least, her attitude denoted that, but all she said was: "A B C D, " in a low, pleading voice. "E F G!"shouted Jim, dancing about in a fierce fury. 

Daisy threw out her arms and fairly grovelled at his feet, begging, "HI J K. " "L M!" shouted Jim; "N O!"

Then Daisy's pretty hair became loosened from its pins, and fell, ashining mass, down her back. 

Jim clutched it. "P Q R!" he yelled, as he waved the dagger aloft. 

"S T!" moaned Daisy, swaying from side to side, as if in an agony offear. 

"U! V! W!" and the blade of the dagger rested against the fair neck, as the dreadful brigand, with a fierce shout, attacked his victim. 

"X Y!" Daisy shrieked, and then toppled over, as if killed, while Jim, with a frenzied yell of "Z!" towered, triumphant, above his slaincaptive. 

How they all laughed; for it was good acting, though of course greatlyburlesqued. But both had a touch of dramatic genius, and they hadoften given this little exhibition in their old school days. 

"Fine!" said Adèle, who was shaking with laughter. "You never did itbetter, Daisy. You ought to go on the stage. "

Daisy smiled and bowed at the applause, and began to twist up herhair. 

"My beloved subjects, " said the Lord of Misrule, "you are sure someactors! I didn't know I had so much talent concealed about my kingdom. I shall now aim for a higher touch of histrionic art. Let us stop atnothing! Let us give the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. I willcommand Miss Galbraith to play the part of Juliet, and if no onevolunteers as Romeo, I'll modestly remark that I'm a ripping goodactor myself. "

"Too late, " said Roger, calmly; "I've already signed for the part, "and taking Mona's hand, he led her toward the staircase. 

"I can't!" protested Mona. "I don't know a word of it!"

"Can't! Won't!" cried the Lord of Misrule, in stentorian tones. "Thosewords are not allowed in this my Court. Ha, maiden, dost desire thedungeon for thine? Dost hanker after prison fare? Fie! Get to thyplace and take thy cue. "

Mona flung her lace handkerchief on her head for a little Juliet cap, and accepting a large lace scarf which a lady offered her as shepassed, and an enormous bunch of roses, which Jim hastily took from avase and gave her, they all agreed she was perfectly costumed forJuliet. 

Upstairs she went, and drawing a chair to the railing, looked over atRoger below. He had hastily opened a small cupboard, and caught up abroad black hat of Adèle's, with a long, willowed ostrich plume. Heput it on, so that the feather hung straight down his face, and hekept blowing it out of his eyes. Daisy had offered him a gay, floweredchiffon scarf as he passed her, and he tied it round his waist like asash. 

"'Oh, Romeo! Romeo! Romeo!'" began Mona. 

"'Wherefore, '" prompted Roger in a stage whisper. 

"'Wherefore, '" said Mona, obediently, "whence, whither, why----"

"Never mind, " said Roger, calmly. "I'll say the lines you forget. 'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' Now for the second act. I wish to goodnessI could be a glove upon that paw of yours. "

"Why?" queried Mona. 

"So you wouldn't give me the mitten. Pardon, good friends, merely aninterpolation. Back to work now. It was the nightingale and not a pollparrot that hit you in the ear. "

"Oh, Romeo, Romeo, " Mona broke in. "I'd like to cut you up into littlebits of stars, and decorate the sky with you. "

"Call me but Star, and I'll be baptised all over again. Friends, aswe're a little shy on lines, the rest of this will be pantomime. "

Roger then sneaked cautiously upstairs, motioned to Mona to make nosound, picked up various impedimenta, including books, vases, astatuette, and such things as he could find on the hall tables, addeda good-sized rug, and then, also picking Mona up in his arms, hestealthily made his way downstairs again, and the elopement wassuccessful. 

"Roger, you strong giant!" cried Patty. "How _could_ you carry allthose things downstairs?"

"My warriors are all strong men!" said the Lord of Misrule. "They cancarry off anything, and carry on like everything. "

And then, as Christmas Eve was well past, and Christmas Day had begun, the merry guests went away, and the house party congratulated itselfall round, wished everybody Merry Christmas, and went away to rest. 

CHAPTER XII

COASTING

Christmas morning was as white as the most picturesque imaginationcould desire. A heavy snow had fallen in the night and lay, sparkling, all over the fields and hills, so that now, in the sunshine, the wholeearth seemed powdered with diamonds. 

Patty came dancing downstairs, in a dainty little white morning frock. 

"Merry Christmas, everybody!" she cried, as she found the groupgathered round the fireplace in the hall. "Did you ever see such abeautiful day? Not for skating, " and she smiled at Hal, "but forsnow-balling or coasting or any old kind of fun with snow. "

"All right, " cried Roger. "Who's for a snow frolic? We can build afort----"

"And make a snow-man, " put in Daisy, "with a pipe in his mouth and anold hat on his head. Why do snow-men always have to have those twothings?"

"They don't, " said Jim Kenerley. "That's an exploded theory. Let'smake one this morning of a modern type, and let him have anything hewants except a pipe and a battered stove-pipe hat. "

"We'll give him a cigarette and a Derby, " said Patty. "Oh, here comesthe mail! Let's have that before we go after our snow-man. "

The chauffeur came in from a trip to the post-office, with his handsand arms full of mail, --parcels, papers, and letters, --which hedeposited on a table, and Jim Kenerley sorted them over. 

"Heaps of things for everybody, " he said. "Belated gifts, magazines, letters, and post cards. Patty, this big parcel is for you; Daisy, here are two for you. "

"May take letters! Let baby May be postman!" cried the infantKenerley. 

"Let her, Jim, --she loves to be postman, " and Adèle put the baby downfrom her arms, and she toddled to her father. 

"Great scheme!" said Hal. "Wait a minute, midget; I'll make you acap. "

With a few folds, a newspaper was transformed into a three-corneredcap and placed on the baby's head. 

"Now you're a postman, " said her uncle. "Go and get the letters fromthe post-office. "

"Letters, p'ease, " said the baby, holding out her fat little hands toher father. 

"All right, kiddums; these parcels are too big for you; you're noparcel-post carrier. But here's a bunch of letters; pass them aroundand let every one pick out his own. "

Obediently, the baby postman started off, and passing Daisy first, dumped the whole lot in her lap. 

"Wait a minute, Toddles, " said Daisy. "I'll pick out mine, then youtake the rest on. "

Daisy selected half a dozen or more, and gave the rest of the lot backto the little one, who went on round the circle, letting each pick outhis own letters. 

Patty had about a dozen letters, and cards and greetings of varioussorts. Some she tore open and read aloud, some she read to herself, and some she kept to open when she might be alone. 

"Have you opened all your letters, Patty?" asked Jim, looking at her, quizzically. 

"No; I saved father's and Nan's to read by myself, you people are sodistracting. "

"Oho! Father's and Nan's! Oho! aha! And are those the only ones yousaved to read by yourself, young lady?"

"I saved Elise's, also, " said Patty, looking at him, a littlesurprised. "Aren't you the inquisitive gentleman, anyway!"

"Elise's! Oh, yes, Elise's! And how about that big blue one, --whathave you done with that?"

"I don't see any big blue one, " said Patty, innocently. "What do youmean, Jim?"

"Oho! _what_ do I mean? What, _indeed_!"

"Now, stop, Jim, " said his wife. "I don't know what you're teasingPatty about, but she shan't be teased. If she wants to keep her bigblue letter to herself, she's going to keep it, that's all. "

"Of course I shall, " said Patty, saucily. "That is, I should, if I hadany big blue letter, but I haven't. "

"Never mind big blue letters, " said Roger, "let's all go out and playin the snow. "

So everybody put on wraps and caps and furs and out they went like aparcel of children to frolic in the snow. Snow-balling was a matter ofcourse, but nobody minded a lump of soft snow, and soon they began tobuild the snow-man. 

He turned out to be a marvel of art and architecture, and as hisheroic proportions were far too great for anybody's hat or coat, theydraped an Indian blanket around him and stuck a Japanese parasol onthe top of his head to protect him from the sun. 

Roger insisted on the cigarette, and as the snow gentleman had beenprovided with a fine set of orange-peel teeth, he held his cigarettejauntily and firmly. 

"I want to go coasting, " said Patty. 

"And so you shall, " said Jim. "I sent for a lot of sleds from thevillage, and I think they've arrived. "

Sure enough, there were half a dozen new sleds ready for them, andsnatching the ropes, with glee, they dragged them to a nearby hill. 

It was a long, easy slope, just right for coasting. 

"Want to be pioneer?" asked Roger of Patty. And ever-ready Pattytucked herself on to a sled, grasped the rope, Roger gave her a push, and she was half-way down the hill before any one knew she hadstarted. The rest followed, and soon the whole party stood laughing atthe bottom of the long hill. 

"The worst is walking up again, " said Patty, looking back up the hill. 

"Do you say that because it's what everybody says, --or because you'relazy?" asked Philip. 

"Because I'm lazy, " returned Patty, promptly. 

"Then get on your sled, and I'll pull you up. "

"No, I'm not lazy enough for that, I hope! But I'll tell you what I'lldo; I'll race you up. "

"Huh! as if I couldn't beat you up, and not half try!"

"Oh, I don't _know_! Come on, now, do your best! One, two, three, go!"

Each pulling a sled, they started to run uphill; at least, Philipstarted to run, and at a good rate; but Patty walked, --briskly andevenly, knowing full well that Philip could not keep up his gait. 

And she was right. Half-way up the hill, Philip was forced to slowdown, and panting and puffing, --for he was a big man, --he turned tolook for Patty. She came along, and swung past him with an easystride, flinging back over her shoulder, "Take another sprint, and youmay catch me yet!"

"I'll catch you, no matter how much I have to sprint, " Philip calledafter her, but he walked slowly for a few paces. Then, having regainedhis breath, he strode after her, and rapidly gained upon her progress. Patty looked over her shoulder, saw him coming, and began to run. Butrunning uphill is not an easy task, and Patty's strength began to giveout. Philip saw this, and fell back a bit on purpose to give her anadvantage. Then as they were very near the top, Patty broke into adesperate run. Philip ran swiftly, overtook her, picked her up in hisarms as he passed, and plumped her down into a soft snowbank at thevery top of the hill. 

"There!" he cried; "that's the goal, and you reached it first!"

"With your help, " and Patty pouted a little. 

"My help is always at your disposal, when you can't get up a hill. "

"That would be a fine help, if I ever had hills to climb. But I neverdo. This is a great exception. "

"But there are other hills than snow hills. "

"Oh, I suppose now you're talking in allegories. I never _could_understand those. "

"Some day, when I get a real good chance, I'll explain them to you. May I?"

Philip's face was laughing, but there was a touch of seriousness inhis tone that made Patty look up quickly. She found his dark eyeslooking straight into her own. She jumped up from her snowbank, saying: "I want to go down again. Where's a sled?"

"Come on this one with me, " said Hal, who had a long, toboggan sort ofan affair. 

"This is great!" said Patty. "Where did you get this double-riggedthing?"

"It's been here all the time, but you've been so wrapped up in thatVan Reypen chap that you had no eyes for anybody else, or anybodyelse's sled! I'm downright jealous of that man, and I'll be glad whenhe goes home. "

"Ah, now, Chub, " said Patty, coaxingly, "don't talk to me scoldy!Don't now; will you, Chubsy?"

"Yes, I will, if you like him better than you do me. "

"Why, goodness, gracious, sakes alive! I've known him for _years_, andI've only known you a few days!"

"That doesn't matter. I've only known you a few days, and I'm headover heels in love with you!"

"Wow!" exclaimed Patty, "but this is sudden! Do you know, it's soawful swift, I don't believe it can be the real thing!"

"Do you know what the Real Thing is?"

"Haven't a notion. "

"Mayn't I tell you?"

"No, sir-ee. You see, I don't want to know for years yet! _Why_ can'tpeople let me alone?"

"Who else has been bothering you?" demanded Hal, jealously. 

"I don't call it a bother! I supposed it was part of the game. Don'tall girls have nice compliments, and flattery kind of speeches fromthe young men they know?"

"I don't know whether they do or not, " growled Hal. 

"Well, I know; they do, and they don't mean a thing; it's part of thegame, you know. Now, I'll tell you something. I've known Philip VanReypen ever so much longer than I have you, and yet I like you bothexactly the same! And Roger just the same, --and Jim just the same!"

"And Martin, the chauffeur, just the same, I suppose; and Mike, thegardener, just the same!"

"Yep, " agreed Patty. "_Everybody_ just the same! I think that's theway to do in this world, love your neighbour as yourself, and lookupon all men as free and equal. "

"Well, I don't think all girls are equal, --not by a long shot. To mymind they're divided into two classes. "

"What two?" said Patty, with some curiosity. 

"One class is Patty Fairfield, and the other class is everybody else. "

They had reached the bottom of the hill before this, and were sittingon the sled, talking. Patty jumped up and clapped her hands. "That'sabout the prettiest speech I ever had made to me! It's a beautifulspeech! I'm going right straight up the hill and tell it to everybody!"

"Patty, _don't_!" cried Hal, his honest, boyish face turning crimson. 

"Oh, then you didn't mean it!" and Patty was the picture ofdisappointment. 

"I did! _Of course_ I did! But girls don't run and tell everythingeverybody says to them!"

"Don't they? Well, then, _I_ won't. You see, I haven't had as muchexperience in these matters as you have! Mustn't I _ever_ tellanything nice that _anybody_ says to me?"

"Not what _I_ say to you, anyhow! You see, they're confidences. "

"Well, I don't want any more of them just now. I came out here forcoasting, not for confidences. "

"I fear, my dear little girl, you're destined all through life to getconfidences, whatever you may go for. "

"Oh, what a horrible outlook! Well, then, let me gather my coastingwhile I may! Come on, Chubsy, let's go up the hill. " And putting herhand in Hal's, Patty started the upward journey. 

At the top she declared she was going for one more ride downhill, andthis time with Jim. "For, " she said to herself, "I would like _one_ride without 'confidences. '"

"Off we go!" said Jim, as he arranged her snugly on the toboggan sled, and took his place in front of her. They had a fine ride down, and Jiminsisted on pulling Patty up again. She rode part way, and thendecided it was too hard work for him, and jumped off. 

"I guess I'm good for some walk, " she said, as she tucked her armthrough his, and they climbed the hill slowly. 

"I guess you are, Patty. You're strong enough, only you're not ashardy as Daisy and Adèle. I believe our Western girls are heartierthan you New Yorkers. By the way, Patty, speaking of the West atlarge, what made you tell a naughty story this morning?"

"I didn't!" and Patty looked at him with wide-open eyes. "I have a fewfaults, Jim, a _very_ few, and _very_ small ones! but truly, storytelling isn't among them. "

"But you said you didn't get a big blue letter, " pursued Jim. 

"And neither I did, " protested Patty. "What do you mean, Jim, by thatbig blue letter? I didn't see any. "

"Patty, it's none of my business, but you seem to be in earnest inwhat you say, so I'll tell you that there certainly was in the mail abig blue letter for you, addressed in Bill Farnsworth's handwriting. Iwasn't curious, but I couldn't help seeing it; and I know the dear oldboy's fist so well, that I was moved to tease you about it. "

"It didn't tease me, Jim, for I didn't get any such letter. "

"Well, then, where is it?"

"I don't know, I'm sure. Perhaps baby May kept it. "

"Perhaps some of the boys got it and kept it to tease you. "

"I don't believe they'd do that. Perhaps Adèle saved it for me. Well, we'll look around when we get home, but don't say anything about it. "

But when they reached the house, neither Jim nor Patty could find theblue letter. Adèle said she had not seen it, and Patty insisted thatno one else should be questioned. Privately, she thought that HalFerris had received it by mistake from baby May, and had kept it, because he, too, knew Bill's handwriting, and because, --well, ofcourse, it _was_ foolish, she knew, --but Hal had said he was jealousof any other man, and he might have suppressed or destroyed Bill'scard for that reason. She felt sure it was not a letter, but merely aChristmas card. However, she wanted it, but she wanted to ask Hal forit herself, instead of letting the Kenerleys ask him. 

 * * * * *

"Dinner will be at two o'clock, " Adèle made announcement. "It'sconsidered the proper thing to eat in the middle of the day on aholiday, though why, I never could quite understand. "

"Why, of course, the reason is, so the children can eat once in awhile, " suggested her brother. 

"Baby can't come to the table. She's too little, and her table mannersare informal, to say the least. However, the tradition still holds, sodinner's at two o'clock, and you may as well all go and get dressed, for it's after one, now. There'll be a few extra guests, so you girlswill have somebody to dress up for. "

"I like that, " said Roger; "as if we boys weren't enough for any girlsto dress up for!"

"But you've seen all our pretty frocks, " laughed Patty. "It's onlystrangers we can hope to impress with them now. I shall wear my mostcaptivating gown, if Mr. Collins is coming. Is he, Adèle?"

"Yes, and Mr. Hoyt, too; and two more girls. Skip along, now, anddon't dawdle. "

But Patty dawdled on the staircase till Ferris came along, and thenshe spoke to him in a low tone. "Chub, you didn't see a stray letterof mine this morning, did you?"

"'M--what kind of a letter?"

"Oh, a blue envelope, with probably a card inside. I hadn't opened it, so I don't know what was in it. "

"Who was it from?"

"Why, how could I tell, when I hadn't opened it! In fact, that's justwhat I want to know. "

"What makes you think I know anything about it?"

"Oh, Chub, don't tease me! I haven't time, now; and truly, I want thatletter! Do you know anything about it?"

"No, Patty, I don't. I didn't see any letters addressed to you, exceptthe bunch you had in your hand. Have you really lost one?"

"Yes, " said Patty, seeing that Hal was serious. "Jim told me there wasone for me from Mr. Farnsworth, and I want it. "

"Bill Farnsworth! What's he writing to you for? I didn't know you knewhim. "

"I don't know him very well; I only met him last summer. And I don'tknow that he did write to me; it was probably just a card. But I wantit. "

"Yes, you seem to. Why, Patty, you're blushing. "

"I am not any such thing!"

"You are, too! You're as pink as a peach. "

"Well, I only blushed to make you call me a peach, --and now that I'vesucceeded, I'll run away. "

So blushing and laughing both, Patty ran upstairs to her own room. Halhad been so frank that she was convinced he knew nothing about theletter, and she began to fear it must have been tossed into the fire, with the many waste papers that were scattered about. 

CHAPTER XIII

HIDE AND SEEK

All the time Patty was dressing she wondered about that letter; andwhen Mona, ready for dinner, stopped at her door, Patty drew her intothe room. 

"Mona, " she said, "did you get a Christmas card from Mr. Farnsworth?"

"Yes, " said Mona, "in a big blue envelope. Daisy had one, too. Didn'tyou get one?"

"No; Jim said there was one for me, but it got lost somehow. Thrown inthe fire, I shouldn't wonder. "

"Well, don't mind, " said Mona, cheerfully. "You can have mine. Itisn't very pretty, and Daisy's isn't either, but I suppose they're thebest Bill could find out there in Arizona. Do you want it now, Patty?"

"I don't want it at all, Mona. What would I want with your card, orDaisy's either? But if Little Billee sent one to me, I'd like to haveit, that's all. "

"Of course you would; but truly, they don't amount to much. "

"Jim must have been mistaken about there being one for me, " saidPatty, and then the two girls went downstairs. 

The Christmas dinner was practically a repetition of the feast of thenight before; but as Adèle said, how could that be helped if peoplewould have two Christmas celebrations on successive days?

There were four extra guests, who proved to be merry and jolly youngpeople, and after dinner Hal declared that his reign as Lord ofMisrule was not yet over. 

"Don't let's do any more stunts like we had last night, " said Mona. "They wear me out. Let's play easy games, like blindman's buff, orsomething. "

"Or Copenhagen, " said Hal, but Patty frowned at him. 

"We're too grown-up for such things, " she declared, with dignity. "What do you say to a nice, dignified game of hide and seek?"

"All over the house!" cried Roger. "May we, Mrs. Kenerley?"

"The house is yours, " said Adèle. "I reserve no portion of it. Fromcellar to attic, from drawing-room to kitchen, hide where you will andseek where you like, --if you'll only promise not to wake the baby. She's taking her afternoon nap. "

"She doesn't seem to mind noise, " said Roger. "We do make an awfulracket, you know. "

"Oh, no, I don't mean that, " said Adèle. "I've trained her not tomind noise. But I mean if your hiding and seeking takes you into thenursery quarters, do go softly. "

"Of course we will, " said Philip. "I'm specially devoted to that baby, and I'll see that her nap isn't disturbed, even if I have to standsentry at her door. But what larks to have the whole house! I've neverplayed it before but what they wouldn't let you hide in this room orthat room. Who'll be It?"

"Oh, that's an old-fashioned way to play, " said Hal. "Here's a betterway. Either all the men hide and the girls find them, or else theother way around; and, anyway, don't you know, whoever finds who, hasto be her partner or something. "

"For life?" asked Jim, looking horrified. 

"Mercy, no!" said his brother-in-law. "This is a civilised land, andwe don't select life partners that way!"

"You mean just partners for a dance, " said Patty, trying to help himout. 

"Well, you see, " said Hal, "it ought to be more than just a dance; Imean more like a partner for a, --for a junketing of some kind. "

"I'll tell you, " said Adèle. "There's to be a masquerade ball at theCountry Club on New Year's Eve, and we're all going. "

"Just the thing!" cried Hal. "Now, whichever seeker finds whicheverhider, they'll go in pairs to the ball, don't you see? Romeo andJuliet, or anything they like, for costumes. "

"But we won't be here, " and Philip Van Reypen looked ruefully atRoger. "We go back to town to-morrow. "

"But you can come up again, " said Adèle, hospitably. "I hereby inviteyou both to come back the day before New Year's, and stay as long asyou will. "

"Well, you are _some_ hostess!" declared Roger, looking grateful. "Iaccept with pleasure, but I doubt if my friend Van Reypen can getaway. "

"Can he!" cried Philip. "Well, I rather guess he can! Mrs. Kenerley, you're all sorts of a darling, and you'll see me back here on thefirst train after your invitation takes effect. "

"Then hurrah for our game of hide and seek, " Hal exclaimed. "Jim andAdèle, you must be in it, too. You needn't think you can go as Darbyand Joan, --you must take your chances with the rest. If you find eachother, all right, but if you find anybody else, that's your fate, --see?"

"I'm willing, " said Adèle, laughing. "I'm sure I'd be glad to go withany of you beautiful young men. "

"Now, will you listen to _that_!" cried her husband. "Well, I won't beoutdone in generosity. I'll be proud to escort any one of this galaxyof beauty, " and he looked at the group of pretty girls. 

"Now, we must do it all up proper, " said Hal. "In the first place, wemust draw lots to see whether the girls shall hide or we shall. Wemust have it all very fair. "

He tore two strips of paper, one longer than the other, and holdingthem behind him, bade Adèle choose. 

"Right!" she said, and Hal put forth his right hand and gave her apaper on which was written "Girls. "

"All right, " went on the master of ceremonies. "Now you girls musthide. We'll give you fifteen minutes to tuck yourselves away, and thenwe're all coming to look for you. As soon as any man finds any girl, he brings her back here to the hall to wait for the others. Now, there's no stipulation, except that you must not go out of the house. Scoot! and remember, in fifteen minutes we'll be after you!"

The six girls ran away and made for various parts of the house. Thetwo Misses Crosby, who had come as dinner guests, looked a littlesurprised at this unusual game, and Patty said to them, kindly: "Youdon't mind, do you? You know, you needn't really go with the man whofinds you, if you don't want to. "

"Oh, we don't mind, " said the elder Miss Crosby. "I think it'sfun, --only if I should draw that dignified Mr. Van Reypen I'd bescared to death!"

"Oh, he isn't so awfully dignified, " laughed Patty. "That's just hismanner at first. When you know him better, he's as jolly as anything. But hurry up, girls, the minutes are flying. "

The girls scampered away, some running to the attic, others going intowardrobes or behind sofas, and Patty ran to her own room. 

Then she bethought herself that that was one of the most likely placesthey would look for her, and she was seized with an ambition to bafflethe seekers. With a half-formed plan in her mind, she slipped out of aside door of her own room that opened on a small passage leading tothe nursery. In the nursery, she found the baby asleep in her crib, and the Fräulein lying down on a couch with a slumber-robe thrownover her, though she was not asleep. 

Like a flash, Patty's plan formed itself. She whispered to theFräulein, and with a quick understanding the good-natured German girltook off her rather voluminous frilled cap, with its long muslinstreamers, and put it on Patty's head. Then Patty lay down on the couch, with her face toward the wall, and deep buried in the pillows. Fräuleintucked the slumber-robe over her, and then herself disappeared down intothe kitchen quarters. 

The search was rather a long one, for the house was large, and thegirls had chosen difficult hiding-places. 

The two Crosby girls were found first, because not knowing the housewell, they had simply gone into hall closets, and stood behind somehanging dresses. They were discovered by Jim Kenerley and Hal; and ifthe latter was disappointed in his quarry, he gave no sign of it. 

The four returned to the hall, and after a while they were joined byRoger and Mona. 

"Oho, " said Jim, who loved to tease, "what a coincidence that you twoshould find each other!"

"Easy enough, " said Roger. "I knew Mona would choose the very hardestplace to find; so I went straight to the attic to the very farthest, darkest corner, and there she was, waiting for me!"

"There I was, " said Mona, "but I wasn't waiting for _you_!"

"No, you were waiting for me, I know, " said Jim, ironically. "Butnever mind, Mona, we'll be partners next time. Hello, Adèle, is that_your_ terrible fate?" and they all laughed as Adèle and Mr. Hoytcame in together, with cobwebs on their hair and smudges of black ontheir faces. 

"I thought I'd be so smart, Jim, and I hid in the coal-bin; but Mr. Hoyt found me! By the way, we must have that place cleaned; it's adisgrace to the house!"

"But you know, my dear, we don't often use it to receive our guestsin. "

"Well, I don't care, it must be cleaned. There's no excuse forcobwebs. Now I must go and tidy up. I hope they haven't wakened thebaby. Oh, here's Daisy. "

Daisy and Mr. Collins came in, laughing, and Mr. Collins declared hehad found Miss Dow hanging out the third-story window by herfinger-tips. 

"Nothing of the sort, " said Daisy. "I was out on a kind of littlebalcony place, that's on top of a bay-window or something, --but I putmy hands over the sill inside, so that I could say I was still in thehouse. Wasn't that fair?"

"Well, it's fair enough, as long as I found you, " said Mr. Collins. "But when I saw your hands, I really thought you were hanging from thesill!"

"Where's Patty?" asked Daisy, "and Mr. Van Reypen? Are they stillfinding each other?"

"I saw Phil, " said Roger, "standing guard at the nursery door, as hesaid he would. He let us each go in and look around, on condition thatwe wouldn't wake the baby. And the baby's nurse was also asleep on thesofa, so I looked around and sneaked out as fast as I could. "

Just then Van Reypen came downstairs. "I've been delayed, " he said, "because I held the fort for the baby, until every man-jack of you hadbeen in the nursery. Now I'm going to begin _my search_. Who is thereleft to find?"

"Oh, who, _indeed_?" said Jim, looking wise. "Oh, _nobody_ inparticular! Nobody but that little Fairfield girl, and _of course_ youwouldn't want to find _her_!"

"Patty!" exclaimed Philip, as he looked around at the group. "Why, sheisn't here, is she? Where can that little rascal be? You fellows havebeen all over the house, I suppose?"

"Every nook and cranny, " declared Mr. Hoyt. "It was as a very lastresort that I went to the coal-bin and captured Mrs. Kenerley. "

"Been through the kitchens?" asked Philip, looking puzzled. 

"I have, " said Mr. Collins. "They're full of startled-looking servantswho seemed to think I was a lunatic, or a gentleman burglar, --I don'tknow which. "

"Well, of course she's got to be found, " said Philip. "There's no uselooking in the obvious places, for Patty's just cute enough to pickout a most unexpected hiding-place. Come on, Roger; you found yourgirl, --help me with mine. "

"Oh, it isn't fair to have help, " said Hal. "Alone upon your quest yougo!"

"Here I go, then. " And Philip ran upstairs three at a time. He wentfirst to the attics, and made a systematic search of every hall, room, and closet. He even peeped into the great tank, as if Patty might havebeen transformed into a mermaid. Then followed a thorough search ofthe second story, with all its rambling ells and side corridors; hetiptoed through the nursery, smiling at the sleeping baby and castinga casual glance at the still figure on the couch with the long, whitecap-strings falling to the floor. 

On he went, through the various rooms, and at last, with slow step, came down into the hall again. 

"I think she had one of those contraptions like the Peter Panfairies, " he said, "and flew right out through the roof and up intothe sky! But I haven't searched this floor yet. May I go into thedining-room and kitchens, Mrs. Kenerley?"

"Everywhere, " said Adèle. "You know I made no reservations. "

Philip strode through the rooms, looked under the dining-room tableand into the sideboard cupboards; on through the butler's pantry, andinto the kitchens. Needless to say, he found no Patty, and returned, looking more puzzled than ever. 

"I'm not going down cellar, " he said. "Something tells me that Pattycouldn't possibly stay down there all this time! It's more than anhour since she hid. "

"What are you going to do about it?" inquired Jim. "Give it up? I'llring the Chinese gong for her to come back to us. That was to be asignal in case of an emergency. "

"No, " said Philip. "I'm going to reason this thing out. Give me a fewminutes to think, and I believe I can find her. "

"Don't anybody disturb him, let him think!" said Mona, gaily, andgoing to the piano, she began to play "Alice, where art thou?" inwailing strains that made them all laugh. 

All at once Philip jumped up. "I know where she is!" he exclaimed. "Sit still all of you, and I'll bring her back with me!"

"Wait a minute, " said Adèle, curiously. "How did you find it out?"

"Do _you_ know where she is?" and Philip looked at her intently. 

"No, I haven't the slightest idea, " said Adèle, honestly. "But Iwondered how you could know, just from thinking about it. "

"It's clairvoyance, " said Philip, with a mock air of mystery. "Yousee, I know all the places where she _isn't_, so the one place I havein mind must be where she _is_. By the way, Mrs. Kenerley; baby alwaystakes an afternoon nap, doesn't she?"

"Yes, always. "

"And does the Fräulein, her nurse, always take a nap at the sametime?"

"Oh, no! She never naps in the daytime. "

"She did to-day, " began Roger, but Philip was already flying upstairsagain. 

He went softly into the nursery. The baby was still asleep, the figureon the couch still lay quietly beneath the knitted afghan. 

Philip went over and stood beside the couch. The face was buried inthe pillow, but beneath the edge of the cap he saw some stray goldencurls. 

"H'm!" he mused, in a low voice, but entirely audible to Patty. "Ithought baby May's nurse had dark hair. She must have bleached it!"

Patty gave no sign that she heard, but cuddled her head more deeply inthe soft pillows. 

"Why, it isn't the Fräulein at all!" said Philip, in tones of greatsurprise. "It's the Sleeping Beauty!"

Still Patty gave no intimation of being awake, though, of course, shewas. 

Then Philip leaned down over her and murmured: "And I'm the Prince;and when the Prince finds the Sleeping Beauty, there's only one coursefor him to pursue. "

At this, Patty opened her eyes and prepared to spring up, but she wasnot quite quick enough, and Philip lightly kissed the top of herlittle pink ear, before she could elude him. 

"How dare you!" she cried, and her eyes flashed with indignation. 

But Philip stood calmly smiling at her. 

"It's entirely permissible, " he said, "when any Prince finds aSleeping Beauty, to kiss her awake. "

"But I wasn't asleep!" stormed Patty, "and you knew it!"

"You gave such a successful imitation of it, that I consider myselfjustified, " he returned. "And, anyway, it was only a little bit of abutterfly kiss, and it doesn't really count. "

"No, " agreed Patty, rather relieved, "it doesn't count. "

"But it counts that I have found you, " went on Philip. "You know therest of the story, after the Prince kissed the Sleeping Beauty?"

"She had to go to the Country Club ball with him, " said Patty, laughing, as she danced away from him. "Be careful, Philip; we'll wakebaby May. Come on downstairs. "

"I found her, " announced Philip, somewhat unnecessarily; "and I was ablooming idiot not to know she was there all the time!"

"You sure were!" said Roger, when he heard the story. "Did you get agood rest, Patty?"

"Yes; only it was interrupted so soon, " and Patty returned Philip'smeaning glance with a saucy smile. 

"Well, " Roger went on, "now you two will have to go to the masqueradetogether. I suppose you'll go as Jack and Jill?"

"No, " said Philip, "I think fairy tales are much prettier than MotherGoose rhymes. We're going as the Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, and theFairy Prince. Only, of course, the Sleeping Beauty will be awake forthe occasion. Shall I bring up your costume when I return next week, Patty?"

"I might like to have a voice in deciding on the part I shall take, "said Patty, with a show of spirit. 

"But you _did_ decide it! I never should have thought of appearing as'Prince Charming, ' if you hadn't----"

"That will do, Philip!" said Patty, turning very pink. 

"Go on, Phil!" cried Roger. "If she hadn't what?"

"If she hadn't said I'd look so sweet in a light blue satin coat, "replied Philip, pretending to look confused. 

"Oh, pshaw! She didn't say that, " declared Roger. "And beside, youwon't!"

"Oh, yes, he will, " said Patty. "Those court suits are lovely, --allsilver lace and cocked hats! Oh, Philip, do wear one of those! AndI'll write to Nan, to get me a costume. What are you going to wear, Mona?"

"But we mustn't tell!" said Adèle, in dismay. "This is a masquerade, not merely a fancy dress ball. "

"Oh!" said Patty. "Then we'll have to change our plans, Philip. TheSleeping Beauty game is all off!"

"Only for the moment!" And Philip threw her a challenging glance. 

CHAPTER XIV

A PROPOSAL

It was after midnight when the Christmas guests went away, and Pattydeclared her intention of going to bed at once. 

"I coasted and danced and played hide and seek till I'm utterly wornout, " she said, "and I think I shall sleep for a week!"

"But I'm going away to-morrow, " said Philip, detaining her a moment. 

"But you're coming back next week. I'll promise to be awake by then. But now I'm going to hibernate, like a bear! Good-night, everybody!"and Patty ran upstairs without further ceremony. 

But as, in her pretty blue négligée, she sat before the mirrorbrushing her long hair, Mona, Daisy, and Adèle all came into herroom, quite evidently with a determination to chat. 

"You're an old sleepy-head, Patty, " declared Adèle. "You may sleep aslate as you like in the morning, but we want to have a little confabnow, about lots of things. "

"Nicht, nein, non, no!" cried Patty, jumping up and brandishing herhair-brush. "I know perfectly well what your confabs mean, --an hour ormore of chattering and giggling! Come in the morning, --I'm going tohave my chocolate upstairs to-morrow, --and I'll give you all theinformation you want. But as for to-night, skip, scoot, scamper, andvamoose, every dear, sweet, pretty little one of you!"

Laughingly, Patty pushed the three out of her room, and closing thedoor after them, turned its key, unheeding their protests, andreturned to her hair-brushing. 

"It's no use, Patricia, " she said, talking to herself in the mirror, as she often did, "letting those girls keep you up till all hours! Youneed your beauty sleep, to preserve what small pretence to good looksyou have left. "

Patty was not really vain of her pretty face, but she well knew thather delicate type of beauty could not stand continuous late hourswithout showing it, and Patty was not mistaken when she claimed forherself a good share of common sense. 

But as she brushed away at the golden tangle of curls, she heard a lighttap at her door, which sounded insistent, rather than mischievous. 

"Who is it?" she asked, as she rose and went toward the door. 

"It's Daisy, " said a low voice. "Let me in, Patty, just for a minute. "

So Patty opened the door, and Daisy Dow came in. 

"I want to tell you something, " she said, as Patty stood waiting, brush in hand. "I don't really want to tell you a bit, --but Jim says Imust, " and Daisy looked decidedly cross and ill-tempered. 

Patty realised that it was a bother of some kind, and she said, gently, "Leave it till morning, Daisy; we'll both feel brighter then. "

"No; Jim said I must tell you to-night. Oh, pshaw, it's nothing, anyway! Only there _was_ a letter for you from Bill Farnsworth, and Itook it from May, and kept it for a while, just to tease you. I wasgoing to give it to you to-morrow, anyway; but Jim came and asked meabout it, and made _such_ a fuss! Men are so _silly_!"

"Why, no, Daisy, it isn't anything much; only you know people _do_like to have letters that belong to them! But, as you say, it'snothing to make a fuss about. Incidentally, I believe it's a State'sprison offence, --or would be if you opened it. You didn't, did you?"

"Of course not!" said Daisy; "but I knew it was only a card, likeours, and I just kept it back for fun. "

"It doesn't seem to me an awfully good joke, --but never mind that. Give me the letter, and we'll call it square, and I won't have youarrested or anything. "

Patty spoke lightly, but really she was deeply annoyed at this foolishtrick of Daisy's. However, since Jim had found out the truth and madeDaisy own up, there was no great harm done. 

"I haven't got the letter, " said Daisy. "I left it downstairs, but wecan get it in the morning. I'm sure it's only a card; it is just thesame size and shape as ours. "

"Daisy, what did you do it for?" And Patty looked the girl in theeyes, in a real curiosity to know why she should descend to this pettymeanness. 

"Because you're such a favourite, " said Daisy, truthfully. "Everybodylikes you best, and everybody does everything for you, and you geteverything, and I wanted to tease you!"

Patty grasped the girl by her shoulders, and shook her good-naturedly, while she laughed aloud. "Daisy, you _do_ beat the dickens! You knowthat foolish little temper of yours is too silly for anything, and ifyou'd conquer it you'd be a whole lot nicer girl! You're just aspretty as anybody else, and just as jolly and attractive, but you geta notion that you're slighted when you're _not_; and that makes youill-tempered and you lose half your charm. Don't you know that if youwant people to love you and admire you, you must be sunshiny andpleasant?"

"Huh, that isn't my nature, I s'pose. I can't help my quick temper. But, anyway, Patty, you're a dear not to get mad, --and I'll give youthe letter the first thing in the morning. "

"Where is it, Daisy?"

"Oh, I just stuck it between two volumes of a cyclopædia, on a shelfin the library. So, you see, we can't get it till morning; but it willbe safe there, don't worry. "

"I'm not worrying, " and Patty smiled, as Daisy said a somewhat abruptgood-night, and went away. 

There were still a few embers of a wood fire glowing on the hearth, and Patty sat down before it in a big arm-chair. 

"I don't know why I'm so glad, " she said to herself, her weariness allgone now. "But I did feel neglected to have Little Billee send theother girls cards, and leave me out. I'd like to see it; I hardlyglanced at theirs, --though I remember, they weren't very pretty. I'dlike to see Little Billee again, but I don't suppose I ever shall. Well, there are plenty of other nice boys in the world, so it doesn'tmatter much. All the same, I'd like to see that card. I believe I'llgo down and get it. There's always a low light in the hall, and I canfeel it between the books. "

Patty hesitated for some time, but finally her impatience or curiositygot the better of her, and she softly opened her door and peeped out. There were low lights in the halls, and as she listened over thebanister and heard no sounds, Patty began to creep softly down thestairs. Her trailing robe of light blue crêpe de chine was edged withswansdown, and she drew it about her, as she noiselessly tiptoed alongin her slippered feet. 

The hall light shone dimly into the library, through which Patty couldsee a brighter light in the smoking-room beyond. She listened amoment, but hearing no voices, concluded she could creep into thelibrary, capture her card, and return undiscovered. 

"And, anyway, " she thought to herself, "there can't be anybody in thesmoking-room, or I would hear them talking. "

It was easy to proceed without a sound by stepping softly along thethick rugs, and as Patty knew exactly where the cyclopædias wereshelved, she made straight for that bookcase. It was next to thesmoking-room doorway, and as Patty reached it, she peeped around theportière to make sure that the next room was unoccupied. 

But to her surprise, she saw Philip Van Reypen stretched out in a bigarm-chair in front of the fire. His eyes were closed, but Patty saw hewas not asleep, as he was slowly smoking a cigar. Patty saw himsidewise, and she stood for a second contemplating the handsomeprofile and the fine physique of the man, who looked especiallygraceful in his careless and unconscious position. 

Almost holding her breath, lest he should hear her, Patty movednoiselessly to the shelves, being then out of sight behind aportière. 

By slow, careful movements, it was easy enough to move the bookssilently, and at last she discovered the blue envelope, tucked betweentwo of them. She drew it out without a sound, --careful lest the papershould crackle, --and started to retrace her stealthy steps upstairsagain, when she saw the hem of the portière move the veriest trifle. 

"A mouse!" she thought to herself, with a terrified spasm of fear, forPatty was foolishly afraid of mice. 

Unable to control herself, she sprang up into a soft easy-chair andperched on the back of it. 

The springs of the chair gave a tiny squeak, scarcely as loud as amouse might make, yet sufficient to arouse Van Reypen from hisreverie. 

He sprang up, and pushing aside the portière, switched on the light, to see Patty sitting on the low, tufted back of the chair, her hairstreaming about her shoulders, and her face expressing the utmost fearand horror. 

"Well!" he observed, looking at her with a smile, --"_well_!"

"Oh, Philip, " whispered Patty, in a quaking voice, "it's a mouse! an_awful_ mouse!"

"Well, what are you going to do about it?" and Philip folded his arms, and stood gazing at the pretty, frightened figure on the chair back. 

His amused calm quieted Patty's nerves, which had really been put onedge by her uncontrollable aversion to mice, and she returned, cheerfully, "I suppose I shall have to stay up here the rest of mylife, unless you can attack and vanquish the fearsome brute. "

"I shall not even try, " said Philip, coolly, as he turned to throwaway his cigar, "because I like to see you sitting up there. However, as there may be danger of another attack from the enemy, and as thischair is almost entirely unoccupied, I shall camp out here at yourfeet, and keep guard over your safety. "

He seated himself on the arm of the same chair, while Patty sat on itslow, cushioned back. She drew her blue gown more closely about her, and cast wary glances toward the corner, where the enemy waspresumably encamped. 

"I think perhaps the danger is over, " she said. "And if you'll go backto the smoking-room, I will make a brave effort to get away unharmed. "

"Watch me go, " said Philip, showing no signs of moving. "However, ifit will set your mind at rest, I'll tell you that it _wasn't_ a mouse. I don't believe they have such things in this well-regulatedhousehold. "

"But I _saw_ it!" declared Patty, positively. 

"Saw a mouse?"

"Well, not _exactly_ that, but I saw that little tassel on theportière wiggle, so it _must_ have been a mouse. "

"Patty, you are the most ridiculous little goose on the face of thisearth! Your imagination is something marvellous! Now I'll inform youthat the reason that tassel moved, was because I threw a match at it. I aimed for a waste-basket and hit the curtain, but I had no idea thatI should find myself so surprised at the result!"

Patty dimpled and giggled. "It _is_ surprising, isn't it?" she said, feeling much more light-hearted since her fears were relievedregarding the mouse. "And I'm not sure it's altogether correct, thatyou and I should be down here alone after midnight. "

"Fiddlestrings!" exclaimed Philip. "Don't be a silly! And besides, Jimis about somewhere, and Adèle has been bobbing in and out. "

"There was no one in the halls when I came down. And I think, Philip, I'd better go back. "

"What did you come down for, anyhow?"

For some unexplained reason, Patty suddenly felt unwilling to tellwhat she had come for. Bill's letter was hidden in the folds of hervoluminous blue gown, and she couldn't quite bring herself to tellPhilip that she came down for that. 

"Oh, I was wakeful, " she said, "and I came down to get a--a book. "

"H'm; and you thought you'd take a volume of the Britannica back withyou, to read yourself to sleep?"

Patty had to laugh at this, for in the corner where they were, theshelves contained nothing but cyclopædias and dictionaries. 

"But they're really very interesting reading, " she declared. 

"And this is the little girl who was so sleepy she had to run off tobed as soon as the party was over! Patty, Patty, I'm afraid you're nottelling me the truth! Try again. "

"Well, then, --well, then, I came down because, --because I was hungry!"

"Ah, that's better. Anybody has a right to be hungry, or even afraidof mice, --but no one has a right to lug a whole cyclopædia upstairsto read oneself to sleep. "

"I wasn't going to take _all_ the volumes, " said Patty, demurely, andthen she jumped down from her perch. "I'll just see which one I dowant, " and pretending to read the labels, she deftly slipped herletter back between the volumes, unseen by Van Reypen. 

"You little goose, you, " said Philip, laughing. "Stop your nonsense, and let's go and forage in the dining-room for something to eat. Wemight as well have some good food while we're about it. "

"But I'm not exactly in proper dinner garb, " said Patty, shaking outher blue folds, and trailing her long robe behind her. 

"Nonsense! I don't know much about millinery, but you never woreanything more becoming than all that fiddly-faddly conglomeration ofblue silk and white fur. "

"It isn't fur, --it's down. "

"Well, I said you were a goose, --so it's most appropriate. "

"But it's swansdown. "

"Well, be a swan, then! Be anything you like. But come on, let's makefor the dining-room. We'll probably find Jim there, but don't make anynoise, or everybody upstairs will think we're burglars and shoot us. "

Philip switched off the library light, and taking Patty's hand, ledher through the dim hall and into the dining-room. At the end of thisroom was a wide bay window, which let in a perfect flood of moonlight. 

"Oh, " exclaimed Patty, "what a picture! From my room you couldn't tellit was moonlight at all. "

The picture from the window was a far sweep of hills, white with snow, and glistening in the moonlight. In the foreground, evergreen trees, laden with snow, stood about like sentinels, --and a big, yellowthree-quarter moon was nearing the western horizon. 

"Isn't it wonderful, Philip?" whispered Patty, almost awed at thesight. 

"Yes, dear, " he said, still holding her hand in both his own. "Patty, you have a wonderful appreciation of the beautiful. "

"Nobody could help loving such a sight as that. "

"And nobody could help loving such a girl as you!" exclaimed Philip, drawing her into his arms. "Patty, darling, you know I love you!Patty, _do_ care for me a _little_ bit, won't you?"

"Don't, Philip, " and Patty drew gently away from him. "_Please_ don'ttalk to me like that! Oh, I oughtn't to be here! Let me go, Philip, --I_know_ this isn't right. "

"It _is_ right, Patty, darling; because I love you, and I want you forall my own. Say you love me, and that will make _everything_ allright!"

"But I don't, Philip. " And Patty's voice carried a hint of tears. 

"But you will, dear; you _must_, because I love you _so_. Patty, Ihave always loved you, I think, since I first saw you on the stairs atAunty Van's that evening. Do you remember?"

"Yes, I remember; but please, Philip, let me go now, and _don't_ talkto me this way. I don't _want_ you to!"

"You're frightened, Patty, that's all; and perhaps I ought not to havespoken just now; but you looked so sweet, in the moonlight, with thatwonderful hair of yours curling about your shoulders, that I justcouldn't help it. "

"I'll forgive you, Philip, if you'll forget this whole occurrence. "

"Forget it? Why, Patty, what do you mean? I never forget it for asingle moment! I was sitting there to-night, dreaming of _you_. Iwasn't asleep, you know, I was just thinking about you, and wonderinghow soon I might tell you my thoughts. You're so young, dear, --I'mhalf a dozen years older than you are, --but I want you, my littlePatty. Mayn't I hope?"

"You're quite right, Philip. I _am_ too young to think of such things. So cut it out for a couple of years, and then I'll see about it!"

"Patty, you rogue, how _can_ you speak like that? Don't you love me aleast little bit?"

"Not a teenty weenty speck! And if you don't give me something to eat, I won't even _like_ you. "

"Well, here's a bargain, then, --if I find something nice for you toeat, will you like me a whole lot?"

"I do like you a whole lot, anyway; but I don't love you and I'm notgoing to love _anybody_, _ever_! I do think being grown-up is aregular nuisance, and I wish I was a little girl again, with my hairdown my back!"

"Incidentally, your hair _is_ down your back. "

"Well, I don't care, " and Patty shook her curly mane. "I wear it thatway in tableaux and things, so what's the difference?"

"There _isn't_ any difference. We'll pretend you're a tableau. "

"All right, I'll be Patience on a Monument, waiting for some supper. "

"That was Little Tommy Tucker. "

"No; _he_ sang for his supper. I'm not going to sing. "

"For Heaven's sake, _don't_! Your top notes would bring the wholecrowd down here! Patty, if you'll promise to love me _some time_, I'llstop teasing you _now_. "

"Oh, Philip, I'd do 'most anything to have you stop teasing me now!But how _can_ I tell who I'm going to love when I get old enough tolove anybody?"

"Well, you don't love anybody yet, do you?"

"I do _not_!" and Patty shook her head with great emphasis. 

"Then I have a fair show, anyway. " And Philip drew the curtain thatshut out the moonlight, and switched on the electric light. 

"Exit Romance!" he said, "and enter Comedy! Now, Patty, you're mylittle playmate; we're just two kiddies in the pantry, stealingjam, --that is, if we can find any jam. "

"The pantry's the place, " said Patty; "there's nothing in thesideboard but biscuit and raisins. "

"They don't sound very good to me. To the pantry!"

Into the pantries they went, and there, in cupboards and iceboxes, found all sorts of good things. 

Cold turkey, game pâté, jellies, custards, cakes, and all varietiesof food. 

"This is ever so much more fun than moonlight, " said Patty, as sheperched herself on a table, there being no chair, and held a partridgewing in one hand and a macaroon in the other. "Could you find me aglass of milk, Philip?"

"Yes, indeed; anything you want, my Princess. "

"I thought you said Jim was about, " Patty remarked. 

"He was, " returned Philip, calmly. "I saw him go upstairs as we camein the dining-room. "

"Did he see us?"

"Sure! He grinned at me and I grinned at him. I didn't invite him tocome with us, --so being a polite gentleman, he didn't come. He doesn'tmind our eating up his food. He's awful hospitable, Jim is. "

"Well, I've had enough of his food, and now I'm going back to my downycouch. If I don't see you to-morrow before you leave, --good-bye, Philip. "

"That's a nice, casual way to say good-bye to a man who has justproposed to you!"

"Good gracious! _Was_ that a proposal?"

"Well, rather! What did you think it was? A sermon, or just a bit oforatory?"

"Do you know, Philip, truly I didn't realise it at the time, " andPatty's smile was very provoking, as she looked up into his face. 

"Would your answer have been different if you had?" he asked, eagerly. 

"Oh, no, not that! But I just want you to understand that I don'tconsider it a real proposal, " and Patty laughed and ran away, leavingPhilip to "clear up" the pantry. 

She stopped a moment in the library, long enough to get her blueletter, and then scuttled up the stairs and into her own room. 

CHAPTER XV

A CHRISTMAS CARD

Once safely behind her locked door, Patty tore open her blue envelope. It was only a card, --but not an ordinary printed Christmas card. 

In the upper corner was a spray of apple blossoms, exquisitelypainted; and on the card were some verses, written in a hand that wassmall and fine, but unmistakably the same as the address on theoutside of the envelope. 

With a little sigh of pleasure, Patty cuddled up in her arm-chair toread the Christmas message. 

But it proved to be not very Christmassy, after all; for this is whatshe read:

 "MY LADY OF DELIGHT

 "My Lady of Delight's a dainty, winsome thing; She's Queen of Summertime, and Princess of the Spring. Her lovely, smiling lips are roses set to rhyme, She has a merry, lilting laugh, like Bluebells all a-chime. The radiance of her smile, the sunshine in her eyes, Is like the Dawn of breaking Day upon the summer skies. 

 "With roguish glances bright, all on a Summer Day, My Lady of Delight she stole my heart away; And though I humbly beg and plead with her, alack! My Lady of Delight, she will not give it back. I seem to see her now, with tangled golden curl, With dancing eyes, and smiling lips, --My Apple Blossom Girl!

 "Oh, Lady of Delight, I pray you, smile on me; Oh, Lady of Delight, your Knight I fain would be; Oh, Lady of Delight, you set my heart aglow. I only know I love you so, Dear Lady of Delight!"

Patty read the verses over twice, with shining eyes. 

"I wonder if he wrote them himself, " she mused. "I don't believe hedid; he must have copied them. He knows an awful lot of pretty poetrylike that. And yet it doesn't sound like a real poet's poetry, either. And he used to call me Apple Blossom, --such a pretty name. Philipwould never think of such a thing as that. I wonder if I like LittleBillee better than I do Philip. I wonder if he likes me better. But ofcourse he can't, or he would have written to me in all this time. Ihaven't seen him since August, and he never wrote a word, except thestiffest kind of a line with those flowers he sent me. I thought he'dforgotten all about me! But I can't think so now, --unless he just cameacross this poem, and it recalled me to his mind. Well, I came awfullynear not getting it! I don't see how Daisy _could_ have been so mean;I don't like that kind of a joke a bit. But of course she thought itwas just a printed card, like hers and Mona's. Well, she'll never knowit _isn't_, --that's one thing sure!"

And then Patty tucked her card of verses under her pillow and went tosleep. 

The next morning, as Patty had prophesied, she slept late. Daisypeeped into her room two or three times before she finally foundPatty's blue eyes open. 

"At last!" she said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I thoughtyou'd never wake up! Patty, what do you think? I've been down in thelibrary, and I can't find that card! I'm awfully sorry, truly I am;I'll give you mine if you want it. "

"Thank you, Daisy, " and Patty smiled at the recollection of Mona'ssimilar offer. "Bill's cards seem to be a drug in the market! But youmay keep yours, and also set your mind at rest about mine; for Isneaked downstairs last night in the dark, and fished it out formyself. "

"You did! Oh, Patty, weren't you frightened to prowl around like that, late at night?"

Patty shook with laughter. "I _was_ frightened, " she said, "when Ithought I saw a mouse, --but it wasn't a mouse, after all. "

"Oh, I wouldn't be afraid of a mouse! But you might have met a, --aburglar or something?"

"No, " and Patty still grinned. "I didn't meet any _burglar_. But I gotthe card, Daisy, so that's all right. "

"Was it like mine? Let me see it. "

"It wasn't exactly like yours, and I won't let you see it. You kept itaway from me, and now it's my turn to keep it away from you. And bythe way, Daisy, that was a mean thing to do, and I don't want you todo anything like that to me again!" Patty's sweet face showed anunusually stern expression, and her blue eyes looked straight intoDaisy's as she spoke. 

"I won't, Patty; truly, I won't. I'm awfully sorry, but I did it on asudden impulse. "

"I know it; and, Daisy, I want you to try not to give way to those'sudden impulses' when they're mean ones. You have enough good, generous impulses to keep you busy. Now, you mustn't mind if your AuntPatty lectures you a little bit, because as the teachers always say, 'it's for your own good. ' And if you'll please take a chair, insteadof sitting all over my feet, I'd like to have my breakfast; for I hearmy pretty little Swedish Hedwig bringing it in. "

The smiling maid appeared with Patty's breakfast tray, followed byMona and Adèle. 

"Company already!" exclaimed Patty, sitting up in bed. "Hedwig, quick, my breakfast cap, --the pink one, --and the nightingale to match. "

The maid threw the silken wrap around Patty's shoulders, and tuckedher hair into the lace-frilled cap, which was of a Dutch shape, andmade Patty look like the pictures of Holland's pretty queen. 

"You don't seem hungry, " said Mona, as Patty toyed with her chocolate. "Now, I ate a most astonishing breakfast, because I forgot to eat mysupper last night. "

"Well, you see, " returned Patty, dropping her lashes to hide hertwinkling eyes, "I didn't forget to eat my supper. "

The recollection of that supper in the pantry was too much for her, and she burst into laughter. 

"What _is_ the matter with you, Patty?" said Adèle. "You're actinglike a harmless lunatic! However, I'm sent to tell you to hop up andget dressed, for one of your admirers below stairs wants you to go fora sleighride with him. "

"Jim?" asked Patty, looking up with a smile. 

"No; Mr. Van Reypen. "

"Oh, good gracious! I don't care about going riding with Philip; I cansee _him_ in New York. I hoped it was Hal, --that's why I said Jim. "

"Patty, " said her hostess, "you're a born coquette, and always willbe! But your wiles are wasted on me. Save them for your suitors. But, truly, Mr. Van Reypen is going on an errand for me, and he said thathe wanted to show you _some_ little attention while he was here, andhe guessed he'd let you go along with him in the cutter. "

"Oh, a cutter ride, " and Patty began to scramble out of bed. "Thatsounds rather good fun. But I'd rather go with Hal. "

"Well, you're candid, at any rate, " said Daisy. "But as it happens, Hal and I are going to practise some music this morning. "

"Oh, in that case, I've nothing more to say. " And Patty smiledgood-naturedly at Daisy. "And I suppose Mona and Roger are goingsomewhere to play by themselves. "

"Nothing of the sort, " said Mona. "Roger's going back to the city thismorning, and I'm going to write letters. "

"But I thought Philip was going back to the city, " said Patty, lookingat Adèle. 

"He's going on the afternoon train. Go on and get dressed, Patty, anddon't waste any more time. "

"All right, " and Patty made an expeditious toilette and in little morethan half an hour went downstairs equipped for her ride. 

She was enveloped from head to foot in a raccoon fur coat, with ajaunty hat of the same, trimmed only with a bright quill feather. 

"Why do we go?" she demanded, presenting herself before Philip, whowas waiting in the hall. 

"To get butter and eggs, " he returned, gravely. "The Kenerley larderis entirely empty of those two very necessary ingredients. "

"But why do _we_ go for them? Are there no servants to send?"

"Little girls shouldn't ask questions, " and without further ceremonyPhilip tucked her into the waiting sleigh, sprang in beside her, andtook up the lines. 

"My, this is great!" exclaimed Patty, as the pair of fine horses wentdashing down the drive, and the clear, keen winter air blew againsther face. 

"Yes; I thought the sleighride would brace you up. And, really, thereseemed to be nobody to send on this errand, so I said we'd go. "

"Is it far?"

"No; only about five miles; we'll be back for luncheon. How did yousleep, after your late supper?"

"All right, " and Patty smiled back into Philip's face. "But I wasn'thungry for my breakfast. "

"I should say not! You ate enough last night for two little girls likeyou!"

"There aren't two little girls like me!" said Patty, with twinklingeyes, and Philip exclaimed: "Indeed, there aren't! I say, Patty, myPrincess Patty, _do_ be engaged to me, won't you?"

"No, you ridiculous boy, I won't! And if you say another word on thesubject, I'll be real downright mad at you!"

"Very well, I won't. Now, see here, Princess, do you mean to go tothis masquerade ball with me? For, if not, I'm not coming back herefor New Year's. "

"Why, of course, I'm going with you. Who else?"

"I don't know, I'm sure. But there would be plenty glad to take you. "

"Pooh! I know that. But I want to go with you. What shall we wear?"

"I was thinking of some foolish thing, like Little Bo-Peep, you know. "

"Oh, I'd love to be that! A shepherdess costume, and a crook withribbons on. But I want you to wear a satin coat and knee-breeches. "

"Well, I'll be Old King Cole. "

"No, I don't like that. I'll tell you! You be Little Boy Blue. "

"The Gainsborough picture?"

"No, that won't do either. Oh, you be Bobby Shafto! He wears 'silverbuckles on his knee, ' don't you know?"

"Yes, I _do_ know! And what's the next line?"

"Never mind, " said Patty, turning pink. "I want you to wear a realBobby Shafto costume. So you will, won't you?"

"Of course, if my Princess commands. I'll have it made at once. Can Ihelp about yours?"

"Well, you might go to see Nan, and tell her what I want, and she'llget it and send it up here. A shepherdess rig is easy enough, andthere's nothing prettier. "

"It will be lovely. I say, which way do we turn here?"

"To go to Hatton's Corners? Oh, to the right. "

"I think it's the left. "

"No, it isn't. I remember distinctly, Jim said, be sure to take theright road. "

"He meant right, not wrong. "

"Nonsense! he didn't. He meant right, not left. Turn right, Philip. "

They turned right, into a wide, straight road. The sleighing was fine, though not yet sufficiently packed. But, with the light cutter, andtwo good horses, they spun along in great shape. 

"There's something about sleighing that's different from anythingelse, " remarked Patty, with the air of one expounding a great truth. 

"It's the exhilaration. Spinning along like this, with the snowcrunching under us, beats motoring, I think. "

"Yes; for an occasional ride. But for all the year round, motoring isbest. "

"That's so. Sleighing isn't much fun in July or August. "

"Huh! don't be silly. But, I say, Philip, where are we? Jim said we'dpass Little Falls, and then we must follow the trolley line all theway to the butter and egg house. I don't see any trolley. "

"Neither do I, yet. But we'll soon strike it. Ah, here we are!"

"No; this is a railroad, --a steam railroad, I mean. Philip, we're offthe road. "

"I think we are. I'm sorry I insisted on turning to the right at thatcorner. "

"You _didn't_ insist. _I_ did! But I thought it was right. "

"It _is_ right, dear. Anything is right, where you are. "

"You'd better stop talking foolishness, and find the right road. "

"Oh, if you call that _foolishness_!"

"Well, I do! I'd rather you'd get to the egg house and back before itbegins to storm. And by the looks of the sky, I'm sure it _is_ goingto storm. "

"Oh, no! nothing like that. But I say! Princess! it's after oneo'clock! Now, who would have thought it? And they expect us back toluncheon!"

"After one! Oh, Philip, it _can't_ be!"

"Yes, it is! Well, Patty Pink, the best thing to do, _I_ think, is togo to that house I see in the dim distance, and ask our way. The lasttwo or three signposts have shown names _I_ never heard of. "

"I either, " said Patty, in a meek voice. "I noticed them, but I didn'tsay anything, because it's my fault we went astray. "

"Well, never mind. We're in for a lark, that's all. 'Afar in thedesert I love to ride'--what comes next, Patty?"

"'With the silent Bushboy alone by my side----'"

"Yes, that's it; but thank goodness, you're not silent----"

"Nor a Bushboy, either. But I don't like this, Philip. We're----"

"We're far frae our hame, and all that. But don't you worry, myPrincess. You're with me, and so you're not lost. You know, it'sbetter to be loved than lost. "

"Now, Philip, stop talking about love! It's bad enough to belost, --and we _are_ lost, --without having somebody harping about loveall the time. "

"Well, this isn't much of a time or place, is it? So, suppose we invadethis peaceful dwelling, and inquire our latitude and longitude. "

They drove up a winding road to a large, old-fashioned house, andPhilip jumped out at the front door. 

His summons on the big, brass knocker was answered by a prim littlelady, with grey hair and bright, dark eyes. 

"Pardon me, madame, " said Philip, in his best manner. "We have lostour way. Will you tell me how to reach Hatton's Corners?"

"Hatton's Corners! Why, that's a good ten miles from here. Where'd youcome from?"

"From Fern Falls. "

"Then you took the wrong road at the Big Tree Fork. You'd oughter 'a'gone to the left. "

"H'm; you may be right. But must we go back there, or is there ashorter cut?"

"No; there ain't no shorter cut. But your young lady looks cold. Won'tyou two come in and take a bite o' dinner, and get warm before you goon?"

"Why, this is true hospitality, madame. What do you say, Patty?"

Patty looked uncertain. "I don't know what to say, " she replied, hesitatingly. "I _am_ cold; but I'm afraid it would delay us so longthat Adèle will worry about us. I think we'd better jog along. "

But then another old lady appeared. She was rounder, rosier, plumper, and jollier than the first, and she cried out, heartily: "Jog along?Well, I reckon not! I jest waited to slip into my shoes, --my feet'sawful tender, --and then I come right out here to see what's goin' on. Now, you two young folks come right in, and set a spell. 'Tain't oftenwe get a chance to have comp'ny, --and on chicken pie day, too!"

"Whew, chicken pie!" exclaimed Philip. "How about it, Patty?"

"Have you a telephone?" asked Patty, with a sudden inspiration. 

"Yes, miss. Now you jest come along. 'Kiah, the hired man, he'll lookafter your horses, and I'm free to confess they need a rest and afeed, even if you don't. "

"That's so, " said Philip. "We must have come twelve or fifteen miles. "

"It's all o' that from Fern Falls. My, I'm right down glad to lookafter you two. You do seem to need it. "

The speaker's twinkling dark eyes looked at her two visitors with suchcomprehension that Patty blushed and Philip smiled. 

"We're from Mr. Kenerley's house, " he explained, --"guests there, youknow. And we started for Hatton's Corners to get some butter andeggs--and somehow, we took the wrong turn----"

"It was all my fault, " confessed Patty. "I insisted on coming thisway, though Mr. Van Reypen thought the other was right. "

"Well, well, never mind! It'll jest be a nice, smart trip back afterdinner. I'm Mrs. Fay, and this is my sister, Miss Wilhelmina Winthrop. She's got a longer name than I have, but I've got a longer head. "

They were ushered into the old-fashioned sitting-room, with itsBrussels carpet showing huge baskets of flowers; its heterogeneousfurniture, some chairs haircloth and black walnut, and otherscane-seated, with rep cushions tied on; marble tables, of course; andan old sofa, with well-worn pillows and rugs. 

But the place had a hospitable air, and the two hostesses were fairlybeaming with delight at this opportunity for entertainment. MissWinthrop carried Patty off to her own bedroom. 

"You're jest all tuckered out, I can see, " she said, hovering aroundher like a clucking hen; "but a wash-up and a good dish o' chicken piewill put you all to rights again. "

"But I must telephone before we eat dinner, " said Patty. 

"So you shall, --so you shall. Now, don't you worry the leastest miteabout anything. "

"How kind you are!" exclaimed Patty, smiling on the happy little oldlady. "I suppose you belong to the real old New England Winthrops?"

"Yes, and we're mighty proud of our name. I was so much so that Inever would change it, "--and she chuckled. "Sister, though, shethought Fay was prettier. "

"Fay _is_ pretty, " said Patty, cordially, "and now, if I may, I'lltelephone, for I know our people will be wondering where we are. "

"All right, Miss Fairfield; come right along. " But in returning to thesitting-room, Patty found Philip was already at the telephone. 

"Yep, " he was saying, "lost our way; took wrong turning at Big TreeFork. Brought up, somehow, at Mrs. Fay's. Accepted invitation todinner, --chicken pie!--Start back immediately after the E in Pie! See?Expect us when we get there. Will accumulate a butter and a egg ortwo, on our way home. Love to all. Philip. " He concluded his harangue, and turned to Patty. 

"All serene on the Potomac, Patty Pink! I told them all it wasnecessary for them to know; and if they desire further information, they can call us up. They know where we are. Me for the chicken pie!"

CHAPTER XVI

STORMBOUND

The two old ladies were not of the quaint type, nor was their homepicturesque. The place and the people were merely old-fashioned, andthey were almost primitive in their ways. They were kind-hearted andhospitable, but they were of the rugged New England class that haslost the charm of its Colonial ancestry. 

The dinner was wholesome and plentiful, but with no variety, andserved in the plainest fashion. The chicken pie was delicious, but ithad no accompaniments except home-made hot biscuit and coffee withthick, rich, country cream. 

"I always say, " said Miss Winthrop, as she settled herself at thetable, "that chicken pie is a whole meal in itself, without anybothersome side-dishes. I say it's meat and drink both; but sistersays she just can't enjoy it 'thout she has a cup of coffee alongsideof it. Well, I've no objections to the coffee, I'm sure, but I'm freeto admit it does seem superfluous. Still, with company so, it ain't somuch out of place. "

"I'm sorry if we've made you any extra trouble, " said Patty, givingMiss Winthrop one of her best smiles; "but _I'm_ free to confess thatthis is the most wonderful coffee that I've ever tasted, and I thinkit goes specially well with the pie. And as for these light biscuit, they're just puffs of lusciousness! Aren't they, Philip?"

"They are, indeed! All you say is true, but both coffee and biscuitpale beside the glory of this chicken pie! There never _was_ suchanother!"

Mrs. Fay beamed with delight at these generous compliments, and said, complacently, "Yes, they ain't many can make chicken pie like mine, ifI do say it. My, ain't it lucky you young people happened along, to-day of all days! And land knows, I don't want you to go away rightoff. I'd like you to set a spell after dinner. But I feel it mybounden duty to tell you that 'Kiah says there's a storm a-brewin'. But I don't think you need start off before, say, three o'clock, anyway. "

"Three o'clock will do nicely, " returned Philip, gaily. "That willgive us time to stop at Hatton's Corners and get home before dark. Personally, I'm not in a bit of a hurry. "

"No?" And Mrs. Fay looked quizzically at her guests. "I just reckon, young man, that you ain't one mite sorry that you lost your way andhad this little outing with your young lady?"

"Indeed I'm not sorry, Mrs. Fay; and beside our little outing, we'rehaving a pleasant visit with you, and we're enjoying every minute ofit. "

"Indeed we are, " said Patty, glancing out of the window as she spoke. "But it's beginning to snow already, and I don't think we'd betterwait until three o'clock. "

"Land's sake!" and Miss Winthrop turned to look out of the windowbehind her. "So it is snowing! And when it begins that way, with fineflakes, slanting crossways, it means business! I dunno as you canhardly dare venture on a twelve-mile ride in the face of this. 'Pearsto me it's going to be a blizzard. "

"Nonsense, Mina; you do always look on the dark side, " expostulatedher sister. "Now _I_ think 'tain't nothing but a flurry, and by thendinner is over, it'll be bright sunshine again. Now, have your platesfilled up, friends, and try and make out a meal. "

Mrs. Fay fairly beamed with hospitality as she urged more viands uponher guests. The table appointments were of the plainest, being thickwhite china and coarse table napery, with plated silverware. Patty hadexpected thin little old teaspoons of hall-marked silver, and old blueor perhaps copper-lustre teacups, but this household was not of thatsort. Everything seemed to date from the early seventies, and Pattywondered why there were no old Winthrop heirlooms in the family. 

She brought the conversation round to antiques, and Mrs. Fay remarked, decidedly: "I just can't bear old-fashioned things. I come into quitea lot of old mahogany furniture and pewter and dishes and things whenmy grandfather died. But when I got married, I had an auction and soldeverything. Then I took the money and bought a whole new outfit. Ibelieve in going right along with the times. 'Course those old thingswere all right for grandfather, but when I married, I'm free toconfess, I wanted things that were in style then. So I bought a realtasty outfit, and I've kept it careful, and it's pretty near as goodas new now. "

She looked around with pride at her dining-room furnishings, whichseemed to Patty about the worst she had ever seen. 

But she smiled at her hostess, and said, cordially: "I _do_ think it'snice to have just what you want; and I think we do get attached to ourown things. Have you lived here long?"

"Land, yes! Nearly all my life. Mr. Fay, he's been dead twenty-fiveyears; so sister and me we live here together, as contented as youplease. We have a telephone and a rural delivery, so you see it's justthe same as if we were right in town. Now, if you really won't eat anymore pie, let's go into the sittin'-room a spell. "

From the sitting-room windows the view of the storm seemed moreserious. The sky was black, the wind was blowing a gale, and thesnow-flurry had grown thicker. In fact, it was a hard snowstorm, andMiss Winthrop's fear of a blizzard did not seem entirely unfounded. 

The young people took it lightly, however. "There's no use worrying, "said Patty. "We ought to be thankful, Philip, that we're undershelter, and with such kind friends. You'll keep us till the storm isover, won't you, Mrs. Fay?"

"Yes, and glad to. You just can't think of starting now, so you mightas well settle down and make the best of it. Want to telephone to yourpeople again?"

"We will after a while; but there's no use calling them up now. Let'swait and see whether the storm grows worse or better. Why, if it's ablizzard, we may have to stay here all night!"

"Don't let that worry you none, " and Mrs. Fay swung back and forthcomplacently in her plush patent-rocker. "We got two spare bedrooms, and I'll just be tickled to death to put you up over night. You'rejust like a streak of sunshine in the house, Miss Fairfield, and I'mglad to have you as long as you'll stay. "

"I wish you'd call me a streak of sunshine, " said Philip. "I'd love tobe called that. "

"Well, you're bright enough, " and Mrs. Fay looked at him, serenely. "But you're a different kind of a streak. "

"A streak of lightning, I guess, if need be, " said Miss Winthrop, nodding her head at Philip, as if she appreciated his capabilities. 

"I'm quick at some things, " said Philip, modestly. "But, jiminycrickets! I don't believe we're going to be very quick getting awayfrom here! Just look at the storm, _now_!"

The fury of the elements had increased. The wind was a raging northernblast, and the snow was already piled in drifts. It was, in fact, ablizzard in a small way, and was rapidly growing. 

"But never mind the weather, so long as we're together, " sang Pattywith a little trill, as she danced about the room. Then she seatedherself at the old, square piano, and began to sing snatches of gaysongs. 

"My land! How pretty you do sing, " said Miss Winthrop, who was leaningon the end of the piano, listening delightedly. "Oh, sing more, won'tyou? I don't know when I've had such a treat. "

So Patty sang several of her prettiest songs, and the two old ladieswere enchanted. Moreover, Eliza, the maid-of-all-work, and 'Kiah, thehired man, appeared in the doorway of the sitting-room and listenedtoo. 

"Come on, Philip; let's give them a duet, " and Patty broke into somerollicking college songs, in which Philip joined. 

Glad to be able to please their kind entertainers, they kept onsinging for an hour or more. 

"Well, that was great!" exclaimed Mrs. Fay, as Patty rose at last fromthe piano stool. "I used to sing some, and he used to sing bass. My, but we had nice times singing together there at that same piano. Youtwo just made me think of it all over again. I think it's awful nicefor two to sing together. "

"Yes, we're awfully fond of singing together, " said Philip, with aglance at Patty, half mischievous, half tender, whereat Patty blushed. 

"You needn't tell me, " said Mrs. Fay, nodding her head. "I see justhow it is with you two. You can't hide it, you know, so you needn't totry. "

"Oh, I don't want to hide anything, I'm sure, " said Philip. But Pattysaid, "Don't be foolish, Philip; there's nothing to hide! You'remistaken, Mrs. Fay, if you think we're anything more than friends. "

"Oh, land, child, I know what that means! Maybe you ain't ready to sayyes yet, but you will soon. Well, it ain't none of my business, butI'm free to confess you are as proper-lookin' a young couple as I'dwant to meet; and mighty well suited to each other. "

"That's what I think, " began Philip, but Patty turned the subject andwent back to the weather, which was always a safe ground forconversation, if not safe to go out into. 

"Well, " she said, going to the window for the fourteenth time; "it'sperfectly hopeless to think of starting. And it's after four now, andit's blowing great guns and snowing like all possessed! Mrs. Fay, we'll simply have to accept your hospitality for the night. Now Ithink I'll telephone Adèle that we're stormbound. "

But though Patty called and called, she could get no answer from thetelephone Central. 

"Guess the wires must be down, " said Miss Winthrop. "They broke downlast winter with a snow that came sudden, just like this, and 'twas aweek before we got it fixed. "

"Let me try, " and Philip took the receiver from Patty's hand. But itmade no difference who tried, they could get no answer of any kind. 

"Oh, well, " said Philip, as he hung up the receiver again, "it doesn'tmatter much. They know we're safe, and they know where we are, andthey know we couldn't start out in a storm like this. "

"Maybe they'll come for us with a motor, " suggested Patty. 

"They might if we were nearer. But a motor would get stalled before itcould get over here and back again in these drifts. It's an awfulstorm, Patty, and the sooner you make up your mind that we can't gohome to-night, the better for all concerned. "

"My mind's made up, then, " and Patty danced about the room. "I don'tmind a bit! I think it's a lark. Do you have feather beds, Mrs. Fay?--I mean the kind you climb up to with step-ladders. "

"Land no, child! We ain't old-fashioned folks, you know. We havesprings and mattresses just like you do at home. Well, I'm sorry ifyour folks are worried, but I'm glad to have you young people stay thenight. Maybe this evening, you'll sing for us some more. "

"We will, " said Philip. "We'll sing everything we know, and then makeup some. "

Once having made up her mind to the inevitable, Patty ceased botheringabout it, and proceeded to enjoy herself and to entertain everybodyelse. She chatted pleasantly with the old lady, she coquetted withPhilip, and finally wandered out into the kitchen to make friends withEliza. 

"Let me help you get supper, " she said, for, to tell the truth, thenovelty of the situation had passed, and Patty began to feel a littlebored. 

"Supper ain't nothin' to get, miss, " returned Eliza, a rawboned, countrified girl who was shy in the presence of this city lady. 

"Well, let me help you, anyway. Mayn't I set the table?"

"I'm afraid you wouldn't know where the things was. Here, take thisdish and go down cellar for the butter, if so be's you have to dosomethin'. It's in a kag, underneath the swing-shelf. "

"Swing-shelf?" said Patty, interested--"what is a swing-shelf?"

"Why, a shelf hanging from the ceiling, to keep things on. "

"But why does it hang from the ceiling? I never heard of such athing. "

"Why, so the rats or mice can't get at the things. "

"Rats or mice!" and Patty gave a wild scream. "Here, take your plate, Eliza. I wouldn't go down there for a million billion dollars!"

Patty ran back to the sitting-room. "Oh, Philip, " she cried, "theyhave rats and mice! Can't we go home? I don't mind the storm!"

"There, there, Patty, " said Philip, meeting her half-way across theroom, and taking her hand in his. "Don't be silly!"

"I'm _not_ silly! But I _can't_ stay where they keep rats and mice!Why, Philip, they _expect_ them. They build high shelves on purposefor them. "

"You must excuse this little girl, Mrs. Fay, " said Philip. "She'sreally sensible in most ways, but she's an absolute idiot about mice, and she can't help it. Why, the other night----"

Patty drew her hand away from Philip's clasp, and put it over hismouth. "Stop!" she said, blushing furiously. "Don't you say anotherword! I'm _not_ afraid of mice, Mrs. Fay. "

"There, there, child; I know you are, and I don't blame you a mite. Iam, too, or leastways, I used to be. I've kinder got over it of lateyears. But I know just how you feel. Now, let me tell you; _honest_, never a mouse dares show the tip of his nose outside the cellar! Ifyou don't go down there, you're as safe as you would be up in aballoon. And I don't count none the less on you for acting skittishabout 'em. "

"I don't mind it, either, " said Philip, who was still holding Patty'shand by way of reassurance. "I shouldn't mind if you acted skittisheryet. "

But Patty drew her hand away, declaring that Mrs. Fay had quieted herfears entirely, and that if Eliza would promise to keep the cellardoor shut, she wouldn't give another thought to the dreaded animals. 

After supper, the four played a game of old-fashioned whist, whichdelighted the two old ladies, though it seemed strange to Patty andPhilip, who were both good bridge players. Then there was more music, and at ten o'clock Miss Winthrop informed them that it was bedtime. 

With considerable pride she took Patty up to the best spare room. 

"Now, I hope you'll be comfortable, " she said, "and I'm sure you willbe. Here's my best night-gown for you, and a dressing-gown andslippers. I don't need 'em, --I can get along. And here's a brush andcomb. And now, that's everything you want, isn't it?"

Patty was touched at the kindliness of the old lady, and thoughinwardly amused at the meagerness of her night appointments, she said, gratefully, "You're so kind to me, Miss Winthrop. Truly, I doappreciate it. "

"You sweet little thing, " returned the old lady. "Now let me unhookyou, --I should admire to do so. "

So Miss Winthrop assisted Patty to undress, and finally, after minutedirections about the turning down and blowing out of the kerosenelamp, she went away. 

When Patty surveyed herself in the mirror, she almost laughed aloud. The night-dress was of thick, unbleached muslin, made with tight bandsto button around the neck and wrists. These bands were edged with arow of narrow tatting; and it was this trimming, Patty felt sure, thatdifferentiated Miss Winthrop's best night-gown from her others. ThenPatty tried on the dressing-gown, which was of dark grey flannel. This, too, was severely plain, though voluminous in shape; and theslippers were of black felt, and quite large enough for Patty to putboth feet in one. She arrayed herself in these things and gave way tosilent laughter as she pirouetted across the room. But her amusementat the unattractive garments in no way lessened her real appreciationof the gentle kindliness and hospitality that had been accorded toher. 

At last she tucked herself into bed, and rolling over on the nubblymattress and creaky springs, she almost wished that it had been afeather bed. But she was soon asleep, and thought no more aboutanything until morning. 

Breakfast was at half-past seven, and after that, the long morningdragged. The fun and novelty had worn off, and Patty was anxious toget back to Fern Falls. She was bright and entertaining as ever, butthe spontaneous enthusiasm of the day before had vanished. 

But it was impossible to start that morning, Philip said. The roadswere piled high with drifts, and almost impassable. 

"But why can't we break the roads?" asked Patty. "Somebody has to doit, and I'm sure Jim's horses are as good as anybody's. "

"Little girls mustn't advise on matters which they know nothingabout, " said Philip, unable to resist the temptation to tease her. 

Patty pouted a little, and then, with a sudden resolution, was her ownsunny self again. "All right, Philip, " she said, smiling at him. "Iknow you'll start as soon as it's possible. When will that be?"

"Perhaps we can go this afternoon, dear; right after dinner, maybe. The man thinks the roads will be broken by that time. "

The storm had ceased, and it was cloudy most of the morning, but aboutnoon the sun came out, and by two o'clock they prepared to start. 

The two kind old ladies were sorry to see them go, and begged them tocome again some time to visit them. 

Patty said good-bye with expressions of real and honestly meantgratitude, for surely Mrs. Fay and her sister had been kindness itselfto their young guests. 

"But goodness, gracious, Philip, " Patty exclaimed, as they went flyingdown the road, "if I had had to stay there another night, I shouldhave died!"

"Why, Patty, it wasn't so bad. Of course, they are primitive andold-fashioned people; but they are true ladies, even if not veryhighly educated. And their hospitality was simply unlimited. "

"Yes, I know all that, " said Patty, impatiently; "but I was bored todeath. "

"Well, you didn't show it; you were sweet as a peach to those twopeople, and they'll always love you for it. "

"Oh, of course I wouldn't be impolite; but I'm glad we're started forhome. "

"Well, I'm not. Patty, I just enjoyed every minute, --because I wasthere with you. Dear, you don't _know_ what it meant to me. "

"Now, Philip, " and Patty turned to flash a twinkling smile at him, "wehave a twelve-mile drive ahead of us, besides gathering the eggs. Now, if you're going to say things like that to me all that twelve miles, I'm going to jump right out into this snowbank and stay there tillsomebody comes along and picks me up. "

"But, Patty, I _must_ say these things to you. "

"Then, I _must_ jump. "

"But wait a minute, dear; before you jump, won't you just tell me thatI may have a little hope that some day you'll promise to be my ownlittle Patty forever?"

"Philip, I _can't_ say anything like that, and I _wish_ you wouldn'ttease me. If those snowbanks didn't look so dreadfully cold----"

"But they _are_ cold. If you don't believe it, I will wait while youtry one. But, Patty, anyway, tell me this. If I stop teasing you now, will you give me an answer when I come back at New Year's? You know, Imust take that five-thirty train this afternoon, and I shan't see youagain till next week. Will you give me an answer then?"

"'Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do!'" sang Patty, with a saucysmile at him. 

"No, I don't want Daisy's answer, I want yours. Now, you think it overthrough the week, and when I come up next Tuesday, you be ready tosay, 'Yes, Philip, you may hope, and some day I'll make your hope cometrue. '"

"That's an awful long speech to learn by heart, " said Patty, musingly. 

"But you needn't learn it word for word; just say something from yourown heart that means the same. "

"Well, " said Patty, "next Tuesday I'll look into my heart and seewhat's there; and if there's anything for you, I'll tell you. "

Philip was forced to be content with this, for Patty suddenly changedthe subject, and began to chatter merry nonsense that afforded noopportunity for romance. The roads were only a little broken, and thegoing was hard, because of occasional big drifts, but along somewind-swept stretches they made fairly good time. 

"But I say, " said Philip; "we'll have to cut out the butter and eggchapter! I simply _must_ get that five-thirty, and I can't do it if wego around by Hatton's Corners. "

"All right, " returned Patty. "I'll put it up to Adèle that we justcouldn't do it; and I'll tell you what, Philip, we'll go right to thestation, and you take the train there without going to the Kenerleys'at all. They'll send your things down to-morrow. "

"That would be the safer way. But how will you get home from thestation?"

"Oh, I'll telephone from the station office, and they'll send Martin, or somebody, after me. "

"But you have to wait so long. Here's a better plan. Let's stop at theBarclay Inn, and telephone from there. Then when we reach the station, Martin or somebody will be there for you. "

Patty agreed, and when they reached the Barclay Inn, a few miles fromFern Falls, they went in to telephone. 

"We're on our way home, " said Patty, after she had succeeded ingetting a connection. 

"Well, I should think it was time!" exclaimed Adèle. "You don't knowwhat you've missed! Where are you?"

"At Barclay Inn; and we're in an awful hurry. Philip is going to takethe five-thirty from the station, and you send somebody there to meetme and drive the horses home, will you! And what did I miss? And_you'll_ miss the butter and eggs, because we didn't get them. "

"But where have you been? We tried all yesterday to get you on thetelephone, and all this morning, too. "

"Yes, I know; the wires broke down. But everything's all right. Westayed at Mrs. Fay's. I'll tell you all about it when I see you. Besure to have me met at the station. Good-bye. "

Patty hung up the receiver and hurried back to Philip. "We'll have tohustle to catch that train, " he said, as he tucked her in the sleigh. "Did you get Adèle?"

"Yes; she'll send some one to meet me. She says I missed something. Doyou suppose they had a party last night in all that blizzard?"

"Well, it's just as well for you to miss a party once in a while; youhave plenty of them. And I like the party I was at better than any Iever went to. "

The roads were much better where they were travelling now, and theyreached the station in time for Philip's train. But it was a closeconnection, for the train was already in the station, and as Philipswung aboard, he saw Martin and Hal Ferris coming in another sleigh. 

"There they are!" he called to Patty. "It's all right, good-bye. "

"Good-bye, " she called back, and then the train pulled out. 

"Well, you _did_ cut up a pretty trick!" exclaimed Hal Ferris, as hecame up to her. "Now, you jump in here with me, and I'll drive youhome, and let Martin look after your horses. They must be pretty welldone up. I would have brought a motor, but the sleighing's fine, andthe motoring isn't. Hop in. "

Patty hopped in, and in a moment they were flying along toward home. 

"What did I miss?" she asked. "Did you have a party last night?"

"Party! in that storm! Rather not. "

"Well, what _did_ I miss?"

"What makes you think you missed anything?"

"Adèle told me so, over the telephone. "

"Well, then, let Adèle tell you what it was. How could I possiblyknow?"

"But what did you do last night?"

"Nothing much; sat around, sang a little, and talked, --and I guessthat's all. "

"Who was there? Didn't Roger go home?"

"Yes; Roger went down on the morning train, just after you started onyour wild career. "

"Well, who _was_ there? Chub, I know you're keeping something from me. Now, tell me what it is!"

"Do you really want to know, Patty? Well, Bill Farnsworth was there. "

"What!" and Patty nearly fell out of the sleigh in astonishment. "BillFarnsworth?"

"Yes; he came unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. Could only staytwenty-four hours, and went back to-day on the two o'clock train. "

Patty wondered to herself why she felt as if something awful hadhappened. She couldn't realise that Bill had been there, and had goneaway, and she hadn't seen him! What a cruel coincidence that it shouldhave been just at the time when she was away. But her pride came toher rescue. She had no intention of letting Hal Ferris or anybody elseknow that she cared. 

So she said, lightly: "Well, of all things! Didn't anybody expecthim?"

"No; he thought he'd surprise us. He was awfully cut up that youweren't there. "

"Oh, he was! Well, why didn't you send for me?"

"Send for you! And you miles away, and a blizzard blizzing like fury!But we spent hours hanging over the telephone, trying to get word toyou. "

"The wires were down, " said Patty, thinking of the uninterestingevening she had spent, when she might have been talking to LittleBillee. 

"They sure were! We tried and tried, but we couldn't get a peep out ofyou. Daisy said it was because you were so wrapped up in Philip thatyou wouldn't answer the old telephone. "

Patty's pretty face hardened a little as she thought how Daisy woulddelight in making such a speech as that before Farnsworth. 

"I say, Patty, are you cut up about this? Did you want to see BigBill, specially?"

"Oh, no, no, " said Patty, smiling again. "I only thought it seemedfunny that he happened to come when I happened to be away. "

"Yes, I know; but of course nobody could help it. He came East on aflying business trip. Tried to get here for Christmas, but couldn'tmake it. He waited over a day, just to skip up here and back; said hewanted to see us all. But he had to take the two o'clock back to NewYork to-day, and I believe he starts to-night for Arizona. He's agreat fellow, Bill is. You like him, don't you, Patty?"

"Yes, I like him, " said Patty, simply. 

"I've known him for years, you know. Giant Greatheart, we used to callhim. So big and good, you know. Always doing something for somebody, and generous as he can be. Well, he's making good out in the mines. Idon't know exactly what he's doing, but he's in a fair way to be arich man. He's connected with some big company, and he's working withall his might. And when you say that about Big Bill Farnsworth, itmeans a good deal. "

CHAPTER XVII

THE COUNTRY CLUB BALL

Before her mirror, Patty was putting the last touches to her Bo-Peepcostume, and it must be confessed she was viewing the effect withadmiration. 

The gilt-framed glass gave back a lovely picture. The costume was oneof the prettiest Patty had ever worn, and was exceedingly becoming. There was a short, quilted skirt of white satin and a pannieredoverdress of gay, flowered silk, caught up with blue bows. A littlelaced bodice and white chemisette completed the dress. Then there wasa broad-leafed shepherdess hat, trimmed with flowers, and under thisPatty's gold curls were bunched up on either side and tied with blueribbons. She wore high-heeled, buckled slippers, and carried a long, white crook, trimmed with blossoms and fluttering ribbons. 

She pranced and turned in front of the mirror, decidedly satisfiedwith the whole effect. Then she caught up her basket of flowers, whichshe carried because it added a pretty touch, and went downstairs. 

It was a gay-looking party that waited for her in the hall. The twoMisses Crosby had been there to dinner, and also Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Collins, and these, with the house party, were now all arrayed intheir fancy dress. As they had agreed on Christmas Day, they were allin pairs, and as of course there could be no secrecy among them, theyhad not yet put on their masks. 

Mona and Roger were very magnificent as Queen Elizabeth and Sir WalterRaleigh. Though Mona was not at all the type of the red-haired queen, she looked very handsome in the regal robes and great, flaring collar, while Roger was a veritable courtier in his picturesque garb. 

Daisy and Mr. Collins were Pierrette and Pierrot. Their costumes wereblack and white, Frenchy-looking affairs, with tossing pompons andpeaked caps. 

The elder Miss Crosby and Jim Kenerley were Indians; and the warlikebrave and the young Indian maiden looked as if they might have steppedout of the earliest pages of our country's history. 

The other Miss Crosby and Hal Ferris were Italian peasants in nationalcostume. 

Adèle and Mr. Hoyt were the most simply dressed of all, but in theirplain Puritan garb they were effective and distinguished looking. 

Perhaps, however, it was Philip Van Reypen whose costume received thegreatest applause. He had copied a picture of Bobby Shafto that hadbeen painted by a frivolous-minded artist, and his embroidered andbelaced coat of light blue silk was remindful of the period of thegayest Louis. He wore white satin knee-breeches, white silk stockings, and black slippers with enormous buckles. In accordance with the song, there were large silver buckles at his knees; and his tri-corne hatwas a very marvel of gold lace and feathers. Full lace ruffles flappedat his throat and wrists, and altogether he was an absolute dandy. 

"You look like a valentine, " said Patty, "or a birthday cake. "

"You do look good enough to eat, " declared Adèle, as she took in thegorgeous costume. 

"Yes, I flatter myself it's the very last touch of Shaftoism, " saidPhilip, strutting about with an affected gait. "I say, Patty, you'reall kinds of a peach yourself. "

"Yes, this frock is all right, " said Patty, "but you simply take mybreath away, Phil. I didn't know anybody could look so beautiful! Iwish men dressed that way nowadays. "

And then everybody admired everybody else until it was time to start. Then each put on a little mask, which they were to wear at the balluntil supper-time. Patty's was of light blue silk with a short fall oflace, and Philip's was of black satin. 

"I can't wear this thing all the way there, " declared Patty, takinghers off again. 

"Well, put it on just before you get there, " enjoined Adèle. "I'vetaken great care that no one should know a word about our costumes, and now if we are well masked they won't be able to guess who we are. Even though they know we all came from our house, there are so many ofus, they can't tell us apart. "

The Country Club was a handsome, spacious building, well away from theoutskirts of the town. But the motors took them there swiftly, andsoon they joined the large party of maskers in the Club ballroom. There were perhaps a hundred people there, and Patty felt there waslittle risk of being recognised. She did not know many of the FernFalls people, anyway, and they would scarcely know her in herdisguise. 

"Of course the first dance is mine, " said Philip, as the music began. 

But after that dance was over, Patty was besieged by would-bepartners. Historical characters, foreigners, clowns, monks, andknights in armour begged for dances with Little Bo-Peep. Patty was soengrossed in looking at these wonderful personages, that she scarcelynoticed who put their names on her card. And in truth it made littledifference, as none of the men put their real names, and she hadn'tthe slightest idea who they were. 

"Help yourselves, " she said, laughing, "to the dances before supper;but don't touch the other side of the card. After the masks are off, Ishall have some say, myself, as to my partners!"

So the first half of the dances were variously signed for by Columbusand Aladdin and Brother Sebastian and Jack Pudding and other suchnames. 

During each dance Patty would try to discover the identity of herpartner, but as she only succeeded in one or two cases, she gave itup. 

"For it doesn't make the slightest difference who you are, " she said, as she danced with Brother Sebastian, who was garbed as a Friar ofOrders Grey. 

"No, " he returned, in a hollow, sepulchral voice, which he seemed tothink suited to his monk's attire. 

"And you needn't try to disguise your voice so desperately, " saidPatty, laughing gaily, "for probably I don't know you, anyhow. And youdon't know me, do you?"

"I don't know your name, " said the monk, still in hollow tones, "but Iknow you're a dancer from the professional stage, and not just a youngwoman in private life. "

"Good gracious!" cried Patty, horrified. "I'm nothing of the sort! I'ma simple-minded little country girl, and I dance because I can't helpit. I love to dance, but I must say that a monk's robe on one'spartner is a little troublesome. I think all the time I'm going totrip on it. "

"Oh, all right; I'll fix that, " said the monk, and he held up theskirts of his long robe until they cleared the floor. 

"That's better, " said Patty, "but it does spoil the picturesqueness ofyour costume. Let's promenade for a while, and then you can let yourrobes drag in proper monkian fashion. "

"Much obliged to you for not saying monkey fashion! I certainly dofeel foolish, dressed up in this rig. "

"Why, you ought not to, in that plain gown. Just look at the thingssome of the men have on!"

"I know it. Look at that court jester; he must feel a fool!"

"But that's his part, " laughed Patty; "rather clever, I think, todress as a fool, and then if you feel like a fool, you're right inyour part. "

"I say, Miss Bo-Peep, you're clever, aren't you?"

"Not so very; but when talking to a learned monk, I try to be as wiseas I can. Oh, look at that stunning big man, --who is he?"

"Looks like one of the patriarchs; but I guess he's meant for KingLear. See the wreath of flowers on his white hair. "

"Did Lear wear flowers? I thought he wore a crown. "

"Tut! tut! Little Bo-Peep, you must brush up your Shakespeare. Don'tyou know King Lear became a little troubled in his head, and adornedhimself with a garland?"

"Well, he's awfully picturesque, " said Patty, quite undisturbed by herignorance of the play, and looking admiringly at Lear's magnificentcourt robes of velvet and ermine, and his long, flowing white hair andbeard, and the garland of flowers that lay loosely on the glisteningwhite wig and trailed down behind. 

As they neared the picturesque figure, King Lear bowed low beforePatty, and held out his hand for her dance card. 

It was the rule of the ball not to speak, but to indicate invitationsby gestures. 

However, Patty had no reason to keep silent, as they were nearly allstrangers, so she laughed, and spoke right out: "I'd gladly give you adance, King Lear, but I haven't one left. "

With another courtly bow, King Lear still seemed to insist on hiswish, and he took up her card, which she had tied to her crook by anarrow ribbon. With surprise he saw the whole second page blank, andpointed to it with an accusing gesture. 

"Ah, yes, " returned Patty, smiling, "but those are for my friendsafter I know them. We unmask at supper-time, and then I shall use somediscrimination in bestowing my dances. If you want one of those youmust ask me for it after supper. "

King Lear bowed submissively to Patty's decree, and was about to moveaway, when a sudden thought struck him. He picked up Patty's cardagain, and indicated a space between the last dance and the supper. 

"Oh, I know what you mean, " cried Patty. "You mean an 'extra. ' But Idon't think they'll have any. And, anyway, I never engage for extras. If they do have one, and you happen to be around, I'll give it toyou;--that's all I can say. " And then Patty's next partner came, andshe danced away with him, leaving King Lear making his sweeping, impressive bows. 

"Who is he?" asked Patty, of Roger, who chanced to be her partner thistime. 

"Don't know, I'm sure; but I know scarcely any of the people up here. They seem to be a fine crowd, though. Have you noticed the Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra? There she is now. Isn't she stunning?"

Patty looked round, to see a tall, majestic woman, dressed as Zenobia. Her tiny mask hid only her eyes, and her beautiful, classic face wellaccorded with the character she had chosen. 

"She's beautiful!" declared Patty, with heartfelt admiration. "I wishI was big and stunning, Roger, instead of a little scrap of humanity. "

"What a silly you are, Patty Pink! Now, I've no doubt that tall, majestic-looking creature wishes she could be a little fairy, likeyou. "

"But a big woman is so much more graceful and dignified. "

"Patty, I do believe you're fishing! And I _know_ you're talkingnonsense! Dignified isn't just the term I should apply to you, --but ifthere's anybody more graceful than you are, I've yet to see her. "

"Oh, Roger, that's dear of you. You know very well, I hate flattery orcompliments, but when a real friend says a nice thing it does me good. And, truly, it's the regret of my life, that I'm not about six inchestaller. There, look at Zenobia now. She's walking with that King Lear. Aren't they a stunning couple?"

"Yes, they are. But if I were you, I wouldn't be envious of otherwomen's attractions. You have quite enough of your own. "

"Never mind about me, " said Patty, suddenly realising that she wastalking foolishly. "Let's talk about Mona. She's looking beautifulto-night, Roger. "

"She always does, " and Roger had a strange thrill in his voice, thatstruck a sympathetic chord in Patty's heart. 

"What about her, Roger? Isn't she good to you?"

"Not very. She's capricious, Patty; sometimes awfully kind, and thenagain she says things that cut deep. Patty, do you think she reallycares for that Lansing man?"

"I don't know, Roger. I can't make Mona out at all, lately. She usedto be so frank and open with me, and now she never talks confidencesat all. "

"Well, I can't understand her, either. But here comes Mr. Collins, looking for you, Patty. Is only half of this dance mine?"

"Yes, Roger. I had to chop up every one, to-night. You may have oneafter supper, if you like. "

Patty whirled through the various dances, and at the last one beforesupper she found herself again with Philip Van Reypen. 

"Why, I didn't know this was yours!" she cried, looking at her card, where, sure enough, she saw the initials B. S. 

"It sure is mine, " returned Bobby Shafto; "but we're not going todance it. "

"Why not, and what are we going to do?"

"We're going to wander away into the conservatory. "

"There isn't any conservatory. This is a club-house, you know. "

"Well, they've fixed up the gymnasium, so it's almost a conservatory. It's full of palms and flowers and things, and it makes a perfectlygood imitation. "

"But why do we go there?" asked Patty, as Philip led her away from thedancing-room. 

"Oh, to settle affairs of state. " He led her to the gymnasium, and sureenough, tall palms and flowering plants had been arranged to form littlenooks and bowers, which were evidently intended for tête-à-têteconversations. 

"You know, " Philip began, as they found a pleasant seat, under somepalms, "you know, Patty, you promised me something. "

"Didn't, neither. "

"Yes, you did, and I'm going to hold you to your promise. Youpromised----"

"'Rose, you promised!'" sang Patty, humming a foolish little song thatwas an old-fashioned favourite. 

"Yes, you _did_ promise, you exasperating little Rose, you! And I'mgoing to keep you prisoner here, until you make it good! Patty, yousaid you'd look into your heart, and tell me what you found there. "

"Goodness me, Philip, did I really say that? Well, it will take me anawful long while to tell you all that's in it. "

"Really, Patty? Did you find so much?"

"Yes, heaps of things. "

"But I mean about me. "

"Oh, about you! Why, I don't know that there's anything there at allabout you. "

"Oh, yes, there is; you can't fool me that way. Now, Patty, do beserious. Look in your heart, and see if there isn't a little love forme?"

Patty sat very still, and closed her eyes, as Philip could see throughthe holes in her blue mask. 

Then she opened them, and said, with a smile: "I looked and huntedgood, Philip, and I can't find a bit of love for you. But there's anawful big, nice, warm friendship, if you care about that. "

"I do care about that, Patty. I care very much for it, but I wantmore. "

Just at that moment King Lear and Zenobia strolled past them, andPatty almost forgot Philip as she gazed after the two majesticfigures. 

"Patty, " he said, recalling her attention, "Patty, dear, I say I wantmore. "

"Piggy-wig!" exclaimed Patty, with her blue eyes twinkling at himthrough the mask. "More what? I was looking at King Lear, and I lostthe thread of your discourse, Philip. "

"Patty Fairfield, I'd like to shake you! Don't you _know_ what I'masking of you?"

"Well, even if I do, I must say, Philip, that I can't carry on aserious conversation with a mask on. Now, you know, they take thesethings off pretty soon, and then----"

"And then may I ask you again, Patty, and will you listen to me andanswer me?"

"Dunno. I make no promises. Philip, this dance is over. I expectthey're going to unmask now. Come on, let's go back to our crowd. "

But just as they rose to go, Jim Kenerley approached, and King Learwas with him. 

"Little Bo-Peep, " said the big Indian, "King Lear tells me that youhalf promised him an extra, if there should be one. "

"As it was only half a promise, then it means only half a dance, " saidPatty, turning her laughing blue eyes to the majestic, flower-crownedKing. "Is there going to be an extra, Jim, --I mean Chief Mudjokivis, or whatever your Indian name is?"

"I don't know, Bo-Peep. I'll go and see. "

Jim went away, and as Philip had already gone, Patty was left alonewith the white-haired King. 

With a slow, majestic air, he touched her gently on the arm, andmotioned for her to be seated. Then he sat down beside her, andthrough the eyeholes of his mask, he looked straight into her eyes. 

At his intent gaze, Patty felt almost frightened, but as her eyes methis own, she became conscious of something familiar in the blue eyesthat looked at her, and then she heard King Lear whisper, softly:"Apple Blossom!"

Patty fairly jumped; then, seeing the smile that came into his eyes, she put out both hands to King Lear, and said, gladly: "Bill! LittleBillee! Oh, I _am_ glad to see you!"

"Are you, really?" And Bill Farnsworth's voice had a slight tremor init. "Are you sure of that, my girl?"

"Of course I am, " and Patty had regained her gay demeanour, which shehad lost in her moment of intense surprise. "Oh, of course I am! I wasso sorry to have missed you last week. And Jim said you went back toArizona. "

"I did expect to, but I was detained in New York, and only thismorning I found I could run up here and stay till to-morrow. Icouldn't get here earlier, and when I reached the house, you had allstarted. So I got into these togs, and came along. "

"Your togs are wonderful, Little Billee. I never saw you look sostunning, not even as Father Neptune. "

"That was a great show, wasn't it?" and Big Bill smiled at therecollection. "But I say, Little Girl, you're looking rather wonderfulyourself to-night. Oh, Patty, it's good to see you again!"

"And it's good to see you; though it doesn't seem as if I had reallyseen you. That mask and beard completely cover up your noblecountenance. "

"And I wish you'd take off that dinky little scrap of blue, so I cansee if you are still my Apple Blossom Girl. "

"But I thought you wanted the extra dance. "

"I don't believe there's going to be any extra, after all. I think thepeople are anxious to get their masks off, and if so we'll have ourdance after supper. "

CHAPTER XVIII

BACK TO NEW YORK

Farnsworth was right. There was no extra before supper, and the guestswere even now flocking to the supper-room. 

Philip came toward them, looking for Patty, his mask already off. 

"Oh, can we really take them off now?" cried Patty. "I'm so glad. They're horridly uncomfortable. I'll never wear one again. I love afancy dress party, but I don't see any sense in a masquerade. "

She took off her mask as she spoke, and her pretty face was flushedpink and her hair was curling in moist ringlets about her temples. 

Farnsworth looked down on her as he removed his own mask. "AppleBlossom!" he exclaimed again, and the comparison was very apt, for thepink and white of Patty's face was just the color of the blossoms. 

Then the two men looked at each other, and Patty suddenly realisedthat they had never met. 

"Oh, you don't know each other, do you?" she exclaimed. "And you mytwo best friends! Mr. Farnsworth, this is Mr. Van Reypen. And now, which of you is going to take me to supper?"

As each offered an arm at once, Patty accepted both, and walked outdemurely between the two big men. The men were exceedingly polite andcourteous, but each was annoyed at the other's presence. As a matterof fact, Farnsworth had chanced to overhear a few words that Philipsaid to Patty a short time before. It was by merest chance that KingLear and Zenobia had walked by just as Philip was asking Patty to givehim more than friendship. Zenobia, uninterested in the two under thepalms, didn't even hear the words; but Farnsworth, who had found outfrom Jim Kenerley all the members of the house party, had scarcelytaken his eyes from Little Bo-Peep since he arrived at the ball. Withno intention of eavesdropping, he had followed her about, hoping toget a chance to see her first alone. He managed this only withKenerley's help, and meantime he had discovered that Van Reypen wasvery seriously interested in Little Bo-Peep. 

Philip himself knew little of Farnsworth, save for a few chanceremarks he had heard at the Kenerleys', but he realised at once thatPatty and the big Westerner were great friends, if nothing more. 

However, the three went to supper together, and joined the group inwhich they were most interested. 

Great was the surprise of Daisy and Mona when Patty appeared with Mr. Farnsworth. 

Big Bill was in the merriest of spirits. He greeted everybodyheartily, he joked and laughed, and was at his most entertaining best. Patty was very proud of him, for without his mask he looked veryhandsome as King Lear, and his stalwart figure seemed to dwarf theother men. 

After supper he claimed Patty for the promised dance. 

"Would you rather dance with King Lear?" he said, smiling, "with allthese heavy velvet draperies bothering us, or shall I go and shed thisrobe, and just be plain Bill?"

Patty looked at him, thoughtfully. "We'd have a better dance if youtook off that flapping robe. But then, of course, you'd have to takeoff your wigs and things, and you wouldn't be half so beautiful. "

"Well, then, don't let's dance, but just stroll around and talk. Andthere's another reason why I'd rather keep on my wig and wreath. "

"What's that?"

"Because the wreath means that I am mad. "

"Mad at me?"

"Oh, not that kind of mad! I mean crazy, demented, loony, --what wasthe old King, anyway?"

"A little touched?"

"Yes, that's it; and so, you see, he could say anything he wanted to. You know, people forgive crazy people, no matter what they say. "

"Are you going to say crazy things to me?"

"Very likely; you've completely turned my head. "

"Do you know, I didn't even know King Lear ever went crazy, " saidPatty in an endeavour to change the subject. 

"Why, fie, fie, Little Girl, I thought you knew your Shakespeare; butI suppose you're too busy socially to read much poetry. "

"I read one poem this winter that I liked, " said Patty, demurely. 

"Did you? What was it?"

"It came to me in a blue envelope. "

"It did! Why, Patty, Jim told me you never got that. "

"Jim is mistaken; I did get it. "

"And did you like it?"

"Where did you get it, Bill?"

"Did you like it?"

"Yes, I liked it lots. Who wrote it?"

"I did. "

"Did you, really? You clever man! I thought possibly you might havedone it, but it sounded so, --so finished. "

"Oh, no, it didn't, Patty. It was crude and amateurish; but it waswritten to you and about you, so I did the best I could. Patty, areyou in love with Van Reypen?"

"What!" and Patty stood still and looked at Farnsworth, indignantly. "You have no right to ask such a question!"

"I know I haven't, Patty, and I apologise. I can't seem to get over myWestern bluntness. And, Little Girl, I don't blame you a bit if you docare for him. He's a good-looking chap, and an all-round good man. "

"You seem to have sized him up pretty quickly. Why, you've only justmet him. "

"Yes, but you know I was at the Kenerleys' last week, and Jim told meall about him. "

"Why did you want to know all about him?"

"Shall I tell you why?" And Farnsworth's blue eyes looked straightinto Patty's own. "I inquired about him, because Daisy said you werejust the same as engaged to him. "

"Daisy said that, did she?" Patty rarely lost her temper, but thisunwarranted speech of Daisy Dow's made her exceedingly angry. But whathurt her even more, was that Bill should believe Daisy's assertion, and should take it so calmly. His attitude piqued Patty; and she said, coldly: "Well, if Daisy says so, it must be so. "

"I know it, Little Girl, " and Farnsworth's voice was very tender. "Hecan give you everything that you ought to have, --wealth, socialposition, and a life of luxury and pleasure. Moreover, he is athorough gentleman and a true man. I hope you will be very happy withhim, Patty. "

For some reason this speech exasperated Patty beyond all measure. Itseemed as if her friends were settling her affairs for her, withoutgiving her any voice in the decision. "You are a little premature, Bill, " she said, without a smile. "I'm not engaged to Mr. Van Reypen, and I do not know that I shall be. "

"Oh, yes, you will, Patty; but don't be hasty, dear child. Think itover before you decide, for you know there are other things in theworld beside wealth and social position. "

"What, for instance?" said Patty, in a flippant tone. 

"Love, " said Farnsworth, very seriously. 

And then Patty was moved by a spirit of perversity. She thought thatif Farnsworth really cared for her, he was handing her over to Philipvery easily, and she resented this attitude. 

"Are you implying that Mr. Van Reypen is not capable of giving melove, as well as the other advantages you enumerate?"

"No, Patty, I am not implying anything of the sort. I only know thatyou are too young yet to be engaged to anybody, and I wish for yourown sake you would wait, --at least until you are perfectly sure ofyour own affections. But if they are given to Mr. Van Reypen, I shallbe glad for you that you have chosen so wisely. "

Patty looked at Farnsworth in amazement. Remembering what he had saidto her last summer, it was strange to hear him talk this way. Shecould not know that the honest, big-hearted fellow was breaking hisown heart at the thought of losing her; but that he unselfishly feltthat Van Reypen, as a man of the world, was more fitting for prettyPatty than himself. He knew he was Western, and different from Patty'sfriends and associates, and he was so lacking in egotism or inself-conceit that he couldn't recognise his own sterling merits. And, too, though he was interested in some mining projects, they had notyet materialised, and he did not yet know whether the near futurewould bring him great wealth, or exactly the reverse of fortune. 

But Patty couldn't read his heart, and she was disappointed and piquedat his manner and words. Without even a glance into his earnest eyes, she said: "Thank you, Bill, for your advice; I know it is well meant, and I appreciate it. Please take me back to Philip now. "

Farnsworth gave her a pained look, but without a word turned and ledher back to the group they had left. 

Philip was waiting there, and Patty, to hide the strange hurt she feltin her own heart, was exceedingly kind in her manner toward him. 

"Our dance, Philip, " she said, gaily, and though it hadn't beenengaged, Philip was only too glad to get it. 

Soon afterward, the ball was over, and they all went home. As Pattycame from the cloak room, wrapped in her fur coat, Philip stepped upto her in such a possessive way, that Farnsworth, who had also beenwaiting for her, turned aside. 

"That's a foregone conclusion, " said Jim Kenerley to Farnsworth, as heglanced at Patty and Philip. 

"Nonsense, " said Adèle. "Patty isn't thinking of conclusions yet. ButI must say it would be a very satisfactory match. "

"Yes, Mr. Van Reypen seems to be a fine fellow, " agreed Farnsworth. 

When they reached home, Patty said good-night, declaring she was wearyenough to go straight to bed at once. 

"Will you come down again later, if you're hungry?" said Philip, smiling at the recollection of Christmas Eve. 

"No, " and Patty flashed her dimples at him; and knowing thatFarnsworth was listening, she added, "There's no moonlight to-night!"

"Moonlight does help, " said Philip. "Good-night, Little Bo-Peep. "

"Good-night, Bobby Shafto, " and Patty started upstairs, then turned, and holding out her hand to Farnsworth, said "Good-night, King Lear;shall I see you in the morning?"

"No; I leave on the early train, " said Farnsworth, abruptly. "Good-night, Patty, and good-bye. "

He turned away, toward Daisy, and Patty went on upstairs. 

Farnsworth had spoken in a kind voice, but Patty knew that he hadheard what she and Philip had said about coming down in the moonlight. 

"I think he's a horrid, mean old thing!" said Patty to herself, whenshe reached her own room. "His manners are not half as good asPhilip's, and he's rude and unkind, and I just hate him!"

Whereupon, as if to prove her words, she took from her portfolio thepoem in the blue envelope, and read it all over again; and then put itunder her pillow and went to sleep. 

 * * * * *

A few days later Patty was back in New York. She gave her father andNan glowing accounts of the delightful times she had had at Fern Fallsand the jollities of a country house party in the winter time. Shetold them all about the pleasant people she had met up there, abouther experience at Mrs. Fay's, and about Farnsworth's flying visits. 

"I'd like to meet that man, " said Nan. "I think he sounds attractive, Patty. "

"He is attractive, " said Patty, frankly; "but he's queer. You neverknow what mood he's going to be in. Sometimes he's awfully friendly, and then again he gets huffy over nothing. "

"I'm afraid you tease him, Patty, " said her father, smiling at her. "You're getting to be such a popular young person that I fear you'regetting spoiled. "

"Not Patty, " said Nan, kindly. "Go ahead, my child, and have all thefun you can. The young men all adore you, and I don't wonder. "

"Why, Nancy Bell, how complimentary you are!" and Patty gave herstepmother an affectionate pat. 

"But now, " said Mr. Fairfield, "if I may have the floor for a minute, I'd like to make an announcement. We have a plan, Patty, which we madewhile you were away, and which I hope will meet with your approval. "

"As if I ever disapproved of any of your plans, my dear daddy. Consider my approval granted before you begin. "

"Well, it's this: I think Nan is looking a little bit pale, and I feela trifle pale myself, so I think we two will run away down South for afortnight or so, and leave you here. "

"Alone?" asked Patty, in surprise. 

"Well, no; hardly that. But how would you like to have Mrs. Allen, Nan's mother, come and stay with you?"

"I think that will be lovely, " exclaimed Patty. "I'm awfully fond ofMrs. Allen, and I haven't seen her for a long time. "

"She's not a very sedate matron, " said Nan, laughing. "I dare sayshe'll keep you on the go, Patty. She's fond of opera and concerts, and she likes gaiety. But father will come over for the week-ends, andlook after you both. "

Nan's parents lived in Philadelphia, and as they had just returnedfrom a trip abroad, the Fairfields hadn't seen them lately. But it hadseemed to them that the arrangement they had planned would besatisfactory all round, for Mrs. Allen liked to spend a few weeks inNew York each winter. 

About a week later the elder Fairfields departed, and Mrs. Allenarrived. 

She was a fine-looking lady of a youthful middle age, and lookedforward with pleasure to her visit with Patty. 

"Now, you mustn't let me be a burden to you in any way, my dear, " Mrs. Allen said, after the two were left alone. "Whenever I can help you, or whenever you want a chaperon, I'm entirely at your service; butwhen I'm not necessary to your plans, don't consider me at all, --anddon't think about entertaining me, for I can look after myself. I'mnever lonely or bored. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Allen, " said Patty. "I'm sure we shall get on mostbeautifully together, and anything you want or want to do, I want youto give your own orders, just as if you were in your own home. "

And so the two had many pleasant times together. They went tomatinées, teas, and concerts, to picture exhibitions, and to cardparties. Mrs. Allen did not care for dances, but went gladly when itwas a party where Patty required a chaperon. 

All of the young people liked Mrs. Allen, and she became wellacquainted with all of Patty's friends. 

Bill Farnsworth was still in New York. His plans were uncertain, andoften changed from day to day, owing to various details of hisbusiness. 

He called on Patty occasionally, but not often, and his calls wereshort and formal. 

"I like that big Western chap, " Mrs. Allen said to Patty one day; "buthe seems preoccupied. Sometimes he sits as if in a brown study, andsays nothing for quite some minutes. And then, when you speak to him, he answers abruptly, as if bringing his mind back from farawaythoughts. "

"I daresay he's very much wrapped up in his business, Mrs. Allen, "said Patty. "They say he's trying to swing a big miningproposition, --whatever that means. "

"It may mean a great many things, " said Mrs. Allen, thoughtfully. "Ihope he's all right, Patty. "

"All right! Big Bill Farnsworth all right? Well, I rather guess he_is_!"

"There, there, " and Mrs. Allen laughed. "You needn't take up thecudgels so desperately. I didn't mean to accuse him of anything. "

"No, of course you didn't, " and Patty laughed, too; "but whatever bigBill may lack in the way of polish or culture, he's absolutely honestand honourable, even to an absurd degree. "

"I don't think he lacks culture, Patty. His manners are all right. "

"Yes, they're all right, but he hasn't quite the correct ease of a manlike Philip Van Reypen. "

"I know what you mean, and I suppose it's the effect of the aristocraticVan Reypen ancestry. But Mr. Farnsworth has such a splendid big air ofreal nobility about him that I think a more formal and conventionaldemeanour would quite spoil him. "

"Maybe it would, " said Patty, simply. 

That very afternoon Farnsworth came to call, and told Patty he hadcome to say good-bye. 

"I know you think my farewells never mean anything, " he said, smiling;"and I don't wonder, for I often say I am going, and then a telegramobliges me to change my plan. But I think it is positive this timethat I shall leave to-night for Arizona. "

"Have you been successful in your undertakings?" asked Patty, with asympathetic interest. 

"Yes, I believe I have. I don't want to be over sanguine, and mattersare not yet entirely settled, but I think I have conquered theobstacles which I came to conquer, and I hope all will go well. "

"I hope so, Little Billee, " said Patty, looking at him with earnestgood will. "I want you to succeed. "

"Thank you for that, " said Farnsworth, simply. 

"And when are you coming East again?"

"I can't tell; I may have to come back in February; but if that is notnecessary, I shall not come for a year or more. You will be marriedand settled by that time. "

"Indeed, I shan't! In fact, I've about made up my mind that I'll nevermarry anybody. "

"Girls have said that before, and been known to change their minds. But whatever you do, I wish you all happiness and joy throughout yourwhole life, --Little Apple Blossom. "

Farnsworth had risen to go, and he held Patty's hands in both his, ashe looked straight into her eyes. 

Patty's own eyes fell beneath his gaze, and she said, "And I wish youhappiness wherever you are, Little Billee. "

"Thank you, dear, " he said, and then with a final handclasp he wentaway. 

CHAPTER XIX

AN EXCITING CHASE

Farnsworth had left Patty about two o'clock, and it was only a fewmoments later that her telephone rang. 

Her response was answered by a tearful, wailing voice, that said, "Oh, Miss Patty, oh, _can't_ you come here at once? Come right away!"

"Come where? Who are you?" said Patty, bewildered, for she did notrecognise the voice, and it sounded like some one in deep distress. 

"Oh, don't wait a _minute_! Every moment is precious! Just come _atonce_!"

"But how can I come, if I don't know who you are? I can help youbetter, if you'll control yourself and tell me something aboutyourself and your trouble. First of all, who are you?"

"I'm Anne, Miss Galbraith's maid. You know me, Miss Patty. Oh, comequick; Miss Mona has gone!"

"Gone! Where? Now, listen to me, Anne! Stop your crying, and tell mewhat you mean, and then I will go to you at once. Where are you? Andwhere has Miss Mona gone?"

"I'm in her apartment, and I don't like to tell you over the telephonewhere she's gone. But, --Miss Patty, --I think, --Oh, I fear, --she haseloped with Mr. Lansing!"

The last sentence came in an explosive burst, as if the girl couldkeep her secret no longer. 

"What!" exclaimed Patty. And then, suddenly realising that it was adesperate situation, she said, "Don't say another word, Anne! I willgo right straight to you. Stay there till I come. "

She knew the excitable character of the girl, and feared she might gethysterical if she talked further over the telephone. Patty hung up thereceiver, and sat still for a moment, thinking deeply. 

"I won't tell Mrs. Allen, " she finally decided, "but I must have someone to help me, --to go with me. I believe I'll call up Roger. "

But she couldn't bear to do that. It seemed too dreadful to tell Rogerwhat had happened. She thought next of Kenneth, who was a standby as aloyal friend, but he was far downtown in his office, and might be busywith an important case. 

"Philip, of course, " she said to herself; but even with her hand onthe receiver, another thought flashed through her mind. "No one couldhelp me to save Mona like Big Bill!" she thought, and on a suddenimpulse she called up his hotel. 

"Bill, --it's Patty, " she said, her voice trembling. 

"Yes, dear; what is it? What is the matter?"

The kind, quiet voice, with its deep tones of sympathy and capability, made Patty realise that she had appealed to the right one. "Oh, Bill, "she went on, "there's awful trouble, and you must help me. "

"Of course I will, Little Girl! Steady now; tell me what it's allabout. Do you want me to come there?"

"But you're just starting for the West, " cried Patty, as sheremembered this for the first time. 

"That doesn't matter, if _you_ want me. I'll be right over. "

"And wait a minute; tell me what you think we ought to do. I've heardfrom Anne that Mona is eloping with that awful Lansing man!"

"Then there's no time to be lost! Take your little car, and go to ThePlaza as fast as you can spin! I'll meet you there, in the Galbraiths'apartment. "

Bill hung up the receiver, without even a good-bye, and Patty gave alittle sigh of relief, for it seemed as if he had taken theresponsibility from her shoulders, and would manage the matterhimself. She ordered her car, flung on her hat and coat, and with ahasty word to Mrs. Allen that she was going out, she drove her littleelectric herself down to the hotel. 

When she entered the Galbraiths' apartment, she found Farnsworthalready there. 

"It's true, " he said, looking at her with a grave face. "That is, Ithink it must be. Mona went away half an hour ago, and took a suitcase with her. She went in a motor with Mr. Lansing. Anne is worried, because this morning she overheard the two telephoning. "

"I wasn't listening, Miss Patty, " said the tearful maid. "That is, Ididn't mean to, but Miss Mona was excited like, and her voice was soloud I couldn't help hearing. "

"I'm glad you did, Anne, " said Patty, "it may help us to save MissMona yet. What else can you tell us?"

"Nothing, except that Miss Mona left a note on her father's desk, andI thought maybe it might be to tell him she had gone. "

Big Bill strode over to the desk, and there, under a paperweight, laya note, addressed to Mr. Galbraith. He picked it up, and looked at it, thoughtfully. 

"Patty, " he said, "this isn't sealed. Considering all things, I thinkit is our duty to read it, but you know more about such matters than Ido. What do you think?"

Patty hesitated. She had always thought it little less than a crime toread a note addressed to another, but the circumstances made this caseseem an exception. "We might telephone to Mr. Galbraith and ask hispermission, " she suggested. 

But Big Bill seemed suddenly to have made up his mind. 

"No!" he declared, "_I'll_ take the responsibility of this thing. Totelephone would frighten Mr. Galbraith, and would delay matters toomuch, beside. I shall read this note, and if I can't square my actionwith Mr. Galbraith afterward, I'll accept the consequences. "

The impressive manner of the big man, his stern, set face, and honest, determined blue eyes convinced Patty that he was right, and togetherthey read the note. 

In it, as they had feared, Mona told her father that she was goingaway to marry Mr. Lansing, because her father would not allow her tomarry him otherwise. She expressed regret at the sorrow she knew thiswould bring to her father, but she said she was old enough to decidefor herself whom she wished to marry, and she felt sure that after itwas over he would forgive her, and call his two children back to him. 

"Mona never wrote that note of her own accord, " exclaimed Patty, indignantly. "That man made her do it!"

"Of course he did!" agreed Bill, in a stern voice. "I knowLansing, --and, Patty, the man is a scoundrel. "

"You know him? I didn't know you did. "

"Yes, I do! And I ought to have warned Mona more against him. I didtell her what his real nature is, but she wouldn't listen, and I neverdreamed she was so deeply infatuated with him. But we mustn't blameher, Patty. She was simply under the influence of that man, and hepersuaded her to go with him against her better judgment. But we mustgo after them and bring them back. "

"But you're going West to-night. "

"Not unless we rescue Mona first! Why, Patty, she _mustn't_ be allowedto marry that man! I tell you he's a scoundrel, and I never say _that_about a man unless I _know_ it to be true. But this is no time todiscuss Lansing. We must simply fly after them. "

"But how do you know where they've gone?"

"I don't know! But we must find out, somehow. Perhaps the men at thedoor can tell us. Perhaps Anne can. "

"I only know this, sir, " said Anne, who was wringing her hands andweeping; "when Miss Mona was telephoning, she said something aboutGreenwich. "

"Of course!" cried Bill. "That's exactly where they'd go! But wait, they would have to go for a license first. "

"Telephone the license man, " said Patty, inspired by Bill's manner andtones. 

"Right-O!" and after some rather troublesome telephoning, Billannounced, "They did! they got a license, and they started in a motorfor Greenwich about half an hour ago! Come on, Patty! Anne, you stayright here, in case we telephone. If Mr. Galbraith comes home, don'ttell him a word about it. Leave it to me. I'll be responsible for thisnote. " Bill put the note in his pocket, and almost pushing Patty outof the door, he had her in the elevator and downstairs almost beforeshe knew it. 

"Shall we take my little car?" she asked, as Bill strode through thelobby, and Patty hurried to keep up with him. 

"Good Heavens, no! We want a racer. I'll drive it myself. "

By the power of sheer determination, the big Western man procured afast car in an incredibly short time, and in a few moments he andPatty were flying up Broadway. 

"Now if you want to talk you may, " said Bill, and his voice was quietand composed, though he was alertly threading his swift way throughthe traffic. "I had to be a little short with you while we werehurrying off, because I didn't want to lose a minute. But now, all Ihave to do is to keep just inside the speed limit while we're in thecity, and then I rather guess there'll be one big chase!"

"Oh, Bill, you are just splendid!" exclaimed Patty, with shining eyes, unable to repress her admiration of his capability and strength. 

"But we haven't accomplished anything yet, Patty; we're only startingout to try. You know, it's a hundred to one shot that we missthem, --for we've very little idea where they've gone. "

"But it's a straight road to Greenwich. "

"Yes, but they may have turned off anywhere. They may change theirminds a dozen times about their destination. "

"No, they won't, " said Patty, positively; "not unless they thinkthey're pursued, and of course they've no idea of that. Speed her up, Bill; the way is clear now! I don't believe they're going at thispace. "

"Patty, you're a good pal! I don't believe any other girl would be asplucky as you are in such a case. "

"Why, I haven't done anything, " and Patty opened her eyes wide, insurprise. "You've done it all--Little Billee. "

"You've helped me more than you know. With you by my side, I'm boundto succeed. " Big Bill bent to his wheel, and the swift machine flewalong so fast that conversation became impossible. 

As they neared Greenwich, Patty's sharp eyes descried a dark red carahead of them. 

"That's it!" she cried. "That's Mona's car! Chase 'em, Bill!"

"The nerve of him, to elope in her own car!" growled Bill, through hisclenched teeth. "I told you he was a scoundrel, Patty!"

They were rapidly gaining on the red car, when, as it turned thecorner, one of its occupants saw their pursuers, and Patty heard ashriek. 

"That's Mona's yell, " she cried, in dismay. "They've seen us, Bill, and now they'll get away from us!"

Sure enough, the pursuing car was swift, but the big Galbraith car wasa speed wonder, and the elopers darted ahead with renewed determinationto escape capture. 

"Oh, what a shame!" wailed Patty. "They recognised us, and now they'llget away. "

"Not if I know it!" and Farnsworth set his teeth hard. "Sit tight, Patty; we're going to go faster!"

It didn't seem as if they could go any faster, but they did, and if ithad been anybody driving except Farnsworth, Patty would have feltfrightened. But she knew his skill, and too, she knew that he neverlet excitement or enthusiasm run away with his judgment. So she sat asstill as she could, striving to catch her breath in the face of thewind; and refraining from speech, lest she distract Bill's attentioneven for a second. 

At last, when they had a long, clear view ahead, and they saw the redcar ever increasing the distance between them, Bill gave up. 

"It's no use, Patty; we can't catch them! I've done all I can, butthat car they're in is a world-beater! They went through Greenwichlike a streak. They would have been arrested, but no one could stopthem. Oh, I say, My Little Girl, --I have an idea!"

"Is your idea faster than their car, Little Billee?"

"You bet it is! Just you wait and see; Patty, we've _got_ 'em!"

Farnsworth turned around and drove rapidly back to Greenwich, whichthey had just passed through. 

At a hotel there, he jumped out, told Patty to wait, and rushed intothe office. 

It was nearly ten minutes before he returned, and Patty could scarcelybelieve that whatever plan he had could be of any use after suchdelay. 

He jumped in beside her, turned around, and in a minute they wereagain whizzing along, following the direction of the other car. 

"I'll tell you what I did, Patty, " he said, chuckling. "I telephonedto the Stamford Chief of Police, and asked him to arrest those peoplefor speeding as they crossed the city limit!"

"Will they be speeding?"

"_Will_ they be speeding? You _bet_ they will! And even if theyaren't, they'll be arrested, all the same, and held without bail untilwe get there! Oh, Patty, if the situation were not so serious, I couldlaugh at this joke on Lansing!"

On they went, at their highest speed, and reached Stamford not verymuch later than the red car they were following. 

At the city line, they found this car standing, with two or threepolicemen forbidding its further progress. 

Horace Lansing was in a violent fit of temper, and was alternatingbribes with threats of vengeance, but the policemen were imperturbable, having been told the facts of the case by Farnsworth over thetelephone. 

Mona was weeping bitterly, and though Patty went to her withaffectionate words, she stormed back, "Go away, Patty Fairfield! Youhave no right to interfere in my affairs! It was your prying thatfound this out. Go away; I won't speak to you!"

"By what right have you followed us, Miss Fairfield?" began Mr. Lansing, looking at Patty, angrily. 

But Farnsworth strode over to the speaker, and spoke to him, sternlybut quietly. "Lansing, " he said, "it's all up, and you know it! Now, Idon't want to have a scene here and now, so you have my permission togo away wherever you like, on condition that you never enter thepresence again, of Miss Galbraith or Miss Fairfield. "

"Ho!" said Lansing, with an attempt at bravado. "You give me yourpermission, do you? Let me tell you that Miss Galbraith is my promisedwife. We have the license, and we're about to be married. It will takemore than you to stop us!"

"Indeed, " said Farnsworth, and putting his hands in his pockets, hegave Lansing a contemptuous glance. "Well, then, I shall have torequest assistance. If I tell this constable a good reason why heshould detain you long enough to prevent your marriage to MissGalbraith, would such an argument have any weight with you?"

There was an instantaneous change in Horace Lansing's demeanour. Froma blustering braggart, he became a pale and cringing coward. But witha desperate attempt to bluff it out, he exclaimed, "What do you mean?"but even as he spoke, he shivered and staggered backward, as ifdreading a blow. 

"Since you ask me, " said Farnsworth, looking at him, sternly, "I'llanswer frankly, that unless you consent to go away and never againenter the presence of these ladies, I shall inform these policemen ofa certain little bank trouble that happened in Chicago----"

It was unnecessary to go on. Lansing was abject, and begged inpleading tones that Farnsworth would say no more. "I am going, "Lansing stammered, and without a word of farewell to Mona or even aglance at Patty, he walked rapidly away. 

"Let him go, " said Farnsworth. "I can't tell you girls about it, butI'll explain to Mr. Galbraith. Mona, that man is not fit for you toknow! He is guilty of forgery and robbery. "

"I don't believe it!" declared Mona, angrily. 

"You _do_ believe it, " and Farnsworth looked at her steadily, "becauseyou know I would not tell you so unless I knew it to be true. "

Mona was silent at this, for she did know it. She knew Bill Farnsworthwell enough to know that if he made an accusation of that sort, heknew it to be the truth. 

"But I love him so, " she said, sobbing. 

"No, Mona, you don't love him. " Bill spoke very gently, and as he laidhis hand on Mona's shoulder, she raised her eyes to look into hiskind, serious face. "You were not much to blame, Mona; the manfascinated you, and you thought the foolish infatuation you felt forhim was love. But it wasn't, and you'll soon forget him. You don'twant to remember a man who was a wrong-doer, I'm sure; nor do you wantto remember a man who goes away and deserts you because he has beenfound out. Mona, is not his going away as he did, enough proof of hisguilt?"

But Mona was sobbing so that she could not speak. Not angry sobs now, but pathetic, repentant sorrow. 

"Now, it's up to you, Patty, " said Farnsworth, cheerily. "You and Monaget into the tonneau of this Galbraith car, and I'll drive you home. You chirk her up, Patty, and tell her there's no harm done, and thatall her friends love her just the same. And tell her if she'll stopher crying and calm herself before she gets home, nobody need everknow a thing about this whole affair. "

Mona looked up at this, and said, eagerly, "Not father?"

"No, Mona dear, " said Patty. "Sit here by me and I'll tell you allabout it. How we read the note and kept it, and everything. And, Mona, we won't even let Roger know anything about all this, because it wouldhurt him very much. "

"But Anne, " said Mona, doubtfully. "You say she told you where Iwent. "

"I'll attend to Anne, " said Farnsworth, decidedly. "Can't you go hometo dinner with Patty, Mona? I think that would do you good. "

"Yes, do, " said Patty. "And stay over night with me. We'll telephoneyour father where you are, and then, to-morrow, you can go home as ifnothing had ever happened. "

"It's a justifiable deception, Mona, " said Bill, "for I know how itwould grieve the poor man if he knew about your foolish littleescapade, --which is all over now. It's past history, and the incidentis closed forever. Don't you be afraid Lansing will ever appearagainst you. He's too thoroughly frightened ever to be seen in theseparts again. "

"You come to dinner, too, Bill, " said Patty, as they took theirplaces; "though I fear we'll all be rather late. "

Farnsworth hesitated a moment, then he said, decidedly, "No, Patty, Ican't do it. I was to take the seven o'clock train to-night, butthough I'll miss that, I can take the nine o'clock, and I _must_ go. "

"But, Little Billee, I want to thank you for helping me as you did. Iwant to thank you, not only for Mona's sake, but my own. "

"That would be worth staying for, Little Girl, but it is a case ofduty, you see. Won't you write me your thanks, --Apple Blossom?"

"Yes, " said Patty, softly, "I will. "

CHAPTER XX

BRIDESMAID PATTY

Early in February Christine was to be married, and the Fairfields hadpersuaded her to accept the use of their house for the occasion. 

Christine had demurred, for she wanted a simple ceremony with noreception at all. But the Fairfields finally made her see that Mr. Hepworth's position as an artist of high repute made it desirable thathis many friends should be invited to his wedding. 

So Christine agreed to the plan, and Patty was delighted at thethought of the festivities in her home. 

The elder Fairfields had returned from their Southern trip, but Mrs. Allen was still with them, and there were other house guests fromChristine's Southern home. 

The day of the wedding, Patty, assisted by Elise and Mona, wassuperintending the decorations. Christine had insisted that theseshould be simple, and as Mr. Hepworth, too, was opposed to theconventional work of a florist, the girls had directed it allthemselves. 

"It does look perfectly sweet, " said Patty, as she surveyed thedrawing-room. "Personally, I should prefer all those dinky whitetelegraph poles stretched with ribbon and bunched up with flowers tomake an aisle for the happy couple to walk through. But as it isn't mywedding, I suppose we must let the bride have her own way. "

"I'm tired of those tied up poles, " said Elise, decidedly. "I thinkthis is a lot prettier, and all this Southern jasmine is beautiful, and just like Christine. "

"She is the sweetest thing!" said Patty. "Every new present that comesin, she sits and looks at it helplessly, as if it were the very laststraw!"

"Well, of course, most of the presents are from Mr. Hepworth'sfriends, " said Mona, "and they are stunning! I don't wonder Christineis overcome. "

"She has lots of friends of her own, too, " said Patty. "All the girlsgave her beautiful things, and you two quite outdid yourselves. Thatlamp of yours, Mona, is a perfect dream; and, Elise, I never saw suchgems as your silver candlesticks. Christine's path through life willbe well lighted! Well, everything's finished, and I think it's abouttime we went to dress. The ceremony's at four, and as I'm going to bea bridesmaid for the first time in my mad career, I don't want to belate at the party. "

"How beautiful the drawing-room looks, " said Mrs. Allen, coming alongjust then. "Patty dear, doesn't this all remind you of the day Nan wasmarried?"

"Yes, Mrs. Allen; only the weddings are quite different. But Christinewould keep this as simple as possible, so of course I let her have herown way. "

"Yes, Patty, that's the privilege of a bride. But some day you canhave your own way in the direction of your own wedding, and I ratherfancy it will be an elaborate affair. I hope I'll be here to see. "

"I hope you will, Mrs. Allen, " laughed Patty; "but don't look for itvery soon. My suitors are so bashful, you know; I have to urge themon. "

"Nonsense!" cried Elise. "Patty's greatest trouble is to keep hersuitors off! She tries to hold them at arm's length, but they are soinsistent that it is difficult. "

"I think you girls are all too young to have suitors, " commented Mrs. Allen, smiling at the pretty trio. 

"Oh, Mrs. Allen, " said Patty; "suitors doesn't mean men who want tomarry you. I suppose it's sort of slang, but nowadays, girls call alltheir young men suitors, even the merest casual acquaintances. "

"Oh, I see, " said Mrs. Allen. "I suppose as in my younger days we usedto call them beaux. "

"Yes, just that, " said Patty. "Why, Mr. Hepworth used to be one of ourfavourite suitors, until he persuaded Christine to marry him; but wehave lots of them left. "

"Is that big one coming to the wedding?" asked Mrs. Allen. 

"She means Bill Farnsworth, " said Patty to the others. "She alwayscalls him 'that big one. ' I don't know whether he's coming or not. Hesaid if he possibly could get here, he would. "

"He'll come, " said Elise, wagging her head, sagely. "He'll manage itsomehow. Why, Mrs. Allen, he worships the ground Patty walks on!"

"So do all my suitors, " said Patty, complacently. "They're awfulground worshippers, the whole lot of them! But so long as they don'tworship me, they may adore the ground as much as they like. Now, youpeople must excuse me, for I'm going to get into that flummerybridesmaid's frock, --and I can tell you, though it looks so simple, it's fearfully and wonderfully made. "

Patty ran away to her own room, but paused on the way to speak toChristine, who was already being dressed in her bridal robes. 

"You _sweet_ thing!" cried Patty, flinging her arms round her friend'sneck. "Christine dear, you know I'm not much good at sentimentalexpressions, but I _do_ want to wish you such a heap of joy thatyou'll just almost break down under it!"

Christine smiled back into Patty's honest eyes, and realised theloving friendship that prompted the words. 

"Patty, " she said, "I can't begin to thank you for all you've done forme this past year, but I thank you most, "--here she blushed, andwhispered shyly, --"because you didn't want him, yourself!"

"Oh, Christine!" said Patty, "I _do_ want him, something dreadful! Ishall just _pine_ away the rest of my sad life because I can't havehim! But you wrested him from me, and I give him to you with myblessing!" And then Patty went away, and Christine smiled, knowingthat Patty's words were merely jesting, and knowing too, with a heartfull of content, that Gilbert Hepworth really wanted _her_, and notthe radiant, mischievous Patty. 

 * * * * *

Promptly at four o'clock, the old, well-known music sounded forth, andPatty came slowly downstairs. Her gown was of white chiffon, over pinkchiffon, and fell in soft, shimmering draperies, that looked likeclassic simplicity, but were in reality rather complicated. Christinehad designed both their gowns, and they were marvels of beauty. OnPatty's head was perched a coquettish little cap of the style mostapproved for bridesmaids, and she carried a clustered spray of pinkroses. As she entered the drawing-room, intent on walking correctly intime to the music, she chanced to glance up, and saw Bill Farnsworth'sblue eyes fixed upon her. Unthinkingly, she gave him a radiant smile, and then, with the pink in her cheeks deepened a little, she went onher way toward the group of palms, where the wedding party wouldstand. 

Not even the bride herself looked prettier than Patty; thoughChristine was very sweet, in her soft white chiffon, her misty veil, and her shower bouquet of white flowers, which she had expresslyrequested should be without ribbons. 

Only the more intimate friends had been invited to the ceremony, butimmediately after, the house was filled with the reception guests. Patty was in gay spirits, which was not at all unusual for that youngwoman. She fluttered about everywhere, like a big pink butterfly, butever and again hovering back to Christine, to caress her, and, as sheexpressed it, "To keep up her drooping spirits. " Christine had neverentirely overcome her natural shyness, and being the centre ofattraction on this occasion greatly embarrassed her, and she was gladof Patty's gay nonsense to distract attention from herself. 

Kenneth Harper was best man, and, as he told Patty, the responsibilityof the whole affair rested on himself and her. "We're really of fargreater importance than the bride and groom, " he said; "and theydepend on us for everything. Have you the confetti all ready, Patty?"

"Yes, of course; do you have to go to the train with them, Ken?"

"No; my duties are ended when I once get them packed into a motor atthe door. But Christine looks as if she couldn't survive much longer, and as for old Gilbert, he's as absent-minded as the conventionalbridegroom. "

"Christine's all right, " said Patty. "I'm going to take her off, now, to get into her travelling clothes. Oh, Ken, she has the loveliestsuit! Sort of a taupe colour, you know, and the dearest hat----"

"Patty! Do you suppose I care what she's going to wear away? But _do_see to it that she's ready on time! You girls will all get toweeping, --that's the way they always do, --and you'll spin out yourfarewells so that they'll lose their train! Run along with Christine, now; Hepworth is fidgeting like the dickens. "

So the pretty bridesmaid took the pretty bride away, and Patty beggedChristine to make haste with her dressing, lest she might lose thetrain. 

"And Mr. Hepworth will go away without you, " Patty threatened. "Now, you do always dawdle, Christine; but this time you've got tohustle, --so be spry, --Mrs. Hepworth. "

Christine smiled at Patty's use of the new name, and she tried to makethe haste Patty demanded. But she was slow by nature, and Patty dancedaround her in terror, lest she should really be late. 

"Here's your coat, Christine, --put your arms in, do! Now the otherone. Now sit down, and I'll put your hat on for you. Oh, Mrs. Hepworth, _do_ hold your head still! Here, stick this pin in yourself, or I may jab it through your brain, --though I must confess you act asif you hadn't any! or if you have, it's addled. And Ken says thathusband of yours is acting just the same way. My! it's lucky you twoinfants had a capable and clever bridesmaid and best man to get youoff! There! take your gloves, --no, don't hold them like that! put themon. Wake up, Christine; remember, the show isn't over yet. You've gotto go downstairs, and be showered with confetti, and, oh, Christine, _don't_ forget to throw your bouquet!"

"I won't do it!" and Christine Hepworth woke up suddenly from herdreaming, and clasped her bridal bouquet to her heart. 

"Nonsense! of course you will! You've simply _got_ to! I'm not goingto run this whole wedding, and then have the prima donna balk in thelast act. Now, listen, Christine, you throw it over the banister justas you start downstairs! Will you?"

"Yes, " was the meek response; "I will. "

"And wait a minute; don't you throw it till I get down there myself, for I might catch it. "

"Do catch it, Patty, and then you can give it back to me. I want tokeep it all my life. "

"Well, you can't, Christine; it isn't done! You'll have to direct yoursentimentality in some other direction. Or, here, I'll give you aflower out of it, and that's plenty for you to keep for a souvenir ofthis happy occasion. "

"Why do I have to throw it, anyway?" persisted Christine, as shetucked the flower away for safe keeping. 

"First and foremost, because I tell you to! and, incidentally, becauseit's the custom. You know, whoever catches it will be married insideof a year. Now, I'm going on down, and then you come along with Nan, and I expect you'll find Mr. Hepworth down there somewhere, --if Kenhasn't lost him. "

Patty cast a final critical glance at Christine, and seeing that shewas all right in every respect, she gave her one last kiss, andhurried downstairs. She found a group of laughing young peoplestanding in the hall, all provided with confetti, and the girls alllooking upward to watch for the descending bouquet. 

"Here's a good place for you, Patty Pink and White, " and Farnsworthguided her to a place directly under the banister. 

At that moment Christine appeared at the head of the stairs. She stooda moment, her bouquet held at arm's length, and looked at it as if shecouldn't quite bring herself to part with it. 

"There, _now_ she's going to toss it! _Quick_, Patty, catch it!" BigBill whispered in her ear, and Patty looked upward. Then, seeing thedirection in which the flowers fell, --for Christine really tossed themstraight at her, --Patty whirled round and sprang aside, so that thebouquet was picked up by a girl who stood next to her. 

"Oh, Patty! you muffed it!" cried Farnsworth; "and what's more, youdid it on purpose!"

"'Course I did!" declared Patty. "I don't want to be married thisyear, thank you. But it was all I could do to dodge it!"

And then the confetti was showered on the departing couple, Kennethtucked them into the motor car, Patty jumped in too, for a lastrapturous hug of Christine, and Kenneth almost had to pull her out. 

"Come, come, Patty, " he cried. "Let them make their getaway! I thinkthey've missed the train as it is. There, now, they're off! My, a bestman's lot is not a happy one! But our trials are over now, Patty girl, and we can take a little rest! Let's go back and receive thecongratulations of the audience on our good work. "

They went back to the house, laughing, and Patty succeeded inobtaining a few more blossoms from the bridal bouquet to save forChristine until she came back. 

"Why didn't you catch it, Patty?" said Kenneth. "Do you want to be anold maid?"

"'Nobody asked me, sir, she said, '" and Patty dropped her eyes, demurely. 

"You mean there's nobody that hasn't asked you!" returned Kenneth. "I'm going to ask you, myself, some day; but not to-night. I've hadenough to do with matrimonial alliances for one day!"

"So have I, " laughed Patty. "Let's put it off for a year, Ken. "

"All right, " was the laughing response, and then they rejoined theother young people. 

After the reception was over, a few of Patty's more intimate friendswere invited to remain to dinner with the Fairfields. 

"Can you stay, Little Billee?" asked Patty, dancing up to him, as heseemed about to leave. 

"I have to take a midnight train, " he said, "and I have some businessmatters that I must attend to first. So if I may, I'll run away now, and come back this evening for a dance with you. "

"All right; be sure to come, " and Patty flashed him a smiling glance, and danced away again. 

It was after eleven before Farnsworth returned, and Patty had begun tofear he would not come at all. 

"What are you looking at?" asked Philip Van Reypen, as Patty continuedto glance over her shoulder toward the hall, while they were dancing. 

"Nothing, " was the non-committal answer. 

"Well, then, you may as well look at me. At least, I'm better thannothing. "

"_Much_ better!" said Patty, with exaggerated emphasis; "_ever_ somuch better! Oh, say, Philip, take me over to the hall, will you?"

"What for? This dance has just begun. "

"Never mind!" said Patty, impatiently. "Lead me over that way!"

Patty turned her own dancing steps in that direction, and when theyreached the hall, there was Big Bill Farnsworth, smiling at her. 

"This is what I was looking for!" said Patty, gaily. "Run away now, Philip. Little Billee can only stay a minute, and we'll finish ourdance afterward. "

Van Reypen was decidedly annoyed, but he didn't show it, for he knewPatty's caprices must be obeyed. So he bowed politely, and walkedaway. 

"He's mad as hops, " said Patty, calmly; "but I had to see you for afew minutes, if you're really going on that midnight train. Are you, Little Billee?"

"Yes, Apple Blossom, I am. I've time for just one turn round the room. Will you dance?"

For answer, Patty put her hand in his, and they waltzed slowly roundthe room. 

"You are the busiest business man I ever saw, " Patty said, pouting alittle. 

"Yes, I _am_ very busy just now. Indeed, matters are rapidly coming toa crisis. It was only because I suddenly found that I must be inBoston to-morrow, that I could stop here to-day. And if matters turnout to-morrow as I hope they will, I must start back immediately toArizona. But some day I hope to be less hurried, and then----"

"And then?" asked Patty. 

"Then I hope to live in New York, and learn good manners and correctcustoms, and make myself fit to be a friend of yours. "

"Oh, Little Billee, you _are_ a friend of mine. "

"Well, something more than a friend, then. Patty, --I _must_ askyou, --are you engaged to Van Reypen?"

"Goodness, no!" and Patty flashed a glance of surprise. 

"Then, Patty, mayn't _I_ hope?"

"That's a question I _never_ know how to answer, " said Patty, demurely; "if you mean that I'm to consider myself bound by any sortof a promise, I most certainly won't!"

"No, I don't mean that, dear, but, ----well, Patty, won't you wait?"

"Of course I'll wait. That's exactly what I mean to do for years andyears. "

"You mean to, --but you're so capricious. "

"Oh, no! not _that_, of all things! And, anyway, what does capriciousmean?"

"Well, it means like a butterfly, hovering from one flower toanother----"

"Oh, you think you're like unto a flower?"

"I'll be any kind of a flower you wish, if you'll hover around me likea butterfly. "

"Well, be a timid little forget-me-not, --that will be lovely. "

"I'll forget-you-not, all right; but I can't be timid, it isn't mynature. " And now they had stopped dancing, and stood in the hall, nearthe door, for it was almost time for Farnsworth to go. 

"It isn't because I'm timid, " and the six feet three of humanitytowered above her, "that I don't grab you up and run away with you, but because----"

"Well, because what?" said Patty, daringly. 

"Because, Apple Blossom, " and Bill spoke slowly, "when I see you herein your rightful setting, and surrounded by your own sort of people, Irealise that I'm only a great, big----"

"Bear, " interrupted Patty. "You _are_ like a big bear, Bill! But sucha nice, gruff, kind, woolly bear, --and the best friend a girl everhad. But I wish you'd be more of a chum, Little Billee. I like to begood chums with every one of my suitors! It's all very well forChristine to marry; she doesn't care for society, she just only lovesMr. Hepworth. "

"Some day you'll forget your love for society, because you'll get tolove just only one man. "

"'And it might as well be you, '" hummed Patty, to an old tune. 

"Patty!" cried Farnsworth, his blue eyes lighting up with sudden joy;"do you mean that?"

"No, _I_ never mean anything! Of _course_, I don't mean it, --but if I_did_, I'd say I didn't. "

"Patty Pink and White! you little scamp! if you tease me like this, how do you suppose I'm ever going to tear myself away to catch thatmidnight train to Boston?"

"Why, you can't get that, Little Billee! it's too late, now!"

"No, it isn't; and beside, I _must_ make it. " He looked at his watch. "I've just exactly two minutes longer to stay with you. "

"Two minutes is a long time, " said Patty, flippantly. 

"Yes, it is! it's just long enough for two things I have to do. "

"What have you to do?" asked Patty, wonderingly, looking up at him, asthey stood alone in the hall. 

Farnsworth's strong face wore a determined look, but his blue eyeswere full of a tender light, as he answered:

"Two very important things, --Apple Blossom, --this, --and this!"

He kissed her swiftly on one pink cheek and then on the other, andthen, like a flash, he was gone. 

"Oh!" said Patty, softly, to herself, "Oh!"

 * * * * * *

THE CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS FOR GIRLS

Fresh, spirited stories that the modern small girl will take to herheart, these well known books by a famous author have won an importantplace in the field of juvenile fiction. 

Patty, with her beauty and frank good nature, and Marjorie full ofvitality and good spirits, are two lovable characters well worthknowing, and their adventures will stir the eager imaginations ofyoung readers. 

THE FAMOUS "PATTY" BOOKS

Patty Fairfield Patty's Motor CarPatty at Home Patty's Butterfly DaysPatty in the City Patty's Social SeasonPatty's Summer Days Patty's SuitorsPatty in Paris Patty's RomancePatty's Friend Patty's FortunePatty's Pleasure Trip Patty BlossomPatty's Success Patty--Bride

THE MARJORIE BOOKS

Marjorie's Vacation Marjorie in CommandMarjorie's Busy Days Marjorie's MaytimeMarjorie's New Friend Marjorie at Seacote

GROSSET & DUNLAP _Publishers_ NEW YORK

 * * * * * *

There is the high, happy spirit of youth in these famous

BOOKS FOR GIRLSby JANE D. ABBOTT

APRILLY

The charming story of a young girl, child of the circus, and theadventures which led to her goal of happiness. 

HIGHACRES

A school story of Jerry Travis and her chum Gyp Westley. A thread ofromance and mystery in Jerry's life runs through the tale. 

KEINETH

How Keineth Randolph kept a secret--a war secret--for a whole yearmakes one of the best stories ever written for girls. 

RED ROBIN

In attempting to bring happiness into the lives of mill workers, RobinForsythe, heir to a fortune, has many strange adventures. 

HEYDAY

Twenty-three! The heyday of life. Jay, a small town girl, findshappiness in New York. 

LARKSPUR

Especially interesting to any Girl Scout because it is the story of aGirl Scout who is poor and has to help her mother. 

HAPPY HOUSE

How an old family quarrel is healed through a misunderstanding and anold homestead becomes a "happy house" in reality. 

GROSSET & DUNLAP _Publishers_ NEW YORK