other things you've done. Go on, and
I'll truly do all I can to talk your father into letting you stay there a
week; but if he won't consent, I can't help it."

"Why, of course he'll consent, Nan, if you put it to him right. You can
make him see anything as you see it, if you try. You know you can."

"Well, go ahead. I suppose a week will pass; and anyway, you'll probably
come flying home after a couple of days."

"No; I'm going to stay the week, if it finishes me. I'm tired of defeats;
this time I conquer. You may help me pack, if you like."

"You won't need many frocks, will you?" said Nan, as they went up to
Patty's room.

"No; just some light, dressy things for evening,--she's rather
formal,--and some plain morning gowns."

Nan helped Patty with her selection, and a small trunk was filled with
what they considered an appropriate wardrobe for a companion.

At about four o'clock Patty started, in the motor-car.

Mrs. Van Reypen received her pleasantly, and as they sat chatting over a
cup of tea, Patty felt more like an honoured guest than a subordinate.

Then Mrs. Van Reypen dismissed her, saying:

"Go to your room now, my dear, and occupy yourself as you choose until
dinner-time. Dinner is at seven. There will be no guests, but you will
wear a light, pretty gown, if you please. I am punctilious in such
matters."

Patty went to her room, greatly pleased with the turn events had taken.
She wished she could telephone home how pleasantly she was getting along;
but she thought wiser not to do that so soon.

As it neared dinner-time, she put on one of her prettiest dresses, a
light blue chiffon, with a touch of silver embroidery round the half-low
throat and short sleeves.

A few minutes before seven, she went slowly down the dark, old staircase,
with its massive newels and balusters.

As she reached the middle steps, she observed an attractive, but
bored-looking young man in the hall.

He had not noticed her light steps, and Patty paused a moment to look at
him. As she stood, wondering who he might be, he chanced to turn, and saw
her.

The young man ran his eyes swiftly, from the cloud of blue chiffon, up to
the smiling face, with its crown of massed golden hair, which a saucy bow
of blue ribbon did its best to hold in place.

His face promptly lost its bored expression, and with his hands still in
his pockets, he involuntarily breathed a long, low whistle.

The sound seemed to bring back his lost w