ld become embarrassed. But, Patty, my girl, if we're going back to
Vernondale on the six-o'clock train, it's time we were starting."

"Oh, do you live in Vernondale?" inquired Kenneth. "I have an
aunt there. I wonder if you know her. Her name is Daggett--Miss
Rachel Daggett."

"Indeed I do know her," said Patty. "She is my next-door neighbour."

"Is she really? How jolly! And don't you think she's an old dear? I'm
awfully fond of her. I run out to see her every chance I can get, though
I haven't been much this winter, I've been digging so hard."

"She _is_ a dear," said Patty. "I've only seen her once, but I know I
shall like her as a neighbour."

"Yes, I'm sure you will, but let me give you a bit of confidential
advice. Don't take the initiative, let her do that; and the game will be
far more successful than if _you_ make the overtures."

Patty smiled. "Miss Daggett told me that herself," she said; "in fact,
she was quite emphatic on the subject."

"I can well believe it," said Kenneth, "but I'm sure you'll win her
heart yet."

"I'm sure she will too," said Mr. Fairfield, with an approving glance at
his pretty daughter; "and whenever you are in Vernondale, Mr. Harper, I
hope you will come to see us."

"I shall be very glad to," answered the young man, "and I hope to run out
there soon."

"Come out when we have our play," said Patty; "it's going to be
beautiful."

"What play is that?"

"We don't know yet, we haven't decided on it."

"I know an awfully good play. One of the fellows up at college wrote it,
and so it isn't hackneyed yet."

"Oh, tell me about it," said Patty. "Papa, can't we take the next later
train home?"

"Yes, chick, I don't mind if you don't; or, better still, if Mr. Harper
can go with us, I'll take both of you children out to dinner in some
great, glittering, noisy hotel."

"Oh, gorgeous!" cried Patty. "Can you go, Mr. Harper?"

"Indeed I can, and I shall be only too glad. College boys are not
overcrowded with invitations, and I am glad to say I have no other for
to-night."

"You'll have to telephone to Emancipation Proclamation, papa,"
said Patty, "or she'll get out all the bell-ringers, and drag the
river for us."

"So she will," said Mr. Fairfield. "I'll set her mind at rest the
first thing."

"That's our cook," explained Patty.

"It's a lovely name," observed Kenneth, "but just a bit lengthy for
every-day use."

"Oh, it's only for Sundays and holidays," said Patty; "