nging to the early
middle-ages at that! I told you I should call this morning, and I'd like
another egg, please, aunty."

"You may have all the eggs you want, but I am not at all pleased with
your presence here after I expressly forbade it."

"Oh, it isn't a crime to call on one's own aunt, is it?"

"It's extremely rude. I have a busy day before me, and I don't want a
bothersome nephew around."

Mrs. Van Reypen was exceedingly fond of Philip, and loved to have him at
her house, but it was easy to be seen, now, that she considered him far
too much interested in pretty Patty.

And partly because he was interested, and partly to tease his
long-suffering aunt, the young man declared his intention of spending the
day with them.

"I can't have you, Philip," said Mrs. Van Reypen, decidedly. "I want you
to go away immediately after breakfast."

"Just my luck!" grumbled her nephew. "I never can do anything I want to.
Well, I'll go downtown, but I'll be back here to luncheon."

"Don't talk nonsense," said Mrs. Van Reypen, shortly; "you'll do nothing
of the sort."

The rest of the meal was not very enjoyable. Mrs. Van Reypen was clearly
displeased at her nephew's presence; Patty did not think it wise to take
any active part in the conversation; and, though Philip was in gay
spirits, it was not easy to be merry alone.

Patty couldn't help smiling at his audacious speeches, but she kept her
eyes down on her plate, and endeavoured to ignore the young man's
presence, for she knew this was what Mrs. Reypen wished her to do.

"Now you may go," said the hostess, as Philip finished his egg. "I'd like
to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace."

"Oh, I'm peaceful!" declared Philip, crossing his hands on his breast and
rolling up his eyes with an angelic expression.

"Good-by, Philip," said his aunt, so icily that the young man rose from
the table and stalked out of the room.

"Now," said Mrs. Van Reypen, "we are rid of him."

But in a few moments the smiling face again appeared at the door.

"I forgot to say good-by to Miss Fairfield," he announced, cheerfully.
"Mayn't I do that, aunty?"

Mrs. Van Reypen gave an annoyed "Humph!" and Patty, taking her cue, bowed
very coldly, and said "Good-morning, Mr. Van Reypen" in an utterly
impersonal tone.

Philip chuckled, and went away, slamming the street door behind him, as a
final annoyance to his aunt.

"You mustn't think him a rude boy, Miss Fairfield," she said. "But he
delight