added quickly: "I don't mean that you have not charming manners, little
Betty, as charming as any in the world aside from your mother's. And
personally I have not seen a prettier girl in Washington or elsewhere.
But if you really are unhappy among strangers and would like to go to
France with your old friends to help with the work over there, why, I
will try to see how matters can be arranged. I don't think I would speak
of your idea to your mother, not just at present, as there is no point
in worrying her."

In answer Bettina had laughed and promised. Always she was touched by
her father's use of her old childhood name now that she had become
nearly as tall as he himself was.

"But, father, don't think I mind sharing a social disability with you. I
am afraid my infirmity goes somewhat deeper," Bettina answered. "As a
matter of fact, I heard one of mother's friends say the other day that
there was no more brilliant or agreeable man in Washington society than
Senator Graham, once he could be persuaded to throw aside his social
hauteur and condescend to ordinary mortals," she continued, imitating
the visitor's voice and manner, to the Senator's deep amusement.

"But of course I won't annoy mother until I am sure our Camp Fire unit
has a real chance of being accepted for the work in France. It is hard
upon mother to have had Tony inherit all the family beauty and charm.
However, he will make up to her some day for my failures!"

Bettina was doing herself an injustice. In reality she was unusually
handsome and as she grew older her tall stateliness increased her
distinction. Tonight she looked especially attractive as she sat
braiding her long yellow hair into two heavy plaits, with a blue
corduroy dressing gown worn over her night-dress.

"Aunt Patricia? It is odd, Vera, you have never heard her name
mentioned! Yet I confess my personal acquaintance with Aunt Patricia
also began this afternoon, although I have known of her for a long time
and my mother is one of her great friends.

"Years ago when Tante was first married Aunt Patricia arrived in this
country from Ireland, and as she seemed to be frightfully poor she
secured a position at the theatre as wardrobe woman. Right away she
adopted Tante and Uncle Richard and they have been devoted to one
another ever since. Later on Aunt Patricia's brother died, leaving her
an enormous fortune. Then it developed that she had come to this country
from Ireland because he had