t entrance of Cromarty just as the car swung round the
last curve of the road.

"Oh, Kitty!" cried Patty; "I'm _so_ glad to see you! Where did you come
from? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? How do you do, Sir Otho.
This is indeed a surprise."

"How are you, my dear child?" said Sir Otho Markleham, after Patty had
released Lady Kitty from her enthusiastic embrace, and turned to shake
hands with her father.

"Come in," said Patty, dancing about in her excited glee. "Come right in.
You are welcome to Cromarty Manor, and in a moment the family will also
tell you so."

"What a delightful house!" said Lady Hamilton, pausing to admire the
stately old portal.

"Yes, isn't it? You know the Hartleys, don't you?"

"Slightly. I'll be glad to see them again. But, of course, we came to see
you."

"And it's a lovely surprise. Are you staying near here?"

"Only for a day or two," said Sir Otho. "We're taking a little jaunt
about, and as Kitty wanted to see you especially, we came in this
direction."

The chauffeur and the big touring car were put in charge of the Cromarty
coachman, and Patty ushered her guests into the house.

The ladies soon appeared and with hospitable welcome insisted that Sir
Otho and his daughter should remain for a few days. This they were unable
to do, but it was finally decided that they should stay the night, and
resume their trip the next day.

"And," said Sir Otho, "it may seem a rather sudden proceeding, but we
want to take Patty with us."

"Take Patty!" exclaimed Mabel, aghast; "for how long?"

"You tell her," said Sir Otho, smiling at his daughter. "I haven't the
courage."

"I'll explain later," said Lady Hamilton. "But now, I want to enjoy the
beauties of this grand old place. Is this the celebrated apartment where
the fortune was hidden?"

"Yes," said Patty, who had written to Lady Kitty about the matter. "And
here is the old chimney-piece."

"You can imagine, Lady Hamilton," said Mrs. Hartley, "the deep debt of
gratitude we are under to our dear Patty."

"You must be, indeed. But I know Patty is quite as glad that she made the
discovery as you are yourselves."

The rest of the morning was devoted to showing the visitors about the
place. Sir Otho was greatly interested in the plans for the restoration
of the gardens, and both he and Lady Kitty were enraptured with the
historic treasures of the old house. After luncheon, Lady Hamilton
unfolded her plans to Patty.

"I ha