symptoms of idiocy are shown in your making three more
attempts," said Mr. Hepworth, who was almost angry at Patty's
persistence.

"Oh, pooh! I probably shan't make three more! I just somehow feel sure
I'll succeed the very next time."

"A sanguine idiot is the most hopeless sort," said Mr. Hepworth, with a
resigned air. "May I ask what you intend to attempt next?"

"You may ask, but you can't be answered, for I don't yet know, myself.
I've two or three tempting plans, but I don't know which to choose. I've
thought of taking a place as cook."

"Patty! don't you dare do such a thing! To think of you in a
kitchen,--under orders! Oh, child, how _can_ you?"

Patty laughed outright at Mr. Hepworth's dismay.

"Cheer up!" she cried; "I didn't mean it! But you think skilled labour is
necessary, and truly, I'm skilled in cooking. I really am."

"Yes, chafing-dish trifles; and fancy desserts."

"Well, those are good things for a cook to know."

"Patty, promise me you won't take any sort of a servant's position."

"Oh, I can't promise that. I fancy I'd make a rather good lady's-maid or
parlour-maid. But I promise you I won't be a cook. Much as I like to fuss
with a chafing-dish, I shouldn't like to be kept in a kitchen and boil
and roast things all the time."

"I should say not! Well, since I can't persuade you to give up your
foolish notion, do go on, and get through with your three attempts as
soon as possible. Remember, you've promised not more than three."

"I promise," said Patty, with much solemnity, and then Nan and Mr.
Fairfield came in.

Mr. Hepworth appealed at once to Mr. Fairfield, telling him what he had
already told Patty.

"Nonsense, Hepworth," said Patty's father, "I'm glad you started the ball
rolling. It hasn't done Patty a bit of harm, so far, and it will be an
experience she'll always remember. Let her go ahead; she can't succeed,
but she can have the satisfaction of knowing she tried."

"I'm not so sure she can't succeed," said Nan, standing up for Patty, who
looked a little crestfallen at the remarks of her father.

"Good for you, Nan!" cried Patty; "I'll justify your faith in me yet. I
know Mr. Hepworth thinks I'm good for nothing, but Daddy ought to know me
better."

Mr. Hepworth seemed not to notice this petulant outburst, and only said:

"Remember, you've promised to withdraw from the arena after three more
conflicts."

"They won't be conflicts," said Patty, "and there won't be but