uldn't have wished you to tell me at first, for had I known it I
wouldn't have taken you. But you have honestly tried to do your work
well, and you succeeded as well as you could. But, as I told you, you are
not made for that sort of thing. Your disposition is not that of a
subordinate, and I am glad you do not really have to be one. You have
earned your salary this week, however, and I gladly pay you the fifteen
dollars we agreed upon."

Mrs. Van Reypen handed Patty the money, and as the girl took it she said,
earnestly: "As you may well believe, Mrs. Van Reypen, this money means
more to me than any I have ever before received in my life. It is the
first I have ever earned by my own exertions, and, unless I meet with
reverses of fortune, it will probably be the last. But, more than that,
it proves my success in the somewhat doubtful enterprise I undertook and
it assures a chance, at least, of another girl's success in life."

"I am greatly interested in your young art student," went on Mrs. Van
Reypen. "Can you not bring her to see me when she comes, and perhaps I
may be of use to her in some friendly way?"

"How good you are!" exclaimed Patty.

She was surprised at the complete change of demeanour in Mrs. Van Reypen,
though of course she realised it was due to the fact that she was now
looked upon as a social equal and not a dependent.

"It is all so uncertain yet," Patty went on. "I don't know exactly how we
are to persuade the girl to come North at all. She is of a proud and
sensitive nature that would reject anything like charity."

"Well, you will doubtless arrange the matter somehow, and when you do,
remember that I shall be glad to help in any way I can."

"Thank you very much," said Patty. "It may be that you can indeed help
us. And now, Mrs. Van Reypen, mayn't I read to you, or something? You
know my week isn't up until this afternoon."

"Not literally, perhaps; but for the few hours that are left of your stay
with me I shall look upon you as a guest, not a 'companion.' And as I
always like to entertain my guests pleasantly, I shall, if you agree,
telephone for Philip to come to luncheon with us."

The old lady's eyes twinkled at the idea of Philip's surprise at the
changed conditions, and Patty smiled, too, as she expressed her assent.

When Philip arrived he was, of course, amazed at his aunt's demeanour.
She not only seemed to approve of Miss Fairfield, but treated her as an
honoured guest and see