ject I was about to discourse upon,--the
Blaneys, I mean. But first, let me make you comfy."

Farnsworth led Patty to the spacious, cushioned window-seat, and piled
soft pillows at her back, and tucked an ottoman beneath her feet, and
then sat down beside her. The little room was deserted by the dancers,
and though some of the guests strolled in and out, occasionally, there
was ample opportunity for real conversation.

"It's this way, Patty," Farnsworth began. "I know Sam Blaney, and you
don't. I knew him years ago, and though I've not seen him of late
years, he's the same old two and sixpence."

"And a very attractive two and sixpence," declared Patty, an obstinate
expression coming into her face. "You see, Little Billee, either you
like wise, brainy people, or you don't. I do."

"I know you do, and so do I. But the Blaney crowd are neither wise nor
brainy. They are frauds."

"Do you mean conscious frauds? Wilfully deceptive?"

"To a certain degree, yes. They do fool themselves, sometimes, into
thinking they are sincere, but they can't even fool themselves all the
time,--let alone other people."

"Your observations do not interest me." Patty's air was lofty, she
looked away into space, as if bored to death with her companion.

"Would it interest you to know that I know Sam Blaney to be a fraud and
a dishonest man?"

"I have heard you say that one's friends should be sacred from
disparaging remarks."

"True enough. But, in the first place, Blaney isn't my friend, and
even if he were, I should sacrifice him or his friendship for you."

"Why?"

"Never mind why. Oh, Patty, rely on my judgment, rely on my word in
this matter, and don't have anything more to do with that rubbish
bunch!"

"Look here, Little Billee, if that's all the subject you can find to
talk about, I believe I'd rather go back and dance. I'm rested now."

"Sit still, Lady Gay. While we're on this subject, we're going to
fight it to a finish."

"You mean you're going to fight me to a finish. Go on, it won't take
long."

"You poor little girl,--you are tired, I know. Well, to make a long
story short, then, you must break with these Cosmic people, because, if
you don't, it will harm your social standing and injure your
reputation."

"Why? They're absolutely correct and high-minded. They're a little
unconventional, maybe, but they're interesting and worth while."

"But they're frauds, Patty. And they've taken you up,