PATTY BLOSSOM

by

CAROLYN WELLS

Author ofThe Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, Two Little Women Series, etc. 

New YorkDodd, Mead and Company1927

Copyright, 1917by Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

 I SAM BLANEY II A STUDIO PARTY III PHILIP OBJECTS IV PATTY STAYS LATE V AT RED CHIMNEYS VI A SOCIETY CIRCUS VII A CLEVER PLAN VIII A REAL POEM IX A SHOWER X MONA'S WEDDING XI THE CITY STUDIO XII AN ODD DINNER PARTY XIII ELISE AND PATTY XIV PATTY'S DANCE XV THE CHRISTMAS PARTY XVI A STOLEN POEM XVII PATTY'S DECISION XVIII THE HOUSE SALE XIX PATTY RUNAWAY XX BLOSSOM GIRL

Patty Blossom

CHAPTER I

SAM BLANEY

 "Patty, Patty, pit-a-pat, Grinning like a Chessy Cat, if you don't stop looking so everlasting cheerful, I'll throw somethingat you!"

"Throw, " returned Patty, as her grin perceptibly and purposely widenedto the full extent of her scarlet lips. 

"All right!" and Elise threw a sofa cushion and another and another, following them up with a knitted afghan, a silk slumber robe, and thenbeginning on a pile of newspapers. 

Patty, who was lounging on a broad divan, protected her face with adown pillow, and contentedly endured the avalanche. 

Then, as the enemy's stock of missiles gave out, she sat up, flingingthe impedimenta right and left, and her smiling face and tumbled curlstriumphantly braved further assault. 

"It's snowing like the very dickens, " Elise declared, disconsolately. 

"I don't see any snow, " and Patty shut her blue eyes tight. 

"Of course you don't, you old goose! If a roaring Bengal tiger stoodin front of you, with full intent of eating you at once, you'd shutyour eyes and say, 'There isn't any tiger there. ' That is, if you hadtime to get the words out before you slipped down his throat. "

Leisurely, Patty got up, shook her rumpled skirts, and walked to thewindow. 

"It does look like snow, " she observed, critically eyeing the landscape. 

"Look like snow!" cried Elise; "it's a blizzard, that's what it is!"

"Well, doesn't a blizzard look like snow? It does to me. And I don'tknow anything nicer than a whole long day in the house. I'm having thetime of my life. "

Patty threw herself into a big armchair, in front of the blazing logfire, and contentedly held out her slippered feet to the glowing warmth. 

"But we were going to play tennis, and----"

"My dear child, tennis will keep. And what's the use of growling? Asyou remark, it is a young blizzard, and we can't possibly stop it, solet's make the best of it, and have what is known in the kiddy-books asIndoor Pastimes. "

"Patty, you're enough to exasperate a saint! You and your eternalcheerfulness!"

"All right, anything to please, " and Patty assumed a dolefulexpression, drew down the corners of her mouth, and wrung her hands inmock despair. 

"Isn't it mean, " she wailed; "here's this horrid, hateful oldsnowstorm, and we can't go outdoors or anything! I'm mad as a hornet, as a hatter, as a wet hen, as a March hare, as a--as hops, as--whatelse gets awful mad, Elise?"

"I shall, if you continue to act like an idiot!"

"My good heavens!" and Patty rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, "there's no pleasing her--positively _no_ pleasing her! What to do!What to do!"

But Elise's face had cleared up, and as she looked from the window, shesmiled gaily. 

"He's coming!" she cried, "Sam's coming!"

Patty hastily adjusted her dignity and sat up with a formal air togreet the visitor, while Elise scrabbled up the sofa cushions andnewspapers. 

The girls were down at Lakewood. Patty was the guest of Elise, whosefamily had taken a cottage there for the season. That is, it wascalled a cottage, but was in reality an immense house, most comfortablyand delightfully appointed. Patty was still supposed to beconvalescing from her recent illness, but, as a matter of fact, she hadregained her health and strength, and, though never robust, wasentirely well. 

The invitation to Pine Laurel, as the house was called, was a welcomeone, and the elder Fairfields were glad to have Patty go there for afortnight or so. She had arrived but the day before, and now theunexpected snowstorm had spoiled the plans for tennis and other outdooraffairs. Though it was late November, it was early for such atempestuous snowstorm, and the weather-wise ones opined that it was amere swift and sudden flurry. 

Patty, with her usual adaptability to circumstances, didn't care much, and felt pretty sure the storm would depart as quickly as it hadgathered. She was quite willing to stay indoors a day or two if needbe, and could easily amuse herself in many ways. Not so Elise. Shewas impatient and impetuous, and was always greatly put out if herplans went awry. But the diversion of an unexpected guest roused herto animation and she poked the logs to a brighter blaze by way ofwelcome. 

After the sound of stamping and whisking off snow in the hall, a youngman came into the pleasant sun-parlour where the girls were. 

It was with difficulty that Patty concealed her amazement as she lookedat him. He was of a type that she had heard of, but had never beforechanced to meet. 

Mechanically, she went through the formalities of the introduction, andsat staring at him, without realising that she was doing so. 

"Well, " said Sam Blaney, at last, "what about it? Do I get a blueribbon?"

"Oh, I beg your pardon!" and Patty blushed at her rudeness. "You see, you er--you reminded me of somebody I have met----"

"No, you mean I remind you of somebody you never have met, but are gladto discover at last. "

Patty laughed outright, for the words so definitely expressed her stateof mind. Thus encouraged, she continued to look at him. 

Blaney was not so extraordinary of appearance, but he presented theeffects of the class known as artistic. His thick, fair hair, while itcould scarcely be called long, was a trifle longer than theconventional cut. His collar, while not Byronic, was low, and he worea Windsor tie, of a sickly, pale green. He was a big man, butloose-jointed and ungainly of build. His manners were careless, andhis voice was low and soft. He had big grey eyes, which seemedespecially noticeable by reason of enormous tortoise-rimmed glasses, whose long, thick bows hooked over his ears. 

"You are a poet, " Patty said, decisively, after a smiling survey; "andyou are right, I have always wanted to know a live poet. "

"I hope, " said Blaney, in a mournful way, "that you don't agree withthose wiseacres who think the only good poet is a dead poet. "

"Oh, goodness, no!" said Patty, quickly. "But most of the poetry withwhich I am familiar was written by dead men--that is, they weren't deadwhen they wrote it, you know----"

"But died from the shock?"

"Now you're making fun of me, " and Patty pouted, but as Patty's poutwas only a shade less charming than her smile, the live poet didn'tseem to resent it. 

"Doubtless, " he went on, "my work will not be really famous until afterI am dead, but some day I shall read them to you, and get your opinionas to their hopes for a future. "

"Oh, do read them to Patty, " exclaimed Elise; "read them now. That'sthe very thing for a stormy day!"

"Yes, " Patty agreed; "if you have an Ode to Spring, or Lines on aBlooming Daffodil, it would be fine to fling them in the teeth of thisstorm. "

"I see you're by way of being a wag, Miss Fairfield, " Blaney returned, good-naturedly. "But you've misapprehended my vein. I write poems, not jingles. "

"He does, " averred Elise, earnestly. "Oh, Sam, do recite some--won'tyou?"

"Not now, Lady fair. The setting isn't right, and the flowers are toovivid. "

Patty looked at the two large vases of scarlet carnations that stood onthe long, massive table in the middle of the room. She had thoughtthem a very pleasant and appropriate decoration for the snowy day, butBlaney's glance at them was disdainful. 

"He's an affected idiot!" she exclaimed to herself. "I don't like himone bit!"

"Please like me, " said the poet's soft voice, and Patty fairly jumpedto realise that he had read her thought in her face. 

"Oh, I do!" she said, with mock fervour, and a slight flush ofembarrassment at her carelessness. "I like you heaps!"

"Don't be too set up over that, " laughed Elise, "for Patty likeseverybody. She's the greatest little old liker you ever saw! Why, sheeven likes people who don't like her. "

"Are there such?" asked Blaney, properly. 

"Yes, indeed, " Patty declared; "and I can't help admiring their goodtaste. "

"I can't either, " and Blaney spoke so seriously, that Patty almostgasped. 

"That isn't the answer, " she smiled; "you should have contradicted me. "

"No, " the poet went on; "people who don't like you show realdiscrimination. It is because you are so crude and unformed of soul. "

But Patty was too wise to be caught with such chaff. 

"Yes, that's it, " she said, and nodded her curly head in assent. 

"You say yes, because you don't know what I'm talking about. But it'strue. If you had your soul scraped and cleaned and properly polished, you would be well worth liking. "

"Go on! go on!" cried Patty, clapping her hands. "Now I know you'rethe real thing in poets! That's the way I thought they would talk!Say more. "

But Blaney turned sulky. He scowled at Patty, he threw a reproachfulglance at Elise, and the atmosphere suddenly charged with gloom. 

Patty felt that it was her fault and that she had perhaps gone too far. The man was Elise's guest and it wasn't right to make fun of him, if hedid sound foolish. So, ignoring the past conversation, Patty smiled, and said, "It is too bad about the storm, isn't it? We had expected tohave such a fine tennis game today. You play, of course?"

It was a chance shot, but Patty felt pretty sure that such a big, muscular chap would be fond of outdoor sports and, as it turned out, hewas. Moreover, it would be a grumpy poet, indeed, who wouldn't relentunder the magic of Patty's smile. 

"Yes, I do, " he replied, animatedly, and then the talk turned to thegame, and the chances of the storm abating and play being possible in aday or two. 

"Hello, Blaney, " said Roger Farrington, coming into the room. "How'severything?"

"All right, Farry. How goes it with you?"

"Fine. I say, girls, are you game for a little two-cent sleigh ride inthe storm? As soon as it stops snowing, the flakes will melt likemorning dew, and, if we catch a ride at all, it must be immejit. Howabout it?"

"I'd love to go!" cried Patty, her eyes sparkling. "I haven't had asleigh ride in ages----"

"And no telling when you will again, " said Roger. "But it's blowinggreat guns, and snowing fast. You're sure you want to go?"

"Course we do, " insisted Elise. "Shall we get our things now?"

"Not quite yet. I'll have to telephone Mr. Livery Man for a rig. Thisotherwise well-stocked outfit that we're inhabiting doesn't have such athing on the premises as a sleigh. I'll go and see about it. "

"Can't we stop and pick up Alla?" suggested Elise. 

"No, " and Sam Blaney shook his head decidedly. "My sister wouldn'tthink of putting her nose out-of-doors on a day like this. I'msurprised that you will, Miss Fairfield. "

"Oh, I'm a tough pine knot. I may not look the part, but I assure youwind and weather have no terrors for me. "

"That's so, " put in Elise. "Patty looks like a chaff which the winddriveth away, but it would be a pretty strong old wind that could doit. "

"You can't tell by looks; my sister looks like a strong, hearty girl, but she's as fragile as a spring crocus. "

"There's nothing fragiler than that, " Patty remarked; "I've often triedto keep the flimsy little things for a few hours, and even in waterthey droop and peak and pine all to pieces. "

"That's just like Alla, " said Blaney. "She's psychic, you see----"

"Oh, is she!" cried Patty. "I've always wanted to know a real psychic. Mayn't I meet her?"

"Indeed you may, she'll be pleased. Will you come round to the studiotoday, while we're out sleighing?"

"No, not today, " said Elise, positively. "Roger wouldn't stand for it. He'll want to put in all the time there is on the road. And he's goingto New York tonight, I think. "

"Oh, yes, " and Blaney remembered. "Let's see, his wedding day is--whenis it?"

"Not till the fifteenth of December. But he and Mona have so much tolook after and attend to, that he spends most of his time on the roadbetween here and New York. "

"Isn't Mona coming down here while I'm here?" asked Patty. 

"She promised to, " Elise replied, "but Mona's promises are not to beimplicitly depended on just now. She's getting married with all hertime and attention. "

"Well, a wedding like hers is to be does take a lot of planning. AndMona's looking after everything herself. She's a genius at that sortof thing, but it seems as if she ought to have some one to helpher, --some relative, I mean. "

"Her father's a big help, " said Roger, who had returned just in time tohear Patty's remark. 

"Yes, I know it, but I mean a woman relative. "

"I know, " agreed Roger. "You're right, in a way. But Mona is soaccustomed to managing for herself that I'm pretty sure a meddlingrelative would bother her to death. "

"Probably would, " agreed Patty. "Do we go sleigh-ridy, Roger?"

"We do. The fiery steeds will be here in fifteen minutes. Get warmwraps, for it's blowing like blazes. Shall we go 'round by yourstudio, Sam, and drop in on Alla?"

"No, please. I don't want to seem inhospitable, but I've decided Iwant Miss Fairfield to see the studio first under proper conditions. Iwant Alla to know when she's coming and----"

"And have her hair frizzed. I get you. All right. We'll drive 'roundthe lake, and see how the going is, and then decide whether to keep on, or go to some friend's for a cup of tea. "

"You mustn't think my sister is a fuss, " said Blaney to Patty, as shestarted to leave the room. "But you know the artist soul likes to havethe stage rightly set for an important scene. "

"Yes, " said Patty, a little puzzled. 

"Yes. And your advent at my studio is a most important scene----"

"Why?" asked Patty, bluntly. 

"Because you're important. In fact, I may say you're the mostimportant person I have ever seen. "

"Really? But if you say things like that, you'll make me vain. "

"You can't well be vainer than you are. "

Patty looked up in sudden anger at this speech, but Blaney's eyes werequietly amused, and his soft voice was so innocent of offence, thatPatty was uncertain what attitude to assume, and to save the necessityof a reply she ran from the room and upstairs to get ready for the ride. 

CHAPTER II

A STUDIO PARTY

As Roger had predicted, the snow departed as quickly as it came, andtwo days after their sleigh ride there was scarcely a vestige of whiteon the ground. Tennis was again possible and a great game was inprogress on the court at Pine Laurel. Patty and Roger were playingagainst Elise and Sam Blaney, and the pairs were well matched. 

But the long-contested victory finally went against Patty, and shelaughingly accepted defeat. 

"Only because Patty's not quite back on her game yet, " Roger defended;"this child has been on the sick list, you know, Sam, and she isn't upto her own mark. "

"Well, I like that!" cried Patty; "suppose you bear half the blame, Roger. You see, Mr. Blaney, he is so absorbed in his own Love Game, hecan't play with his old-time skill. "

"All right, Patsy, let it go at that. And it's so, too. I suddenlyremembered something Mona told me to tell you, and it affected myservice. "

"What is it?" asked Elise. "Anything of importance?"

"Yes; it's this: Mona has decided to sell Red Chimneys, and Philip VanReypen thinks it a good plan to buy it for the Children's Home. "

"For gracious' sake!" exclaimed Patty. "That _is_ news! Why doesn'tPhil tell me about it?"

"That's just it. He's coming down here tomorrow to talk it over withyou. Mona's coming too, you know, and you can all have a powwow. "

"All right, " and Patty wagged her head, sagaciously. "It's not a badidea at all. I knew Mr. Galbraith was thinking of selling the SpringBeach place, and it would be a fine house for the kiddies. "

"And are you running a Children's Home?" asked Sam Blaney, as they allstrolled back to the house, and paused on the wide veranda. 

"Too cool for you out here, Patty?" asked Elise. 

"Not a bit of it. I love the outdoors. Somebody find me a sweater anda rug, and I'll be as happy as a clam. "

Roger brought a red silk sweater from the hall, and a big, soft steamerrug, and proceeded to tuck Patty up, snugly. 

"Yes, " she said, turning to Blaney, and answering his inquiry, "I amsupposed to be organising a Children's Home, but all the hard work isdone for me, and I only say yes or no, to easy questions. You see, adear old friend of mine left me a sum of money for the purpose, and Iwant to prove a trustworthy steward. But we're not going to doanything definite until Spring, unless, as Red Chimneys is in themarket, it seems advisable to secure it while we can. "

"Goodness, Patty, " said Elise; "you talk like a Board of Managers!"

"That's what I am; or, rather, I'm Manager of the Board. Is Philipcoming tonight, Roger?"

"Yes, he'll be here for dinner. And Mona, too. I say, Blaney, we'llbring 'em along to your party, eh?"

"Of course. Alla will be delighted to have them. No matter if we'recrowded. You see, Miss Fairfield, our place is small, but our welcomeis vurry, vurry large----" Blaney waved his long arms, as if includingthe whole world in his capacious welcome. 

"You're vurry, vurry kind, " returned Patty, unconsciously imitating hispeculiar pronunciation. "I'm just crazy to see your studio. It seemedas if the time would never come. And I want to meet your sister, too. I know it will be a lovely party. I've never been to a real BohemianStudio party. "

"Oh, we don't call it Bohemian, because, you see, it _is_ Bohemian. Only make-believe Bohemians call themselves so. You'll learn todistinguish the difference. "

"I hope so. I've always wanted to know what Bohemianism really is. "

"We'll show you tonight. What are you going to wear?"

"My goodness, I don't know. I hadn't thought about it. Also, I'venever been asked a question like that before. "

"Ah, but it means so much! If your gown should be out of key----"Blaney rolled up his eyes and spread his hands, as if the thought weretoo appalling for words. 

Patty giggled. "I hope it won't be, " she said. "But, tell me, what isthe key? Maybe I can strike it. "

"The key, " and the poet looked thoughtful, "ah, yes, I have it! Thekey will be saffron and ultramarine. "

Patty gasped. "Oh, I haven't a frock to my name in those colours!"

"But you can harmonise, --yes, harmonise. You will, won't you? If youdidn't, I couldn't bear it. "

"Oh, then I'll harmonise, yes, I promise you I will. I'll findsomething that won't make a discord. But can you dictate to all yourguests like this?"

"Alas, no! Would that I might! And now I must go. Alla will bewanting me. "

"What is he, anyway?" said Patty, as after his adieux, the poet swungaway, with his queer, loping gait. 

"Bats in his belfry, " returned Roger, laughing. "He's the real thingin high-art souls, --if you get what I mean. "

"Oh, I don't know, " demurred Patty; "I think he's sincere. "

"You do! Well, he may be, for all of me. But if he is, give me basedeception, every time! Don't you fall in love with him, Patty, VanReypen wouldn't stand for it. "

"I don't know what Mr. Van Reypen has to say about it, " returned Patty, with a heightened colour. "And remember, Roger, not everybody is soabsorbed in loving and being loved as you are!"

Patty's roguish smile was affectionate as well, for she was fond ofRoger, and also of Mona, and she was deeply interested in their loveaffair. Their engagement had been a short one, and now that thewedding day was so near, the whole Farrington family could think ortalk of little else. And as a house guest and a dear friend, Patty, too, was enthusiastic and excited about the preparations. 

And then Roger went off to the train to meet Mona, and Philip, who camedown at the same time, and Elise disappeared and Patty sat alone, inthe falling dusk, snugly tucked in her rugs, and feeling very lazy andcomfortable and happy. 

Her thoughts drifted idly from one subject to another, and presentlyshe heard a step beside her, and felt her hand taken in somebody's warmclasp. 

"Philip!" she cried, starting up. 

"Yes, my girl, and so glad to see you again. How are you?"

"Fine. This splendid air and luxurious living has made me all wellagain. "

"That's good. But it's too late for you to be out here. Come on inthe house. "

"Yes, I will. Did Mona come?"

"Yes, we came down together. How that girl is improving!"

"What do you mean? She always was a fine character. "

"Yes, but she has so much more--er--sweetness and light. "

"That's so. I've noticed it ever since she's been engaged. "

"Well, don't you put on any more sweetness and light when you getengaged. I simply couldn't stand it! You're chock-a-block full of itnow!"

"Don't worry. Besides, I've no intention of being engaged. What's theuse, if I'm sweet and light enough now?"

"You're going to announce your engagement in just fifteen days fromnow, my lady. Why, that will be Farrington's wedding day! By Jove, what an idea! We'll announce it at their wedding!"

"We'll do nothing of the sort. You take too much for granted. "

"Well, you promised----"

"I know what I promised. But the fifteenth is a long way off yet. "

"That may be, but it's bound to get here. Come in the house now. It'stoo damp for you out here. "

They went in, and found Mona and Elise chattering like two magpies, with Roger trying to get in a word edgeways. 

"Hello, Patty, " cried Mona, springing up to greet her. "My, how fineyou're looking! Lakewood agrees with you all right. And Patty, thebridesmaids _are_ going to sing, after all. Will you be home in timefor one or two rehearsals?"

"Yes, indeed. I'll come up whenever you want me, Mona. "

"Good girl. Now I must go and dress for dinner. I'd no idea we'd gethere so late; and Roger says there's a party on for tonight. "

"Yes, " laughed Patty; "and it's a party you have to get keyed up to, --Imean your gown. "

"What are you talking about?"

"Come along and I'll tell you. "

The two girls went off together, and half an hour later Elise foundthem in Patty's room, still talking and no beginning made in the matterof dressing. 

But later, when the young people left the house to go to the Studioparty, they were resplendent of costume. Patty had told the othergirls what Mr. Blaney had said, and though they scoffed at it, theyagreed not to wear anything that might be too desperately inharmonious. 

Mona was in white, declaring that that could offend nobody. Elise worepale yellow, for the same logical reason. Patty had on a gown of softchiffon, of old-gold colour, which, she said, was the nearest tosaffron she had ever had or ever hoped to have. 

"I don't like the word saffron, " she declared; "somehow it makes methink of camomile tea. "

"Naturally, " said Roger; "I believe they're both yarbs. Blaney mightcall this affair a Saffron Tea, and have done with it. "

But the gown was most becoming to Patty. The dull old-gold tints setsoff her fair skin, and her bright gold hair, piled high, was toppedwith a gold and amber comb. Round her throat was an old-fashionednecklace of topazes, lent her by Mrs. Farrington. Altogether, shelooked, Philip declared, positively Burne-Jonesey, and he called herthe Blessed Damosel. 

When at last they entered the Studio of the Blaney brother and sister, Patty blinked several times, before she could collect her senses. Itwas very dimly lighted, and a strange, almost stifling sense ofoppression came over her. This was caused by the burning of variousincense sticks and pastilles which gave out a sweet, spicy odour, andwhich made a slight haze of smoke. Becoming a little accustomed to thegloom, Patty discerned her host, amazingly garbed in an Orientalburnoose and a voluminous silk turban. He took her hand, made a deepsalaam, and kissed her finger-tips with exaggerated ceremony. 

"My sister, Alla, " he said, "Miss Fairfield. "

Patty looked up to see a tall, gaunt woman smiling at her. MissBlaney, like her brother, was long, lanky and loose-jointed, and seemedto desire to accentuate these effects. Her ash-coloured hair wasparted and drawn loosely down to a huge knot at the back of her neck. A band of gilt filigree was round her head at the temples, and was setwith a huge green stone which rested in the middle of her forehead. Long barbaric earrings dangled and shook with every movement of herhead, and round her somewhat scrawny neck was coiled an ugly greenishserpent of some flexible metal formation. For the rest, Miss Blaneywore a flowing robe of saffron yellow, a most sickly shade, and thematerial was frayed and worn as if it had been many times made over. It hung from her shoulders in billowy folds, and the wearer wasevidently proud of it, for she continually switched its draperies aboutand gazed admiringly at them. 

"Frightfully glad to see you, " this weird creature was saying, andPatty caught her breath, and murmured, "Oh, thank you. So kind of youto ask me. "

"I feel sure I shall adore you, " Miss Blaney went on; "you are_simpatica_, --yes, absolutely _simpatica_. "

"Am I?" and Patty smiled. "And is it nice to be _simpatica_? Itdoesn't mean a simpleton, does it?"

"Oh, how droll! My dear, how droll!" and Miss Blaney went off incontortions of silent laughter. "Just for that, you must call me Alla. I always want droll people to call me by my first name. And your nameis----"

"Patty. "

"Impossible! You can't be named that! Incredible! _Ooh_!"

Alla ended with a half-breathed shriek. 

"Oh, well, " said Patty, hastily, "my name is really Patricia, though noone ever calls me that. "

"I shall call you that. Patricia! Perfect! You couldn't have beenbetter dubbed. No, not possibly better dubbed. Patricia, ah, Patricia!"

Patty edged away a little. She began to think her hostess was crazy. But Alla went on:

"And my brother, Patricia, do you not adore him?"

"Well, you see, I've only seen him a few times. I can't quite agreethat I adore him, yet. "

"But you will. As soon as you have heard his poems, you will put himon a pedestal, yes, on a high pedestal. And tonight you will hear himread his wonderful lines. What a treat you have in store!"

And then new arrivals claimed Miss Blaney's attention, and Patty turnedaside. She found Philip waiting for her, his eyes dancing withamusement. 

"What is it all?" he whispered; "a bear garden?"

"Hush, Phil, don't make me laugh. Did you ever see anything like it?"

"Well, I've been to Studio jinks, but they were to this as moonlightunto sunlight and as water unto wine! Shall I take you home?"

"No, indeed! I want to see the fun. I've never been to a Studiojinks, --or whatever you call it, and I want to live and learn. "

"All right, Patty. You shall stay as long as you like, but I'll wagerthat inside of an hour you'll be begging me to get you out of it. "

"All right, if I do, I shall expect you to take me away. Let's look atthe room. "

They sauntered about, and finally sat down on a Turkish divan, whichproved much lower than they had anticipated. 

"What an uncomfortable thing!" said Patty, "but sit here a minute, while I look round. "

From the ceiling hung Moorish-looking lamps, which gave almost nolight, and, were of rather dilapidated appearance. The furniture, too, was not only antique, but wabbly-legged and here and there tied up withstrings or leather thongs. Statuettes were about, broken and dusty;jugs and bowls of dull brass and copper; rickety screens; enormousunframed photographs, warped and faded, but bearing splashing andunintelligible autographs; and draperies of all sorts, from old shawlsto tattered ecclesiastical robes. 

"I see what Mr. Blaney meant by the key of saffron, " said Patty, sagely. "Everything is that colour because of the accumulation of dustand dirt! I don't believe this place has ever had a goodhouse-cleaning!"

"Oh, Patty, my dear child! Don't thus expose your ignorance! Bohemianever cleans house! The very thought is sacrilege!"

"Why is it? Some of this old brass stuff would be lovely if it werecleaned up. And look at that copper kettle! It's positively blue!"

"But that's what they want, dear, " said Van Reypen, smiling at her. "Howsumever, I'm glad you don't like it. We won't model our home on aBohemian plan. "

"And look at the people, " went on Patty, in an awe-struck whisper. "Some of them are decent, like our crowd, --but look at that girl inorange!"

The girl in question wore a costume of flame-coloured woolen materialthat was indeed striking. Her black hair was in two long braids, andshe was carrying a small musical instrument that Philip said was azithern. 

"I don't know, " he went on, "but I fancy she will play a sort ofaccompaniment to our host's poems. They generally work it that way. "

"Stop making fun, Phil, " reproved Patty; "perhaps the poems will belovely, --with musical setting. "

"Perhaps, " said Philip. 

CHAPTER III

PHILIP OBJECTS

The place became crowded. The two rooms occupied by the guests weresmall, and the party was a large one. Though not greatly attracted bythe unusual sights and strange people, Patty was interested andcurious. She wanted to see the affair in its entirety, and was gladwhen Sam Blaney came over to where she sat by Philip on the divan. 

"I've come to carry you off, " Blaney said to her; "you must mingle withthe crowd, if you want to become one of us. "

"I'd like to mingle a little, " Patty replied, "but I can't hope tobecome one of such a talented bunch as this. "

"They're not all so talented, " Blaney assured her, as he led her away, leaving Philip a bit moody and disapproving. 

"It's their clothes that astound me, " said Patty. "Why do they wearsuch queer rigs? Almost like a masquerade or fancy-dress ball. You, for instance; why do you wear this Oriental robe and turban?"

"Now that you ask me, I don't believe I know! But it's habit, I think. Yes, that's it, it's just habit. We who possess higher intellect thanour fellows must differentiate ourselves in some way from them, and howelse but by a difference of raiment?"

"Well, that does explain it, but why such queer raiment? Why notbeautiful garments instead of eccentric ones?"

"Ah, that's just it! They are beautiful, only you're not of sufficientintelligence to appreciate their beauty. "

"What!" cried Patty, scarcely able to believe she had heard aright, "I'm not intelligent enough----"

"Oh, don't get miffed. Your natural intelligence is all right, you'veplenty of it. But it needs education, --bending in the right direction, you know. And I'm going to educate you. You're the most promisingsubject I've ever seen. I'll make a priestess of you, --a shininglight, --a prophetess----"

Patty giggled. "If I'm a priestess I may as well be a prophetess, Isuppose. When do these lessons begin?"

"Now. They have begun. You are unconsciously absorbing thisatmosphere. You are involuntarily becoming more and more of ourcult, --of our inspirations. You are evolving, --you don't realise it, but you are evolving----"

"I shall be revolving, if I don't get some fresh air! Why must youhave these incense things smoking, not to mention some of the guestssmoking also, and, incidentally, that Moorish lamp is smoking badly! I_am_ absorbing your atmosphere, and it is choking me!"

Patty was in earnest, though she spoke lightly. The unpleasant airfilled her lungs, and she wanted pure oxygen. 

"Oh, all right, " and Blaney laughed, indulgently. "You can't expect toachieve all at once. Come, we'll step out on the veranda for a whiffof outdoors, and then come back for the program. "

"There's to be a program?"

"Oh, yes. Most wonderful work, by genius itself. Now, please, MissFairfield, don't resist the influence. "

They were out on the tiny veranda that graced the Blaney's dwelling. The stars shone down through the pure winter air, and Patty felt as ifshe had been rescued from a malarial swamp. But Blaney was impressive. His deep, soft voice persuaded her against her will that she waspettish and crude to rebel at the unwholesome atmosphere inside. "Youdon't understand, " he said gently. "Give us a fair trial. That's allI ask. I know your inner nature will respond, if you give it itsfreedom. Ah, freedom! That's all we aim for, --all we desire. "

Through the window, Patty heard the sound of weird strains of music. 

"Come on, " she cried, "I do want to see this thing through. If that'sthe program beginning, take me in. I want to hear it. "

They returned to the Studio, and Blaney found two seats which commandeda view of the platform. The seats were uncomfortable, being smallwooden stools, and the air was still clouded with smoke of varioussorts. But, determinedly, Patty prepared to listen to the revelationsthat awaited her. She had long had a curiosity to know what "Bohemia"meant, and now she expected to find out. They were nowhere near theirown crowd. In fact, she couldn't see Elise or Mona, though Philip wasvisible between some rickety armour and a tattered curtain. Veryhandsome he looked, too, his dark, and just now gloomy, face throwninto relief by the "artistic" background. 

"Apparently, Mr. Van Reypen is not enjoying himself, " Blaney commented, with a quiet chuckle. "He's not our sort. "

This remark jarred upon Patty, and she was about to make a spiritedretort, when the music began. 

A girl was at the piano. Her gown, of burlaps, made Patty think it hadbeen made from an old coffee sack. But it had a marvelous sash offlaming vermilion velvet, edged with gold fringe, and in her black hairwas stuck a long, bright red quill feather, that gave her an Indianeffect. 

"I think her gown is out of key, " Patty whispered, "and I am sure hermusic is!"

Blaney smiled. "She is a law unto herself, " he replied, "that is anarbitrary minor scale, played in sixths and with a contrary motion. "

Patty stared. This was a new departure in music and was interesting. 

"Note the cynicism in the discords, " Blaney urged, and Patty began towonder if she could be losing her mind or just finding it. 

The performance concluded and a rapt silence followed. It seemedapplause was undesired by these geniuses. 

Philip stirred, restlessly, and looked over at Patty. She looked away, fearing he would silently express to her his desire to go home, and shewanted to stay to see more. 

The girl who had played glided to a side seat, and her place was takenby another young woman, who presented an even more astonishingappearance. This time, the costume was of a sort of tapestry, heavilyembroidered in brilliant hued silks. It was not unbeautiful, but itseemed to Patty more appropriate for upholstery purposes than for adress. 

The lady recited what may have been poems, and were, according toBlaney's whispered information, but as they were in some queer foreignlanguage, they were utterly unintelligible. 

"What was it all about?" Patty asked, as the recitations were at lastover. 

"My dear child, couldn't you gather it all, --all, from the marvellousattitudinising, --the wonderful intoning----"

"'Deed I couldn't! I've no idea what she was getting at, and I don'tbelieve you have, either. "

"Oh, yes, it was the glory of a soul on fire, --an immolation of geniuson the altar of victory----"

"That sounds to me like rubbish, " and Patty smiled frankly into theeyes of the man addressing her. 

"Not rubbish, Miss Fairfield. Oh, what a pleasure it will be toenlighten your ignorance! To teach the eyes of your soul to see, theheart of your soul to beat----"

Again, it was the voice of the man that commanded her attention. Thetones of Sam Blaney's speaking voice were of such a luring, persuasivequality that Patty felt herself agreeing and assenting to what she knewwas nonsense. 

But now Van Reypen was striding toward them. Patty saw at a glancethat Phil was at the end of his rope. No more of this nonsense for him. 

She was right. As Blaney's attention was diverted for a moment, Philsaid, "Patty, you're going right straight out of this. It's no placefor you! I'm ashamed to have you here. Get your wraps, and we'll go, whether the Farringtons are ready or not. We can walk over to PineLaurel, --it isn't far. Come. "

"I won't do it!" Patty returned, crisply. "The idea, Phil, of yourordering me around like that! I want to stay, and I'm going to stay. You can go, if you like; I'll come home with Roger and the girls. "

"But I don't like it, Patty, and I don't like to have you here. It's--it's----"

"Well, what is it? I think it's great fun, and I'm going to see itout. "

"Even if I ask you not to? Even if I beg you to go----"

"Even if you beg me on your bended knees! You're silly, Phil. Itcan't be wrong if the Farringtons stand for it. "

"It isn't exactly wrong, --not _wrong_, you know, --but, well, --it'scheap. "

"Oh, fiddlesticks! I like it. I don't mind it's being cheap, I'mtired of expensive things and glad of a change. "

"Oh, I don't mean that way, " and Van Reypen looked genuinelydistressed. "I wouldn't care how poor people were, if they were----"

"Respectable?"

"No, not that, these people are respectable, of course. But, --sincere, that's what I mean. This bunch are fakirs, they pretend to brains andknowledge and wisdom that they don't possess. "

"And I suppose you do! Have you got all the knowledge and wisdom inthe world?"

"At least I don't pretend to have the knowledge that I haven't!"

"But you pretend to have a whole lot of authority over me that youhaven't! I tell you, Phil, I'm not going to be ordered about by you!I came to this party because I wanted to see it, and I'm going to staytill it's over, and you can do what you like. "

"All right, then, " and Phil looked grave. "I'll go away for a time, and I'll return and escort you home. What time shall I come back?"

"You needn't come back at all. I'll go home with Elise, or if not, Idaresay Mr. Blaney will see that I get home safely. Won't you?" sheadded, turning to the resplendent figure nearby. 

"Won't I what?" he asked gaily. "But the answer is yes, to anythingyou may ask. Even to the half of my kingdom, and then the other half. To be sure, my kingdom is small, and half of it is my sister's, but youcan command it all. "

"Oh, no, nothing so great as that! Merely to see me back to myrooftree in safety, if I outstay my escort. "

"You're going to outstay everybody. Why, the fun hasn't begun yet. Don't dream of going home now!"

"I won't, " and Patty turned deliberately away from Philip and began tochat with a group of guests to whom she had previously been introduced. 

"Join our ranks, " said one vivacious young girl. "We're theintelligent idiots, perhaps the wisest sages of our time. We're havinga symposium of souls----"

"Miss Fairfield isn't interested in souls yet, " interrupted Blaney, "she's not unnaturally starving to death. The feast is unusuallydelayed tonight. "

"It's coming now, " announced Alla. "To the food, all!"

Philip was nowhere to be seen, nor did Patty see the Farringtons nearher, but feeling glad of the hint of refreshments, she followed whereBlaney led. Soon, she found herself ensconced on a divan, heaped withpillows, and many people were offering her strange-looking dishes. 

"_Chili con carne_?" said one, "or common or garden Welsh Rabbit?"

"I never tasted the Chili stuff, " laughed Patty, "but I love WelshRabbit. I'll take that, please. "

But, alas, the Welsh Rabbit Patty had in mind was a golden, delectableconfection, light and dainty of character. She was served with agoodly portion of a darkish, tough substance, of rubbery tendencies andstrong cohesive powers. 

In vain she essayed to eat it; it was unmanageable, and, to her taste, positively inedible. Yet the others were apparently enjoying it, soshe made valiant efforts to consume her own. 

"Fine, isn't it?" said Alla, with enthusiasm, "why, you're not eatingany! You don't like it! Take this away, Sam, and bring Miss Fairfieldsome of the Tamale stuff. "

And then, the Rabbit was succeeded by a concoction so much worse, thatPatty was appalled at the mere sight and odour of it. 

"Oh, please, " she said, hastily, "if I might be excused from eatinganything tonight. You see, the perfume of the incense burning is sounusual for me, that it makes me a little--er, headachy. Don't thinkme a silly, will you?"

Patty's wheedlesome air won them all, and they took away thehighly-spiced, and strongly-flavoured dish. Then Blaney came with asmall cup of thick, muddy-looking coffee. 

"Just the thing for you, " he declared, "set you up in a jiffy! RealEgyptian, no Turkish business. Just the thing for you!"

Patty gratefully accepted the coffee, but one taste was enough! It wasthick with pulverized coffee grounds, it was sickishly sweet, and itwas strong and black enough to please the blackest Egyptian who everdesired that brand. 

"Thank you, " she said, hastily handing the cup back. "It is so--sopowerful, a little is quite enough. I'm sure that is all I want. "

The others sipped the muddy fluid with apparent relish, and Patty beganto wonder if she wished she had gone home with Philip. At any rate shewas glad he would return for her, and she hoped it would be soon. 

She asked where the Farringtons were. 

"In the other room, I think, " said Alla. "We'll find them aftersupper. Here are the sweetmeats now. You must try these. "

The sweetmeats were Oriental, of course. There was Turkish Delight andother sticky, fruity, queer-looking bits, that seemed to Patty justabout the most unappetising candies she had ever seen. 

She refused them, a little positively, for she dreaded being persuadedto taste them, and it was hard to refuse the insistence of the guestswho offered them. 

"You'll learn, " said Miss Norton, the pianist of the program. "It tookme a long time to acquire the taste. But I've got it now, " she added, as she helped herself bountifully to the saccharine bits. 

Supper over, it was rumoured about that now Blaney would himself readfrom his own poems. A rustle of enthusiasm spread through the rooms, and Patty could easily see that this was the great event of theevening. She was glad now that she had stayed, for surely these poemswould be a revelation of beauty and genius. 

There was a zithern accompaniment by the girl in orange, but it wassoft and unobtrusive, that the lines themselves might not be obscured. 

Standing on the little platform, Blaney, in robes and turban, made aprofound salaam, and then in his melodious voice breathed softly thefollowing "Love Song ":

 "Thy beauty is a star-- A star Afar-- Ay, --far and far, Ay, far. And yet, a bar, -- A bar Is between thee and me! Thee and me---- Thee and me!"

The voice was so lovely that Patty scarcely sensed the words. With thehaunting accompaniment, the whole was like a bit of music, and thewords were negligible. 

But in the hush which followed, Patty began to think that after all thewords didn't amount to much. However, everybody was raving over theperformance, and begging for more. 

"Did you care for it?" Blaney asked of Patty, with what seemed to be agreat longing in his eyes. 

Unwilling to seem disappointed, she replied, "Oh, yes, it was mostsignificant. "

"I thank you, " he said, his eyes alight with pleasure, "you have usedthe right word!"

As Patty had spoken the first noncommittal word that came into herhead, she was thankful it proved acceptable!

CHAPTER IV

PATTY STAYS LATE

"It is so delightful to have you one of us, Patricia, " said Alla, waving her long arms about. "This place is a Cosmic Centre, you know, and now that you belong to us, you must be here much of the time. "

"But I'm only in Lakewood for a fortnight, " said Patty, smiling at her;"I go back to New York soon. "

"So do we. That is, we go in a few months. But we claim you. Youshall return and visit us here, and we shall be much together in thecity. Oh, we have adopted you, and now you are ours, isn't she, Sam?"

"Indeed, yes, " returned Blaney, enthusiastically; "never was such arare soul added to our circle. Priestess Patricia, our star soul!"

Patty was flattered at the attention she was receiving. She didn'tquite understand what a star soul meant, but she knew she held anelevated position among these highly intellectual people, and itdazzled her. 

"I have always had an ambition, " she admitted, "for something biggerand better than my social butterfly life, and with you I hope toachieve it. But I am ignorant, --you must teach me. "

"We will, " promised Miss Norton, "I shall take you in hand as myspecial charge. May I call on you tomorrow, and bring you some booksto study?"

Patty hesitated. When she was a house guest she never made engagementswithout consulting her hostess. But she wanted to see and know more ofthis new venture, so she said, "I can't promise. But if I find I canreceive you, may I not telephone or send you some message?"

"Yes, indeed, " acquiesced Miss Norton, gladly. 

Then the conversation drifted to the tendencies of modern art, and theexpression of one's ego, and the influence of the aura, and a lot ofsubjects that were to Patty as so much Greek. But she was fascinatedby the discourse, and resolved to read and study the books that shouldbe given her, until she, too, could discuss intelligently these greatsubjects. 

The talk was deliberate. Each wise and weighty opinion advanced wasthoughtfully considered and argued, and Patty listened, striving tocomprehend the jargon. Time passed rapidly, and, at last, she realisedthat most of the guests had gone, and there remained only about a halfdozen of the most talkative ones. 

Sam Blaney himself was the conversational leader. He went off on longtirades, and though Patty strove to follow his theories, they seemed toher vague and incomprehensible. She found herself getting sleepy, though she would have indignantly repudiated such an idea. 

Another man, Mr. Griscom, slightly differed in opinions with Blaney andthe debates between the two were raptly listened to by the others. 

A chiming clock struck two. 

"Good gracious!" exclaimed Patty, "it can't be two o'clock! Where arethe others? Where is Elise?"

"They've gone, long ago, " said Blaney, smiling. "You know you said Imight take you home, and so I told the Farringtons I would do so. 

"But I didn't mean to stay as late as this! Why, I had no idea it wasafter twelve! Oh, please, Mr. Blaney, take me home at once. What willMrs. Farrington think? I've never stayed anywhere so latebefore, --alone, --I mean. "

"You're not alone, Patricia, dear, " said Alla, surprised at Patty'sevident alarm. "You're ours now, you know, and we will care for youand protect you. Sam will take you home, and if you fear Mrs. Farrington's reproaches, I will go with you and explain. "

"Oh, not that, " and Patty smiled. "I don't fear her, you know. I'mnot a child, and I can do as I like. But it is not my custom to staylater than the people I came with. "

"But all your customs will change now. We are a law unto ourselves. Bohemians are free of conventions and rules. Simply tell Mrs. Farrington that you have joined our circle and you will henceforth begoverned by our ideas and customs. As you say, you are not a child, you can do as you like. "

"Of course you can, " said Mr. Griscom. "I'm going that way, I'll takeyou home, if you like. "

"Thank you, " said Patty, "but I have accepted Mr. Blaney's escort. "

"That's right, " said Blaney, heartily. "Oh, there'll be notrouble, --no trouble at all. I'll take Miss Fairfield home, and if anycomments are made, they'll be made to me. "

Patty felt uneasy. She didn't know exactly why, for she had donenothing wrong, but it was so very late, and she wondered what theFarringtons would think of her. 

She got her wraps and Alla kissed her good-bye. 

"Dear little Patricia, " she said, affectionately. "It is all right. It seems unaccustomed, I know, but you are ours now, and your friendsmust get used to it. "

It was only a few blocks to walk over to Pine Laurel, and Patty startedoff with Sam Blaney. 

"You're anxious, Miss Fairfield, " he said, kindly, "and I'm sorry. CanI help at all? I assure you I had no thought of your staying with uslonger than you wished. Shall I go in and explain to your friends?"

"No, thank you, Mr. Blaney, " Patty said, after an instant's thought. "I think, if you please, I would rather you would not come in. If I am'scolded, ' I'd rather stand it alone. "

There were lights in the Farrington house when they arrived. At soundof their steps on the veranda, the door opened, and Roger appeared. "That you, Patty?" he said, pleasantly; "Hello, Blaney, will you comein?"

"No, thanks; just brought Miss Fairfield home. She seemed to enjoy herevening. "

"That's good, " returned Roger. "Good night, then, if you won't comein. "

Roger closed the door, and with his hand still on the knob, whisperedto Patty: "You're going to catch it from Phil! But I'll stand by you. "

Patty's eyes flashed. She resented the idea of Van Reypen's authority, and she was tired and bothered. But Roger's kindly attitude comfortedher, and she smiled at him. 

"Good night, Roger, " she said, aloud. "Thank you for waiting up forme. I'm tired, and I'll go straight to my room. The girls have goneup, I suppose. "

"Wait a moment, Patty, " and Van Reypen appeared in the doorway from thesun-parlour, where the two men had been sitting, "wait a moment, I wantto speak to you. "

"Not tonight, Phil, please. I'm very tired. "

"You ought to be tired! Staying till all hours with that bunch oftrash! I'm ashamed of you!"

Patty was thoroughly angry. It took a good deal to make good-naturedPatty angry, but when her temper was roused, it meant a tempest. Also, she was worn out mentally and physically and, more than all, sheresented Philip's assumption of authority. 

Her blue eyes flashed, and a spot of pink came into each cheek, as shereplied: "It is not of the slightest interest to me whether you areashamed of me or not! You are in no way responsible for my actions andyou have no right to reprove or criticise me. I may have broken theconventions of hospitality, but that is between me and Mrs. Farrington. Your opinion of me means nothing to me whatever! Good night, Roger. "

Patty held out her hand to Roger, who took it for a moment, with asmiling good night, and then, with the air of an offended queen, Pattyswept upstairs and entered her own room. 

There she found Mona and Elise, one asleep on the couch, the otherrubbing her eyes as she sat up in a big easy-chair. 

"Goodness, Patty!" said Mona, looking at the clock, "what _have_ youbeen up to?"

Elise blinked and shook herself awake. "We had to wait up to see you, "she said, "so we waited here. "

"I see you did, " returned Patty, lightly. "And now your wait is over, and you've seen me, shall us say good night?"

"Not much we won't!" declared Elise, now broad awake. "Tell useverything about it! What did you do there all this time? What didPhil say? Who brought you home? Do you like that crowd? How can you?They bore me to death! Oh, Patty, you're going to cry!"

"I am, " declared Patty, and the tears gathered thickly in her eyes. "I'm all in, and I'm down and out, and I'm mad as hops, and I'm tired, and I _am_ going to cry. Now, if you've any sense of common humanity, you'll know enough to go away and let me alone!"

"Can I help?" asked Mona, looking commiseratingly at Patty. 

"No, " and Patty smiled through the fast-flooding tears. "I never needhelp to cry!"

"Come on, then, " and Mona took Elise by the arm and led her away, asthey heard Patty's door locked behind them. 

Now, most girls would have thrown themselves down on the pillows tohave their cry out, but Patty was too methodical for that. "I can'tcry comfortably in this rig, " she said to herself, beginning to takeoff the chiffon gown. 

And it was with tears still unshed that she finally sat at herdressing-table plaiting her hair for the night. 

"And after all, " she remarked to her reflection in the mirror, "I onlywant to cry 'cause I'm tired and worn out and--yes, and mad! I'm madat Philip, and I'm going to stay mad! He has no right to talk to melike a Dutch uncle! My own father never spoke to me like that! Theidea! I just simply, plain won't stand it, and that's all there isabout that!"

And so, after Patty was snugly in bed, cuddled beneath the comfortingdown coverlet, she let herself go, and cried to her heart's content;great, soul-satisfying sobs that quieted her throbbing pulses andexhausted her strained nerves, until she fell asleep from sheerweariness. 

And next morning she awoke, smiling. Everything looked bright andcheery. The sun shone in at her windows, and as she felt somebodypinching her toes through the blankets, she opened her eyes to see Monasitting on the edge of the bed and Elise just coming in at the door. Mrs. Farrington followed, and Patty sat up in bed with a smilingwelcome for all. 

"Hello, you dear things!" she cried. "You first, Mrs. Farrington. Iwant to 'fess up to you. I was baddy girl last night, and I stayed atthe party much later than I meant to, or than I knew, until I suddenlyrealised the time. Am I forguv? Oh, do say yes, and _don't_ scold me!"

Pretty Patty possessed herself of the lady's hand and looked sopenitent and so wheedlesome that Mrs. Farrington was disarmed. 

"Why, of course, dear; it was not really wrong, but young girls oughtto be home by midnight at latest, I think, --and too, ought to come homewith their own people. "

"I know it, Mrs. Farrington, I do know it. I have been brought upright--honest, I have. But it was a special occasion, you see, and, too, my own people ran off and left me. "

"Oh, now, Patty, " began Elise, "Sam said you sent word for us to do so. "

"Well, I didn't exactly do that, but I did want to stay longer. Oh, Mrs. Farrington, you've no idea how interesting those psychic soulsare----"

"What!"

"Yes, they're psychic, you know----"

"And what are psychics, --clearly, now, Patty, what _are_ psychics?"

"Why, they're----they're----"

"Yes, go on. "

"Well, they're--why, they're _psychics_! That's what they are. "

"Patty, you're an irresistible little goose!" and Mrs. Farrington bentdown to kiss the pretty, flushed face, and then laughingly declared shehad no more time to waste on psychics, and trailed away. 

"Now, tell us all about it, Patsy, " said Elise. "I shan't let you getup till you do. "

"There's not much to tell, Elise; but I liked to learn about the thingsthey were talking about and so I stayed later than I should have. Butsince your mother is so lovely about it, I don't care what any one elsesays. "

"Oh, pshaw, --your staying late, --that was nothing. But what did theydo over there so interesting? I can't see any sense in their talk. "

"I can't see much myself, and that's why I want to learn. I'm awfullyignorant of higher ethics, --and--things like that. "

"Higher ethics? H--m. Is it sort of Uplift ideas?"

"No, not that exactly. "

"Fudge, you don't know what it is, 'exactly, ' and between you and me, Idon't think you have the glimmer of a ghost of an idea what it is allabout! Now, have you?"

"If I had, I couldn't make you understand! You're antagonistic. Youhave to be receptive and responsive and----"

"Patty, you're a goose! A silly idiot of a goose! But such a dear, pretty little goose, that with all your faults we love you still! Now, I'll scoot, and you get dressed, for we're going somewhere today. "

"Where?"

"Never you mind, Miss Curiosity. Just put on a house dress and comedown to breakfast, and you'll find out. "

Elise ran away, but Mona lingered. 

"Patty, " she said, a little gravely, "Philip is terribly upset aboutlast night. "

"I don't care if he is, Mona. He has no right to be. He has noauthority over me. "

"What! When you've become engaged to him?"

"I'm not engaged to him at all. "

"He says you are. "

"Did he really say that, Mona?"

"Not in so many words, but he implied that there was an understandingbetween you. "

"Understanding! I hate that word, --used that way! There's amisunderstanding between us, if there's anything!"

"But you're going to be engaged to him, aren't you, Patty?"

"No, I don't think so. Not after last night. Why, he was horrid, Mona, after I came home. He scolded me, and I wouldn't stay to listen. I ran upstairs. "

"Oh, Patty, I wish you'd make up with him, and be friends again, and beengaged to him, and announce it at my wedding. "

"Did he say all that to you last night? Did he make those delightfulplans, and talk them over with you and Roger?"

"Don't look so furious. It just came about, you see. We were sittingthere, waiting for you to come home, and Phil was saying how he adoresyou, and how he wanted your promise, but he had to wait a certain timebefore you would say positively. And, of course, we were talking aboutmy wedding, and I said it would be nice to announce your engagementthen, it's always so picturesque to announce one wedding at another----"

"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Mona, but if you want an engagementannounced at your wedding I'm afraid you'll have to get some othergirl. You can keep the same man, if you like!"

"Oh, Patty, don't be cross with me! It wasn't my fault!"

"That's so, Mona, --I'm a pig! Forgive me, dear. Now, to make up, I'lltell you just how it is. I have told Philip that I'd give him myanswer in about two weeks. And that will be your wedding day. But myanswer is to be yes, only if he succeeds in teaching me to love him bythat time. And I don't mind telling you, that the way he talked to melast night doesn't exactly further his cause!"

"But, Patty, he was angry, you know, and jealous of those foolishBlaney people. "

"They're not foolish, --and I can't bear men who are jealous. Now, Mona, girlie, you 'tend to your own suitor. You've quite enough to doin the next two weeks, without dipping your pretty little fingers in mypie. "

"Yes, " sighed Mona, "I have. "

CHAPTER V

AT RED CHIMNEYS

When Patty entered the dining-room, she found the rest already atbreakfast. 

"'Scuse me for being late, " she said, as she took her place, "but I wasup late last night. "

She smiled gaily at Philip, whose somewhat frowning face relaxed intoan answering smile. 

"Never mind that, Patty, " said Mona, "listen to what we're planning. Philip thinks it would be a good idea to buy Red Chimneys for theKiddies' Home, and we're going to motor over to Spring Beach today tolook at it. "

"Fine! but why go to look at it? We all know exactly what it lookslike----"

"Yes, Patty, " said Philip, "but there are several matters to see about. I know the house, generally speaking, but I want to look it over withthe idea of a Home in mind. Count up the rooms, get measurements andso forth, to present in my report to the Board of Managers. "

"All right, I'd like to go. I think it would be fun. Lunch at thehotel, I suppose. "

"Yes, or take something with us and picnic at the house. "

"Oh, that's lots nicer, don't you think so, Elise?"

"Well, you see, Patty, it doesn't matter to me which you do, as I'm notgoing. I'm sorry, but I've some engagements today that I must keep, so, if you don't mind, I'm going to ask to be left at home. "

"All right, then it's up to us. What say, Mona? Picnic sandwiches?"

"Yes, and some Thermos stuff, --soup and chocolate. That will give usmore time to look over the house. There are some things I want to seeabout, if it's to leave my possession forever. "

"Why don't you keep it, Mona? Why wouldn't you and Roger like it for asummer home?"

"We talked it over, and I'm rather tired of the place. And Rogerprefers going to different places each year. Father told me I couldhave the house, and do what I liked with it, sell it or keep it. Butif they want it for this Home arrangement, I think I'll be rather gladto let it go. "

The quartet started off in high spirits at the prospect of a jolly day. The big limousine was most comfortable and well equipped. An ampleluncheon was stowed away in hampers, and a skilful and carefulchauffeur drove them at a speedy gait. It was a glorious, clear, cold, sunshiny day, and the open windows gave them plenty of fresh air. 

Patty, enveloped in furs, nestled in one corner of the wide back seat, and Mona was in the other. The two men faced them. Not a word hadpassed between Patty and Philip about the night before, and Pattywondered if he intended to let the matter go by without furtherreference. 

"You see it's this way, " Philip began, addressing Patty; "I haven'treally had an opportunity of telling you about it yet. We don't wantto do anything much in the matter of the Home before Spring. But asMona's house is in the market, and as it seems like an ideal place tohave for the children, I thought we'd better look into it, and, ifadvisable, buy it and then wait a few months before doing anythingfurther. "

"I think so, too, Phil, " Patty agreed. "I counted up the rooms and itwill easily accommodate twenty or twenty-five kiddies, and that's asmany as we can take care of, isn't it?"

"I think so; for the present, anyway. And you know, Patty, all youhave to do is to approve or disapprove of the purchase, and what yousay, goes. "

"What an important personage you are, Patty, " said Roger. "Yourlightest word is law. "

"It won't be a light word, " and Patty looked serious. "I shallconsider the matter carefully, and with all the wisdom and forethoughtI can find in my brain. This matter was left to me as a trust, and I'mnot taking it lightly, I can tell you. This purchase of a house is apermanent move, not a trifling, temporary question. And unless theplace is the very right place, --righter than any other place, --why, wedon't want it, that's all. "

"Bravo, Patty!" and Philip looked at her, admiringly. "You've got alot of good sense and judgment under that fur headpiece of yours. "

"Fur headpiece!" cried Patty; "my new chinchilla toque! This is mydearest possession, if you please. "

"It looks dear, " observed Roger. "I believe that chinchilla animal isquite expensive. "

"It is indeed, " declared Mona, "my travelling suit is trimmed with it. "

"Travelling suit?" asked Patty, innocently, "are you going away?"

"She says so, " Roger answered for her. "She says she's going to----"

"Hush!" cried Mona, "isn't that just like a man! Why, you mustn't tellwhere you're going on your wedding trip! It isn't done. "

"No, of course not, " chimed in Patty; "but, all the same, after youreach Palm Beach, let us know, won't you?"

"I will, " declared Roger, "but, do you know, it seems as if the timewould never come!"

"Nice boy, " said Mona, approvingly; "doesn't he make pretty speeches, Patty?"

"Lovely. You'll have a beautiful time on your trip. I 'most wish Iwas going with you?"

"Come on, Patty, " said Philip, "let's make it a double affair. Howabout it?"

"No, thank you. I haven't any suit trimmed with chinchilla. "

"You've a whole chinchilla coat on now, " said Mona. "You could wearthat. "

"What! get married in old clothes! No-sir-ee! The best part of awedding is the trousseau. That's the only thing that would everpersuade _me_ to take the fatal step. "

"It is fun, " agreed Mona. "Oh, Patty, my green velvet came homeyesterday! It's simply wonderful! The tunic, you know----"

"Help! help!" cried Roger. "You girls have got us penned in here wherewe can't get away, but if you're going to talk about bias ruffling andside gores, I shall jump out the window! I warn you. "

"You can't stop 'em, old man, " said Van Reypen, gravely, "they've gotto go through with that green velvet, now they've begun on it. Proceed, Mona. The tunic was trimmed with peplum, wasn't it? and thebodice was cut _en train_----"

"You don't deserve to know, " Mona told him, "and as for Roger, he'llsee enough of that green velvet, poor man! It's so beautiful, I expectto wear it on every possible occasion. "

"All right, dear, " said Roger, rolling his eyes in mock devotion. "Whatever you say, goes, my queen, my--y que--ee--n!"

"Even if I wear a rig like Alla Blaney wore last night?" asked Mona, laughing. 

"Well, I must draw the line somewhere, and I should say that was thevery place! If you elect to appear in a scarecrow costume of thattype, I shall send you back to your father. "

"No danger, " and Mona shook her head. "Why do people want to makethemselves such frights?"

"Their dress interprets their souls, " said Van Reypen, sarcastically, "and their souls are frights. "

"Nothing of the sort, Phil, " flared out Patty; "I'd like you toremember those people are my friends. "

"Well, my dear, if you choose to have friends with souls like frights, it is, of course, your privilege; but you must allow me to express myopinion of them. "

"And so you may, --but not to me. "

"Very well; consider I was talking to Mona, --which I really was. "

"Then continue to talk to her, for I don't want to talk to you. "

"All right, pretty Patty, --pretty little sunny-faced Patty, --all right. "

Philip's voice was teasing and his smile was irritating, and Patty wasangry at him anyway, yet she couldn't help laughing at his speech, forshe looked as cross as a thunder cloud, and she knew it. That is, asnear to the crossness of a thunder cloud as Patty Fairfield couldmanage. Her cheeks were reddened by the cold wind and her blue eyesalways looked bluer in a frosty atmosphere. And now, as anuncontrollable smile parted her scarlet lips, and her white teethgleamed, and her dimples came into view, Patty justified Philip's termof "pretty Patty, " but she quickly concealed her smile by sinking herchin deep into the great fur collar of her coat. 

"Wasn't it a crazy party?" Mona went on, not realising she was on adangerous subject. "They all took themselves so seriously. "

"Why shouldn't they?" said Patty, coming up out of her fur cave; "itmight be better if we all took ourselves more seriously, --such a lot oftriflers and sillyheads as we are!"

"And such a lot of piffle-peddlers and hard-boiled eggs as they are!"said Philip, fairly snorting in disgust. 

"Oh, very well!" and Patty sank again into the chinchilla cavern. 

Roger touched Mona's foot with his own, and gave her an urgent, significant glance, as he said, with a determination to change thesubject, "We'll just about get to Red Chimneys in time for luncheon. Shall we have our picnic before we explore the house? I'm as hungry asthree bears and a hunter. "

"So'm I, " agreed Van Reypen, taking the cue. "What's in the hampers?Unless something pretty substantial, I vote we go to a hotel to feast. "

"No, " said Mona, "that wouldn't be half as much fun. It's thepicnicking that's so jolly. If you agree, Patty, " she added, for ifPatty had any intention of sulking, there would be little fun in apicnic. 

But Patty Fairfield was no spoilsport. She was annoyed at Philip, butthat was no reason for her to make the others uncomfortable, and sheresponded gaily, "Oh, yes, the picnic is lots more fun. But will thehouse be warm enough?"

"Yes, " Mona answered, "we telephoned down last night for Mr. Bates, thecaretaker, to make some fires, and we can pile logs in the big hallfireplace till we roast alive. We can have the feast in the hall, ifthe dining-room is chilly. "

But they found the whole house fairly warm and distinctly cheery andhomey-looking. Bates had aired and dusted it, and had built fires andaltogether the beautiful rooms looked so attractive, that Mona declaredshe was half inclined not to give it up, after all. 

"We could rent it some years, Roger, " she said, "and live in it someyears, if we wanted to. "

"Just as you say, Mona, " he replied; "it's your house. Wait untilspring to decide, if you prefer. "

"All right, " said Van Reypen, "but I fear we must decide on the housewe buy before that. For we want to get the place we're to have inorder as soon as Spring pokes her nose in. "

"We'll have luncheon first, " Mona decided, "and then discuss thematter. "

The men opened the hampers, and the girls set the table in the greathall, near the roaring wood fire that filled the enormous fireplace. Salads and sandwiches, carefully packed, were in faultless condition, and the numerous Thermos bottles held hot soup, coffee, and chocolate. A small freezer of ice cream appeared from somewhere, and a box ofconfectionery contented the girls while the men smoked after the repast. 

"It's this way, " said Roger, at last, when they had talked over thewhole thing thoroughly, "Mona and I are considering our future, --yes, even our old age! And, so, there are some points that we want todiscuss alone. Therefore, and wherefore, my friends, --my future wifeand I will, if you please, go apart by ourselves for a bit ofconfidential chat. "

"Good gracious, Roger, " said Patty, "anybody would think you two weremarried already!"

"Same as, " Roger retorted; "especially in matters of real estate, andfuture dwelling-houses and such things. But, really, what I'm going todo, is, to try to persuade, cajole, or coerce Mona into selling theplace; for I know she doesn't really want it, only today, in theglamour of this firelight glow, it seems attractive to her. So, I mustneeds convince her of my superior judgment. "

The two went off, laughing, and Philip sat down again beside Patty. 

"How happy they are together, " he said, musingly. 

"Yes; I'm thoroughly glad for them. I never saw a pair better suitedto one another. Roger adores the ground Mona walks on, yet he knowsjust how to manage her----"

"Do you think a man ought to 'manage' the woman he loves?"

"If necessary, yes. At least he should know how to. "

"And do you think I know how to manage you?"

"I don't want to be managed, --I can manage myself, " Patty smiled, roguishly. "But since you ask me, Phil, no, I don't think you do knowhow to manage me, --not the least little mite!"

"Teach me then, dear. I'll do just what you say. "

"All right. First, you must not scold me if I like people whom youdon't like. "

"Oh, hang! I had forgotten all about those bumptious lumps! Whyremind me?"

"Because it's a case in point. If you care for me, you must care forthe things or people that I care for. "

"But, Patty, --since you've brought up the subject, let's have it out. You _can't_ like those humbugs, --those fake brainsters, --those sap-headpharisees----"

"Phil, suppose you stop calling them names, which mean nothing, andtell me just what it is you have against them. "

"There's everything against them, Patty, and nothing for them. Theypretend to wisdom, knowledge, and genius that they don't possess. Theyfake up a lot of patter talk and pass it off for philosophy, orpsychology, or lord knows what! And there isn't an ounce of brains inthe whole fool bunch of them! That's what makes me mad! They fool youinto believing their drivel is wisdom, and it isn't!"

"How do you know? You haven't such a lot of that sort of knowledgeyourself. "

"What sort of knowledge?"

"Soul lore----"

"Patty! Don't you ever use the word _soul_ in the silly way they do!You have a soul, of course, --an immortal soul. But they don't meanthat. By soul, they mean a puffball of hifalutin ideas, of nonsenseabout the occult and psychic, and all that balderdash. Oh, Patty, mylittle girl, _don't_ let those idiot people carry away your commonsense and your plain everyday sanity! Don't, I beg of you!"

"Look here, Phil, " and Patty stared at him, thoughtfully; "I'm to giveyou an answer to a certain question in about a fortnight, I believe. "

"You are, my Blessed Darling! To be exact, on the fifteenth ofDecember, this present month, you are to admit, --blushingly, if youlike, but unequivocally, --that I'm the one man in the world for you. "

"Don't be too sure. Do you suppose I _can_ love a man who differs soin opinion on this matter of--of psychology----"

"Yes, you blessed goose! You sure can! For, you see, thispoppycock, --I beg your pardon, --this poppychology is but a flash in thepan, a rift in the lute, a fly in the ointment. Ahem, I'm gettingpoetical now! Well, in a short space of period, you will haveforgotten all this rubbish, --er, --soul-rubbish, you know, --and you'llbe thinking only of how glad you are that you love me and I loveyou, --just as Mona and Roger are, in these blissful days before theirmarriage. Oh, Patty, you are going to marry me, aren't you, dear? Ican't stand it, if you say no. "

Patty looked at him, and a troubled expression filled her blue eyes. 

"I don't know, Philip. Honestly, I don't know. But it seems to me ifI am going to love you such a lot two weeks from now, I ought to caremore than I do now. "

"Oh, that's all right, darling. It'll come all at once. Why, someday, you'll suddenly discover you love me with every bit and corner ofyour dear little blessed heart, and you'll wonder that you only justrealised it. "

"I don't know, Philip. I hope it _will_ be like that--but I don'tknow. "

"Don't worry about it, dear, it will be all right, " and Van Reypensmiled into the anxious eyes upraised to his. 

CHAPTER VI

A SOCIETY CIRCUS

"Of course I could do it, " Patty agreed, "and I will, if you say so, Elise. I don't care a lot about it, but if everybody is going in forthe game, I am, too. "

"Yes, do, Patty; it's just in your line, and you can do it a whole lotbetter than that girl did last year, --you know whom I mean, Ethel. "

"Yes, Ray Rose----"

"Ray Rose, " said Patty, "what a pretty name!"

"Pretty girl, too, " said Ethel Merritt, who was calling at Pine Laurel. "Also, she isn't going to like it any too well to have Miss Fairfieldtake her part. "

"Oh, is it her part?" asked Patty; "then I won't take it. "

"Yes, you will. It's all right. Nobody wants her and everybody wantsyou. "

The subject under discussion was a "Society Circus" to be performed bythe young people of Lakewood, and of great interest to all concerned. 

It was a few days after the Spring Beach trip. Mona had gone back homeand Philip also, and Roger was in New York. Elise was greatlyenthusiastic over the circus plan, and was managing committees, andarranging details in her usual capable fashion. The affair was acharity benefit under the auspices of a philanthropic society that gavesome such entertainment every winter. Patty, always ready for anygaiety, was preparing to take part, though the scheme was a new one toher. She had never been in a society circus, and wanted the matterthoroughly explained. 

"It isn't much to explain, Miss Fairfield, " Ethel said; "you see, everybody is an animal or a clown or a bareback rider, or somethingthat belongs to a circus. Bob Riggs is ringmaster, and they all obeyhim. He's awfully funny, and whatever he has to do with, is sure to bea success. "

"Tell me more about my part, " said Patty; "how do I dress?"

"Well, you see, you're Mlle. Hooperino, and you do fancy dancing andjump through paper hoops----"

"What! Oh, I can't do that!"

"Yes, you can; Bob will show you how. Why, anybody who dances as youdo, can do anything of that sort. And your costume is anything youlike, in the way of tulle skirts, lots of 'em, and a satin bodice, laced up, you know, and a dinky little cap, and, --oh, anything youthink fetching and attractive. "

"It sounds fun, " Patty agreed, "but what about Miss Rose? I don't wantto disappoint her; will she feel annoyed?"

"She sure will! But never mind that. As soon as Bob saw you dance theother night, he said you were the one for the part. You must do it. "

"And Ray Rose hasn't been asked this year, " put in Elise. "She can'tresent your taking what she never had. "

"She will, though, " declared Ethel. "She looks upon that part as hers, and she won't like Miss Fairfield's having it one bit. But thatdoesn't matter. What Bob says, goes; and that's all there is aboutthat!"

They talked over the costumes and dances until every question wassettled, and Ethel went away with Patty's promise to do what wasrequested of her. 

"But I don't like it, " Patty demurred, "on account of that Rose girl. What is she like, Elise?"

"Oh, she's the jolliest thing in the world. She won't get mad atyou, --she isn't that sort. But I know what she will do. She'll try to'get even, ' you know, --do something to pay you out for stealing herglory. "

"What'll she do?"

"Oh, I don't know. Some practical joke, like as not. She's a sort ofkid, although she's nineteen years old. "

"All right, if she's that sort, I'm not afraid of her. I thought shewas haughty and sarcastic. "

"Oh, no, nothing like that. She's full of mischief and awfullygood-natured. But she'll resent Bob's putting you in her place. Don'tthink of it, Patty. It's all a trifle. She'll have some other part, just as good. "

"Very well, I'll turn me thinks toward me frock. What say to pale bluetulle, with silver lace by way of trimmin's?"

"Fine! And after you get yours all planned will you help me with mine?"

"Will I! I live but for that! You, my Elise, must wear corn colour, or, say, maize colour, and poppies. "

"Yes, now that you speak of it, that's just what I want. Shall us askPhilip down, Patty?"

"No; I'd like to have one time of my life without his revered presence. "

"Look here, Patty, between you and me and the circus, aren't youexpecting to be the eventual Mrs. Philip?"

"Oh, Elise, don't bother me about such far-away eventualities. "

"All right, I won't, 'cause I know all about that. You're trying himout, and if he passes his exams, you're going to say yes, pretty soon, now. "

"Good gracious! I believe my loving friends know more about my affairsthan I do myself!"

"If we didn't we wouldn't know much! You are the most wabbly-heartedperson I ever knew! Say, Pats, what did you do to big Bill Farnsworthto send him flying off out West again?"

"I?" and Patty opened her blue eyes wide at Elise. 

"Yes, you, you saucer-eyed doll! One day, he was shining brightly allover the place, and the next, he was like a thunder cloud, and departedstraightway for the wild and woolly. "

"Oh, well, Elise, I can't feel sure that it's precisely your affair;but, as you show a polite interest, I don't mind telling you that wequarrelled. "

"About Philip Van Reypen. "

"Clairvoyant! Well, if you will have it so, --yes. "

"Oh, Patty, then you do like Phil better than Mr. Farnsworth!"

"Do I?"

"You must! or you never would have sent one away because of the other. And, Patty, you did just right. Phil Van Reypen is worth a dozen ofthat Western giant. He's nice, Mr. Farnsworth is, but Philip is somuch more--oh, --aristocratic and--and smart-looking, you know. "

"Bill is smart enough, " said Patty, thoughtfully. 

"I don't mean smart in the sense of clever, but----"

"I know; you mean well-dressed and fashionable. "

"Yes, and correct-mannered, and generally all round a gentleman. "

"Bill Farnsworth is a gentleman. "

"Of course. But not the polished type Philip is. He's an aristocrat. "

"Oh, fiddlestrings. I'm sick and tired of hearing that Phil Van Reypenis an aristocrat! If I were an aristocrat, I'd try to hide it!Anyway, I wouldn't advertise it all the time!"

"Patty! you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Phil doesn't advertiseit!"

"Well, he doesn't employ you to do it for him, either, so you may aswell stop it. I know all about Phil's aristocracy. And it's allright. I never said it wasn't. But a man has got to be something morethan an aristocrat before I can fall desperately in love with him. AndI must be desperately in love with the man I promise to marry. "

Patty spoke seriously, and her blue eyes took on a violet light as shelooked out of the window and far away to the sky beyond the pine trees. 

"Of course, you must, Patty. Every girl feels that way. But when Philadores you so, how can you resist him?"

"Now, now, Elise, don't ask leading questions. And, also, let's turnthe tables. When a certain nice young man that I wot of, so adoresyou, how can you resist him?"

"I don't know that I shall, " replied Elise, blushing. 

"Oho! Bad as that, eh? Now I see why you're so interested in myaffairs of the heart. Misery loves company. "

"But I'm not miserable. "

"No, of course not. Howsumever, if you insist on asking Philip Vandown to the circus, I shall advise asking one Mr. Kit Cameron. "

"You're a day behind the fair! I've asked him and he can't come. "

"Too bad. But, just for that, I won't have Phil, either. Then we canboth be heart-whole and fancy free. "

"All right. Bob Riggs has taken a large and elegant notion to you, andI am engaged in the pleasant pastime of subjugating Hal Merritt, so weshan't want for rustic swains. "

"As if we ever had! But as for me, this circus business seems a pieceof work, and I must apply myself to it, or rejoice in a failure at theeventful moment. "

"You're right. Let's go over to Mme. Beauvais' and see about hermaking our costumes. "

"Come on, we'll go now. "

The next few days the girls devoted all their time to their costumesand to rehearsals for the circus. It was a more elaborate affair thanPatty had anticipated, and the men who were to represent animals hadmarvellous suits of fur that closely imitated the real thing in wildbeasts. 

A bear, who was ordinarily Jack Fenn, captivated Patty from the first, and when she proposed to dance with him, Bob Riggs caught at the idea. 

"Capital!" he cried, "just the thing, Miss Fairfield. Hit of theevening, I assure you. Come, begin your rehearsal at once. "

It was not easy, for the bear costume made its wearer clumsy and heawkwardly tripped and nearly upset Patty. But she good-naturedly triedthe steps over and over until they began to do better. 

"It'll right itself after a few more rehearsals, " she said, encouragingly. "Come over to the Farringtons' mornings, and we'll geta little extra practice. "

Fenn did so, and, as they perfected the dance, all who saw itprophesied it would be the hit of the whole affair. 

And everybody was pleased save and except Ray Rose. She had takenquietly enough the substitution of Patty for herself as _premièredanseuse_, and had even said she preferred the part that had beenassigned her. But when the Bear dance began to be talked about withsuch enthusiasm, she commenced to find fault. 

"How did you happen to worm yourself into my place, Miss Fairfield?"she said at a rehearsal. "Did you make up this Bear foolery?"

"I'm afraid I did, Miss Rose, " returned Patty, smiling. "You've nocriticism to make, have you?"

"None, except that I wanted that part that Mr. Riggs saw fit to giveyou, and I'm madder'n hops 'cause I haven't got it. "

"Why, I'll give it to you, " and Patty smiled at the pouting girl. 

"Oh, you can't do that now, it's too late. "

"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you wanted it?"

"Never s'posed you'd give it up, or I would have. But I'll get evenwith you!"

"Now, don't talk like that, for it wasn't my fault that Mr. Riggsselected me for the part. "

"Well, it was your fault that you took it, and it will be my fault if Idon't make you pay for it!"

"Is this a threat?"

"It most certainly is. What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing at all, --unless it is carried out. Then I shall defend myselfto the best of my ability. I'm good-natured, --and I am told youare, --but I've no intention of being annoyed unjustly, and you'll findthat out, Miss Ray Rose! By the way, what a pretty name you have. "

"Do you like it? It's really Ramona, but I've always been called Ray. I like you a lot, Miss Fairfield, and I'd be sorry to annoy you, but, --well, perhaps because I do like you so much, --I warn you, I'mgoing to get ahead of you on this circus program, if I can. "

"You're a little goose, " said Patty, laughing outright at thedetermined face and snapping black eyes of Ray Rose. "I do believe youwant to cut up some trick on me, because I stole your part, or it seemsto you I did, and yet, you rather like me, and hate to do it, afterall. "

"How did you know?" cried Ray Rose, astonished. "That's exactly whatwas in my mind! Well, honest, if I can conquer my desire to get evenwith you, I'll let you alone. But I feel pretty sure I shall do youract myself. "

"You are the queerest girl I ever saw!" and Patty looked herastonishment. "Your frankness and your slyness together are thefunniest combination! Just for your queer cleverness, I give youpermission to get my place from me if you can! But don't forget Ioffered it to you. "

"That's nothing. Bob Riggs wouldn't let me take it. But if I get itin some way that he can't help himself, remember that you told me Imight. "

Patty was greatly amused at this conversation, but as other and moreimportant matters quickly demanded her attention, she promptly forgotthe whole matter. 

The circus proper was to be an evening entertainment, but in theafternoon of the same day, the entire cast of characters marched up anddown the streets as an advertisement, hoping to attract attention androuse curiosity to such an extent that the attendance at the eveningperformance would be large. 

The animals presented a fearsome sight. Lions, bears, tigers, monkeys, a giraffe and a donkey, were followed by clowns, acrobats, trapezeperformers, and jugglers. 

Patty, as _première danseuse_, rode in a gilded chariot drawn by fourgaily caparisoned white horses. She sat enthroned on a high seat, andwaved smiling greetings as she passed. 

Ray Rose, in Pierrette costume, was gay and good-natured, and chummedup with Patty, in evident forgetfulness of any ill-feeling. 

"She's all right, " Patty said to Elise, as they went home after theparade, and prepared to rest up a little before the evening performance. 

Patty had no sooner reached her room than she was called to thetelephone. The speaker was Ray Rose. 

"Excuse me, Miss Fairfield, but I do want to speak to you a minute. Ithink my Pierrette act would be a whole lot prettier, if I had a fewHighland Fling steps in it, don't you?"

"I do, " Patty replied, after a moment's consideration. "Put them inafter the one-step movement. "

"Yes, that's what I meant. May I run over to your house a minute, andwill you show me about the Fling? It won't take a jiffy. "

"Yes, of course. Will you come right away?"

"I will. But, oh, pshaw, --I'm all dressed in my Pierrette rig;wouldn't you, --couldn't you come here instead? I'll send the car, itwon't take any time at all. "

"Why, yes, I can come over, and I will, if you want me to so much. "Patty ran to tell Elise she was going, but Elise was not in her room, so Patty went downstairs to look for her. Before she saw Elise, orindeed any one else, the Rose car came, a little runabout, with onlythe chauffeur. 

Flinging a motor coat from the hall-rack around her, Patty ran out thedoor and jumped into the car. 

In a moment she was at Ray Rose's house, and the girl herself stoodsmiling in the doorway. 

"Good for you!" she cried, "you're a duck! Come right up to my room. "

Patty followed Ray, who ran lightly up stairs, and threw open the doorof her bedroom. 

"What a lovely room!" Patty exclaimed, as she entered a dainty nest allpink and white. 

"Yes, isn't it?" agreed Ray, and they stepped inside. "Sit down aminute, " she went on, "I want to get another scarf. I'll be rightback. "

Patty threw herself into a low wicker chair, and, gently closing thedoor behind her, Ray disappeared. 

CHAPTER VII

A CLEVER PLAN

Patty waited, thinking over the coming performance and mentallyrehearsing her part. It was not really difficult, but it was tricky, for unless she sprang through the paper-covered hoops at just the rightmoment, it would be an awkward blunder. However, after manyrehearsals, she felt pretty sure of herself, and looked forward withpleasure to the fun. 

She glanced round Ray's room. It was full of attractive odds and endsin addition to its furniture and regular appointments, which were ofthe most elaborate description. Rising, Patty examined some of thepictures and ornaments, and became so engrossed, that the minutes flewby unnoticed. On the dressing-table was a silver-framed clock, and atinkling chime rang out from it, before Patty had given a thought tothe hour. Quarter-past seven! And the performance was scheduled forhalf-past eight. She had waited there for Ray nearly fifteen minutes. It was very queer. What could have detained her?

Patty waited restlessly for five minutes longer, and then determined togo in search of Ray. She turned the doorknob, but the door would notopen! Like a flash the explanation came to her. She was locked in!Ray had done it, in fulfilment of her threat to "get even" with Patty. 

The summons over there had been a blind, to trick her into the room, and now she was locked in!

Patty smiled at the silly ruse. The matter couldn't be serious, --shecould certainly get out some way, and get home in time to don hercostume and get to the circus, even if a little late. Unwilling tocause unnecessary disturbance, she looked round the room to note theexits. There was but one other door and that led to a dressing-room, which in turn had a door opening into a bathroom. That was all. Nomore doors were to be seen. The windows had no balconies, and being onthe second floor, there was no chance of escape thereby. 

Patty looked around for a telephone, but saw none. She thought such anelaborate household would have many of them, but realised that Rayprobably had a sitting-room or boudoir in addition to these rooms andher telephone would be there. Patty knew the girl was an only child ofdoting parents, and that she was spoiled and pampered to an inordinatedegree. 

Patty considered. Doubtless Mr. And Mrs. Rose were not at home, or, ifthey were, they would not answer a call, for Ray would have lookedafter that. The servants, likewise, must have been ordered not torelease Patty, for Ray Rose was not one to do anything by halves, andif she had planned to get Patty over there, she had also planned tokeep her there. 

It was ridiculous, it was maddening, --but it was true. Patty waslocked in a room and could not get out. She hadn't heard a key turn, but it must have done so. Peeping in the keyhole, she could see thatthe key was in the lock, from the hall side. 

Endeavouring to use her ingenuity, Patty tried to turn the key from herside by means of a button-hook, a nail file, a hairpin, and a glovestretcher. Needless to say her attempts were unsuccessful. 

"I've heard of turning a key in its own lock, " she mused, but she foundthe feat impossible of achievement. 

Again the chiming little timepiece reminded her that another quarterhour had flown. 

"Half-past seven!" she thought. "My dear Miss Fairfield, you have gotto do something pretty quick! Get busy! What would your favouriteheroes of wild romance do to get out of such a fix as this?"

When Patty was baffled, she always talked to herself. But her appealsto herself or her ingenuity did no good, and after a thorough searchfor a means of exit, she concluded to call out. She felt it was anundignified thing to do, and, too, she felt it would do no good, butthere was no other course to pursue, that she could see. 

So she called, gently at first, and then more loudly, but, as she hadanticipated, there was no response. Going close to the door, shecalled again and again, and then concluded it was useless. 

She threw herself into an easy chair, thoroughly angry with Ray Rose, and chagrined at herself for being led into such a trap. 

"I might have known there was some trickery, " she thought, "when thatgirl called me over here at the last minute. And she was so sweet andfriendly today, it should have put me on my guard. Elise warned me, but I never dreamed of anything like this. However, now is no time toworry over that, I must get out, --that's what I must do, get out!"

But it seemed hopeless. The case was so simple, that there was noopportunity for ingenious schemes. There she was, in the beautifulroom, with the only exit to the house, the hall door, securely locked. The door was of solid mahogany, the knob and lock of a most securefirmness. Had it been a light or flimsy door, Patty would have rattledand shaken it, but this door was solid as a rock. Either, she wouldhave to think up some clever plan, and that quickly, or spend theentire evening there in solitude. Her quick mind took in thesealternatives, and she thought that if no idea presented itself soon, she would succumb to the inevitable, and quietly settle down for theevening. There were pleasant-looking books about, soft couches andpillows, convenient reading-lamps, and even a box of chocolates on atable. Matters might be worse, thought philosophical Patty. But shehated to give up, --to acknowledge herself beaten. 

Once again she opened a window, and looked out. It was on the side ofthe house, and toward the rear. 

The house was not set back far from the street; indeed, the sidewalkwas not more than forty feet from the window out of which Patty leaned. An idea came to her, and going quickly to the table she found a sheetof paper and a pencil. There was no desk in the room, and she feltherself lucky to find these things at all. She hastily scribbled anote, but she made it urgent and definite. Then she looked around fora missile which she could throw to the street. There were few thingsthat were available, and she finally selected a heavy hairbrush as thebest. It was of ivory and bore a bold monogram, as did the rest ofRay's toilet appointments, but Patty took it unhesitatingly, as she hadreached the limit of her patience and consideration. 

She tied the note firmly to the brush, and leaning far out of thewindow, waited for a promising passer-by. At last, a young man camealong, and Patty deftly threw the brush so that it landed at his veryfeet. Practice at basketball and other such sports had made heraccurate of aim and as the astonished man saw the brush, he naturallypicked it up. 

Patty watched him take off the note and read it, by the light of thestreet electric, and after a swift gaze at the house, he started off ata brisk pace. 

"H'm, " said Patty to herself, "not so worse, Miss Fairfield, not soworse! The axe is laid at the root of the tree!"

Glancing at the clock, she sat down to wait. It was twenty minutes toeight, but her heart beat high with hope. If she could outwit Ray Roseit would be great fun, and she would "pay back" the mischievous girl inher own coin. 

At ten minutes to eight, the door of the room opened a little way. Aservant of the Rose household put her head in, and said, "This womanwishes to see you, Miss Fairfield, " and Sarah, a maid from theFarringtons', stood in the doorway. 

"Come in, Sarah, " said Patty. "Close that door!" she said to the Roseservant, so peremptorily, that the order was obeyed at once. 

"Quick!" whispered Patty, and Sarah tore off her long cloak and bonnetand veil, and Patty as quickly put them on. Then she took the smallbasket Sarah had brought, and standing near the door, said, in a clearvoice: "You may go now, Sarah. Tell Miss Elise not to look for me thisevening. "

"Yes, Miss Patty, " Sarah responded, and then, as the servant outsideopened the door, Patty slipped through, turning her face so that itmight not be seen. The Rose servant, thinking Sarah had come out, relocked the door quickly, that the prisoner might not escape, andPatty went demurely downstairs, and out at the back door, without letor hindrance. Once in the street, she fairly flew to the hall wherethe circus performance was to be given, for she well knew that Ray Rosehad probably already secured her dancing costume from Elise by someplausible bit of trickery. 

It was but a few moments after eight when Patty walked into thedressing-room of the amateur performers. 

"For gracious' sake, Patty, where _have_ you been?" cried Elise, whowas sitting before a mirror, making up her face. "Nobody could findyou anywhere!"

"Here I am, all right, " said Patty, blithely. "Where's Ray Rose?"

"In the next room. Where's your costume? Ray came over and got itfrom the house. "

"Oh, she did, did she? All right. "

Patty went into the next room, where several girls sat in their stagecostumes, and all with warm wraps around them. Ray Rose was completelyenveloped in a long cloak that covered her from neck to feet. 

"Hello, Ray, " said Patty, pleasantly; "I'll take my costume now, as Iwant to get dressed in it. "

If ever there was a surprised looking girl it was Ray at that moment. She stared at Patty as at an apparition. 

"Where--where did you come from?" she stammered. 

"Oh, I ran over from your house. Your room is lovely, Ray, but I gotawfully tired of it. Now, you get yourself out of my skirts, and handthem over to me. But first, you go and telephone to your household tolet Sarah, the Farringtons' maid, out of your room, where she may yetbe locked in, for all I know. "

Ray looked bewildered, and Patty, whose eyes were shining withrighteous indignation, took her by the arm, and marched her to thetelephone. Patty herself called up the Rose house, and then, thrustingthe receiver into Ray's hand, said, "Give your order, and be quickabout it. "

"Let the girl out of my room, " said Ray, through the transmitter. "Itisn't Miss Fairfield in there now, it's one of the Farrington maids. Let her go home. "

Patty took the receiver from Ray and hung it up, and then marched herto the dressing-room, and divested her of her long cloak. 

"Why, Ray Rose!" cried Elise, "if you haven't got Patty's dress on, yourself! What are you up to?"

"Never mind, Elise, " said Patty, "help us change, there isn't muchtime. Ray made a mistake. "

Without a word, Ray took off Patty's voluminous tulle skirts in whichshe was arrayed, and handed them over to their rightful owner. As fastas she received them, Patty put them on, and in ten minutes, washerself clothed in her rightful property. 

Meantime Ray had no costume to wear. 

"Where's your Pierrette rig?" asked Patty. 

"Over home, " said Ray, disconsolately. 

"Go and telephone for them to send it over, if you want it, " saidPatty. "Put on your long cloak, and telephone. "

Ray looked at her dubiously for a moment, and then said, "No, I won't. I'll go home and stay home, --that's what I'll do!"

"Go ahead, " said Patty, blithely, who didn't feel she really owed thegirl any further consideration. "And next time you try to get evenwith anybody, pick out some one who'll let you _stay_ even!"

"You're a hummer!" said Ray, in unwilling admiration. "How did you doit?"

"I'll tell you some other time, " and Patty laughed in spite of herselfat the admiration on Ray's countenance. "If you're going to get yourcostume over here and get into it, you want to hustle. "

"Time enough, " returned Ray, carelessly. "My stunt is the sixth on theprogram, so there's lots of time. "

This was true, so Patty turned all her attention to reddening her pinkcheeks, while the other girls gathered around in desperate curiosity. 

"What does it all mean?" asked Ethel Merritt. "Do tell us, MissFairfield. Why did Ray wear your dress?"

"Ask her, " said Patty, smiling. "It was a whim of hers, I guess. Itmade me a little bother, but all's well that ends well. "

"You are the good-naturedest old goose!" cried Elise, who had aninkling of what was inexplicable to the others. 

"Might as well, " said Patty, serenely. "She's a hummer, Ray Rose is. She sure is a hummer!"

And then Patty pronounced herself finished and turned from the mirrorfor inspection. 

"Lovely!" approved Elise, "if you admire strongly-marked features!"

Patty's cheeks and lips were very red, her eyebrows greatly darkened, and her face thickly coated with powdered chalk. 

"It's awful, I know, " she agreed, "but in the strong lights of thestage and the footlights too, you have to pile it on like that. "

"Of course you do, " said Ethel. "Mine looks the same. "

Laughingly gaily, the girls went to take their places on the stage. Bob Riggs, the ringmaster, was there and assigned them their places. 

Patty's performance was near the beginning of the program. She did asolo dance, first, a lovely fancy dance that she had learned in NewYork, and then she did the grotesque and humorous dances called for bythe occasion. The one that necessitated springing, head first, throughhoops covered with light, thin paper, she did very prettily, strikingthe taut paper with just the right force to snap it into a thousandshreds. 

Her act was wildly applauded by the enthusiastic audience, and wouldhave been several times repeated but for the scarcity of hoops. 

Later came her grotesque dance with Bruin Boru, the wonderful dancingbear. Jack Fenn was very funny in his bear-skin costume, and he pawedand scraped as he ambled ludicrously about, and kept time to the musicwith mincing steps or sprawling strides. 

This number was the hit of the evening, and Ray Rose had longed toperform it herself. But her plan fell through, and in her prettyPierrette costume she did a very pleasing song and dance, but her eyesrested longingly on Patty's frilly skirts. 

The last number was a chariot race. The chariots were of the low, backless variety, peculiar to circus performances, indeed they had beenprocured from a real circus. 

Patty and Ethel Merritt drove two of these, and Bob Riggs and Jack Fennthe other two. 

But there was no such mad race as is sometimes seen at the realcircuses. The two men drove faster, but Patty and Ethel were contentto fall behind and bring up the rear. In fact, it was in no sense ofthe word a race, but merely a picturesque drive of the gorgeouschariots by the gay drivers. 

As Patty swept round the small arena for the last time, she beckoned toRay Rose, who sat, a little disconsolately, near the edge of the stageplatform. 

"Get in!" Patty whispered, as she slowed down, and, obeying withoutquestion, Ray jumped from the stage, right into the chariot, which waslarge enough to hold both girls. 

"Grab the reins with me!" Patty cried, and Ray did, and the finaltriumphant circuit was made with two laughing drivers holding theribbons, to the deafening applause of the hilarious audience. 

Bob Riggs, from his own chariot, pronounced the entertainment over, andthen the performers and audience mingled in a gay crowd, dancing andfeasting till the small hours. 

"I'm sorry, " said Ray, penitently, to Patty, as soon as she had a goodchance. "I was a wretch, and you're an angel to speak to me at all. "

"I am, " agreed Patty, calmly. "Not one girl in a dozen would forgiveyou. It was a horrid thing to do, and you ought to be ashamed ofyourself and you are. I know that. But I choose to forget the wholeaffair, and I only ask you never to treat anybody else so meanly. "

"I never will, " promised Ray Rose. "I think you have cured me of thatchildish trick of 'getting even. '"

"Yes, till next time, " said Patty, laughing. 

CHAPTER VIII

A REAL POEM

"It's simply absurd of you, Patty, " said Elise, as they reached homeafter the circus, "to let Ray Rose off so easily. She cut up anawfully mean trick, and she ought to be made to suffer for it. "

"Now, now, Elise, it's my own little kettle of fish, and you must keepout of it. You see, it makes a difference who does a thing. If RayRose were an intimate friend of mine, I should resent her performanceand make a fuss about it. But she is such a casual acquaintance, --why, probably I shall never see her again after I go away fromLakewood, --and so I consider it better judgment to ignore her sillyprank, rather than stir up a fuss about it. "

"I don't agree with you, you're all wrong; but tell me the whole story. What did she do?"

"You see, she was determined to do that hoop dance, and the only wayshe could think of, to get me out of it, was to get me over to herhouse and lock me up there. It was a slim chance I had of getting out, but I managed it. She called me over by telephone, and then locked mein her bedroom. How did she get my clothes?"

"Sent a maid over here, saying that you were at her house and wantedyour costume sent over. I thought you were helping her, in your usualidiotic 'helping hand' way, and I sent the dress and all thebelongings. "

"Well, of course, I knew nothing about all that. So, I suppose thelittle minx dressed herself and put on the long cloak and walked off. She is boss in her own home, I know that, and, as I learned later, herfather and mother were out to dinner, so she ordered the servants topay no attention to any call or disturbance I might make. I sized itup, and I felt pretty sure no screaming or yelling or battering at thedoor would do any good, so I pondered on a move of strategy. But Icouldn't think of anything for a long time, and had just about made upmy mind to spend the evening there, when I made one desperate attemptand it succeeded. I wrote a note to Sarah to come over there and sayshe had to give me a certain medicine at that hour, or I would be ill. And I told her to wear a thick veil and a long cloak. She did allthis, and I just slipped into her cloak and hat and veil and came outthe door in her place, leaving her behind. They thought it was Sarahwho came out, of course. "

"Fine! Patty, you're a genius! How did you get the note to Sarah?"

"Tied it to Ray's hairbrush and threw it at the feet of a young man whowas going by. On the outside I wrote, 'Please take this quickly toSarah Moore at George Farrington's, ' and gave the address. I added, 'Hurry, as it is a matter of tremendous importance!' And I'd like toknow who that young man was. "

"Where's the hairbrush?"

"Sarah brought it back with her, and left it where it belongs. I knewit might be broken or lost, but I could have replaced it, so I tookthat chance. And nothing else seemed just right to throw. "

"But, Patty, it was an awful thing for Ray to do to you. "

"Oh, don't fuss, Elise. Consider the circumstances. I had given herpermission, in a sort of way, to keep me from that stunt if she could, and she had said, 'If I do, remember you said I might. ' So you see, she was within her rights, in a way, and beside, I tell you I don'twant to stir up a hornets' nest about it. The incident is beneathnotice; and, do you know, I can't help admiring the girl's daring andingenuity. "

"Oh, you'd admire a Grizzly Bear, if he succeeded in eating you up!You're a good-natured goose, Patty. "

"Maybe. But I know the difference between a foolish prank and a realoffence, that must be resented. You're the goose, Elise, not to seehow silly it would be to raise a row against a girl who means nothingto me, and whom I shall never see again after this visit is over. "

"All right, Pattikins, have it your own way. Ray Rose is a sort of lawunto herself, and she has lots of friends who would take her part. "

"It isn't that, exactly. If I wanted to raise the issue, I'm sure myside of the matter would be the side of right and justice. But itisn't worth my time or trouble to take it up. And, then, I did tellher to go ahead and outwit me, if she could, so there's that on herside. Now, Elise, about going home. I must go soon, for I want to bein New York a week before the wedding, and you do, too. "

"Yes, I do. Suppose we stay down here for the skating party day aftertomorrow, and then go to New York the day after that. "

"I think so. Your mother will be going up about then, and the dayswill fairly fly until the fifteenth. It seems funny to think of Rogerbeing married, doesn't it? He's such a boy. "

"I know it. Mona seems older than he, though she isn't. "

"A girl always seems older than a man, even of the same age. I want tohave 'a shower' for Mona before the wedding. "

"Oh, Patty, a shower is so--so----"

"So chestnutty? I know it. But Mona wants it. Of course she didn'tsay so right out, but I divined it. It isn't that she wants thepresents, you know, but Mona has a queer sort of an idea that she musthave everything that anybody else has. And Lillian Van Arsdale had ashower, so Mona wants one, and I'm going to give it for her. "

"All right. What kind?"

"Dunno yet, but something strikingly novel and original. I shall setmy great intellect to work on it at once, and invite the people bynotes from here, before I go back to New York. "

"All right, my lady, but if you don't get to bed now, you'll be paleand holler-eyed tomorrow, and that will upset your placid vanity. "

"Wretch! As if I had a glimmer of a trace of a vestige of that deadlysin!"

The girls were very busy during the last few days of Patty's stay inLakewood. There were many matters to attend to in connection with theapproaching wedding. Also, Patty had become a favourite in the socialcircle and many parties were made especially for her. 

And the day before their departure, Elise gave a little farewell tea, to which were bidden only the people Patty liked best. 

The Blaneys were there, and, capturing Patty, Sam took her from thelaughing crowd and led her to a secluded alcove of the veranda. It wasa pleasant nook, enclosed with glass panes, and filled with ferns andpalms. 

"Sit thee down, " said Blaney, arranging a few cushions in a long lowwicker chair. 

"I'm glad to, " and Patty dropped into the seat. "I do think teas arethe limit for tiring people out. "

"You oughtn't to waste yourself on teas. It's a crime, " and Blaneylooked positively indignant. 

"What would be the proper caper for my indefatigable energy?"

"You oughtn't to be energetic at all. For you, just to _be_, isenough. "

"Not much it isn't! Why, if I just be'd, and didn't do anything else, I should die of that extreme bored feeling. And, it isn't like you torecommend such an existence, anyway. "

"I shouldn't for any one else. But you, oh, my lily-fair girl, you areso beautiful, so peerless----"

"Good gracious, Mr. Blaney, what has come over you?" Patty sat upstraight, in dismay, for she had no intention of being talked to inthat vein by Sam Blaney. 

"The spell of your presence, " he replied; "the spell of yourbeauty, --your charm, your----"

"Please don't, " said Patty, "please don't talk to me like that! Idon't like it. "

"No? Then of course I'll stop. But the spell remains. The witcheryof your face, your voice----"

"There you go again! You promised to stop. "

"How can I, with you as inspiration? My soul expands, --my heart beatsin lilting rhythms, you seem to me a flame goddess----"

"Just what is a flame goddess?" interrupted Patty, who wanted togiggle, but was too polite. 

"I see your soul as a flame of fire, --a lambent flame, with tongues ofred and yellow----"

And now Patty did laugh outright. She couldn't help it. "Oh, my soulhasn't tongues, " she protested. "I'm sure it hasn't, Mr. Blaney. "

"Yes, " he repeated, "tongues, silent, untaught tongues, --but withunknown, unvoiced melodies that await but the torch of sympathy tosound, lyrically, upon the waiting air. "

"Am I really like that? Do you think I could voice lyrics, myself? Imean it, --write poetry, you know. I've always wanted to. Do you thinkI could, Mr. Blaney?"

"I know it. Unfolding one's soul in song is not an art, as somesuppose, to be learned, --it is a natural, irrepressible expression ofthe inner ego, it is a response to the melodic urge----"

"Oh, wait a minute, you're getting beyond me. What do all these thingsmean? It's so much Greek to me. "

"But you want to learn?"

"Yes; that is, I'm interested in it. I always did think I'd like towrite poetry. But I don't know the rules. "

"There are no rules. Unfetter your soul, take a pencil, --the wordswill come. "

"Really? Can you do that, Mr. Blaney? Could you take a pencil, _now_, --and just write out your soul, and produce a poem?"

Patty was very much in earnest. Sam Blaney looked at her, the eagerpleading face urged him, the blue eyes dared a refusal, and thehovering smile seemed to doubt his ability to prove his own proposition. 

"Of course I could!" he replied. "With you for inspiration, I couldwrite a poem that would throb and thrill with the eternal heart of theradiance of the soul's starshine. "

"Then do it, " cried Patty; "I believe you, I thoroughly believe you, but I want to see it. I want the poem for myself. Give it to me. "

Slowly Blaney took a pencil and notebook from his pocket. He satgazing at her, and Patty, fairly beaming with eager interest, waited. For some minutes he sat, silent, almost motionless, and she began togrow restless. 

"I don't want to hurry you, " she said, at last, "but I mustn't stayhere too long. Please write it now, Mr. Blaney. I'm sure you can doit, --why delay?"

"Yes, I can do it, " he said, "but I want to get the highest, thedivinest inspiration, in order to produce a gem worthy of youracceptance. "

"Well, don't wait longer for that. Give me your second best, if needbe, --only write something. I've always wanted to see a real, true poetwrite a real true poem. I never had a chance before. Now, don't daredisappoint me!"

Patty looked very sweet and coaxing, and her voice was earnestlypleading, not at all implying doubt of his ability or willingness. 

Still Blaney sat, thoughtfully regarding her. 

"Come, come, " she said, after another wait, "I shall begin to think youcan't be inspired by my presence, after all! If you are, genius oughtto burn by this time. If not, I suppose we'll have to give it up, --butit will disappoint me horribly. "

The blue eyes were full of reproach, and Patty began to draw her scarfround her shoulders and seemed about to rise. 

"No, no, " protested Blaney, putting out a hand to detain her, "amoment, --just a moment, --stay, I have it!"

He began to scribble rapidly, and, fascinated, Patty watched him. Occasionally he glanced at her, but it was with a faraway look in hiseyes, and an exalted expression on his face. 

He wrote fast, but not steadily, now and then pausing, as if waitingfor the right word, and then doing two or three lines withouthesitation. Finally, he drew a long sigh, and the poem seemed to befinished. 

"It is done, " he said, "not worthy of your acceptance, but made foryou. Shall I read it to you?"

"Yes, do, " and Patty was thrilled by the fervour in his tones. 

In the soft, low voice that was one of his greatest charms, Blaney readthese lines:

 "I loved her. --Why? I never knew. --Perhaps Because her face was fair; perhaps because Her eyes were blue and wore a weary air;-- Perhaps . . . Perhaps because her limpid face Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein The dimples found no place to anchor and Abide; perhaps because her tresses beat A froth of gold about her throat, and poured In splendour to the feet that ever seemed Afloat. Perhaps because of that wild way Her sudden laughter overleapt propriety; Or--who will say?--perhaps the way she wept. "

The lovely voice ceased, and its musical vibrations seemed to hover inthe air after the sound was stilled. 

"It's beautiful, " Patty said, at last, in an awed tone; "I had no ideayou could write like that! Why, it's real poetry. "

"You're real poetry, " said Blaney, simply, as he put the written paperin his pocket. 

"No, no, " cried Patty, "give it to me. It's mine. You made it for meand it's mine. Nobody ever made a real poem for me before. I want it. "

"Oh, nonsense, you don't want it. "

"Indeed I do. I must have it. "

"Will you promise not to show it to anybody?"

"'Course not! I'll show it to everybody!"

"Then you can't have it. I'm sensitive, I admit, but I can't bear tohave the children of my brain bruited to the world----"

"I haven't a notion what bruited means, but I promise you I won't dothat. I'll keep it sacredly guarded from human eyes, and read it tomyself when I'm all alone. Why, Mr. Blaney, it's a wonderful poem. I've simply got to have it, and that's all there is about that!"

"I give it to you, then, but don't, --please don't show it to thehilarious populace. It is for you only. "

"All right. I'll keep it for me only. But I haven't half thanked youfor it. I do appreciate it, I assure you, and I feel guilty because Iunderrated your talent. But perhaps it is because I saw you do it, that I care so very much for it. Anyway, I thank you. "

Patty held out her hand in genuine gratitude, and, taking it gently, Blaney held it a moment as he said, "I claim my reward. May I come tosee you in New York?"

"Yes, indeed, I'll be awfully glad to have you. And Alla must come, too. I'll make a party for you as soon as the wedding is over. Willyou be at that?"

"At the reception, yes. And I shall see you there?"

"Of course. I say, Mr. Blaney, why don't you write a wedding poem forMiss Galbraith? She'd love it! She wants everything for her weddingthat can possibly be procured. "

"No. A poem of mine cannot be ordered, as from a caterer!"

"Oh, forgive me! I didn't mean that. But, I thought you might writeone, because I asked you. "

"No, Miss Fairfield. Anything you want for yourself, but not forothers. A thousand times no! You understand?"

"Yes, of course. I oughtn't to have asked you. But I'm so delightedwith this poem of mine, that I spoke unthinkingly. Now, I must runaway; Elise is beckoning frantically, and I daresay the guests aretaking leave of me, and I'm not there! Good-bye, Mr. Blaney, until wemeet in New York. And thank you more than I can say for your gift, your ever-to-be treasured gift. "

"It is my privilege to have offered it and for me to thank you for theopportunity. "

CHAPTER IX

A SHOWER

"If you ask me, " Patty said to Nan, "I think these 'shower' affairs areridiculous. All the girls who are coming today will give Mona awedding present, so why add a shower gift?"

"I didn't ask you, " returned Nan, "but since you raise the question, I'll just remark, in passing, that it's part of the performance, andit's no more ridiculous than lots of the other flummery that goes alongwith a this year's model wedding. _I_ didn't have any showers, --butthat was then. "

"Right you are, Lady Gay, and as Mona most especially desired this markof esteem from her friends, I'm glad she's going to have it. "

"But I thought showers were usually surprises, --I didn't know thebride-elect requested one, or even knew of it beforehand. "

"Your think is correct. It's most unusual, but Mona is unusual, andany surprise in connection with her wedding would be impossible. Sheknows it all, and the arrangements are all under her directsupervision. It's going to be a pretty stunning affair, Nansome. "

"So I gather from what I hear. While you were at Lakewood, I didn'tget much of the news about it, but since your return I've heard ofnothing else. "

"And you won't until after the fifteenth. I declare, Nan, I've had notime for a real heart to heart talk with you since I got back. Ihaven't even told you about the Blaneys. "

"Oh, the highbrow people? No; were they interesting?"

"Yes, indeed. You'll meet them at the wedding. Now, see here, I'veasked half a dozen of the crowd to stay to dinner tonight after theshower, so look after the commissariat, won't you?"

"With pleasure. Who's staying?"

"Oh, Mona and Roger and Elise and Kit Cameron and Phil, --that's all. "

"Elise and Kit are pretty good friends, aren't they?"

"Yes, there may be another wedding in the dim future. "

"Be careful, Patty. They say 'Three times a bridesmaid, never abride, ' you know. "

"Goodness! I must beware. I was bridesmaid for Christine, --and nowfor Mona, --then, if I'm bridesmaid for Elise, my last hope vanishes! Imight be her maid of honor, though. Does that count?"

"Yes, counts just the same. But perhaps you'll be married beforeElise. She isn't engaged yet. "

"Neither am I. "

"Same as. "

"Indeed it _isn't_ same as! Philip made me pretty mad down atLakewood. He scorned my new friends, the Blaneys, and he was mostdisagreeable about it, too. "

"All right. Far be it from me to hasten your matrimonial alliance. I'm only too glad to keep you here. It's lonesome enough, days whenyou're away. "

"Nice old Nan!" and Patty gave her a whirlwind hug that nearly took heroff her feet. 

Twenty girls were invited to the shower, and Mona arrived first of all. She came bustling in enveloped in furs, which she unfastened and threwoff as she talked. 

"Everything's going fine!" she announced. "I've attended to the verysmallest details myself, so there'll be no mistakes. There always aremistakes and oversights at a wedding and mine is going to be the greatexception. My, but I'm tired! I've been chasing about since earlythis morning. Spent hours with the floral artist, and had a longinterview with the caterer. But I confab with him every day. I'vechanged the menu four times already. "

"You're a goose, Mona, " observed Patty, smiling at her enthusiasticfriend, "what do you care what people eat at your wedding, as long asit's good and proper?"

"My dear child, I only expect to get married once in my checkeredcareer, and so I want everything connected with the occasion to beperfect. I don't want to look back and regret that I didn't have asmuch of a symphony in the supper as I did in the orchestra. You don'tknow the responsibility of a girl who has to get married and look afterthe wedding both. You'll have Mrs. Nan to run the arrangements, but Ihaven't anybody but little Mona. "

The bride-elect looked so radiant and capable and generally happy, thatPatty knew better than to waste any sympathy on her. 

"You love it all, Mona, " she said, "you're just in your elementordering decorations and deciding menus; and I suppose you'vesuperintended the hat-check people and the elevator service. "

"Of course I have. I practically run the whole hotel just at present. The management have to take a back seat where anything connected withthe fifteenth is concerned. "

"It doesn't seem like a wedding at all, " laughed Patty. "It is morelike a pageant. "

"It's a wedding, all right. You'll realise it when you see me go offwith Roger. Oh, Patty, don't think I don't realise and appreciate theimportance and solemnity of the marriage tie, but I do want theappointments to be perfect and beautiful just _because_ it is mywedding to Roger. We're very much in love, you know----"

"I do know it, Mona, and it's all beautiful, and I'm glad you're havingeverything just as you want it. You're an old dear, and nobody wishesyou more happiness than I do. "

"Don't talk in that strain, or I'll weep on your shoulder. I'm allkeyed up, you know--honest, Patty, it's pretty awful to have no motheror aunt or anything. Only just a father, who's heavenly kind andgenerous, but no good for advice or consulting talks. "

"All right, Mona girl, we won't indulge in real talk now, for the girlswill begin to come in a minute. Go and primp a little, and then comedown to the drawing-room. "

Patty ran downstairs, Mona soon followed, and then the guests arrived. 

In an effort to have a new sort of a shower, Patty had decreed a laceshower, and many and varied were the gifts. As Patty had wiselyremarked, lace gave a wide scope. One could choose valuable specimensof real lace or trifling affairs that were pretty and inexpensive. 

And so, when the time for their exhibition came the score of merryyoung people sat breathlessly awaiting the fun. 

In the doorway appeared Elise, in the costume of a Brittany peasant. She carried a huge white basket ornamented with orange blossoms andfluttering white ribbons. 

"Laces, lady?" she said, approaching Mona. "Nice, pretty laces. Handiwork of the humble peasants for the grand lady. Accept, --please. "

With bows and curtseys, Elise opened the basket and placed it at Mona'sfeet. 

Delightedly, Mona examined the contents, and at each gift a chorus ofexclamations went up from all the admiring throng. 

Patty's offering was a tablecloth of Filet Antique and Venetianembroidery, and was among the most beautiful in the lot. 

Elise gave a berthe of rose point, and Nan a Duchesse lace fan. Butmost of the gifts were of a simpler nature, and dainty boudoir pillows, table scarfs, bags, caps, and handkerchiefs made up the filmy showerand delighted the heart of the recipient. 

Mona was radiant with joy. Although a pampered favourite of fortune, she was especially fond of receiving gifts, and she loved everyindividual lace confection and warmly thanked the donors. 

"The things are heavenly, girls, " she cried; "perfectly darling, everyone of them! I can't thank you enough, but my heart is justoverflowing with honest-to-goodness gratitude. Oh, I _do_ love 'emso!" and gathering the whole lot in her arms, she rocked back and forthin ecstasy. "How did you ever come to think of a lace shower, Patty?I love lace more than anything on earth--except Roger, --and I shallfurnish my house with these beauty things. Oh, you are all so good tome!"

Tea was served in the dining-room, and Mona graced the head of thetable, with her bridal attendants on either side of her. The placecards and favours were all suggestive of the wedding occasion, and, fora centrepiece, two white doves perched on a basket of white roses. 

Mona was in highest spirits and her eyes glistened with pleasure as thegirls assured her of their friendship and love, and wished her allsorts of future joy and happiness. 

Patty looked at her a little curiously, and then she realised that thegirl had lived a loveless life, and that the sudden change to theatmosphere of love and friendship had well-nigh turned her head. 

The guests departed, all but Mona and Elise, who were to stay fordinner, and the three chums went up to Patty's room to chat. 

"I can't believe these things are really mine, " said Mona, as shecollected and arranged her laces, preparatory to having them sent home. "Why is everybody so good to me?"

"Oh, come now, Mona, " said Elise, laughing, "it isn't such wonderfulgoodness. People always give things to brides. Patty, if you don'tgive me a shower like this, I won't get married at all. "

"Didn't know you thought of it, " returned Patty. "But I'll promise theshower all right. When shall I invite the girls, Elise?"

"Oh, I haven't picked out the bridegroom yet, so there's no hurry. I've got to get used to having my brother married, before I think of itmyself. Mona, we'll soon be sisters. Think of that!"

"I've often thought of it, Elise. I've never had a sister, and Ishan't know just how to act at first. But I hope----"

"There now, don't get sentimental! Not but what I feel that way, too, but you'll get weepy in a minute, --and then it's all up with you!"

"You're so emotional, Mona, " said Patty, smiling at her, "and socapable, and so generally all-round efficient, you're just the one toget married. Now, when it comes my turn, I don't want all thishullabaloo, --I think I shall get a good old rope ladder and elope. "

"What! and not have any showers and music and reception and everything?"

"Oh, well, I don't know. We'll see when the time comes. But just now, we must put this affair of yours through. I'm glad there are only afew more days. I couldn't stand this excitement very long. Come on, girls, get ready for dinner. The boys will come soon. There's thebell now. If it's Roger, let Mona go down and see him alone. I'm afine gooseberry, don't you think so?"

"It is Roger, " Patty announced, a moment later, as she leaned over thebanister to see, "skip along, Mona, we'll be down in ten minutes. "

"Isn't she funny?" said Elise, as Patty returned to her room. "I neversaw anybody so crazy. "

"She's so excited, she doesn't know whether she's on her head or herheels, " agreed Patty. "Her nature is volatile, and she has no sense ofmoderation. She wants everything and all there is of it. That's all. "

"She's a good one for Roger. He's inclined to take things lazily. Mona will be a sort of spur to him. "

"They're all right, " agreed Patty. "It's an ideal match. Come on, Elise, we've given them enough time alone. "

The girls went down, and then Van Reypen and Kit Cameron appeared. 

Dinner was a gay feast, and the elder Fairfields were as muchinterested in the chatter as the young people. 

"Assert yourself, Roger, " said Mr. Fairfield. "Don't let these girlsmonopolize the conversation, with their feminine fripperies andmillinery muddles. "

"Models, Dad, not muddles, " laughed Patty. "But we don't talk aboutthose much now, they're all finished. Oh, Mona, Genevieve's skirt hadto be all made over----"

"Oh, no, " said her father, "you don't talk about them much! Only allthe time, that's all!"

"Let 'em, " said Roger, magnanimously; "I've learned in the last fewdays, that the hang of Genevieve's skirt is a matter of enormousmagnitude. "

"Good!" cried Patty, "Mona has begun training you already. When isyour Bachelor dinner, Roger?"

"Not till Wednesday night. I put it off so Farnsworth could get here. "

"Oh, is he coming? I didn't know he was East. "

"He wasn't. He's coming on on purpose for the event. I wanted himespecially. At least, Mona did. "

"All the same, " said Mona. "Oh, yes, of course I wanted Big Bill here. We've been friends for years, and he must dance at my wedding. "

It was the first time Patty had seen Van Reypen since her return fromLakewood, and, during the evening, he drew her away from the others andleading her to the semi-privacy of a big davenport in the library, heannounced he was going to talk to her. 

"Talk away, " said Patty, "but I warn you, I've no time or attention foranything not connected with wedding bells. "

"But this is connected with wedding bells, " and Philip's dark eyessmiled into her own, "only, not Mona's chimes. Our own. "

"Don't, Phil, " said Patty, gently, noting his serious look and tone. "I've got four days yet till the fifteenth, and, --oh, pshaw, I might aswell tell you now, that I'm not going to be engaged to you. "

"Patty!" and Van Reypen's face went white. "You don't mean that. "

"Yes, I do. I've had so much wedding doings for Mona, I'm sick andtired of it. I don't want to be engaged myself, or hear of anybodyelse being engaged, until I forget all about all this fuss andfeathers. "

"There does seem to be an awful lot of fussy feathers, or whatever youcall it, about the affair, doesn't there?"

"Yes; and I'm glad to do all I can for Mona. I'm enjoying it, too, butI don't want any wedding of my own for years and years and years. "

"By that time you'll be a pretty old bird. You ticked off a goodlynumber of years just then. But, seriously, Patty, I don't want tobother you----"

"Well, you _do_ bother me. Why, Phil, every single chance you get, youtalk about----"

"About my love for you? I mean to, Patty, but you don't give me achance. When I try to tell you of my love and devotion, you breakloose about not wanting to be engaged----"

"Well, of course I do. A girl doesn't want to hear of love anddevotion from a man she isn't engaged to, does she?"

"I don't know. I hope so, in this case. That is, I hope I'm the manyou're going to be engaged to, and soon, so I can tell you of my loveand devotion. They're deep, Patty, deep and true, and----"

"Then why did you treat me so horridly down at Lakewood, just because Ienjoyed having to do with people who had some brains and weren't of thesilly, addle-pated type we meet mostly in our own class of society?"

"But, Patty, dearest, those Blaneys aren't the real things. Theyhaven't education and genius, --they only pretend they have. "

"Phil, I think you're horrid. They have so. Why, Sam Blaney wrote apoem that's the most beautiful thing I ever read!"

"Let me see it. "

"I can't. I promised I wouldn't. It's--it's sort of sacred----"

"A sacred poem! Blaney?"

"No, I don't mean religious. But it's sacred to me, --it's--it's a realpoem, you see. "

"Well, he isn't a real poet, by a long chalk! I did think, Patty, thatwhen you came home from Lakewood you'd forget all that rubbish bunch. "

"How you do love to call them names! I don't think it's nice of you, one bit. They're going to be at the wedding, and I hope you'll bedecent to them then, as they're my friends. "

"Oh, I'll be decent to them, but I shan't have any time to waste onthem. I've a matter of my own on hand for that night. A girl I wot ofhas promised to give me her answer to a question I asked, and, when thetime comes, I can't help thinking that that girl is going to be kind tome. "

"I dunno, " said Patty. 

CHAPTER X

MONA'S WEDDING

It was the night of Mona's wedding. The ballroom of the big hotelwhere Mona and her father lived was the scene of the ceremony, and thiswas already filled with guests. A temporary altar had been erected atone end of the long room, and was banked with lilies and whitehydrangeas against a background of tall palms. On either side weretall candles in cathedral candlesticks. 

To the altar led a temporary aisle, formed by stanchions of old silvercandelabra filled with ascension lilies, and joined by garlands ofwhite blossoms. 

Promptly on time, the bridal cortège appeared. First walked a vestedchoir singing a processional. Then the bridesmaids, in palest pinktulle frocks, each pair carrying between them a long garland of pinkroses, and wearing wreaths of pink roses on their hair. 

Patty and Daisy Dow were the first pair, and very lovely they looked asthey traversed the flower-hung room. Garlands of pink roses wereeverywhere, on the walls, from the doorframes and windows, andgracefully drooping from the ceiling. Next came Elise, Maid of Honor, in a gown of slightly deeper pink, and then Mona, her father beside her. 

The bride's gown was of point lace with a very long court train ofembroidered satin. Her veil, of old lace, was an heirloom from hermother, and was held by a wreath of orange blossoms. Roger's gift of adiamond pendant was her only jewel. 

After the ceremony, as the bridal party retraced their steps, thebridesmaids sang softly, "O Perfect Love, " and then they took theirplaces for the reception, the orchestra's strains broke forth, and thefestivities began. Having no mother or near feminine relative, Monahad asked Nan to receive with her, and very gracefully Nan did thehonours. 

"A beautiful wedding, " everybody said, and then there arrived many moreguests who had been asked to the reception only. 

The room became crowded and people wandered into the adjoining roomswhich were also for the use of the guests. 

Patty stood in the line of the bridal party and smiled and chatted withthe stream of people who drifted by, murmuring congratulatory phrases. Mona was supremely happy and she looked it. Not only was she marriedto the man she loved, but the wedding was just such a pageant of beautyand grandeur as she had wished it to be and no smallest item of thepreparations had gone wrong. She stood by Roger's side, now and thenglancing up into his face with a smile of happiness and contentment. 

The bridegroom looked proud and happy. He hadn't cared for so muchelaboration of entertainment, but Mona had wanted it, and so heacquiesced in all particulars. 

"When will it be all over and we can get away?" he whispered in her ear. 

"Oh, not for hours, " returned his new wife. "There's the feast, andthen the dancing, --I don't want to miss a bit of it! Why, Roger, thisis our wedding party. "

"Yes, I gathered as much! All right, dearest, stay as long as youlike. "

"It is a pretty wedding, isn't it, Roger? You like it, don't you?"Mona looked suddenly troubled. 

"Of course I do, darling. I like it better than any wedding I everattended! I've only seen one thing, though, --that's you. Are thereother people here?"

"Oh, a few! Three or four hundred, anyway. But where's BillFarnsworth? I haven't seen him yet. "

"He came in late. I just caught sight of him a minute ago. Probablyhe's trying to get through the crowd to us. "

Which was just what Farnsworth was doing. He had arrived during theceremony, and had not yet made his way to the bridal party. 

In fact, he was continually stopped in his progress by acquaintanceswho greeted him and held him in conversation. 

But at last he reached the bride. 

"My dear Mona, " he cried, "don't look so happy! You dazzle me!"

Mona beamed more joyously than ever, and Roger warmly welcomedFarnsworth. 

"Splendid affair, " Bill went on. "Looks like Fairyland or someenchanted garden. I was wafted in on the strains of the orchestra, andI can scarcely hold myself down on terra firma. But I mustn'tmonopolise the prince and princess of this magic realm. I'll try for afew words, later, but now I must make way for the crowd behind me. Oh, how do you do, Patty? How are you? You're looking splendid. AndDaisy! Well, it's good to see you again. By the way, Daisy, I saw LouStandish last week in Arizona. He sent greetings to you. "

"Oh, did you, Bill? Did you see Lou? Tell me more about him. "

Patty turned aside, her gaiety suddenly gone. What did Bill Farnsworthmean by treating her like that? A blank stare from him would havesurprised her no more than those few careless words, flung at herhastily, as if she were the merest acquaintance. She felt as if abucket of ice water had been splashed on her head and was stilltrickling down her shoulders. 

"Come back, Miss Fairfield, " she heard somebody saying gaily, and witha start she realised she had been staring blankly into vacancy sostunned was she by Farnsworth's manner. 

It was Sam Blaney who spoke, and as he had taken her hand and stillheld it, Patty suddenly recovered her poise and spirits. 

"Time's up, Mr. Blaney, " she laughed. "You have had my hand fullythree minutes, and that's the limit. Somebody else may want it. "

"Possession is nine points of the law, " said Blaney, still retainingher hand. 

"But appropriation isn't possession, " and Patty gently withdrew herhand from his detaining fingers. 

"No, possession must be granted. Perhaps some time----"

"Some time----" Patty assented, smiling, and dismissing Blaney, as moreand more people came along. 

But at last the reception was over, and the bridal party went to theirespecial table in the supper room. 

Mona, still resplendent in her heavy court train and bridal laces, cuther wedding cake. She had never looked more beautiful. The longreception had tired her a little, but though the animation in her facewas not so vivid, there was a lovely radiant light in her eyes, and hersmile was gentle and sweet. 

"Roger on this side of me, " she said, arranging her table, "Dad onthis. The rest of you may sit where you like. I've stopped directingthis party, --or any other. I've conducted the little affair of thisevening to a successful conclusion, and now I resign all generalshipand all planning and arranging to my husband. I'm glad to give up allresponsibilities, and I'm going to lead a life of leisure while Rogerlooks after things for me. "

"Good little wife!" said Patty. "I foresee happy days and clearsailing under such regulations. "

"If you keep it up, " laughed Kit Cameron. "You're pretty well tiredout now, Mrs. Farrington, but I'm not sure you're going to stand asidealways, when matters of importance arise. "

"Yes, she will, " declared Roger. "You see, I shall rule her with a rodof iron, and she'll be so terrified of me, that she won't dare cross mylightest whim. "

They all laughed at this, for Roger had the most easy-going of naturesand had never been known to insist upon his own way. 

Patty sat between Van Reypen and Kit Cameron, and opposite her, acrossthe table, was Bill Farnsworth, next to Daisy Dow. 

His careless, impersonal greeting still rankled in Patty's mind, but, though it both hurt and angered her, she had no intention of showingher feelings. So, she went to the other extreme and was madly gay andmerry, laughing and jesting with everybody and enjoying herself to theutmost. 

She looked adorable. The pale pink of her bridesmaid costume was mostbecoming and her wreath of pink roses, which had slipped a little toone side, gave her the effect of a Queen Titania. Her eyes were liketwo blue stars, and a pink flush showed on her cheeks, while herscarlet lips smiled or pouted with her changing moods. 

"Did you ever see such colouring as that girl has!" murmured Daisy Dowto Farnsworth. "I never saw such truly gold hair, or such _blue_ blueeyes, or such a wonderful complexion. "

Daisy spoke whole-heartedly and generously, for she loved Patty, andshe thought her the prettiest girl she knew. 

"She is pretty, " agreed Farnsworth. "Tell me about her, --about all thecrowd. I've been away a month and lots can happen in that time. IsPatty engaged to Van Reypen?"

"It isn't announced, " said Daisy, "but I think she really is. Ishouldn't be surprised if they announce it tonight, after Mona goesaway. "

"Fine chap, Van Reypen. How about the others? Kit and Elise?"

"Yes, I think so. Though that isn't announced either. Goodness, Bill, suppose they all get engaged and married and leave me to be the onlyold maid in our set!"

"No fear of that, Daisy. Unless you prefer it so, --and I hope youwon't. "

"You hope that! Why, Bill, if I thought you hoped it----"

Just then a commotion arose as Mona left the table. 

"Ready, girls, " she cried out. "I'm going to toss my bouquet. Holdout your hands, all of you. "

Obediently, her bridesmaids stood in a row, with their hands held out. There was no question of catching the flowers, for Mona afterdeliberately looking over the lot, tossed it into Patty's hands. "Foryou, " she said, and, laughing, ran away. 

"Greatness thrust upon me!" Patty laughed, looking at the great bunchof white orchids and valley lilies, with its fluttering tendrils andends of ribbon. "Must I really live up to this favour? Must I reallybe a bride myself before the year is up? Of course, if it isobligatory----"

She looked up, half shy, and caught Van Reypen's gaze upon her. Sheturned toward Farnsworth, but he was looking another way. Plucking onestem of lilies of the valley from the bunch she tossed it to Phil, whocaught it, kissed it, and put it in his buttonhole. Farnsworth lookedround just in time to see the act, and smiled at her. 

"Didn't mean anything, " said Patty, perversely, and then, pulling outhalf a dozen more sprays, she threw them indiscriminately around, toCameron, and several of the other ushers who were grouped about. Farnsworth made a slight effort to catch one, but he didn't really try, and the flower fell to the floor just beyond his reach. He shruggedhis shoulders slightly, but made no move to pick it up. 

Just then Sam Blaney came along, and Patty offered him a flower, andherself adjusted it in his buttonhole. 

"I'm crazy to talk to you, " he said, "but I didn't belong at yoursupper table. Can't we go somewhere and have a bit of a chat?"

"Yes, " agreed Patty, "only not too far away from the bride's crowd. Mona will be going away soon, and I must see her go, of course. Didn'tshe look beautiful?"

"Not in comparison with somebody else I know. "

"I'm a mind reader, Mr. Blaney, and I perceive you mean me. But you'remistaken. I'm pretty, in a doll-faced way, but Mona is reallybeautiful. "

"You know where beauty is, Miss Fairfield. In the eye of the beholder. "

"Let me see. Yes, " after she had looked straight into Blaney's eyes, "yes, you have beauty in your eyes. "

"The reflection of your face, " he replied, serenely. "You are aflower-face; I never saw any one who so well merited the term. I mustwrite a sonnet to Flower Face. "

"It can't be any better poetry than the verses you wrote to me atLakewood. They are exquisite. Mayn't I show them?"

"Please not. I fancied you would like to keep them just for yourself. Stay, I have a better name for you. Flower Soul, that's what you are. That shall be the theme of my sonnet. I think your soul is made ofwhite lilac. "

"Why do you people always talk about souls?" asked Patty, gaily. "Youdon't mean souls really, you know; you mean--well, what do you mean?"

"No, we don't mean souls in the theological sense, we mean the higherunderstanding and finer sensations. "

"Oh, " said Patty, not much enlightened. 

"And you are coming to see us soon, aren't you? Alla said you promisedher you would. "

"Yes, I did. And I will come. Do you have regular meetings, like aclub, --or what?"

"Yes, like a club, but not on set dates. I'll let you know when thenext one--or, stay, I know now. There will be a gathering at our placenext Tuesday night. Will you attend? May I come and fetch you?"

"Yes, do, I'd love to be there. Gracious, here comes Mona. I must bewith the others. "

Patty hurried across the room to stand with the bridal attendants, and, looking very handsome in her travelling costume, Mona bade themgood-bye. There was no mad scramble as the bride and groom departed, but flower petals and confetti were showered on them, which theygood-naturedly allowed. 

"Come along, my lady, " said Roger, at last, as Mona delayed to talk tothe girls. 

And then they went away, and some of the guests stayed to dance alittle longer. 

"Come, Patty, " said Van Reypen, as the orchestra struck up, "this isour dance. "

Patty assented, and they went gliding over the perfect floor. 

Philip said nothing while they danced, and Patty, too, was silent. This was unusual, for Patty generally chattered as she danced. 

"Tired, dear?" said Philip, at last. 

"A little. It has been a long evening. "

"And a strenuous one. I saw you were getting weary as you stood inthat line of receiving so long. Come, let us sit down. "

Philip guided her to a pleasant settee, screened by tall palms, andseated himself beside her. 

"Poor little girl, " he said, "you're all done up. You must go homesoon, Patty. You can't dance any more tonight. "

"Oh, yes, I can. I'm not really tired. It's more excitement and----"

"And nerves. I know, --Mona getting married means a lot to you. You'revery intimate friends, aren't you?"

"Yes; and as she has no mother, Nan and I have tried to do all we couldfor her, but she is so capable, we couldn't do much, after all. "

"No; I suppose not. Patty, why did she give you her bouquet? Ithought brides threw them, and any one caught them that could. "

"They do, usually. "

"Well, then, why didn't Mona?"

"Oh, because, --oh, I don't know. "

"You do know, Patty. Was it because she thinks you will be the nextbride of your set? Because she thinks you will marry--me?"

Phil's eyes were radiant, and his voice trembled as he whispered, "Andwill you, dear? Will you, my little Patty? You promised, you know, totell me tonight. So, tell me, --and tell me, --yes. "

Patty sat up very straight and looked at him. "Philip, " she said, andher voice was serious; "if I have to decide now, it will be No. I didsay I'd tell you tonight, and I meant to, but I'm all tired andbothered, and if I'm not careful, I shall cry! So, if you hold me tomy promise, I'll answer you now, but it will be No. I can't sayYes, --tonight. "

"Then don't say anything. I'll wait, dearest. Oh, Patty, of course, I'll wait. You are exhausted and nervous and you want to rest. Don'tanswer me now, dear, for I don't want that answer you spoke of! Let'swait a week or so longer, and then make up our mind. Shall us?"

"Yes, Phil, and thank you for being so good to me. "

CHAPTER XI

THE CITY STUDIO

"I'm quite anxious to see this paragon of a poet, " said Nan, as she satin Patty's room one evening. 

Patty was dressing for the party at the Blaneys', and Sam was coming totake her. 

"You'll like him, Nan, you can't help it. He is most interesting, --nota bit like other men. And they have such delightful people at theirparties. They do big things, you know, --really big. "

"Such as what?"

"Oh, they sing, and play on unusual instruments, --zitherns andlutes----"

"That doesn't sound so awfully wonderful. "

"No; I suppose not. But it's the _way_ they do it, --and the--theatmosphere, you know, and the general exalted effect----"

"The what?"

"Oh, I don't know how to express it so you'll understand, --but I likeit all. It's on a higher plane than the usual evening party. "

"Don't they dance?"

"Yes, some. But more Solo dances, and Interpretative ones. I'm goingto do a splendid dance for them, soon. Mr. Blaney is making it up forme. "

"Can I see it?"

"I guess so. I think they mean to have a large audience for thatoccasion. "

"What _are_ you doing, Patty? Are you going to wear your hair likethat?"

"Yes, Sam likes it so. "

"But, my gracious goodness, you look like a crazy person!"

"Oh, not so bad as that. "

Patty spoke carelessly, but her colour heightened a little. She wassitting at her toilet mirror, while Nan lounged in an easy chair, nearby. Patty's golden hair was drawn smoothly down from a central part, and tightly confined at the back of her neck, where it was rolled andtwisted into an immense knot, hard and round, that was exceedinglyunbecoming. 

"It's awful!" declared Nan, "I never saw you look really plain before. "

"It's all right, " and Patty tossed her head. "That fluffy, curlybusiness is a sign of a light-weight brain, --this arrangement is farmore intellectual. "

"And is that your gown!" Nan fairly gasped, as Patty took from herwardrobe a strange-looking affair of mulberry-coloured woolen goods. 

"Yes, it's really stunning, Nan. I had it made by Alla Blaney'sdressmaker, and it's a triumph. "

"Looks to me as if it had been made by a dressmaker in the house. "

"Not much! It's a marvel of line and type. Wait till it's all on. "

Patty adjusted the shapeless garment, which hung in loose folds fromher shoulders, but which, with its muddy hue and clumsy drapery, wasdecidedly unattractive. Over it she put on a sort of tunic of greenand orange damask, edged with glittering sequins. 

"Oh, " cried Nan, relieved, "I didn't know it was a fancy dress affair. "

"It isn't, " returned Patty. "They all wear this sort of clothes. "

"They _do_? Are they supposed to be brainy?--Blaney, I mean!"

"Don't be unpleasant, Nancy, it doesn't suit you. And, honestly, Ilike these people, and I like to be with them. Now, it would be sillyof me to wear my usual dance frocks where everybody dresses quitedifferently. So, don't criticise unkindly, will you?"

"Of course not, you goosie. But it seems a shame when you look sopretty in your own clothes, to wear these hideous duds. "

"Thank you for the compliment on the side, but the Cosmic Centre peoplethink I look rather well in these things. I haven't shown them thisgown yet, but I know they'll love it. "

"It's lucky for you your father isn't at home! He'd make you take itright straight off. "

"Oh, no, he wouldn't, Nancy-lady. I'm not a little girl any more, tobe scolded and sent to bed. There, I'm ready. "

Patty had added a long string of queer-looking beads, terminating in ahuge pendant of Oriental effect. It was composed of coloured stonesset in dingy metalwork. 

"Where did you get that horror? Gift from the Cosmickers?"

"Funny, aren't you? No, I bought it myself, out of my hard-savedincome. It's great! I found it at Ossilovi's. He says there isn'tanother like it out of Asia. "

"I should hope not! Though I doubt if it ever saw Asia. "

"Nan, you're positively unbearable! One more speech of that sort, andI'll be right down mad at you. "

"Forgive me, Patty, I did let my feelings run away with me. It's allright for you to do these things if you want to, but it doesn't seemlike you, --and it jars, somehow. "

They went downstairs, and soon Sam Blaney came to take Patty away. 

Nan greeted him very pleasantly, but inspected him very carefully. Hewas not in evening dress, their coterie did not approve of anything soconventional. This was against him in Nan's eyes, for she was astickler for the formalities. But as he threw back his topcoat, andshe saw his voluminous soft silk tie of magenta with vermilion dots, his low rolling collar, and his longish mane of hair, she felt aninstinctive dislike to the man. Her sense of justice, however, madeher reserve judgment until she knew more of him, and she invited him totarry a few moments. 

Blaney sat down, gracefully enough, and chatted casually, but Pattyrealised that Nan was looking him over and resented it. And, somehow, Blaney didn't appear to advantage in the Fairfield drawing-room, as hedid in his own surroundings. His attitude, while polite, was the leastbit careless, and his courtesy was indolent rather than alert. Infact, he conducted himself as an old friend might have done, but in away which was not permissible in a stranger. 

Nan led the conversation to the recent work of some comparatively newand very worthwhile poets. She asked Blaney his opinion of a certainpoem. 

"Oh, that, " and the man hesitated, "well, you see, --I--ah, --that is, I'm reserving my opinion as to that man's work, --yes, reserving myopinion. "

"And a good idea, too, " agreed Nan. "One shouldn't judge, hastily. But you've doubtless made up your mind regarding this poet, " and shepicked up a book from the table, containing the poems of another modernand much discussed writer. 

"Oh, yes, " said Blaney, "oh, yes, of course. But, if you'll excuse me, Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not announce my views. You see, I--er--thatis, --I might be quoted wrongly, --misquoted, you know, and it wouldmilitate against my influence, --yes, --militate against my standing. One must be so careful. "

"Indeed you are right, " Nan said, smiling at him; "a poet yourself, youmust be careful of what you say about others. "

"Yes, just that. How quickly you understand. "

Patty and her escort went away, and after a short silence, Blaney said, "You didn't show Mrs. Fairfield the verses I wrote for you, did you?"

"No, " said Patty, "I promised you I wouldn't. "

"And I didn't mean to doubt your word, but I thought you might thinkthat your mother--or stepmother, didn't count. "

"No, I haven't shown them to any one. But I wish you weren't sosensitive about your beautiful work. "

"I wish so, too, " and Blaney sighed. "But it's the penalty of----"

"Of genius, why not say it?"

"Yes, why not say it? I'm glad you recognise the beauty of truthspoken in defiance of conventional modesty. "

"Oh, yes, I do think if one is talented, it is silly to deny it. "

"It is. That is why our people are so frankly sane and honest abouttheir own achievements----"

"And yet, you're so modest, --I mayn't show your verses!"

"That's a different matter. You know those were for your eyes alone. "

"I know. I will keep them for myself. "

The Studio of the Blaneys in the city was much like the one Patty hadseen at Lakewood, only a little more elaborately bizarre. The Moorishlamps were bigger and dustier: the thick brocade draperies a littlemore faded and tattered; the furniture a little more gilded and wobbly. 

Alla came gliding to greet Patty, and gave her an enthusiastic welcome. 

"You darling!" she cried, "you _very_ darling! Look at her, everybody!Look! Gloat over this bit of perfect perfection! Did you ever _see_anything so wonderful?"

Alla had led Patty to the middle of the room, and she now turned herround and round, like a dressmaker exhibiting a model. 

Patty felt no embarrassment, for the people all about accepted theexhibition as a matter of course, and gazed at her in smilingapprobation. Moreover, all the guests were dressed as unconventionallyas Patty, and even more so. There were more queer costumes than shehad seen at the Lakewood party, more weird effects of hairdressing andmore eccentric posing and posturing. The New York branch of theseBohemians were evidently farther advanced in their cult than the othersshe had seen. 

A little bewildered, Patty allowed herself to be ensconced on a crimsonand gold Davenport, and listened to a rattle of conversation that waspartly intelligible, and partly, it seemed to her, absolute nonsense. 

"I am exploiting this gem, " Alla announced, indicating Patty herself asthe "gem. " "She hasn't quite found herself yet, --but she will sooncommand the range of the whole emotional spectrum! She is a wonder!Her soul is stuffed to bursting with dynamic force! We must train her, educate her, show her, gently guide her dancing feet in the paths ofbeauty, --in the star-strewn paths of cosmic beauty. "

"We will!" shouted a dozen voices. "What can she do?"

"Dance, " replied Alla. "But such dancing! She is a will-o'-the-wisp, a pixie, a thistledown, a butterfly!"

"All those and more, " said Sam Blaney. "She is a velvet angel, arose-coloured leaf in the wind, a fluttering scarf end. "

"What imagery!" murmured somebody, and some one else said, "Inspiration!" in an awed tone. 

"And now to work, " urged Alla. "We must plan for our holiday party. Shall we have it here?"

"Here, of course, " she was answered. 

"But others of you have larger homes, more pretentious dwellings----"

"But not the atmosphere. This Studio, --" it was a large-eyed youngmusician talking, "this hallowed room has more elevatingtendency, --more inspiring atmosphere than any other. Let us meet hereby all means, and let us have such a program--such a feast of gloriesas never before. "

Then another man spoke. He was a tall young chap, with a good-naturedsmile, and Patty liked his face. 

"I am an artist, " he announced, "and a rattling good artist. I haven'tyet achieved my ultimate recognition, but it will come, --it must come. I, therefore, I will undertake the task, --the ineffably joyous task ofdesigning, --of inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield. "

"Do, Grantham, " cried Blaney. "No one could do it better. Dream out ascheme, a picture plan that will be worthy of our little Terpsichore. A dance that shall be a whirlwind of violets, --a tornado of liltingveils. "

"Veils!" cried Grantham, "that's the keynote! A Dance of the Year, --amad gyration of Time, --of Time, himself, translated intothistledown, --into scented thistledown. "

"Bravo!" "Glorious!"

Other praises were shouted, and the place was like a pandemonium. Patty began to realise the Bohemians were a boisterous lot. Sheclapped her hands over her ears in smiling dismay. 

"Quiet!" said Blaney, in his low, exquisite tones, and in an instantthe room was almost silent. 

Committees were appointed to take charge of the Christmas celebration, and then the program began. 

It was long, and, to Patty, a bit uninteresting. She tried hard tounderstand the queer things they read or recited, but it seemed to hera continuous repetition of sound without sense. She was willing toadmit her own stupidity, and noting the rapt expressions on the facesround her, she concluded the lack was in herself. The music, too, though strange and eccentric, didn't seem to her as worth while as ithad done before, though it was decidedly similar. Blaney read some ofhis poems, to a zithern accompaniment, but they weren't veryimpressive, and not nearly so poetic as the lines he had written forher. She wondered if she had really inspired him to greater heights ofsong than he could attain without her influence. 

He had assured her of this, and she began to think it might be so. 

The supper followed the program. This was not enjoyed by Patty. Usually, after a dance or concert, she was hungry for some lightrefreshment, but in this incense-laden, smoke-heavy atmosphere, shefelt no desire to eat, and had she done so, she could not have relishedthe viands. For they were of highly-spiced and foreign-flavouredsorts, and their principal ingredients were smoked fish, pungentsauces, and strong cheese, all of which Patty detested. Moreover, theservice was far from dainty. The heavy china, thick glass, andbattered, unreal silver detracted still further from the appetisingeffects of the feast. 

But everybody was so genuinely distressed at Patty's lack of appetiteand made such to-do about it, that she forced herself to eat, and evenessayed a cup of their muddy, syrupy coffee. 

And she enjoyed herself. She absorbed much of their jargon and storedit up in her brain for future use. She unconsciously adapted herselfto their mannerisms and whimsical enthusiasm, and when she went homeeverybody praised her and declared her one of them and the best of them. 

"By far the best, " said Blaney, as he tucked her into the Fairfieldlimousine which, with an accompanying maid, had been sent for her. "And may I call soon, and reiterate this, --in better and longer lines?"

"Yes, do, " said Patty. "I'd love to have you. "

Nan was waiting up for her. 

"Well, I've seen your new friend?" she said, as Patty flung off herwrap and stood for a moment by the library table. 

"Yep, " said Patty, smiling, "and sumpum tells me, Nan, that you'regoing to be disagreeable or disapproving or disappointed ordis--something or other about him. And I beg of you to don't, --atleast until I get a bite of supper. I couldn't eat their olddelicatessen shop stuff, and I want a decent sandwich and a glass ofmilk, --so I do. "

"Why, you poor child! I'll get it for you. Cook has gone to bed, butI'll forage in the pantry. "

"Do, that's a fairy stepmother. Bring some fruit, too, please. "

Patty went up to her room, and when Nan appeared, shortly, with a mostattractive supper tray, she was in kimono and cap, waiting for it. 

"My, but this is good! I tell you, Nan, those Cosmickers know how tothink, but they don't know a thing about foods. "

"Your Blaney looks well nourished. But, he didn't strike me as veryerudite. Why, Patty, he didn't know who those poets _were_, I askedhim about!"

"Oh, yes, he did. He didn't want to discuss 'em, that's all. "

"Nonsense! I saw his expression. He didn't know them, I tell you. Hehas never read a word of them. "

"Well, he doesn't have to. He can write his own poems. "

"Does he? Is he a poet, really?"

"Yes, Nan, he is. And he's all right, and Alla is, too. I don't likeall their associate souls, but I like a lot of them, and you would too, if you saw them in their proper setting. Anyhow, their old symposiumhas tired my little brain all up, and with many thanks for your kindcharity, --what there was of it--I'll let you go, if you really feel youmust. "

Nan laughed, for there was deep good feeling between these two, thenshe kissed Patty good night and went off with the empty tray. 

CHAPTER XII

AN ODD DINNER PARTY

A few nights later, Patty invited the two Blaneys to dinner. Nanwanted to meet Alla, and Mr. Fairfield, too, expressed a desire to seethese new friends of Patty's. 

"Me and the two companies is three, " said Patty, making up her party, "and you and Dad are five. Who'd make a good sixth?"

"Only six?" asked Nan. "Why not a big dinner?"

"No; I don't think so. You see, the Blaneys don't fit in witheverybody, and I want them to have a good time. "

"Oh, I mean ask their own sort of people. "

Patty looked up, quickly. "Now, Nan, don't be unpleasant. You'reimplying that their kind of people are not as nice as our kind, andthat hurts my feelinks, and you know it. I want you wid me onthis, --not agin me. "

"I am, Patty. I don't mean to be horrid. Well, have six, if you like. Who else?"

"Chick Channing, I think. He's so adaptable and all-round nice witheverybody. Phil hates the Blaneys, and----"

"Mr. Farnsworth?"

"I don't think he'd like them, either. And, --too, --Bill isn't verychummy with me lately. "

"Why not?"

"Dunno. "

"Did you quarrel?"

"Now, Nan, don't ask such leading questions. We didn't exactlyquarrel, and yet again, I suppose we did quarrel, --at least, I did, --hedidn't. I sort of snubbed him, and he took it more seriously than Imeant, if you call that a quarrel. But anyway, he wouldn't stand forthe Blaney crowd, I'm sure of that. "

"All right, ask Chick. As you say, he'll chum with anybody. He's asplendid dinner guest. "

Channing accepted the invitation with pleasure, and the party was madeup. 

"I don't want anything eccentric or foolish, " Patty said to Nan, regarding the appointments, "but I do want it aesthetic and artistic. "

"You can arrange it as you like, dear, " Nan said, kindly, and Patty did. 

The dining-room was dimly lighted, and the table decoration consistedof an enormous bronze placque, which Patty took down from the hallwall. This held a small amount of water, and on it floated threepansies. The table candles wore deep purple shades, and Nan privatelythought the whole effect dull and gloomy enough, but she said no wordof criticism. 

Patty appeared, in a flowing, robe-like costume of pale violet chiffon, and wore pansies in her hair over each ear. 

"Well!" exclaimed her father, as he saw her, "I thought you could wearany colour, but take my advice, Kiddie, and never brave lavender again!It makes you look old and sallow. "

"Nothing of the sort!" denied Patty. "You're unaccustomed to seeing mein it, that's all. "

Then Channing came, and Patty had to bear his disapproving glances. 

"You're an angel in anything, " he said, "but you're least angelic inthat mawkish mauve. You look like a member of the Art Students' Union. "

Patty didn't mind their chaff, and only smiled good-naturedly, and thenthe Blaneys came. 

Patty was used to their aesthetic effects, but the others weren't, andthough the greetings were cordial and courteous, the elder Fairfieldsneeded a moment to recover their poise. But Chick Channing was alwaysto be depended upon, and he plunged into gay conversation that brokethe ice and did away with all self-consciousness. 

Nor was it surprising that the appearance of the brother and sistershould strike an observer as startling. Alla was swathed inyellowish-brown stuff. Her gown seemed to have no shape or design, just draperies that wrapped her about in mummy fashion. Long sleevescame well down over her hands, a high collar rose over her ears, andthe long skirt twined itself round her feet, till she could scarcelywalk. The material was a woolly serge, and no bit of colour ortrimming relieved the severity. She wore no ornament save a hideousnecklace of great, ugly stones, that fell down as far as her knees, andcarried a dilapidated old fan of peacock feathers. Patty had neverseen her look so unattractive, for even in her eccentric garb, she wasusually picturesque. But in this brown thing she was utterly withoutcharm. 

Sam Blaney, too, looked ill-dressed and out of place. He had bowed toconvention to the extent of wearing evening clothes, but they were notof correct cut, and did not fit well, and he wore an absurd tie of softsilk, of his favourite light green hue, which gave him the appearanceof a caricature. 

However, the two were most affable and agreeable, and their soft, lowvoices murmured pleasantries suitable to the occasion. 

At dinner the conversation turned on the approaching Christmascelebration of the Cosmic Centre. 

"What a funny name, " said Channing. "Sounds like a small village inNew England. "

"So it does, " returned Sam Blaney, taking the jest in good part. "Butwe call our club that modest little name because we think ourselves thecentre of the Universe. "

"I always admire self-respect, " said Mr. Fairfield, smiling; "I holdthat a man or a club with full appreciation of self-merit can't go farwrong. "

"And Cosmic Centre is so very expressive, " said Channing. "I don't seehow you could have well found anything more inclusive. "

"Mrs. Fairfield calls you the Cosmickers, " put in Patty, smiling at Nan. 

"And a very good name, " agreed Alla. "Cosmickers sounds a bit likepicknickers, and often that's what we are. "

"What is your real end and aim?" asked Mr. Fairfield, seriously. 

"Advancement of beauty and appreciation of art, " replied Alla, lookingthoughtful and a little affected. 

"Interpretation of beauty, " amended her brother. "We endeavour toimbue our souls with the highest and best emotions and to discard anddisown all that is merely conventional and formal in life or inthought. "

"Meaning the outward and ordinary signs of clothes and manners?" saidChick. 

Patty detected the chaffing note in his voice, but his tone was graveand respectful, and after a quick glance at him, Blaney replied, "Yes, and the inner graces of poesy and music of the soul. "

"In fact, you use your soul instead of your mind or brain, " Chickcontinued, and now Patty gave him an imploring glance, meant to beg himnot to guy the Cosmic principles. 

But Alla had no thought of Chick's insincerity. "That is it, " shesaid. "We use our souls for everything, even physical processes. Oneof our geniuses is inventing a dance for Miss Fairfield. Appreciatingher genius for dancing, he is making a masterpiece in which she candance with her soul----"

"Put her whole sole in her dancing, " said Chick, with enough emphasisto point his jest. 

"Yes, " went on Alla, unmoved, though Mr. Fairfield nearly choked as hewatched her intent face, "just that. Unless one does use one's soul itbecomes rusted and useless. "

Her face was drawn with intensity, her lifted hand shook a long slenderforefinger at Chick, and that urbane young man had just about all hecould do to preserve his gravity. 

But he went calmly on. "Do you know, " he said, "I sometimes think mysoul is a bit rusty. "

"Very likely, " said Sam Blaney, who didn't like to be long out of theconversation. "Suppose you join our coterie and get the rust removed. Nor am I joking, Mr. Channing. Many there be who laugh at ourearnestness, but only because of their own ignorance. "

"I dare say that is so, " put in Fred Fairfield, in sincere tones;"that's why I'm specially interested in knowing just what you do totinker up a rusty soul. Pardon my rude diction, but I am not aestheticmyself. However, I am deeply interested. "

"I feel sure you are, Mr. Fairfield, " and Alla gave him a soulfulglance; "and though it is not easy I will try to give you a hint of ourmethods. "

"Let me tell him, Alla, " insisted Sam, and he waved her to silence witha gesture of his long, white hand. "You see, sir, it is not often wemeet such a receptive nature as you kindly show, and I am but too gladto gratify your most justifiable curiosity and Interest. "

"Me, too, " cried Chick. "Pray don't leave me out. I truly want toknow what will clean the rust off my soul. "

Again Patty besought him by urgent glances to beware of offending herguests, but Chick shook his head, indicating there was no danger. Norwas there. Though Mr. Fairfield and Channing both were consumed withmerriment at the idea of their rusty souls, the Blaneys were quite inearnest and proceeded to dilate on their favourite subjects. 

"Once under the influence of our atmosphere and our beliefs, " avowedBlaney, "your soul expands and flowers out like a star!"

"Oh, how beautiful!" breathed Chick, with such a rapt expression, thatPatty had to put up her napkin quickly to hide her smile. 

"Yes, " said Alla, "my brother says wonderful things. His own soul isineffably sweet. "

"It must be!" and Chick looked at Blaney with an adoring gaze thatnearly sent Nan into convulsions. 

Patty was scared, for if Chick kept this up the Blaneys must realisehis intent and would be mortally offended. 

"How near Christmas is getting, " she interrupted, blithely, determinedto change the subject. "Have you all your gifts ready, Alla?"

"Patty, " said Chick, reprovingly, "how can you introduce commonplacesubjects just now? I'm learning to remove rust stains from my dingyold soul. By the way, how would it do to scour one's soul with thesands of time?"

"Beautiful!" cried Sam. "Wonderful! What imagery! I wish I hadsaid that!"

"You may, as often as you like, " granted Chick, politely. "I'll beproud if you'll accept it. Among unrusted souls, there should be nogive and take. My thoughts are yours. I am honoured. "

"You are a delight, " said Alla, calmly, looking at Chick, who blushedat this unexpected compliment. "I have never met any one so quicklyresponsive, so immediately _simpatica_. "

"Except me, " cried Patty. "You said I was that. Simp--what--d'ye callit? Now there are two of us, Chick. "

"We are all _simpatica_, " said Nan, who, like Patty, began to fearChick's chaff would yet offend the guests. And then, she determinedlyled the conversation away from soulful matters and talked of currentevents and casual subjects that had no aesthetic significance. 

But it was difficult to keep the Blaneys off their favourite themes andhard to quell the fun of the irrepressible Chick. 

And so, Nan was rather relieved when at a surprisingly early hour thetwo aesthetes took their leave. 

"Oh, Piccalilli blossoms!" cried Chick, when they were fairly out ofhearing, "did you ever see anything like that! Where did you unearththem, Patty? The lady one, especially! Wow, but she's a five-reelscream!"

"Stop that, Chick; I think you're real mean! You made me enoughtrouble at the dinner table, and you needn't make fun of my friendsbehind their backs. "

"But Patty, such backs! I mean, such friends! Oh, I didn't think Icould restrain my laughter till they went away from here, --but Imanaged to do so. Souls! Rusty souls! Wowly-wow-wow!"

"Chick, stop it. I tell you, I won't have it!"

"I'll stop in a minute, Patty. Let me laugh a minute, or I'll explode. I say, Mrs. Fairfield, did you ever see anything like the lady's robe!I don't often notice costumes of the fair sex, but that was a hummerfrom Humville. "

"Don't, Chick, " said Nan, noticing Patty's quivering lip; "they'rePatty's friends, and I'd rather you wouldn't ridicule them. "

"I'd rather not myself, honest, Mrs. Fairfield, I'd rather not, butwhat can you do when they come running up, begging to be ridiculed?"

"They didn't, " declared Patty. "Nobody would have thought ofridiculing them, Chick, if you hadn't. They talked a lot of wisdomthat you couldn't assimilate, and you're envious of their superiorminds, that's what ails you. "

"Patty, Patty, " said her father, laughing outright at this, "my dearchild, are you really so infatuated with those people that you believewhat you're saying?"

"Of course, I am. I don't expect you to understand them, Father, you're older, and belong to another generation. "

"Good gracious, Patty, " cried Nan, gasping, "do you think your fatheris too old to understand that drivel?"

"I do, " said Patty, calmly, "and you are too, Nan. It takes the modernviewpoint, the young soulsight to apprehend the beauty of vision, thevast--vast----"

"Horizon, " suggested Chick, kindly. 

"Yes, horizon, " said Patty; "how did you know, Chick?"

"Oh, horizons are always vast. Deeps are vasty. Nothing much else isvast, except once in a while a distance. So I felt safe in chancingthe horizon. "

"Oh, Chick, you are the funniest thing!" said Nan, who was shaking withlaughter at Patty's chagrin. "But, " and her voice suddenly becameserious, "I won't stand for your nonsense. I range myself on Patty'sside. These people were our guests. I forbid any slighting allusionsto them. Their ways may not be our ways, but if they are Patty'sfriends they are my friends. "

The warm, sincere ring of Nan's voice went to Patty's heart, and shesmiled again. 

"Good for you, you old trump!" she exclaimed, looking gratefully atNan. "Now, Dad, you come over, and I can manage Chick, myself. "

Patty was in gay good humour again, and she perched on the arm of herfather's chair, as she proceeded to win him over. 

"You know I can't resist your blandishments, my angel child, " he said, as Patty caressed his handsome iron-grey hair, "but I must admit yourCosmickers have no message for me. "

"That's just it, " cried Patty, triumphantly. "I knew it! They have nomessage for you, because you don't understand their language, you're--Dad, I hate to say it, --but, you're too old!"

And with a kiss on his frowning forehead, Patty ran to the piano, andbegan to play "Silver Threads Among the Gold, " to a rag-timeimprovisation of her own. 

"Oh, Pattibelle, " cried Chick, "what would your vast-horizoned friendssay if they could hear you playing ragtime! I'm sure a lemon-colourednocturne or a flaming fugue would be nearer their idea of melody. "

"Play us a fox-trot, Nan, " said Patty, jumping up, and in anotherminute, as Nan obligingly acquiesced, Patty and Chick were dancinggaily up and down the room. 

"Forgive me, Patty, " said Chick, as they danced out into the hall, "Iwouldn't offend you or your friends for worlds, but they--well, theystruck me funny, you see. "

"They're not funny, Chick. They're the real thing. You can't see it, I know, and neither can Dad or Nan, but I do. "

"All right, Patty. Go into it if you like. I don't believe it willhurt you. And like the measles, the harder you have it, the sooneryou'll get over it, and you'll never have it but once. By the way, they invited me to their Christmas racket, --and I'm going!"

CHAPTER XIII

ELISE AND PATTY

"I think you're just as mean as you can be, Patty Fairfield! You won'tcome to my tree and you won't have the House Sale, and you won't do athing anybody wants you to! I never saw such a disagreeable old thingas you are!"

"Why, Elise, you dear little, sweet, 'bused child! Am I as bad as allthat? You do su'prise me! Well, well, I must mend my ways. I'vealways had a reputation for good nature, but it seems to be slippingawa' Jean, like snow in the thaw, Jean, --as the song book says. Now, my friend and pardner, here's my ultimatum. But smile on me, first, orI can't talk to you at all. You look like a thunder cloud, --a verypretty thunder cloud, to be sure, --but still, lowering and threatening. Brace up, idol of my heart, --shine out, little face, sunning over withraven black curls, --I seem to be poetically inclined, don't I?"

Elise laughed in spite of herself. The two girls had been discussingplans, and as Patty stuck to her determination to spend Christmas Eveat the Blaneys', Elise was angry, because she was to have her ownChristmas tree that night, and, of course, wanted Patty with her. 

They were in the Farringtons' library. It was nearly dusk, and Pattywas just about to get her hat to go home, when they began thecontroversy afresh. 

"I can't help laughing, because you're so silly, but I'm angry at youall the same, " Elise averred, with a shake of her dark, curly head. "You're so wrapped up in the Blaneys and their idiotic old crowd, thatyou have no time or attention for your old friends. "

"It does seem so, " mused Patty; "of course, it might be, because theidiotic crowd are nice and pleasant to me, while my old friends, one ofthem, at least, is as cross as a bear with a bumped head. "

"Well, you're enough to make me cross. Here I'm going to have a bigChristmas tree, and a lovely Christmas party, and you won't come to it. That makes me cross, but to have you throw me over for those ridiculousBlaneys makes me crosser yet. "

"You can't get much crosser, you're about at the limit. "

"No, I'm not, either. It makes me still crosser that you won't havethe House Sale. "

"Oh, Elise, it's such a nuisance! Turn the whole place upside down andinside out, for a few dollars! Let's get the money by subscription. Everybody would be glad to give something for the girls' library. "

"No, they won't. Everybody has been asked for money for charity allwinter, and they're tired of it. But a novel sale would bring in alot. "

Patty and Elise were greatly interested in getting a library for theworking girls' club, which they helped support. Patty was usually mostenthusiastic and energetic in furnishing any project for helping thiswork along, and Elise was greatly surprised at her presentunwillingness to hold a sale they had been considering. 

"And it's only because you're crazy over that Cosmic Club that youcan't bother with the things that used to interest you. Phil VanReypen thinks they're a horrid lot, and so does Chick Channing, and Ido, too. "

"You forget that it was down at your house in Lakewood that I first metthem. "

"No, I don't; but that's no reason you should go over to them soentirely, and forsake all of your old set. I never liked the Blaneys;I only wanted you to meet them, to see how queer and eccentric theywere. But I never supposed you'd join their ranks, and become soinfatuated with Sam Blaney----"

"I'm not infatuated with Sam Blaney!"

"You are so! You think he's a genius and a poet and a little tin godon wheels!"

"Well, all right, Elise, then I do think so. And I've got a right tothink so, if I want to. Now, listen, and stop your foolishness. Isaid I'd give you my decision, and this is it. I'll come round hereChristmas Eve after the party at the Blaneys'. I've got to go to that, for I'm going to dance, and I'm going to be in some 'Living Pictures, 'but I can get away by eleven, or soon after, and that will be in timefor your dance. "

"Well, half a loaf is better than no bread, --I'll have the tree late, then. After you get here. "

"Oh, no, don't put off your tree! I might not be able to get here muchbefore midnight. "

"Yes, you will. You've promised me for eleven, and you always keep apromise, --I know that. I'll send for you, and you must come. "

"All right, I will. Truly, Elise, I want to be at the tree here, --butI couldn't help the two engagements clashing. Now, also, to show youthat I haven't lost interest in the Girls' Club, I'll have the HouseSale after the holidays are over. "

"Oh, will you, Patty? You're a dear old thing!"

"And amn't I mean and horrid, and a deserter?"

"Well, you're a bit of a deserter, and I suppose you'll rush off to aCosmic meeting the night of the Sale, and leave me to run it!"

"_You're_ mean, now, Elise. You know I wouldn't do such athing, --unless----"

"Unless what?"

"Unless it happened to be on a night of a special meeting of the CosmicCentre. In that case, I'd have to go for a little while. "

Just then Van Reypen came in. 

"You here, Patty?" he said. "I've been looking you up. How are you, Elise? What are you girls confabbing about?"

"I'm scolding Patty for her desertion of us and her infatuation forthose Blaney people. "

"Confound those Blaney people! I wish they were in Timbuctoo!"

"Why, Philip, how unkind!" and Patty smiled at him in an exasperatingway. "You _know_ you admire Sam Blaney immensely, --only you're jealousof him. "

"Admire him! Jealous of him!" Van Reypen fairly glowered withindignation. "That nincompoop! with long hair and a green neck-tie!He's a half-witted farmer!"

Patty's laugh rang out. "Oh, Phil, " she cried, "don't be a silly, yourself! His worst enemy couldn't call Sam a farmer! And I canassure you, he's far from half-witted. "

"Yes, far less than half, " growled Van Reypen. "Oh, Patty, drop 'em, cut 'em out, give 'em the go-by, won't you?"

"Thank you, no. I still reserve the right to choose my friends, and Iconfess to a liking for those who are kindly disposed toward me. "

"Oh, I'm kindly disposed toward _you_, very much so, " declared Phil, "but your new friends are not included in my kindly disposition. "

"So I gathered, " and Patty laughed again. "But, do you know, they feelthat they can struggle along without your admiration and affection. "

"Don't be sarcastic, Patty, " and Van Reypen smiled at the haughtylittle face turned toward his. 

"No, I won't, Phil. I hate it. And I'm sorry I let myself go likethat. But you do stir me up, --you and Elise. "

"Glad of it, " said Elise, "you ought to be stirred up once in a while. But don't go, Patty. Here comes Daisy, --and, well, if it isn't BillFarnsworth with her! I didn't know he was in town. He's in and out somuch, it's hard to keep track of him. Come in, Daisy, take off yourfurs. Glad to see you, Bill. Here's Patty Fairfield. "

"So I see, " laughed Farnsworth, as he held out his hand. "Going? Whygo yet? Hello, Van Reypen. "

"Hello, Bill. Thought you were on your way to or from Arizona. How doyou know where to vote, anyhow?"

"Guess at it. But I'm not going to live on the road so much asformerly. I've cleaned things up a bit, and shall sort of settle inNew York from now on. "

"Good! Glad to give you the freedom of our city. And you, Daisy? Areyou going to live East, also?"

"Haven't decided yet, " and Daisy glanced coquettishly at Farnsworth. "Maybe so. "

"Don't you go yet, Patty, " begged Elise. "Stay a while longer, andwe'll have tea, --chocolate, too, which I know you like better. "

"'Course I'll stay, " said Patty; "your chocolate is always the bestever. Order it up. What beautiful violets, Daisy. "

"Yes, Bill bought them for me as we passed a florist's shop. I adoreviolets. "

"What girl doesn't?" laughed Patty. "At least she adores having thembought for her. "

"I don't, " said Elise. "I'd rather have one rose than all the violetsthat ever bloomed in the spring, tra-la. "

"What's your favourite flower, Patty?" asked Farnsworth. 

"Sunflowers, but nobody ever sends me any. I just get old orchids andthings. "

"Poor kiddy! I wish I could get a sunflower or two for you. But Ifancy, at this season of the year, they're about as scarce as blueroses. "

"'It is but an idle quest, Roses red and white are best, '"

sang Patty, with a smile at Big Bill. 

"Do you know that?" he asked, interestedly. "I never heard you singit. "

"Oh, it's one of her best songs, " cried Elise; "sing it now, Patty, --you'll have time before the chocolate comes. "

"Too much bother, " said Patty; "we'd have to go in the music room andall. I'll sing it for you some other time, Little Billee. "

"All right, " he responded, carelessly, and again Patty felt a slightchagrin that he cared so little about the matter. 

Other people drifted in, as the young folks were apt to do at tea time, and then the chocolate arrived, and Patty found herself provided with awelcome cup of her favourite beverage. 

It was Farnsworth who brought it to her, and he deliberately took aseat at her side, a seat that Van Reypen had just vacated. 

"You can't sit there, " said Patty, quickly; "Phil will be back in aminute. "

"Will he?" said Big Bill, as he settled himself comfortably in thechair. "Do you think he can put me out?"

"Not unless you want him to, " and Patty smiled at the big man, wholooked so strong and powerful. 

"Somehow, I don't. I like it here. "

"Why?"

"Because I like to look at you. You're looking uncommonly well today. If I were to guess, I should say you have been having a rumpus withsomebody. "

"What is a rumpus?" inquired Patty, looking innocent. 

"A rumpus, my child, is a tiff, a squabble, a set-to, a racket, ageneral scrimmage. "

"I haven't exactly had those things, but, well, I may say I have beendrawn into a somewhat spirited discussion. "

"Ah, I thought so. "

"How did you know? I mean, why did you think so?"

"By your heightened colour and your generally wrought-up condition. Why, your heart isn't beating normally yet. "

Patty looked up at him, indignantly, but his blue eyes were very kindand his smile gentle and even concerned. 

"What was it about, Patty? Who has been tormenting you?"

"Nobody tormented me, exactly, but they criticise me and they say meanthings about my friends----"

"Never let them do that! Your friends must be sacred to you, --I meanfrom adverse criticism of others. "

"That's what I think, Little Billee. What shall I do, when everybodyridicules them and calls them names?"

"Just what I am sure you did do. Flare up like a wrathy kitten andhelplessly paw the air. "

"Of course that's what I did, " and Patty laughed at the graphicdescription, "but it didn't seem to do much good. "

"Of course it didn't. Standing up for one's friends rarely does muchgood, except to satisfy one's own sense of loyalty. "

"Why, what do you mean? Why doesn't it do any good to defend ourfriends?"

"Because if they need our defence, they're probably at fault. "

"But they weren't in this case. It was the Blaneys, --do you know them?"

"Those mercerised personages I met at Mona's wedding? I haven't thepleasure of their intimate acquaintance, and something tells me I nevershall have. "

"You mean you don't want it!"

"Mind reader! Patty, you're positively clairvoyant!"

"Now, Little Billee, don't you go back on me, too. "

"Go back on you? Never! While this machine is to me! Why, Patty, I'ddefend you to the last ditch, and then fill in the ditch!"

"Be serious, Billee. You don't know those people, but can't you takemy word for it that they're splendidly worth while? They're geniuses, and artists. "

"Patty, I'd take your word for anything you know about. But, forinstance, I couldn't take your word that there are blue roses. "

"But there are! That's just what the Cosmic Centre peopleare, --they're blue roses! I never thought of it before, but they are. "

"Then beware of them. Blue roses are freaks----"

"Yes, I know it. But there are worse things in this world than freaks. I'd rather a man would be a freak than a--a mud turtle!"

"Are many of your friends mud turtles?"

"Yes, they are. They stick their heads in the sand----"

"Look out for your Natural History! You're thinking of ostriches. "

"All the same. Now, Sam Blaney----"

"Patty! You don't mean to say that chap is _Sam_ Blaney! I thought helooked a bit familiar! Sam! old Sam Blaney! Well!"

"What's the matter, Billee? Do you know him?"

"I used to, when we were boys. Fifteen or more years ago. I doubt ifhe'd even remember my name. We went to a public school together. SamBlaney! Well!"

"You exasperating thing! Don't sit there saying 'Well!' and '_Sam_Blaney!' but tell me what you know of him. "

"Nothing, child, nothing. I haven't seen or heard of him for--since wewere fourteen years old or so. Where did you pick him up?"

Patty told of her meeting the Blaneys at Lakewood, and of hercontinuing their acquaintance in New York. But suddenly Farnsworthseemed to lose interest in her story. 

"Never mind the Blaneys, " he said. "I want to talk to _you_. What doyou think, my girl? I've won out in that matter of business I've beenat so long. "

"Have you? I'm very glad. I don't know what it was all about, LittleBillee, but if you've succeeded in what you wanted to do, I'm veryglad. "

"Yes, I have. And it means, --it means, Patty, that I shall live in NewYork now, all the time. "

"Yes?"

"Yes. And it means, too, if this interests you, that I'm a richman, --a very rich man. "

"That's nice, Bill; I congratulate you. "

"Oh, thank you. " Farnsworth's voice had grown suddenly cold, and theeager light had faded from his blue eyes. He looked at Patty, andquickly looked away. 

"I thought you might care, " he said. 

A strange thought came to Patty. Could he possibly mean that since hewas a rich man, she would smile on his suit? Could he think that shewould accept his attentions more gladly because of his newly acquiredwealth? The idea made her furiously angry. If Farnsworth thought herthat mercenary--if he deemed her so utterly sordid--well, her respectfor him was decidedly lessened!

CHAPTER XIV

PATTY'S DANCE

The Christmas Eve party at the Blaneys' was in full swing. A man atthe piano was performing a monologue that was partly spoken, partlysung. It was cleverly done, and the audience showed its appreciationby outspoken comments. 

"A little lame on that top note, old chap. S'pose you try it over--ah, that's better!"

Patty sat next to Sam Blaney. Chick had expected to come, but Elisehad persuaded him to attend her party instead. This rather pleasedPatty, for she feared Chick's gay banter and she knew he didn't carefor the Cosmic Centre Club and their ways. 

"You are so wonderful!" Blaney was saying, as he looked at her. "Inever cared for Christmas before. "

Patty's gown was a long, sweeping robe of poinsettia red velvet. Itwould not have been becoming to most blondes, but Patty's fairnesstriumphed over all colour schemes. She wore a girdle of red velvetpoinsettia blossoms and a wreath of small ones encircled her head. 

"You are so beautiful----" Blaney's soft, purring voice went on. 

"Don't make me blush, " Patty laughed back. "Pink cheeks spoil theeffect of this red gown. I must stay pale to suit it. "

"Pink or pale, you are perfect! I adore you. "

Embarrassed by the fervour of his tones, Patty turned to talk to theman at her other side. But he was engrossed in conversation with anaesthetic damsel, and so she gaily changed the subject. 

"How splendid the rooms look, " she said, glancing about. "That groveof green trees is wonderfully picturesque. "

"That's where you're to dance, " Blaney returned. "I looked after itmyself. It's carpeted with pine needles, but they're soft, fresh ones, not dried ones. I'm sure they'll be comfy. "

"I dunno about dancing on 'em barefoot. I believe I'll wear sandals, after all. "

"Oh, no, you mustn't. Grantham has designed every detail soexquisitely, don't fail to follow his directions accurately. Yournumber will be the best of all. That's why we put it last. It will bean enormous hit, --a revelation!"

"I hope they will like it. I've never danced before these peoplebefore. I've pleased ordinary audiences, but the Cosmos are socritical--it would break my heart if they didn't approve. "

"Of course they'll approve! They'll go crazy over you. But you mustthrow yourself utterly into the spirit of it. We know at once ifyou're afraid or over-reserved. Abandon must be your keynote. Realinterpretation of Grantham's wonderful ideas. "

"They are wonderful, " agreed Patty. "Mr. Grantham is a true poet. Hesees Nature at her best and with an intuition almost divine. "

Her blue eyes shone with earnestness and Blaney gazed at her inadoration. 

"You perfect thing!" he murmured; "you have found your rightenvironment among us. You are wasted on the ordinary, unthinkingmasses of society. You are Nature's child. What a pity you must livea conventional life. Patty, can't you break loose? Can't you give upyour present hampering existence and come and throw in your lot withours? Live here. Alla would warmly welcome you as a sister----"

"And will you be my brother, Sam? I've never had a brother. "

"No, I refuse to be your brother! I'll be--well, say, your guardian. How'd you like to be my ward?"

"I didn't know girls ever were wards except in old-fashioned novels. And there, they always marry their guardians. "

"Well?"

"Oh, my gracious, is this a proposal!" Something in Blaney's tone hadwarned Patty that light banter was the best course, and she rattled on;"if so, postpone it, please. I really must go very soon and dress formy dance. "

"I know it. I will wait for a more fitting time and place. You oughtto be wooed in a sylvan glade----"

"Oh, I'd rather a bosky dell! I've always been crazy to be wooed in abosky dell. A leafy bower is the nearest I've come to it. "

"Who wooed you there?"

"Can't remember exactly. But it was the third from the last, --I think. "

"You little witch! Do you know how fascinating you are?"

"No; tell me. " Patty was in mischievous mood, and looked up demurelyat Blaney. 

"By Jove, I will! As soon as I can get you alone. Run away, now, anddo your dance. And, listen; I command you to think of me at everystep. "

"Can't promise that. It's all I can do to remember Mr. Grantham'ssteps; they're fearfully complicated. So--you think of me, --instead. "

With a saucy smile at Blaney, Patty slipped from her place, and wentaround to the dressing room. 

"Oh, here you are, " cried Alla, who was waiting to help her dress; "Iwas just going to send for you. Now, off with your frock. "

Some fifteen or twenty minutes later, the audience sat in breathlessanticipation of Patty's dance. 

Howard Grantham was a great artist, and never before had he been knownto devise a dance for any one. But he had recognised Patty's skill inthe art, and had requested that he be allowed to design a picture dancefor her. The result was to be a surprise to all present, except theBlaneys, for rehearsals had been jealously kept secret. 

The lights in the room were low, and the stage, which was a small groveof evergreen trees, was dark. Then, through the trees, appeared slowlya faint, pink light, as of breaking dawn. Some unseen violins breathedalmost inaudible strains of Spring-song music. 

Two trees at the back were slowly drawn apart as two small, white handsappeared among their branches. In the opening showed Patty's lovelyface, eyes upturned, scarlet lips parted in a smile that was a joyousexpression of youth and gladness. Still further she drew apart thelissome trees, and stepped through, a vision of spring itself. Cloudsof chiffon swirled about her, softest dawn-rose in colour, changing oftints of heliotrope and primrose, as she swayed in graceful, pliantrhythm. Her slim white arms waved slowly, as the hidden melodies camefaintly from the depth of the grove. Her pretty bare feet shonewhitely among the soft pine needles and the steps of her dance were thevery essence of poetry itself. 

The audience watched in silence, spellbound by the fair sight. Slowlyshe moved and swayed; then, as the music quickened, her steps grew moreanimated, her smile more bright, the lights were stronger, and thedance ended in a whirl of graceful pirouette and tossing, flutteringdraperies. With no pause or intermission, Patty was changed to animpersonation of summer. It was done by the lights. Her robe wasreally of white chiffon, and as pink lights had made it appear in rosytints, so now a deep yellow light gave the effect of sultry sunlight. 

The music, and likewise the rhythm of the dance, were soft andlanguorous as a July noon. Limply hung the draperies, slowly waved thegraceful arms, and at the end, Patty sank slowly, gently, down on amound beneath the trees, and, her head pillowed on her arm, closed hereyes, while the violin notes faded to silence. 

Knowing better than to applaud her, the spectators watched in silence. A moment, and then a clear bugle-like note sounded. Patty started up, passed her hand across her brow, opened her eyes, smiled slowly, andmore and more merrily, then sprang up, and as the lights made hercostume appear to be of the gold and russet red of autumn, she burstinto a wild woodland dance such as a veritable Dryad might haveperformed. The music was rich, triumphant, and the whole atmospherewas filled with the glory of the crown of the year. By a clevercontrivance, autumn leaves came fluttering down and Patty's bare feetnestled in them with childish enjoyment. Her smile was roguish, shewas a witch, an eerie thing. The orange light glowed and shone, and atthe height of a tumultuous burst of music, there was a sudden pause. Patty stopped still, her smile faded, and the colours changed fromautumn glows to a cold wintry blue. Her gown became white, with blueshadows, the music was sharp and frosty. Patty danced with staccatosteps, with little shivers of cold. The ground now appeared to becovered with frost, and her feet recoiled as they touched it. Themusic whistled like winter blasts. A fine snow seemed to fall, theblue shadows faded, all was white, and Patty, whirling, faster andfaster, was like a white fairy, white robes, white arms, white feet, and a sparkling white veil, that grew more and more voluminous as sheshook out its hidden folds. Faster she went, whirling, twirling, swirling, like a leaf in the wind, until, completely swathed in thegreat white veil, she vanished between the parted trees at the back ofthe stage. 

The music ceased, the lights blazed up, the dance was over. A momentpassed as the audience came back to earth, and then the applause wastremendous. Hands clapped, sonorously, voices shouted "Bravo!" andother words of plaudit; and "Encore!" was repeatedly demanded. 

But Mr. Grantham had forbidden Patty to return to the stage, even toacknowledge the laudation. He believed in the better effect of anunspoiled remembrance of her last tableau. 

So, shaking with excitement and weariness, Patty sank into a chair inthe dressing-room, and Alla began to draw on her stockings. 

"You must rest quietly, dear Patricia, for a half hour at least, " shesaid, solicitously. "You are quite exhausted. But it was wonderful!I have never seen anything so beautiful! You will be fêted and praisedto death. I've sent for a cup of coffee, to brace you up. "

"Oh, please not, Alla!" cried Patty, knowing the kind of coffee itwould be. "I don't want it, truly. Just give me a glass of water, andlet me sit still a minute without seeing anybody. It is exhausting todance like that. "

"Yes, dear, it is. Now rest quietly, and I'll keep everybody away, until you feel like seeing them. "

But Patty was keyed up with the excitement of the occasion andunwilling to rest for very long. So, with Alla's help, she was soonrearrayed in her red velvet and ready to return to the Studio. 

"I'm ashamed of myself, " she said to Alla, "but I'm so vain, I reallywant to go out there and hear people tell me that I did well!"

"That isn't vanity, " Alla returned. "That's proper pride. If any onecan do a thing as well as you did that dance, it would be idiocy not toenjoy hearing appreciative praise. "

"Do you think so?" and Patty looked relieved; "I don't want to beconceited, but I'm glad if I did well. "

"Wait till you hear what Sam says! He's wild about you, anyway, andafter that dance he'll be crazier over you than ever. "

Patty smiled, happily, and with a final adjustment of her freshlydone-up hair, she declared herself ready to return to the party. 

As hers had been the last number on the program, she was not surprisedto find the audience standing about in groups, or picturesquely posedon divans, and her appearance was the signal for a new hubbub ofexcitement. 

But before she could hear a definite word from any one, a tall, powerful figure came striding up to her, and big Bill Farnsworth'sunsmiling blue eyes looked straight into her own merry ones. 

Her merriment died away before the sternness of his expression. 

"Get your wraps, Patty, " he said, in low but distinct tones. "At once. "

"What for?" and Patty stared at him in amazement. "What has happened?"

But she had no fear that any untoward accident had befallen, forFarnsworth showed no sympathy or gentleness in his face, merely adetermined authority. 

"Go at once, " Farnsworth repeated, "and get your cloak. "

"I won't do it, " she replied, giving him an angry glance. "I don'twant to go home; why should I get my cloak?"

"Then I'll take you without it, " and picking her up in his arms, BigBill strode through the throng of people, with as little embarrassmentas if he were walking along the street. Many turned to look at himwith curiosity, some smiled, but the Cosmic souls rarely allowedthemselves to be surprised at anything, however peculiar. 

As they passed Sam Blaney, Patty noticed that he stood, leaning againstthe wall, his arms folded, and a strange expression on his face, --halfdefiant, half afraid. 

Farnsworth carried Patty down the stairs and out of the house, andplaced her with care, but a bit unceremoniously, in the tonneau of awaiting motor-car. He jumped in beside her, and pulled the lap robeover her. The car started at once, and was well under way by the timePatty found voice enough to express her indignation. 

"You--perfectly--horrid--old--thing!" she gasped, almost crying fromsheer surprise and anger. 

"Yes?" he said, and she detected laughter in his tone, which made herangrier than ever. 

"I hate you!" she burst forth. 

"Do you, dear?" and Farnsworth rearranged the rug to protect her morefully. 

There was such gentleness in his touch, such tenderness in his voice, that Patty's anger melted to plain curiosity. 

"Why did you do that?" she demanded. "Why did you bring me away insuch--such caveman fashion?"

Farnsworth smiled. "It was a caveman performance, wasn't it? But youwouldn't come willingly. "

"Of course I wouldn't! Why should I?"

"For three very good reasons. " Farnsworth spoke, gravely. "First, youwere in a place where you didn't belong. I couldn't let you remainthere. "

"It is not your business to say where I belong!"

"I wouldn't want any one I care for to be in that place. "

"Not even Daisy Dow?"

"Certainly not Daisy. "

"Oh, not Daisy--of _all_ people! Oh, certainly _not_!"

"Next, you were doing what you ought not to do. "

"What!"

"Yes, you were. You danced barefoot before those--those unspeakablefools!"

Patty felt uncomfortable. She hadn't herself exactly liked the idea ofthat barefoot dance, and hadn't told any one she was going to do it. She had insisted to Mr. Grantham that she preferred to wear sandals. But he had talked so beautifully of the naturalness of the wholeconception, the exquisite appropriateness of unshod feet, and thenecessity of her carrying out his design as a whole, that she hadyielded. 

And now that Bill Farnsworth spoke of it in this rude way, it seemed todivest the dance of all its aesthetic beauty, and make of it a horrid, silly performance. 

She tried to speak, tried to reply in indignant or angry vein, but shecouldn't articulate at all. A lump came into her throat, big tearsformed in her eyes, and a sob that she tried in vain to suppress shookher whole body. 

She felt Farnsworth's arm go protectingly round her. Not caressingly, but with an assurance of care and assumption of responsibility. 

Then, he pulled off the glove from his other hand with his teeth, andafter a dive into a pocket, produced and shook out a big, white, comforting square of soft linen, and Patty gratefully buried her facein it. 

CHAPTER XV

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

"Much obliged, Billee, " Patty said, at last, as she handed back asomewhat damp handkerchief, and Farnsworth stuffed it in his pocket. "Where are you taking me?"

"Where do you want to go?"

"Back where you brought me from, please. "

"Well, you can't go there. Will you go home, or to the Farringtons'?"

A quick side glance at the stern face beside her showed Patty thatthere was no chance of her going back to the Blaneys', so she said, with great dignity, "I'll go to Elise's, then. But I want you tounderstand that I resent your treatment, that I detest you for usingyour strength to interfere with my pleasure, and that I absolutelysever all friendship or acquaintance with you, now and forever!"

"Bad as that? Well, well, you _must_ be annoyed. "

"Annoyed! _annoyed_! why, I----"

"There now, Posy Face, quiet down a bit, we're almost at the house. You don't want to go in looking like a--a weeping willow! You'll spoilthe effect of that red frock, if your eyes are red, too, and yourcheeks all tear-stained. Here, have a fresh handkerchief. "

Farnsworth produced another big white linen affair, and unfolding itwith a flourish, held it up to Patty's face. 

"I never saw anybody have so many clean handkerchiefs! Do you carry adozen?"

"Always glad to help ladies in distress. Are you often so lachrymose?"

"Oh Little Billee, _don't_ be so everlasting good-natured, when I feelso cross. _Why_ did you bring me away from that place, when I washaving such a good time? And the best part was just about to begin!"

"Now, Patty, listen--while the listening's good. Here we are atElise's; I want you to go in, gay and smiling, and not cause anycurious comment. So let the Blaney discussion wait, and I'll tell youall about it, first chance we get. You don't want everybody to knowthat you left the Cosmic Club a--er, --a bit unintentionally, do you?Then, forget it, for the moment, and put on a Merry Christmas manner. You'll be glad you did, afterward. "

Farnsworth's talk was sound sense, and Patty knew it. She already felta little relieved at getting away from Sam Blaney and back with her owncrowd. So she shook off her petulance and her anger, and when sheentered the Farringtons' drawing-room, no smile that greeted her wasbrighter than her own in response. 

"Why, Pattibelle, " cried Chick Channing, "welcome home! I feared wehad lost you to the high-geared Highbrows. Merry Christmas and many of'em! Come sit by my side, little darling----"

"No, come sit by us, " insisted Elise, from the other side of the room. "You're a dear, to come so early, Patty. How did it happen?"

"Oh, I just _couldn't_ stay there any longer, " said Patty, verytruthfully. "Am I in time for the Christmas tree?"

"Indeed you are, " returned Elise; "also for the feast and the dancingand the Mistletoe Bough. "

"Good!" and Patty joined the laughing group, of which she immediatelybecame the centre. Her red velvet gown, though unusual, was not soeccentric as to appear peculiar in this setting, and the girls began toexpress admiration. 

Nor were the men unappreciative. 

"A real Yuletide frock, Patty, " said Phil Van Reypen, approvingly. "Didn't know you could wear that colour. "

"I couldn't, " laughed Patty, "in daylight. But the electrics eventhings up, somehow, and my complexion takes on a harmonising tint ofbrick red. "

"Because you are a brick, " put in Channing. "Did you get manyChristmas gifts, Patty? Did you get my small votive offering?"

"Did I get many gifts! My boudoir looks like a World's Fair! Yes, Chick, I got your present. Let me see, it was the padded calf Emerson, wasn't it?"

"It was not! If you got that, it probably came from your Cosmeticfriends. I sent you--oh, if you didn't even open it----"

"But I did, Chickadee. It was a heavenly jade hatpin, an exquisite bitof carving. I just adore it, and I shall never wear any other. Socheer up, life is still worth living!"

Patty was in high spirits. It was partly reaction from the artificialatmosphere of the Studio, and partly her real enjoyment of the festiveoccasion of Elise's Christmas party. The Farrington parties werealways on an elaborate scale, and this was no exception. 

"I wish Roger and Mona were here, " Patty said, "I sort of miss them. "

"So do I, " chimed in Daisy Dow. "But the honeymoon shining on thesands at Palm Beach still holds them under its influence. "

"They must be happy, " observed Kit Cameron. "Think of it! Christmasand a bridal trip and the Sunny South, --all at once. "

"It is a large order, " laughed Patty. "But Mona likes a lot of thingsat once. That girl has no sense of moderation. When are they cominghome, Elise?"

"Don't know. No signs of it yet. Come on, people, now we're going tohave the tree!"

The orchestra played a march, and the crowd trooped into the great hallknown as the Casino. There awaited them a resplendent Christmas tree, glittering with frosted decorations and glowing with electric lights. 

Van Reypen had quietly taken possession of Patty as a partner, and heguided her to a pleasant seat where she could see all theentertainment. For great doings had been arranged to please theguests, and a short program was carried out. 

Waits sang old English carols, mummers cut up queer antics, servitorsbrought in the Boar's Head and Wassail Bowl, and finally it wasannounced that all present would participate in the old-fashioned danceof Sir Roger de Coverley. 

Patty enjoyed it all. She loved to see this sort of thing when it waswell done, and in this instance every detail was faultless. Van Reypenquite shared her enthusiasm, and was vigorously clapping his hands oversome jest of a mummer, when Big Bill Farnsworth came up to Patty, madea low bow, his hand on his breast, and whisked her off to the dancebefore she fairly realised what had happened. 

"Why--I can't!" she exclaimed, as she found herself standing oppositeher smiling partner. "I'm--I'm engaged to Philip!"

"I know you are, " returned Farnsworth, gravely, "but you can give meone dance. "

Patty blushed, furiously. "Oh, I didn't mean engaged _that_ way, " shesaid, "I meant engaged for this dance. "

"No, " corrected Farnsworth, still smiling, "you did mean you areengaged to him _that_ way, but _not_ for this dance. "

"Well, he hadn't actually asked me, " said Patty, doubtfully, "but Iknow he took it for granted----"

"It isn't wise to take too much for granted--there! see, he has justdiscovered your absence. "

Sure enough, Van Reypen, who had been engrossed with the mummer'schaff, turned back to where Patty had sat, and his look of amazement ather absence was funny to see. 

Glancing about, he saw her standing in line, opposite Farnsworth. Atfirst, he looked wrathful, then accepting his position with a goodgrace, he smiled at them both. 

"Little deserter!" he said to her, as he sauntered past her, in searchof another partner. 

"Deserter, yourself!" she returned. "You completely forgot myexistence!"

"I didn't, but I am duly punished for seeming to do so. But I claimyou for a supper partner, so make a memorandum of that!"

Patty smiled an assent, and the dance began. 

"Don't you like this better than that smoky, incense-smelly atmosphereof the Studio?" Farnsworth said to Patty, as they walked through thestately figures of the dance. 

"This is a home of wealth and grandeur, " said Patty, "but wealth andgrandeur are not the most desirable things in the world. "

"What are?"

"Brains and----"

"Yes, brains and breeding. But your high-browed, lowbred----"

"Billee, I've stood a lot from you tonight; now, I refuse to stand anymore. You will please stop saying things that you know offend me. "

"Forgive me, Patty, I forgot myself. "

"Then it's forgive and forget between us. I'll do the forgivingbecause you did the forgetting. But I've forgiven you all I'm goingto. So don't make any more necessary. "

"I'll try not to, " and then the subject of the earlier evening was notmentioned again. 

The dance concluded, Farnsworth stood for a moment, still holdingPatty's hand after their last sweeping curtsey, and he said, "Will yoube my supper partner, too? Please do. "

"I can't, " and Patty laughed up at him. "I'm really engaged to Phil. "

"Oh, are you, Patty?" cried Daisy, who was just passing, with KitCameron. "I said you'd announce it tonight! What fun! But why areyou telling Big Bill all by himself first? You ought to tell all thecrowd at once. I'll do it for you. Come on, Kit, let's spread thenews! We've Patty's own word for it. "

The two ran off, laughing, and Patty looked a bit dismayed. "Kit'ssuch a scamp, " she said, ruefully, "he'll tell that all over theroom----"

"Isn't it true?"

"Would you care if it were?"

"I care for anything that concerns you or your happiness. "

"Or any one else or any one else's happiness! Oh, I know you, BillFarnsworth, you want everybody to be happy. "

"Of course I do!" and the big man laughed, heartily. "Is that a crime?But most of all I care to have one little foolish, petulantBlossom-girl happy. "

"Well, then, why don't you make her so? Why aren't you kind and niceto her, instead of being horrid about her friends and her dancing, andacting like a great Lord of something-or-other, frowning on herinnocent amusements!"

"Oh, Patty, what an arraignment! But never mind that. May I take youto the supper room?"

"Oh, here you are, Light of my eyes!" and Van Reypen came up andoffered his arm. 

With a smile of farewell to Farnsworth, Patty accepted Philip's escortand walked off. 

"What's this report Cameron and Daisy Dow are spreading?" asked VanReypen, looking at her, quizzically, but with a glance full of meaning. "They say you and I are to announce our engagement tonight. I'm sodelighted to hear it, I can't see straight; but I want yourcorroboration of the rumour. Oh, Patty, darling girl, you _do_ meanit, don't you?"

Philip had drawn her to one side, away from the crowd, and in apalm-screened alcove, he stood beside her, his handsome face glowingwith eagerness, as he anticipated yet feared her reply. 

"Nonsense, Phil. It happened that I told Bill Farnsworth I was engagedto you for supper, and Daisy overheard, and she and Kit tried to teaseme, that's all. "

"But since it happened that way, --since the report is current, --don'tyou think, --doesn't it seem as if this would be an awfully good chanceto make it a true report?"

"No, sir! A girl can't get engaged all in a minute, and _en route_ toa supper room, at that! Besides, I'm hungry. "

"You can't put me off that way! You may think to be hungry interfereswith romance. Not a bit of it! You say you'll marry me, and I'll getyou all the supper you want, and, incidentally, eat a good square mealmyself. There!"

Van Reypen had great charm. His great dark eyes were fixed on Patty, and in their depths she could read his big, true love, unembarrassed bythe place or the occasion. He knew only that he was pleading with thegirl he loved, suing for his life's happiness, a happiness that lay inthe little rosy palm of Patty Fairfield's hand. 

"Darling, " he whispered, taking the little hand in both his own, "Patty, darling, do say yes, at last. Don't keep me in suspense. Don't bother about learning to love me, and all that. Just come tome, --tell me you will, --and I know you'll love me. You can't help it, dear, when I love you so. Why, Patty, I've got to have you! You don'tknow how I want you. You've so twined yourself into my heart that youseem part of me already. Dear, _dear_ little girl, my love, mysweetheart----"

Philip's arm went round Patty's shoulder, and he drew her to him. 

"Phil!" cried Patty, starting back. "Don't, please don't. "

"I won't, dear, --I won't call you mine until you say I may, --but, oh, Patty!"

His voice was so full of deep feeling, his eves pleaded so longinglyfor her consent, that Patty's heart went out to him. She was sorry forhim, and she honestly longed to say the word that would give him joyand gladness forever. But that very feeling taught her the truth aboutherself. She knew, in one sudden, illuminating flash, that she didn'tand couldn't love Philip Van Reypen in the way she was sure she wantedto love and would love the man she should marry. 

Nor could she speak lightly or carelessly to him now. It was a crisis. A good, true man had offered her his love and his life. It was not aslight thing to be tossed aside as a trifle. If she accepted it, well;but if not, she must tell him so kindly, and must tell him why. AndPatty didn't know why. In fact, she wasn't sure she didn't want Phil, after all. He was very big-hearted, --very splendid. 

"What are you thinking of, girlie?" he asked, gently, as he watched thechanging expressions on her face. 

"I'm trying to be honest with myself, Phil. I'm trying to think outwhy it is that I don't say yes to you at once. I suppose you think meheartless and cold to think it out like this, but, I'm in earnest----"

"So am I, dear, very much in earnest. And, I think, my own Heart'sDearest, that you're nearer to loving me now than you've ever been. Nearer saying yes than ever before. And, so, I'm not going to let youanswer now. This isn't the time or place. Somebody may come lookingfor us at any moment. You have given me hope, Patty--unconsciously, you've given me hope for the first time. I'll be satisfied with that, for now. And, I'll see you soon, in your own home, to hear the restfrom your own lips. Oh, Patty, how _can_ I wait? I can't! Say yes, _now_, --say it, Patty!"

"No, Phil, " and Patty gave him a lovely smile, while her blue eyesshone like stars; "no, you were right, before. Not here--not now. Come, let us join the others, --and you come to see me at home--soon. "

"Your own sweet way is mine, Patty, " and Van Reypen kissed thetrembling little hand he held. "Now, brace up, dear; remember, they'llall be watching us, even chaffing us. Can you meet them?"

"Yes, " and Patty assumed her old mischievous smile. "Carry things offwith a high hand, Phil. That's the way to meet them. "

Together they sauntered to the supper room, and, as they had expected, were met by a storm of chaff. 

"Where have you two been? 'Fess up, now!"

"Flirting, " replied Van Reypen, coolly. "Haven't we, Patty?"

"Yes, if you call such a mild affair worthy of the name, " and Patty'snonchalant air and unembarrassed manner gave no further inducement forteasing. 

"Let's sit here, " Phil went on, selecting seats at a small table, withsome casual friends, and then his resources of conversation and Patty'sgay chatter did away with all chance for personal allusions. 

CHAPTER XVI

A STOLEN POEM

After supper there was dancing, and Patty was besieged by would-bepartners. Good-naturedly she fractioned her dances, and even dividedthe short intermissions between them. Everybody wanted to dance withthe smiling little person in red velvet, and her pretty gaiety salvedthe wounds of those whom she was obliged to refuse. 

At last, Farnsworth came to her, and his determined expression toldPatty he was about to lay down the law. 

Sure enough, he took her hand in his, drew it through his arm, and ledher out of the dancing room. 

"Without even a 'by your leave?'" and Patty looked up at him, inquiringly. 

"Without it or with it. But you can't dance any more tonight. You'reso tired you can scarcely stand up now. "

"That's so, now that you speak of it. But I hadn't realised it. "

"Of course you hadn't. You're crazy, when it comes to dancing!"

"Well, you're not. You haven't danced with me once tonight, exceptthat old country dance. "

"Did you want me to? Were you lacking for partners?"

"_Me_! Lacking for partners! Am I, usually?"

"Oh, Patty, what a little Vanity Box you are! No, you never lack forpartners or attention or flattery, --all you ever lack is a littlecommon sense. "

"Why-ee! Little Billee! I've always prided myself on my common sense. But where are you taking me?"

"Not very far. There's a comfy window-seat in this little receptionroom, where you can rest a bit, then I'm going to send you home. "

"Oh, you are! And who constituted you my Major Domo, or CommandingOfficer, or Father Superior, or whoever it is that orders people about?"

"I don't order; I persuade, or induce, by power of my irresistiblecharm. " Farnsworth's blue eyes twinkled, and Patty laughed outright, as she said, "Yes, I noticed the irresistibility as I left the Blaneys'tonight!"

"And, that's the very subject I was about to discourse upon, --theBlaneys, I mean. But first, let me make you comfy. "

Farnsworth led Patty to the spacious, cushioned window-seat, and piledsoft pillows at her back, and tucked an ottoman beneath her feet, andthen sat down beside her. The little room was deserted by the dancers, and though some of the guests strolled in and out, occasionally, therewas ample opportunity for real conversation. 

"It's this way, Patty, " Farnsworth began. "I know Sam Blaney, and youdon't. I knew him years ago, and though I've not seen him of lateyears, he's the same old two and sixpence. "

"And a very attractive two and sixpence, " declared Patty, an obstinateexpression coming into her face. "You see, Little Billee, either youlike wise, brainy people, or you don't. I do. "

"I know you do, and so do I. But the Blaney crowd are neither wise norbrainy. They are frauds. "

"Do you mean conscious frauds? Wilfully deceptive?"

"To a certain degree, yes. They do fool themselves, sometimes, intothinking they are sincere, but they can't even fool themselves all thetime, --let alone other people. "

"Your observations do not interest me. " Patty's air was lofty, shelooked away into space, as if bored to death with her companion. 

"Would it interest you to know that I know Sam Blaney to be a fraud anda dishonest man?"

"I have heard you say that one's friends should be sacred fromdisparaging remarks. "

"True enough. But, in the first place, Blaney isn't my friend, andeven if he were, I should sacrifice him or his friendship for you. "

"Why?"

"Never mind why. Oh, Patty, rely on my judgment, rely on my word inthis matter, and don't have anything more to do with that rubbishbunch!"

"Look here, Little Billee, if that's all the subject you can find totalk about, I believe I'd rather go back and dance. I'm rested now. "

"Sit still, Lady Gay. While we're on this subject, we're going tofight it to a finish. "

"You mean you're going to fight me to a finish. Go on, it won't takelong. "

"You poor little girl, --you are tired, I know. Well, to make a longstory short, then, you must break with these Cosmic people, because, ifyou don't, it will harm your social standing and injure yourreputation. "

"Why? They're absolutely correct and high-minded. They're a littleunconventional, maybe, but they're interesting and worth while. "

"But they're frauds, Patty. And they've taken you up, because you're asocial favourite, and you add lustre to their list. "

"And they don't care for me, personally!"

"Now, don't flare up. Of course they like you, personally, --whodoesn't? But they make you think you're brainy and soulful and alittle old deep-thinker--and, --you're not, you know. "

"Well! You _are_ complimentary! What am I, pray? An ignoramus?"

"Hardly that. You're the sweetest, loveliest girl God ever made, butyou're not a blue-stocking. You're not college bred, or evenwell-read. "

"Do you know you're a very horrid person? Do you know I wouldn't standsuch talk from many people?"

"I should hope not. Very few people know you well enough or love youwell enough to tell you these truths. "

"I know somebody who loves me too much to talk to me like that. "

"Van Reypen, of course. But, Patty, he doesn't approve of the Blaneycrowd, either, and you know it. "

"That's because he doesn't understand them, and----"

"Wait a minute. Just what do you mean by understand them? They speakEnglish, I suppose. "

"How dense you are! There is much beside language of _words_ to beunderstood by kindred----"

"Don't you dare say souls!"

"I will, --I _do_ say _souls_! That's what has no meaning for you!"

"Go on, Posy Face! You're pretty stunning when you get really stirredup!"

Farnsworth's face broke into a broad smile, and Patty was so amazed athis sudden change of manner that it irritated her. 

"Oh, I am, am I! Well, other people have thought so, too. To theextent of putting it into poetry--real poetry!"

"Such as what?"

Farnsworth was so cynical of tone, that Patty broke her pledge ofsecrecy to the small extent of quoting a few words from the poem Blaneyhad given her. 

"Such as this, " she cried:

 "----perhaps because her limpid face Was eddied with a restless tide, wherein The dimples found no place to anchor and Abide. "

"That is poetry, indeed!" agreed Farnsworth, looking at herquizzically. "Did you say it was written to you?"

"Yes, Sam Blaney wrote it, to me. I didn't mean to tell you, it's aconfidential matter, --but you were so horrid about him----"

"Wait a minute, Patty. Is that an original poem, that Blaney wrote foryou alone?"

"Yes, it is. I promised not to tell it to anybody, so I'll ask you tosay nothing about it. "

"Tell me more of it. "

"No, I won't. I promised not to. "

"You needn't. _I'll_ tell _you_ what comes next:

 '----perhaps because her tresses beat A froth of gold about her throat, and poured In splendour to the feet that ever seemed Afloat. '

Isn't that it?"

"Yes! How did you know?" Patty's startled eyes were wide in amazement. 

"You dear little goose. I hate to give you a shock, Posy-girl, butthose lines were written by a not altogether obscure poet, --one JamesWhitcomb Riley. "

"What! It's no such thing! Mr. Blaney wrote them about me! Theybegin----"

"Wait! Don't break your promise of confidence. They begin:

"'I loved her. --Why? I never knew. ' Don't they?"

"Yes, that's the poem Sam Blaney wrote for me----

"But he chanced to write it after Riley did--not before. Strange theywere so similarly inspired, wasn't it?"

"William Farnsworth, do you mean to tell me that that is a poem ofRiley's, --and Sam Blaney palmed it off on me as his own!"

"It looks that way, Patty. At any rate, those are Riley's lines. I'veknown the thing for years. It's a favourite of mine. "

"But I've a book of Riley's, --it isn't in that. "

"My child, you mustn't get annoyed with me, when I tell you you're notdeeply versed in book-lore, --or deeply booked in verse-lore! For it'strue. I admit that is not one of the poet's best known bits, --it's in'Flying Islands of the Night, '--but it is so exquisite that it ought tobe better known. And, by the way, Patty, if you thought Blaney didthat gem, I don't wonder you admired him. But, dear little girl, doyou see now that the man is capable of deception?"

Patty looked deeply troubled. "You're sure, Billee, --you're _positive_about this?"

"As sure as I am of my own name. "

"Then I want nothing more to do with Sam Blaney or any of his crowd. I'll never forgive it. Why, he wrote the poem while I sat looking athim, --just as fast as he could scribble. "

"Doesn't that seem to prove it? He knew Riley's lines, and wrote themdown. I doubt if the greatest poet that ever lived scribbled lineslike that, offhand. "

"Of course they couldn't! You've done it, Little Billee. You'vesmashed my idols, blown up my air castles, knocked the pedestals fromunder my heroes----"

"I'm sorry, dear, --but when they are unworthy idols and heroes----"

"And they are! I see it all now. I banked on Mr. Blaney's geniusmostly on account of that poem. But, as you say, the very fact that hemade me promise not to show it to anybody--but I don't need to proveit. You tell me it's Riley's, and there's no further question aboutit. "

"I'll send you the book, Patty. You'll enjoy it all. "

Patty smiled. "I don't want it in corroboration of your assertion, butI'd love to have it. I'd like to know more poetry, Billee. As you sodelicately hinted, my education on such matters is a little lacking. "

"That's your own fault, " said Farnsworth, bluntly. "Poetry isn't athing to learn at school, --but alone, and at odd times and moments. "

"It seems queer, " and the earnest little face gazed into his, "for youto know such a lot about poetry. You're so----"

"Go on; don't mind hurting me. So uncouth, awkward, clumsy, lackingin--er--understanding, wasn't it?"

Farnsworth spoke bitterly, and his deep blue eyes were clouded. 

"No, " Patty returned, gently, "no, I didn't mean all those horridthings, and you know it! I meant, you're so busy with your mines andthings, and so wrapped up in your business that it's surprising to knowyou have time for poetry. "

"It's _my_ theory that one can always find time for anything he reallywants to do?"

"Can he? Do you suppose, then, you could find time to teach me alittle bit about poetry, and how to study it, --or, don't you reallywant to do this?"

Farnsworth looked at her, and a great and tender light came into hiseyes. Then, with a quick smile, he said, lightly, "Yes, indeed; I'llmake out a list of books for you tomorrow. May I send them to you?"

Patty was aware of a sudden lack of enthusiasm in Farnsworth's manner, and with equal coolness, she said, "Thank you, that won't be necessary. Just send the list, and I can get them. And, now I think I must beginto commence to think about considering going home. "

"Yes, it's late. Who's taking you?"

"I'm going with Mr. And Mrs. Morrison. They kindly asked me. "

"Very well. Will you go now?"

"Yes, please. And, I--I want to thank you for setting me straightabout the Blaneys. "

"Don't include Alla. I doubt if she'd do a deceptive thing. But allthe same, Patty, she's no friend for you. You don't care for her, doyou?"

"No; I did at first, she interested me----"

"I know; 'interested you strangely, ' as the novelists say. "

"Yes, just that. She is so queer and unusual and----"

"Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, freakish. "

"I suppose so. But I liked it all, at first. I don't mind owning up Iwas getting a little tired of it. It didn't----"

"It didn't make good, did it? But you're through with it now. Howwill you break it all off, without unpleasantness--for you?"

"Oh, I can manage that by my tactful nature. I mean, with Alla. Ishan't bother to be specially tactful with Sam. Need I be?"

"No. When a man has practised a fraud like that on you, he deserves noconsideration whatever. "

"And tell me, Little Billee, tell me quickly, for I must really begoing, how did you walk in there and kidnap me so easily?"

"I had a sort of notion that you ought to be looked after. Channingwas here, laughing over some of the details of the Blaney party that hehad heard of, and when he told about your dance, --well, Patty, I'll behonest with you. I wanted to see that dance. You know how I love yourdancing. Also, I wanted to know just what the dance was, --for I knowGrantham. "

"The dance was all right, Billee?"

"Yes, perfectly all right, only I'd rather you'd worn sandals. But itwas a wonderful dance, --exquisite, poetic, all that is beautiful. Iwent in, reminded Sam of our old acquaintance, and he welcomed medecently, if not over-cordially. I saw one or two numbers on theprogram before yours, and I concluded I didn't want you mixed up withthat bunch. They're right enough, but their unconventionality andultra Bohemianism are not the element in which Patty Fairfield belongs. Then came your dance. Unspeakably lovely, all that it ought to be, butnot for that herd of idiots! So, I made up my mind I'd persuade you togo home with me, --pretty much instanter! I told Blaney I intended totake you. He was mad all through, and denied my right to ask you toleave his party. But, --well, I reminded him of a few of our pastmemories--memories fraught with sadness!--to put it poetically, --and hemade no further objections to my carrying out my own sweet will----"

"And so you carried out----"

"My own sweet girl! Exactly! Patty, you little rogue, you musn'tbewitch me like that! If you do, I'll pick you up again, and carry youoff--oh, here comes Mrs. Morrison. Have _you_ come to carry Patty off?"

"Yes, " and Mrs. Morrison looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Patty, dear, but really----"

"It's time! Yes, I know it, and I'm quite ready to go. Good night, Little Billee. "

"Good night, Patty. Get a good rest, for you really need it. "

CHAPTER XVII

PATTY'S DECISION

"You see, Nan, it isn't fair. I don't feel honest to keep Phil inuncertainty, when I don't think--no, I really _don't_ think I'm goingto marry him. "

"But good gracious, Patty, you ought to know by this time! Either youcare for him or you don't. "

"Nan, I've only learned of late that when people say 'care for' theymean love. I think it's a silly phrase, --why, I care for lots ofthings----"

"There are a good many things you've only learned of late, Patty, and agood many more you've still to learn. But I really think you ought tomake up your mind about Phil Van Reypen. "

"Well, amn't I making it up as fast as I can? I'm going right at itnow, in dead earnest, and you've got to help me. "

Nan smiled at the anxious face that looked into her own. 

They were in Patty's boudoir, the morning after the Christmas party. Abreakfast tray, with contents only partly demolished, was pushed away, as the importance of the discussion made food seem an intrusive factor. 

Patty's cap was askew on her hastily knotted-up curls, and she gatheredabout her the voluminous folds of a billowy, blue silk affair, that washer latest acquisition in the way of négligées. 

"My child, " said Nan, "you have given yourself away. If you want anyhelp in making up your mind, you are not in love with that young man. You don't 'care for' him, in the technical sense of the term. "

"But he's very nice, Nancy. He's a big-hearted, fine-minded----"

"Upstanding, clean-cut American gentleman. Let me help you out. Yes, Patty, he's all those things and more. But if you don't love him youmustn't marry him. You're old enough to know your own mind. "

"I'm not such an ancient!"

"Don't be silly! You're nearly twenty-one----"

"Just twenty and a half. "

"Well, all right, twenty and a half. But that's not like seventeen. You're young for your years, I think. But anyway, you've seen enoughof men to know if Phil Van Reypen is 'Lord of your life, --yourKing, --your Star!' Is he?"

"Not much he isn't! Why, Nan, he's an awfully nice chap, but no'Philip, My King!' There, you see I can quote poetry as well as you. Oh, Nan, Bill Farnsworth knows an awful lot about poetry! Would youthink he would?"

"Now, Patty, keep to the subject in hand. Fred and I both think youought to be engaged to Philip, or else tell him you won't be. It isn'tfair to him, to act as you do. "

"I know it, you angel stepmother, and so, I'm going to decide, rightnow, --with much quickness. Heigho! Which shall it be? Patty VanReypen, --or stay an old maid all my life. "

"Oh, I dare say there are others. You may possibly have another chanceat matrimony. "

"Nan, " and Patty turned suddenly grave, "I don't like that--a chance atmatrimony. I mean, if one gets engaged, it ought to be to a man sheloves so much that she doesn't think of it as a 'chance. ' It ought tobe the one and only. "

"Why, that's just what I'm trying to say, dear. Now, is Phil the oneand only?"

"No, ma'am. Not by no manner of means, he isn't. Nixie, he is not!"

"That mass of negatives sounds rather conclusive to me. So, with thatas a premise, I'm going to advise you, even urge you to tell him sowith unmistakable definiteness. "

"But, Nan, it makes him feel so bad. "

"That is the trouble, Patty. Every true woman hates to disappoint theman who truly loves her. And Phil adores you. His love is deep andsincere. He would make you very happy--if you loved him. If not, itwould only mean unhappiness for you both. And, so, it is really kinderto him to tell him so frankly and let him give up any false hopes. "

"I know it, and I'm going to do it. But I don't know just how. Yousee, Nan, he is so persistent, --and in such a nice, kind way. When Itell him that, he'll only say that he won't consider it final, andwe'll wait and see. Then the argument begins all over again. "

"And so, I tell you, at the risk of repeating myself, that you mustmake up your own mind positively first; then, if an adverse decision, you must tell him, so positively that he can't misunderstand. _Then_, if he refuses to give up all hope, it isn't your fault. "

"That's good, sound talk, Nan, and I will try to do just as you say. But--well, here's the thing in a nutshell. I like Phil so much that Ihate to tell him I can't love him. "

"Then get that out of the nutshell, and put this in. If you like himso much, it's your duty to tell him you can't love him. Heavens, Patty, have you no idea of other people's rights?"

"I don't believe I have, Nan. I'm a spoiled child, I admit it. Youand Dad spoil me, and all my friends do, too. I'm made to believe thatthe sun rises and sets in silly little Patty Fairfield, and it has mademe a vain, conceited, selfish, insufferable _Pig_! That's what it hasdone!"

"Oh, Patty, you little idiot! Nothing of the sort. You're, --since youdoubtless meant to be contradicted, --you're a dear thing, and thereisn't a selfish bone in your body. If people adore you, it's becauseof your sunny, sweet nature, and your absolute thoughtfulness andkindness to others. Don't be foolish _that_ way. But regarding thismatter of Philip, I know you see it as I do. And it's really your kindheart and your dislike of hurting anybody's feelings that makes youhate so to tell him what you must tell him. "

"Yes, Nan, I must tell him. I know it myself. I know that I like himlots, and I'd be awfully sorry not to be friends with him, but I don'twant to marry him. "

"Do you want to marry anybody else?"

"I hardly know how to answer that. I suppose every girl would ratherbe married than not, if it's to just the right man. But one thing iscertain, Philip isn't the right man. "

Patty sighed, and the far-away look in her eyes made Nan wonder ifthere was a "right man" whose image was enshrined in the girl's heart. But she only said, "Then, dear, tell him so. "

"I will, " said Patty, but she looked very serious and troubled over it. 

However, she did tell him so. When Van Reypen called that eveningPatty answered his plea with a decisive No. She was very gentle andkindly, but she gave him no ray of hope, no suggestion of a change ofdecision. 

Philip took it gravely, but was unwilling to admit it was final. Heknew from Patty's demeanour that she meant it to be, but he hoped hecould yet win her by further devotion and patience. She told him thiswas impossible, but he only smiled and expressed his determination totry it. 

"I take your word for it, dear, " he said. "I know you mean just whatyou say, that you don't love me enough to give yourself to me. And Iwon't urge you, or tease you. Just let me remain your friend, and letme see you, occasionally. I promise not to intrude when I'm notwanted. And though I expect nothing, there's no law against hoping, you know. "

Phil's winsome smile was so cheery and yet so wistful, that Patty'sheart was touched anew. But she said, "It must be just friends, Phil. I like you lots, you know that, but I can't be always fearful that----"

"That I'll break loose and become unmanageable! You needn't, dear. Ipromise to abide by your decision, unless I can make you want to changeit. Now, forget it all, for the present, and let's be friends andchums and comrades and all those nice things, that don't bothercurly-headed little girls and make them look troubled and sad. But, Iwant to thank you and bless you, dear, for your sweet kindliness to me. Why, you might have sent me flying about my business with nothing morethan a curt No. I'm glad you didn't do that!"

"I don't treat my friends like that, " and Patty smiled, relieved thatthe ordeal was practically over. "Now, will you help us with the HouseSale?"

"In a _minute_! But tell me what house is to be sold?"

"Oh, no, we don't sell any house. It's really a sort of Bazaar, butinstead of holding it in a hall or any big place, we have it in ahouse, --this house, in fact. "

"Here?"

"Yes, next week. It's a horrid nuisance, --the getting ready andclearing up afterward, I mean, --but we want to make money for thelibrary of our working girls' club. "

"Let me give you the money you'd make, and then don't have the Bazaarthing. "

"You're awfully good, Phil, and I'd like to do that. But it wouldn'twork. The Club would just take your contribution and then go calmly onand have a Bazaar or something beside. "

"But it would let _you_ out. You needn't have it here. "

"That would be selfish. I'm too selfish as it is. No, I'll have thesale here. Of course, the committee will help, and all that, but well, you know what committees are. "

"Yes, they let the chairman do everything and then they criticise. AndI'll bet you're chairman, aren't you?"

"Yes, " Patty laughed. "How you do catch on! But I'm not shiftingresponsibility. Indeed, I'd rather do it all, if I could do it my ownway. But they all tell me what to do, and then whatever's wrong is myfault. "

"I know. All committees are like that. Well, just do the best you canand let me help all I can. Is there much I can do?"

"Why, yes, I think so. At least there will be on the day of the Sale. Come round then and we'll set you to work. "

"Glad to. What is to be sold? Can't I buy some things?"

"Yes, indeed. It's a novel sale, in this way: There are wares all overthe house. In the library we'll sell books, and in the dining-room, food, and, also, china and glass and fancy linens. "

"And in the drawing-room here?"

"Oh, here we'll have the bric-à-brac and pictures and small pieces offurniture, --all these things have been donated, you know. And up inthe bedrooms we're to have things to wear, and lace pillows and dresserscarfs and all such things; oh, and hats! And in my boudoir there'llbe wonderful kimonos and breakfast caps, and work-baskets and bags andreally lovely things. "

"I believe you'll enjoy it all. You're enthusiastic already. Let megive you some things for it. Wouldn't you like a few curios and bronzebits from Aunty Van's collections?"

"Oh, we would! But you oughtn't to spare them. "

"I've such quantities, a few will never be missed. Come over and pickthem out yourself. Bring Elise or whoever is on the committee withyou. "

"Thank you, Phil, you're awfully good. It will be an immense help. It's easy enough to get fancy things, and even dining-room things; andwe've oceans of books and desk fittings and such things. But it'shardest of all to get the very things you offer. And they'll sell, splendidly. "

"And you girls dress appropriately, I suppose. "

"Yes, of course we never lose a chance of dressing up. Elise will bein cap and gown, in the library. Marie Homer, in full evening regalia, in here. Several as waitresses in the dining-room; flower-girls in thehalls; oh, yes, we even use the kitchen. We have cooks there, andthey'll sell all sorts of aluminum cook dishes and laundry things. It's really very well planned and I s'pose it will be fun. In thelittle reception room we have all sorts of motor things, --robes, coats, lunch-baskets, cushions, all the best and newest motor accessories. General Sports goods, too, I believe. Daisy's running that. "

"And where are you?"

"Up in my own boudoir. I'm to wear a gorgeous Chinese kimono and onefascinating cap after another, selling them off of my head to the eagerthrongs of purchasers!"

"Fine! You'll do a rushing business. I'll give you some wares to sellup there, too. Say, some Oriental couch cushions, and some Persianslippers, and things from Auntie's wardrobe. "

"Do you think you ought to?"

"Why, of course. All her things are mine, and there are suchquantities of really valuable stuffs and trinkets I don't know what todo with them. And as to Aunty Van's own wishes, I know she would havebeen glad to have them used in this way, --especially for you. "

Patty looked up at him, quickly. She well remembered Mrs. Van Reypen'saffection for her, and what form it took. 

"Phil, " she said, "I don't want you to give these things for mysake----"

"Now, don't you worry, Curlyhead, I give them solely and wholly for thegood of the cause. Indeed, if you weren't connected with the affair, I'd give twice as many!"

Philip's smile contradicted this awful taradiddle, and Patty rejoicedat his nonsense. Much as she wanted his gifts for the Sale, she didn'twant to feel that it placed her under special obligations to him. 

Just then the doorbell sounded, and in a moment Daisy Dow and BillFarnsworth appeared. They were in gay spirits, having been to see anew comic opera, which proved such a bore that they left before it wasover. 

"Such rubbish!" Daisy exclaimed. "Old jokes, old music, old dances. So I proposed we leave it to its fate and run up here. Glad to see us, Patty?"

"Yes, indeed! Just listen while I tell you of all the things I'vewheedled out of Philip for our Sale. "

"Gorgeous!" cried Daisy, after hearing the list. "Haven't you some formy room, Mr. Van Reypen?"

"I'm sure I have. You can use anything sporty?"

"Anything. "

"Then I'll give you a first-class tennis set. I'll order it sent upfrom Ball and Bat's, or you can pick it out there yourself. "

Daisy noticed that Van Reypen did not give her any of his aunt'sheirlooms, but she gratefully accepted the offered gift. 

"What shall I give you, Patty?" asked Bill. "What's your specialty?"

"Négligées and boudoir caps, " said Patty, demurely; "have you any?"

"Something just as good. Want some Indian moccasins and Navajoblankets----"

"Now, Bill, " said Daisy, "you promised me the Navajo, for a motor robe. "

"All right. I'll give each good little girl one. Then Patty, how'dyou like some real Hopi baskets?"

"Beautiful! You boys are awfully good to us. We'll have a wonderfulsale. "

"If only people come to buy, " demurred Daisy. 

"Oh, they'll come fast enough. We'll make oceans of money! I'm justbeginning to get into the notion of the thing. "

"Will those queer friends of yours be here?"

"What queer friends?"

"Those soully ones. I've never seen them, but I've heard a lot aboutthem. "

"From Chick Channing, I suppose, " said Patty, coolly. "How that boydoes love to exaggerate. I don't know, Daisy, whether they'll be hereor not. If they are, use your wiles to sell them a lot of things outof your room, won't you?"

"Yes, I will, for I don't believe they'll care for your lace caps andpillows. "

CHAPTER XVIII

THE HOUSE SALE

The House Sale was in full swing. It had been well advertised, and theobject was a popular one, and throngs of willing buyers crowded theFairfield house. 

The family belongings had, many of them, been carried to the upperfloors, and the first and second stories given over to the Bazaar. 

The beds had been removed and the bedrooms were veritable stores of allsorts of light and dainty apparel and feminine trinkets. The roomsdownstairs were filled with fine wares and were crowded withpurchasers. The girls, dressed to suit their calling, were brisk andbusy salesladies, and everywhere was laughter and merry chat. 

Daisy, in a stunning new sports suit, looked with satisfaction on herstacks of golf accoutrements, skates, tennis sets, and side lines ofbright caps and sweaters for both sexes. And her wares simply meltedaway. She laughingly put up her prices, but so attractive were thegoods that they sold quickly. 

Elise, too, did a rushing business in the library. She had severalassistants, and they were all kept at work by the kind patrons. Manyworthwhile books had been given the girls, and there were beside, library furnishings, and a few autographed books and letters thatcommanded large prices. A set of Riley's works was on sale, and theseFarnsworth bought, requesting that they remain in their place until hisfurther directions. 

"Whatever are you going to do with them, Bill?" asked Elise, who lookedlike a pretty Portia in her cap and gown. 

"Why not peruse them myself?" he returned. 

"But I chance to know that you have a set of Riley. "

"Well, maybe, I'll give them to somebody as a gift. If I can't findanybody to accept them, I'll turn them over to your girls' library. "

"Oh, I dare say you can give them away. A beautiful set like that!Why, they're Russia bound!"

"Why, so they are!"

"As if he didn't know that!" exclaimed one of the girls to Elise, asFarnsworth sauntered away. "Why, he gave that set to the sale!"

"He did! And then bought them back again!"

"Yes, that's just what he has done. "

"Oh, well, then, he does mean to give them to somebody, --somebody inparticular. "

And Farnsworth certainly did mean to give them to somebody inparticular. He designed them as a gift for Patty. He knew she wouldenjoy the poems, and he chose the edition with great care. Then, toenhance the value, he made it a present to the Club Sale, and promptlybought it back. 

The big Westerner made his way through the crowds, stopping here andthere to buy a flower or a trinket from the beguiling vendors. Helooked in at the dining-room, and saw the long table set with marvelousconfections, each to be sold with its dish of fine china or crystal. Also, on side tables were center-pieces, doilies, and napkins of allvarieties of embroidery and decoration. A large back veranda had beenarranged as a refreshment room, and here Farnsworth discovered Nan andMr. Fairfield eating ice cream. 

"Join us, " they begged, but a smiling headshake was the negative reply. 

"I'm on a still hunt for Patty. I'm told she's upstairs. "

"Yes, in her own rooms, " said Nan. "But you can't get in, the place isjammed. Wait till she has sold off a lot of stuff, then there'll be atleast standing room. I've just come down from there and I never sawsuch a crowd. "

"I'm fairly good at stemming crowds, --I think I'll go up. "

Farnsworth squared his broad shoulders and started up the stairway. 

By tactful manoeuvring, rather than by muscular strength, he gained hisgoal, and stood in the doorway of Patty's boudoir. 

She was showing off a boudoir set to a prospective purchaser. It wasof pale blue brocaded satin, edged with swansdown. There was afetching lace cap with blue bows and little yellow rosebuds; alsodainty blue slippers with rosebuds on them. Gaily, Patty donned thelovely garments, over her fluffy white frock, and pirouetted before herown cheval glass. 

"You see, " she said, in wheedling, saleslady tones, "it is a work ofart! _Ma foi_! but it is _chic_! _n'est-ce pas_? Excuse my fearfulFrench, but I can't sell this Parisian rig in English!"

"It is just darling!" declared the lady who was looking at it. "Ofcourse I'll take it. I never saw one I liked so well. "

Farnsworth stood watching the scene, thinking how much Patty's winningpersonality added to the charm of the robe, and wondering if she wouldaccept the books he had bought for her. 

The sale concluded, Patty thanked her patron, and in a moment wascalled upon to repeat the performance, as indeed she had been doingmost of the evening. This time it was not so willing a buyer. 

A gaunt, elderly spinster, with elaborately coiffed white hair andostentatious costume, demanded a kimono that should be just her styleand of embroidered crêpe de chine. 

"Here is a lovely one in heliotrope, " said Patty, smiling as shebrought one of the prettiest ones she had. 

"Heliotrope!" the lady almost screamed. "Do I then look so old? Am Iin the sere and yellow? Why do you offer me heliotrope?"

"Oh, don't you care for it?" said Patty, pleasantly; "it's one of myfavourite colours. What colour do you like best?"

"I like amber, but, of course, you wouldn't have that. Green, now?"

"No, we don't seem to have those. We've mostly pink and blue. "

"Old-fashioned! Why don't you have amber or russet?"

"I wish we had. I'd love to give you what you want. How about white?"

"Namby pamby! But show me what you have. I'm determined to getsomething. "

"If you only cared for blue, " and Patty sighed. "Here's a new box yetunopened, but it says on the end, 'Light Blue. ' So that wouldn't do. "

"Oh, well, let me see it. "

Patty opened the Japanese looking box, and out from the tissue papersfell a dream of a kimono. Of palest blue silk, it was covered withembroidered apple blossoms, not in a set design, but powdered over it, as if wafted there by a summer breeze. The conventional Japaneseflowers are cherry blooms, but these were true apple blossoms, softlypink and white, the very loveliest gown Patty had ever seen. 

Farnsworth was looking on, and he, too, caught sight of the exquisitedesign. He looked quickly at Patty, and, in dumb show, begged her notto sell the garment. Nor had she any intention of doing so. Themoment she saw it, she wanted it for herself, and began hastily to foldit back in its box. 

"Wait! Stop!" cried the lady; "I think I want that. "

"It's already sold, " said Big Bill, stepping forward. "Isn't that theone I ordered, Miss Fairfield?"

"Is it?" said Patty, helplessly, wanting to laugh at the way the ladylooked daggers at Bill, yet not knowing quite what to say. 

"It is. Kindly lay it aside for me. Mark it Farnsworth. "

"Do nothing of the sort!" snapped the lady. "You said that was anunopened box. It can't belong to any one then. I will take it. Howmuch is it?"

Patty thought quickly. She had received a green kimono for Christmas, which she had not worn, and didn't care for. It had been sent her by adistant cousin, who would never know or care what she did with it. 

"All right, " she said, "take it if you like. You have the first rightto it. "

Farnsworth looked disturbed, but did not combat Patty's decision. 

"But, " Patty went on, "I think I have a green one, after all. I'vejust remembered it. You can take your choice. "

Stepping aside to her own wardrobe, Patty brought out a box and shookout a very pretty green gown. She put it on, and, draping itgracefully, stood, with her head on one side, observing the effect. She then looked doubtfully at the lady, and said, "I dare say you likethe blue one better, after all. This is a very pale green. "

"It's a lovely green! Just the shade I like best. If you're willing, I'll take the green one, by all means. "

"Whichever you choose, " and Patty swished the green folds around tocatch the light. Very becoming it was, and on pretty Patty it looked adream of loveliness. 

"It's just bewitching, " declared the gratified purchaser, and she paidfor it and left her address to have it sent home. 

"Good work!" said Farnsworth, laughing, as the lady passed on to lookat other tempting wares. "You hypnotised her into taking the greenone. I say, Patty, I want to make you a present of that apple-blossomwrap; mayn't I?"

"It isn't a wrap, " said Patty, disdainfully, "it's a kimono, and thevery prettiest one I ever saw. "

"All right. I don't care what the dinky thing's name is. It's themost exquisite colouring, and it suits you down to the ground. "

"It fits me down to the ground, too, " laughed Patty, flinging the robeon again, and gathering up its lustrous folds. It was too long forher, but that, of course, could be remedied. 

"Yes, you'll have to take a reef in it. Will you accept it, LittleApple Blossom?"

"It's very expensive, " Patty demurred, looking over her shoulder at thegraceful lines of the garment. 

"That doesn't matter, " and Farnsworth pulled out a roll of bills fromhis pocket. 

Patty gave him a scornful look. "Don't be so ostentatious!" sheflouted. "I didn't mean you couldn't afford it. I mean, I don't careto accept a gift of such value. I know, --we all know--you have thewealth of the Indies!"

Farnsworth looked at her in sheer amazement, a deep red flush stealingover his face. Then, for a moment, he held her eyes with his own, looking steadily at her. 

"Very well, " he said, gently, returning his money to his pocket. "Iwon't give it to you, if you don't want me to. "

"Oh, gracious to goodness! what a kimono!" cried Daisy Dow, who cameflying into the room, "I never saw such a beauty! I want it! Is ityours, Patty? No? Oh, you're just trying it on. "

"I'm considering its purchase, " said Farnsworth, "if I can findsomebody to give it to. Do you like it, Daisy?"

"Do I _like_ it! It's the loveliest thing in the whole Sale! By theway, just look at the presents I've had!"

Sure enough, Daisy was adorned with two or three gay-coloured sportsashes, over her arm were two silk sweaters, and she carried a basket, in which was a collection of gloves, ties, handkerchiefs, scarfs, andvarious odds and ends of sport apparel. 

"What are you doing up here, anyway?" demanded Patty. "Who's lookingafter your room?"

"All sold out! Not a mite of anything left to sell. I came neardisposing of your own pictures that still hang on the wall, and yourtables and chairs. Are you really looking for somebody to buy thatfor, Bill? Well, it might as well be me!"

Daisy laughed gaily, and held out her hands for the kimono. 

But Patty drew the blue folds around her and shook her yellow curls. "Possession is nine points of the law, " she laughingly said. "I'mgoing to buy this thing myself. "

"You can't, " said Farnsworth, looking amused at the situation. "Firstcome, first served. I asked for it before you thought of buying it. Now, I claim my purchase, and I shall give it to one or other of youtwo girls. I offered it to Patty first, so it is for her to say. Ifshe refuses, I offer it to Daisy. "

So gay was his manner, so light his tone, that Patty couldn't resenthis words, but a twinkle in his eye made her realise that he knew hewas cornering her. He knew how she admired the kimono. It would bedifficult if not impossible to duplicate it. She must accept it fromhim or see Daisy triumphantly walk off with it. 

The latter alternative was surely unthinkable! So Patty said, withexaggerated meekness, "Thank you, Little Billee, I accept it withpleasure. You are very kind. "

Farnsworth burst out laughing at the mild tone and the shy, downcasteyes, whereupon Patty favoured him with an innocent stare, saying, "What is the matter?"

"A whole lot is the matter!" Daisy answered for him. "I wanted thatrobe, and now you've gone and got it, Patty Fairfield! You're the girlwho gets everything! All right, Bill, just for that, you've got togive me the set of books you bought from Elise, and had saved for you. Will you?"

"If you say I've got to, --why ask me will I?" he returned, good-naturedly. "I am as wax in the hands of you two. Certainly, Daisy, I'll be honoured if you'll accept the books. "

"What are they?" asked Patty, carelessly, as she still bent herattention to the embroideries of her new acquisition. 

"Oh, it's a set of Riley. A wonderful set, --bound in Russia leather. "

Patty looked up, quickly. She felt a conviction that Farnsworth hadbought these books for her. To be sure she wouldn't want to accept twohandsome presents from him, yet the idea of his so easily passing themover to Daisy annoyed her. 

"Riley!" she exclaimed, involuntarily. "Why didn't you give those tome, instead of this gown?"

"The books are better suited to Daisy, " he returned, "and the gownsuits nobody but you. "

"Oh, because Daisy is more intellectual, I suppose, and I'm----"

"Yes, and you're just a little piece of vanity, who cares only fordress and finery. "

Farnsworth was having his innings now. Patty had hurt his feelings, and she knew it; and so, he was teasing her in return. 

Daisy laughed at Patty's unmistakable chagrin, and ran away downstairsto claim her books. 

It so chanced that there was no one else in Patty's boudoir at thatmoment. Everybody had flocked to the next room to see a newconsignment of treasures displayed, and Farnsworth and Patty were alone. 

"Yes, " he said, looking straight at her, "I did buy the Riley set foryou. But as you're so averse to accepting my ostentatious offerings, Ithought better to give it to Daisy. And I had another reason, too. "

"I'm glad you did, " said Patty, coldly; "and I wish you had given herthis also. "

She began to draw off the kimono, but Farnsworth took a step towardher, and with one big swoop, gathered her into his arms. 

"Apple Blossom!" he whispered, "my little Apple Blossom girl!"

So impulsive and all-embracing was the action, so swift the kiss thatfell on Patty's pink cheek, and so quickly was she released, that shestood, gasping from breathlessness, and astonishment, as others beganto return to the room. 

Van Reypen was among them, and he called out to Patty:

"We've come for you. If your things aren't all sold, let somebody elselook after them. We're going to supper now, and we want all our crowdtogether. "

Gratefully, Patty turned to him, her head still in a whirl fromFarnsworth's audacity, and with Philip she went downstairs. 

CHAPTER XIX

PATTY RUNAWAY

The next day was Saturday, and Patty woke to a somewhat dismantled anddisordered room. Her bed had been restored to its place, after theguests had departed the night before, but other appointments were a bitlacking. Nan had forbidden her to rise until noon, for the Bazaar hadmeant a large expenditure of strength and nerve force, and Patty wasnot robust. 

Before she rang for her morning chocolate, she thought over the eventsof the previous evening. She was furiously angry at Farnsworth. Somuch so, that she could think of little else. 

"How dared he?" she exclaimed to herself. "The idea of his thinking Iam the sort of girl he can pick up and kiss like that!"

And then her face grew pink with blushes and she buried it in a pillowbecause she realised she was not nearly so indignant as she ought to be!

"Good heavens!" she thought, frantically. "Am I in love with LittleBillee? With a Westerner? A self-made man? Why, he can't hold acandle to Phil for birth and name! And yet--oh, no, I'm not in lovewith him! He's too--too--he takes too much for granted. It's got tostop! Think how he carried me out of the Studio party! And lastnight! No wonder he walked off home without seeing me again! I wonderwhat he will offer by way of apology or explanation. I believe I'llask him!"

Patty reached out her hand for the telephone, and suddenly stopped. 

"I can't!" she whispered to herself, shame-facedly, "I--I don't wantany apology from him. I--I--oh, fiddlesticks! I don't know _what_ todo! Guess I'll have a talk with Nan--no, I won't. It was all verywell to talk to her about Phil, --because I didn't care about him. ButI do care about Billee. Oh! do I 'care for' him? I don't know--butI'm not going to think about it. It gets me all mixed up. I wonder--Iwish I could go away. I will! I guess I can do as I've a mind to!"

After a little further thought, and a determined wag of the head, Pattyrang her bell, and when the maid came she said, "Bring my chocolate, please, and then get out a suitcase, and pack it for me. "

"Yes, Miss Patty, " replied Jane, and until her breakfast came, Patty'smind worked rapidly. 

"Jane, I'm going to elope, " she announced, as the maid reappeared witha tray. 

"Yes, Miss Patty, " and though Jane's eyes flew wide open, she made noverbal comment. 

"Don't look as if you had been shot!" said Patty, laughing; "I'm goingalone, but you are to help me get off. Pack the things I tell you andthen order the little car for me. I'm not going to tell you where I'mgoing, for I don't want any one to know. But after I'm gone, you maygive Mrs. Fairfield a note I will leave with you. Understand?"

"Yes, Miss Patty, " and Jane began at once to lay out the desiredclothing. 

"And, " Patty went on, "if any one calls or telephones or asks for me inany way, just say that I've gone away for a few days to recuperateafter the exertions of the House Sale. "

She carried out her plan with no trouble at all. Jane took down thesuitcase, Patty went down, too, by the back stairs, and got into thecar unseen, and was driven to the Grand Central Station. 

Admonishing the chauffeur to tell no one where he took her, Pattybought a ticket for Fern Falls, and in a few hours amazed AdeleKenerley by walking in at her front door. 

"Patty Fairfield! You angel child! Where _did_ you drop from? Theblue skies?"

"Not quite. I flew up from New York to beg the hospitality of yourroof for a few days. "

"For as long as we can keep you. You dear old thing! How well youlook!"

"Don't say that! I'm here to recuperate after a strenuous gay seasonand a particularly tiring Bazaar thing last night. "

"Oh, yes, Bazaars are the most tiresome things in the world! You oughtnever to go to them. "

"This one came to me. It was at our house. I'll tell you all about itlater. But, honestly, Adele, I was just ready to perfectly fly thismorning! My nerves gave out, my muscles are all lame and tired, andthen, my brain gave way. So, sez I, why not flee away to that haven ofrest what I wot of, --and here I am flewn!"

"Well, I'm jolly glad to see you. Jim will be overjoyed, too. Comeright up to your own room, and take off your things, while I go andspeak to Cook. Anything particular you want for lunch?"

"No, thank you. Any old thing, so long as it's good. As if you everhad anything that wasn't salt of the earth!"

"Oh, Patty! You don't eat salt of the earth! Unless you're acannibal!"

"I'd like to know what kind of salt you do eat, then! Run along, Adele, and order a dressy luncheon. I am pretty hungry. "

Mrs. Kenerley went off, and Patty stood for a moment, looking out ofthe window. "I did just the right thing, " she said to herself. "Uphere, where it's so quiet and peaceful, I can think things out, andknow just where I stand. Down home, I shouldn't have had a minute tomyself. It is beautiful here. So peaceful and calm. "

Patty turned, as some one entered her room, and saw a maid, ready tounpack for her. 

"I've only a suitcase, Tessie, " she smiled. "I'm here but for two orthree days. "

"Yes, Miss Fairfield. It's good to see you again. What will you puton?"

"The little rose Georgette, please. Why, here are two of my frocks inthis wardrobe!"

"Yes, you left them last summer, and Mrs. Kenerley said to leave themthere against your next visit. "

"Good work! Here's a white crêpe de chine. Just the thing fortomorrow. No guests, are there, Tessie?"

"None, Miss Fairfield. Some ladies left this morning. "

"Now, tell me all about it, " said Adele, coming back. "You may go, Tessie. I'll look after Miss Fairfield. "

Tessie went away, and the two friends sat down for a chat. 

"First of all, Adele, " Patty said, "I don't want any one to know whereI am. I want a few days of absolute freedom from interruption, --I'vesome things to think out. "

"H'm, " said Adele. "Who is he?"

Patty turned pink. "Nobody, " she returned; "or, if it's anybody, it'sPhil Van Reypen; he wants me to marry him, and I don't know whether toor not. "

Adele looked at Patty's transparent face, and knew she was not tellingthe whole truth. "You won't, " she said, astutely. "But never mind whyyou came, dear; tell me as much or as little as you wish. And nobodyshall know of your whereabouts, I promise you that. We'll have alovely, comfy time, just by ourselves. "

"And I'll tell you this much, Adele; if Bill Farnsworth telephones, onno account tell him I'm here. Please tell him I'm _not_!"

"Oh, fie, fie, Patty; tell a naughty story?"

"Sometimes a naughty story is justifiable; or, well, if you can'tconscientiously do it, let me know if he threatens to come up here andI'll scoot off somewhere else. "

"I think I see you! I'll leave it to Jim. He'll manage itdiplomatically. And perhaps Bill won't telephone. "

"No, most likely not. But he may. He doesn't know I'm here, --nobodydoes, --but I suppose this will be the first place anybody would suspectme of being. "

"I think very likely. Come on, now, I'll help you dress for lunch. What a beautiful kimono! Where did you get that?"

"At the Sale last night. Oh, we had wonderful things. Everybodydonated, you know, and then came and bought the things. Philip gave ussome of Aunty Van Reypen's bronzes and ivory carvings. I think we'llmake a lot of money. "

"And you ran away the morning after! Didn't you want to know how thefunds summed up?"

"Oh, yes; but the house was in such a fearful state! Furniture allmoved and things every which way. I was glad to disappear until itgets into shape again. "

"And doesn't Mrs. Fairfield or your father know where you are?"

"Well, I left a note for Nan, and I didn't tell her just where I wasgoing, so she could tell people that I hadn't; but I gave hersufficient hints, so she can form a fairly correct notion of mydestination. "

"All right, Pattykins, I'll look after you, and no one shall learn fromme where you are, --least of all, that terrible ogre, Bill Farnsworth!"

Patty smiled, and the two friends went downstairs. Jim Kenerley wasbeaming with welcomes, and declared that he, too, would keep the secretof Patty's presence under his roof, even at the point of the bayonet. 

But, alas, for good intentions!

That afternoon, Kenerley sought his wife, consternation in every lineof his good-looking countenance. 

"Where's Patty?" he asked, abruptly. 

"I sent her off for a nap. She's all tired out. Why?"

"Well, Farnsworth is on his way up here. "

"What? Why did you let him come?"

"Couldn't help it. You see it was this way. The clerk, or somebody athis hotel telephoned, and said that Mr. Farnsworth had suddenly decidedto run up here, and that he hadn't time to telephone and then get histrain. So he instructed the clerk to get me and tell me Bill was onthe way. He'll be here a little after seven. What shall we do?"

"Mercy! I don't know. Let me think. Patty is awfully angry with himabout something, and I've promised her not to let him know where sheis. "

"Lovers' quarrel?"

"I don't know. I haven't had a real talk with Patty yet, she's sofagged out. I want her to rest up. But she says she's bothered aboutPhilip Van Reypen. "

"Then depend upon it, it's somebody else! Farnsworth, probably. "

"She could do a lot worse than to marry Bill. "

"Indeed she could! But, all the same, if Patty doesn't want him here, he mustn't come. "

"That's all very well, but how will you prevent it?"

"I don't know. Meet him with a shotgun?"

"Now, be serious, Jim. We must protect Patty at any cost. Can't wetelegraph him on the train?"

"Not a chance. Do you think he knows she's here?"

"He can't know it. He may suspect it. Well, he'll have to come, andhe'll have to stay over night; we can't send him packing, with nodecent excuse. "

"Tell him Cook has the smallpox. "

"Don't be silly! I can manage it, I think. Yes, with your help, itcan be done. "

"My dear Adele, I offer my help in its entirety, and then some. "

"I'll need all that--maybe more. It's no easy job, but I'll try it, rather than have Patty disturbed. "

"Might a mere man ask the nature of your plans?"

Adele Kenerley looked affectionately at her husband. "Yes, but youmustn't hoot at them. Yours not to question why, yours not to makeobjection. "

"Mine only to do or die, like those other heroes, I suppose. "

"Yes, but you're to do, not die. The die is cast! I've cast it. Now, stop fooling, Jim, and listen to me. Those two people shall be in thishouse at the same time, and neither will suspect that the other ishere. "

"Impossible!"

"There was a gentleman once, named Napoleon. He remarked, 'If it ispossible, it must be done. If it is impossible, it _shall_ be done!'That's my motto. "

"Good for you, General! Go ahead. Command me, Madame!"

"Well, and now listen, Jim, and be serious. We'll have two dinnerstonight----"

"Whew! I can't stand everything!"

"Silence, sir! We'll have dinner at six; and then I'll tuck Patty inbed early, to get her rest. Then, Bill will get here about seven, andwe'll have another dinner for him. I can look after tomorrowmorning, ---- Patty will breakfast in her room. Then, about eleveno'clock or noon, you must take Bill for a long motor ride, lunchsomewhere on the road. I'll have Patty lunch here with me. Then, I'llput her away for an afternoon nap, and we must then have dinner forBill and, --make him go home. I couldn't keep it up any longer thanthat. "

"I should say not! Regular Box and Cox game. But it may be we can putit over. I'll do all I can. But s'pose he won't go home tomorrowafternoon?"

"Make him. Even if you have to telephone to his hotel to send a hurrywire for him. "

"Capital! I'll do that, if I have to. All right, little woman, youact as Patty's jailer, and I'll look after Farnsworth. "

And so, at five o'clock, Adele went to Patty's room. She found thatyoung woman, robed in her apple blossom gown, asleep, with her head ona much crumpled pillow. There were traces of tears on the pink cheeks, but the blue eyes were tightly closed. 

"Wake up, Pattibelle, " said Adele, gently patting her shoulder. "We'reto have an early dinner, 'cause Jim has to go off to some meeting orother, and I thought you wouldn't mind. "

"Mind? Of course not, " and Patty sprang up, very wide-awake. "I won'tdress much, Adele. "

"No; wear the same frock you had on for lunch. Twist up that yellowmop of yours, and come along down, now. I want you to take a strollaround the domain while there's a scrap of daylight left. "

The hour before dinner soon passed, and then, laughing with merriment, the hosts and guest went in to dinner. 

The Kenerleys were in specially gay spirits, it seemed to Patty, andshe held her own in fun and repartee. 

"You must stay a long time, Patty, " Jim declared. "You're more funthan a barrel of monkeys! I'm awfully glad you came. "

"So'm I, " assented Patty; "I wanted to get away from the giddy whirl, and lead the simple life for a few days. "

"Sometimes the simple life is very complicated, " observed Kenerley, andhe glanced at the clock. 

Adele took the hint. "You want to get away, don't you, dear?" shesaid. "And we've been dawdling over dessert! Patty, I shan't give youany coffee tonight. I'm afraid it will keep you awake, and you needsleep. My, but you're hollow-eyed! I suppose you've kept late hoursall winter. "

"Pretty much. But I sleep a good deal, too. And I feel all right, now. I'm not going to bed before you come back, Jim. "

"Indeed you are!" cried Adele. "Now, not a word from you, Miss! I'myour nurse at present, and you will obey my orders!"

Kenerley started off to drive to the station for Farnsworth. He feltsure his wife would have Patty out of the way when they returned, buthe didn't know just how she'd manage it. 

Nor was it easy. But Adele wandered about the house with her guest, and finally declared the moonlight view was prettier from Patty'swindows than anywhere else. She lured the girl upstairs, and thencleverly persuaded her to don a dressing-gown and lie down, while she, Adele, looked after some household matters, and she would then returnfor a confab. 

CHAPTER XX

BLOSSOM GIRL

Such a clever and resourceful housekeeper as Adele Kenerley found notrouble in arranging a second dinner for half-past seven, although onehad been served at six. Patty safely out of the way, Adele presided atthe board with a light-hearted gaiety that surprised even her husband. 

Farnsworth, too, was in good spirits, though both the Kenerleysdetected a roving eye and an alert ear that made them think hesuspected, or at least hoped, that Patty was there. But he saidnothing that indicated his thoughts except to ask on arrival if therewere other guests. 

"As you see, " said Adele. "But I'm flattering myself that you camethis time just to visit the Kenerleys. "

"What more could one desire?" returned Farnsworth. And theconversation continued in a light and impersonal tone. Patty's namewas mentioned, and innocently enough. Adele asked how she was. 

"Well, I trust, " said Farnsworth. "I was at her house at a Saleaffair, last night, and she was all right then. Very much all right. But today, I called up the house, and they said she had gone away. Idon't know where. "

"And you thought she was up here! Oh, Big Bill, and I thought you cameto see us!" Adele looked deeply chagrined. 

"I'm jolly glad to see you, Adele, but to be honest, that little Pattyperson has turned my head. "

"Truly, Bill?"

"Very truly, Adele. It's one thing or the other with me now. I mustfind her and if she says me nay, I go back to Arizona for good and all. No more East for me. "

Jim Kenerley, catching the earnest note in Farnsworth's voice, had allhe could do to keep from telling him then and there of Patty's presenceunder that same roof, but a decided head-shake from Adele restrainedhim. 

For Adele felt in honour bound to keep Patty's secret, unless the girlherself released her from her promise. 

As soon as she could, Adele excused herself and left the two men tosmoke and chat together. She went to Patty's room, determined to findout the true state of affairs. But Patty was asleep, and so profoundlydid she slumber that it seemed a shame to waken her. 

So the game went on. Adele went back downstairs, and the three friendsspent a pleasant evening together. At bedtime Farnsworth declared hisintention of leaving in the morning, and sure that he would do so, Adele hospitably urged him to remain till after dinner. To hersurprise, he acquiesced, and said he would go down to New York on alate afternoon train. 

"Now, you have done it!" said Kenerley to his wife, after their guesthad gone to his room. 

"I know it, Jim. It was all my fault! But I never dreamed he'd stayover so easily! Oh, if I'd only let him go on the morning train!"

"We'll have to keep up the hide and seek. "

"Yes, and we can do it. Only it would have been so much easier theother way. "

"Perhaps Patty will relent. "

"Not she! If you had seen her eyes flash, when she spoke of him. She's desperately angry with him, for some reason. But tomorrowmorning will be all right. And I'll plan the day. There'll be notrouble. "

Adele's clever managing made her words good. Patty had breakfast inher room, of course, and at nine o'clock, Farnsworth and the Kenerleyshad their own morning meal. A pleasant affair it was in the sunnydining-room, and, without seeming to do so, Adele tactfully gave herguest an opportunity to depart, by saying that Jim had to go for a longtrip in the motor. 

But Farnsworth said, "Good! I'll go along. Unless I'm in the way, oldchap?"

"Not at all, " returned Kenerley, cordially, and that matter was settled. 

The two men left about eleven, and Adele went to Patty's room. 

"I'm all over my tired-outness, " declared a very fresh-looking, rosyyoung person. "I've had my tub, and now I'm going to dress up andbehave like a good citizen. You're a duck, Adele, to put up with aworn-out wreck, as I was yesterday, but now I'm myself again. I wantto go for a motor ride, and for a walk, and eat a big luncheon, andcome back to life, generally. "

"Good for you! And have you settled all the troublesome affairs thatwere bothering you?"

"How did you know I had any?"

"Now, don't confide in me unless you want to. " Wily Adele knew thetouch of perversity in Patty's make-up. 

"Oh, there's nothing much to confide. I got fearfully mad at BillFarnsworth, and I ran up here to get away from him. That's the storyof my life. "

"What was the bone of contention?"

"Well, I suppose I was. Also, he was very rude and unmannerly. Also, --and this is why I hate him so, --he's suddenly grown rich, Adele, and he's terribly ostentatious about it----"

"Bill Farnsworth ostentatious! I don't believe it!"

"Yes, he is. He showed off big rolls of money at the Sale----"

"But, Patty, he was buying things, wasn't he?"

"I don't care if he was. And, besides, Adele, he--well, he implied, ifhe didn't say it straight out, that now he was rich, maybe I'd marryhim! As if I was a fortune-hunter!"

"Oh, Patty, you little goose! Bill has always been poor, or at least, he had only a moderate income. I can see how he would be glad if hehad good fortune, to offer it to you. Poor Bill! You mistook hismeaning, I'm sure. "

"No, I didn't, and I hate him, and I never want to hear his namementioned again!"

"Nor see him?"

"Mercy, no! And now, drop the subject. I tell you I came up here toget away from him! He's in love with Daisy Dow, anyway. "

"What makes you think so?"

"Oh, he's always with her. And he gave her some lovely books that hehad bought on purpose for me! And, Daisy says things all the time thatprove it. I don't want anything to do with another girl's rusticswain. That I don't!"

"Just a minute, Patty. Do you really consider Bill arustic, --uncultured, and all that, I mean?"

Patty looked serious. "No, Adele, I don't. He hasn't a certainpolish, that some men have, but he is a thorough gentleman and asplendid man. I must say that, in all honesty. But he is adomineering, head-strong nature, and he couldn't make any girl happy!"

"Oh, couldn't he!" said Adele, but she said it to herself, not aloud. 

The subject was really dropped then, and Patty began to dress forluncheon. 

"I'm going to put on this white crêpe de chine, " she said. "I found ithanging in the wardrobe, left from last summer. I'd almost forgotten Ihad it. It's a pretty frock, isn't it?"

"Yes. But, I grieve to state, Pattibelle, we'll be alone at lunch, youand I. Jim has gone miles off in the country, and won't be back beforesix or so. "

"Whatever for?"

"Oh, --on some business. "

"Business! On Sunday?"

"He's looking at a car he's thinking of buying. The man could only seehim today. "

"Oh, well, all right. But I'll dress up anyway, for my ownself-respect. I like myself better in a pretty gown, and I'm not goingto take naps all day today, I can tell you. "

Patty flew around, making her toilette, and humming little snatches ofsong. Adele thought she had never seen her look so pretty. The whitefrock was soft and filmy; the round neck a trifle low, the frilledsleeves showing her dimpled arms, and a soft sash made of a breadth ofpalest pink silk, round the waist. 

"You're a dream!" declared Adele. "It's a shame to waste such a visionof beauty on me. I believe I'll telephone for Bob Peyton to come overto lunch. "

"No, don't. I'd rather not have him. I like to be alone with you muchbetter. Ask him over for dinner, if you like. "

So the two lunched alone, and then came the difficult crisis. 

Patty flatly rebelled against Adele's suggestion that she take anafternoon nap to be fresh for the evening. 

"What's the matter with you, Adele?" she laughed. "Do you think I'm adormouse? Or a bear who wants to hibernate? I'm as wide-awake as youare!"

"It isn't that, Patty, " and poor Adele was at her wits' end, "butyou're really run down--er--nerve exhaustion, you know----"

"Well, _your_ nerve isn't exhausted! To make me go to bed by day, --allthe whole time!"

"Now, Patsy, don't be stubborn. Give me my way, this once. If you'llgo to your room, and stay there and rest quietly till five o'clock, Iwon't say another word about your resting, while you're here. Butyou're--really, --you're so improved since you came, that I want tocomplete the cure. Scoot off, now, and then at five o'clock Jim willbe back, and we'll have lots of fun. "

"It's nearly half-past two, now. Well, I don't see much else to do, soI'll go. But remember, it's the last of this foolishness. "

"I'll remember. Run along now, and don't show your face below stairstill five. Cross your heart?"

"Yep. Cross my heart and hope to never! By-by. "

Patty ran upstairs and closed her room door behind her. Never reallyat a loss to entertain herself, she read some magazines, wrote two orthree letters that had been long owing, and then mooned around lookingout of her windows at the distant hills, bright with winter sunshine. She opened the long French window to the balcony and stepped out. Itwas snappily cold, so she went back long enough to catch up a wrap. The apple blossom kimono was the first thing she saw, so she slippedinto it, and went out on the balcony. The bracing air was delightful, and she walked up and down, drawing long deep breaths of ozone. Therewas a low railing round the little balcony and Patty sat down on it. The ground was only about eight feet below her, for the house was builton a side hill, and the slope was abrupt. 

"I could almost lean down and pick violets, " she mused, "if there wereany to pick. But it's nowhere near spring, yet. "

She drew her wrap more closely about her and rose to go in the houseagain. 

"Well!" came in an explosive voice, just below her. Patty looked downand saw Farnsworth standing there, his face radiant with glad surprise. 

"Little Billee!" she exclaimed, impulsively leaning over the rail. "What are you here for?"

"_You_! And I can't wait another minute! _Jump_!"

Not pausing to think, impelled by his quick command, Patty stepped overthe rail and jumped. 

Farnsworth caught her deftly in his arms just as her feet touched theground, and held her there. 

"Look at me, " he said, and his always musical voice had a ring in itPatty had never heard before. 

The golden head, bowed against his broad chest, lifted a little, andPatty's blue eyes shone into his own. Steadily he looked for a moment, and then said, quietly, but exultantly, "You love me! Oh, my PattyBlossom!"

Patty stood very still. It seemed to her that the end of the world hadcome--or the beginning, --she wasn't sure which. 

"Come, " said Farnsworth, still with that glad, exultant note of triumphin his voice. He led her to the house, walking quickly and withspringing step. 

Adele was in the hall as they entered. 

"Good heavens!" she said, helplessly, as she stared at them. 

"Adele, " Farnsworth's words fairly rang out, "don't stop us. We'rejust getting engaged, and we want a few minutes alone. "

"I should say so!" and half dazed at the suddenness of the news, Adeleopened the door of a little reception room, and let them in. Then sheclosed it, and ran hot haste to find Jim. 

A wood fire was blazing and Patty threw off the silk wrap. 

"Apple Blossom, " said Farnsworth, as he took it from her, and tossed itover a sofa, "my Blossom girl!"

He took the soft, trembling little figure in his arms, the pretty whitefrock sadly crushed in his strong embrace. 

"My Love, my Patty Blossom!" he murmured, and then, with his first kisson her quivering, scarlet lips, Patty knew that she "cared for" thisbig, tender giant, with her whole heart, and she began to realise howhe loved her. 

"Patty! darling! I have loved you so long, but I had no idea what itwould mean to know you love me!"

"What does it mean?" she said, softly. 

"It means heaven! Great, blue, sunshiny, cloudless heaven! Oh, mylittle girl, I can't tell you all it means, there aren't any words bigenough. You do love me, don't you? How do you know you do?"

"Because I jumped, " and the blue eyes smiled at him. "I jumped becauseI couldn't help it. "

"You jumped because you loved me! I oughtn't to have let you do it;good gracious, Patty, you might have broken yourself to bits! I spokefrom impulse. "

"And I jumped from impulse. And, --I'm glad I did!"

"You little Love! Are you? Patty, how can you love a great, uncouthman like me?"

"You're not uncouth, Little Billee, and you only said that to becontradicted! But I do contradict it. You're not big and uncouth atall. Well, I s'pose you _are_ big, --but it's a nice, cunning littlebigness----"

"There, there, that'll be about all of that! Now, tell me why you ranaway from me. "

"I didn't know at the time. But I know now. "

"You do? Why, then?

"Because I was in love with you, and I was afraid you'd find it out. "

"But you didn't know it yourself?"

"N--no; that is, I wouldn't own up to it to myself, and I was awfullyafraid myself would find it out. "

"You little goose----"

"Blossom goose?"

"Yes. Blossom goose, --Blossom girl, --Oh, Patty Blossom, how _can_ Imake you have a glimmer of a gleam of an idea how I love you!"

"Little Billee! if you give me all your kisses now, what shall we doall the rest of our lives?"

"Poor little Apple Blossom! Am I a big bear? Well, sit beside me hereon this cosy sofa place, and I'll tell you what we'll do all the restof our lives. "

And so enchanted was Patty with the plans unfolded for her, that it wasmore than an hour later that she remembered to ask, "Why did you giveDaisy the books you bought for me?"

"Shall I tell you, dear? I told you at the time I had a reason. Because, just then, something in your eyes gave me hope, gave me a tinyhint of hope that you would take _my_ set of Riley books and me alongwith it!"

"Oh, Little Billee! Did I really throw myself at your head?"

"No, Patty; no, my child, never think for a minute you did that! Butyou gave me a look that made me feel emboldened to throw myself at yourfeet. Then you ran away before I could do so. "

"Yes, I was afraid you would. How did you know I was here?"

"Didn't know it; but I thought it the most likely place. How theKenerleys fooled me! I owe Jim one for that!"

"No, you don't! They only did what I made them do. I vowed I wouldn'tsee you, and they must not let you know I was here. "

"Did you think you could elude me long, Sweetheart?"

"I don't know what I thought----"

"You were afraid to look in your own heart, weren't you?"

"Yes, I was. But I'm not now. "

"No, you don't seem to be! For a newly engaged young person you taketo it like a duck to water. "

"Only because it's _you_. I wouldn't with anybody else. "

"I should hope not! And you're not afraid of me any more?"

"'Perfect love casteth out fear. '"

"Oh, Blossom, you do say the sweetest things! And do you forgive me myhorrid ostentation?"

"You must forgive _me_ for that, Little Billee. I had no business toact so. "

"You were all right, dear. I'm not to the money born, you know. Andwhen I was successful, financially, I had _no_ thought but of pleasureit might give you. But I expressed myself unfortunately. I'm not a'society man, ' Patty. "

"You're the dearest man in all the world. My big, beautiful SirGalahad. My own Little Billee. "

"Haven't you two got engaged yet?" called Adele, plaintively, throughthe keyhole. "You've been two hours at it! Come on out, and let ushelp. "

"Run away and play, " called back Farnsworth, but Patty released herselffrom his clasping arms, and said, "It hasn't been two hours, any suchthing, Adele; but we will come out now. We've been engaged a longtime. "

Big Bill rose, towering above his little fiancée. 

"You little scrap of loveliness!" he exclaimed, "what have you done tome, to bewitch me so? You were always beautiful, but nowyou're--you're----"

"Well, what?" and Patty's radiant face looked up lovingly into his own. 

"There are no words dear enough, " and Farnsworth's voice thrilled withlove and reverence, "no terms sweet enough, but just, --my PattyBlossom. "