k as she answered:

"But the hat is covered perfectly. What matter, then, whether I have been
taught or not?"

"Excuse me, it is _not_ covered perfectly. The stitches are too
small----"

"Too small!" exclaimed Patty. "Why, I didn't know stitches could be too
_small_!"

The other smiled. "That is my argument," she said. "You _don't know_. Of
course stitches should be small for ordinary sewing, and for many sorts
of work. But not for millinery. Here long stitches are wanted, but they
must be rightly set,--not careless long stitches."

"Why?" said Patty, somewhat subdued now.

"Because a better effect can be produced with long stitches. You see,
your stitches are small and true, but every one shows. With a skilful
long stitch, no stitch is seen at all. It is what we call a blind stitch,
and can only be successfully done by skilled workers, who have been
taught, and who have also had practice."

Patty was silent a moment, then she said:

"Miss O'Flynn, we agreed that I was to have a day's trial."

"Yes, Miss Fairfield; I will stand by my word."

"Then may I select my own work for the afternoon?"

"Yes," said Miss O'Flynn, wondering whether, after all, this pretty,
young girl could be a harmless lunatic.

"Then I want to trim hats. Make bows, you know; sew on flowers or
feathers; or adjust lace. May I do such things as that?"

Miss O'Flynn hesitated.

"Yes," she said, finally; "if you will be careful not to injure the
materials. You see, if your work should have to be done over, I don't
want the materials spoiled."

"I promise," said Patty, slowly.

"But, first, will you not go out for your lunch?"

"No, thank you; I'm not hungry. Please bring me my work at once."

CHAPTER XII

THREE HATS

But Miss O'Flynn sent Patty a cup of hot bouillon, and some biscuit,
which she ate right there at her work-table.

And it was a kindly act, for, though Patty didn't realise it, she was
really faint for want of food and also for fresh air.

The room, though large, had many occupants, and now the girls began to
come back from their luncheon, and their chatter made Patty's head ache.

But she was doing some deep thinking. Her theories about unskilled labour
had received a hard blow; and she was beginning to think her millinery
efforts were not going to be successful.

"But I've a chance yet," she thought, as Miss O'Flynn came, bringing two
hats, and a large box of handsome trimmings.

The other girls s