matters demanded public attention;
and Harriet and her blasted childhood were forgotten.

Patty stood on the veranda waving good-by to the last hearseful of
Christmas travelers, then turned indoors to face an empty three weeks.
As she was listlessly preparing to mount the stairs, Maggie waylaid her
with the message:

"Mrs. Trent would like to speak to you in her private study, Miss
Patty."

Patty turned back, wondering for just which of her latest activities she
was to be called to account. A visit to the Dowager's private study
usually meant that a storm was brewing. She found the four left-behind
teachers cosily gathered about the tea table, and to her surprise, was
received with four affable smiles.

"Sit down, Patty, and have some tea."

The Dowager motioned her to a chair, while she mingled an inch of tea
with three inches of hot water. Miss Sallie furnished a fringed napkin,
Miss Jellings presented buttered toast, and Miss Wadsworth, salted
almonds. Patty blinked dazedly and accepted the offerings. To be waited
on by four teachers was an entirely new experience. Her spirits rose
considerably as she mentally framed the story for Priscilla's and
Conny's delectation. When she had ceased to wonder why she was being
thus honored, the reason appeared.

"I am sorry, Patty," said the Dowager, "that none of your special
friends are to be here this year; but I am sure that you and Margarite
and Harriet will get on very happily. Breakfast will be half an hour
later than usual, and the rules about bounds will be somewhat
relaxed--only of course we must always know where to find you. I shall
try to plan a matinee party in the city, and Miss Sallie will take you
to spend a day at the farm. The ice is strong enough now for you to
skate, and Martin will get out the sleds for you to coast. You must be
in the open air as much as possible; and I shall be very pleased if you
and Margarite can interest Harriet in out-of-door sports. Speaking of
Harriet--"

The Dowager hesitated momentarily, and Patty's acute understanding
realized that at last they were getting at the kernel of the interview.
The tea and toast had been merely wrapping. She listened with a touch of
suspicion, while the Dowager lowered her voice with an air of
confidence.

"Speaking of Harriet, I should like to enlist your sympathy, Patty. She
is very sweet and genuine. A girl that anyone might be proud to have for
a friend. But through an accident, such as s