it's Riley's, and there's no further question about
it."

"I'll send you the book, Patty. You'll enjoy it all."

Patty smiled. "I don't want it in corroboration of your assertion, but
I'd love to have it. I'd like to know more poetry, Billee. As you so
delicately hinted, my education on such matters is a little lacking."

"That's your own fault," said Farnsworth, bluntly. "Poetry isn't a
thing to learn at school,--but alone, and at odd times and moments."

"It seems queer," and the earnest little face gazed into his, "for you
to know such a lot about poetry. You're so----"

"Go on; don't mind hurting me. So uncouth, awkward, clumsy, lacking
in--er--understanding, wasn't it?"

Farnsworth spoke bitterly, and his deep blue eyes were clouded.

"No," Patty returned, gently, "no, I didn't mean all those horrid
things, and you know it! I meant, you're so busy with your mines and
things, and so wrapped up in your business that it's surprising to know
you have time for poetry."

"It's _my_ theory that one can always find time for anything he really
wants to do?"

"Can he? Do you suppose, then, you could find time to teach me a
little bit about poetry, and how to study it,--or, don't you really
want to do this?"

Farnsworth looked at her, and a great and tender light came into his
eyes. Then, with a quick smile, he said, lightly, "Yes, indeed; I'll
make out a list of books for you tomorrow. May I send them to you?"

Patty was aware of a sudden lack of enthusiasm in Farnsworth's manner,
and with equal coolness, she said, "Thank you, that won't be necessary.
Just send the list, and I can get them. And, now I think I must begin
to commence to think about considering going home."

"Yes, it's late. Who's taking you?"

"I'm going with Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. They kindly asked me."

"Very well. Will you go now?"

"Yes, please. And, I--I want to thank you for setting me straight
about the Blaneys."

"Don't include Alla. I doubt if she'd do a deceptive thing. But all
the same, Patty, she's no friend for you. You don't care for her, do
you?"

"No; I did at first, she interested me----"

"I know; 'interested you strangely,' as the novelists say."

"Yes, just that. She is so queer and unusual and----"

"Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, freakish."

"I suppose so. But I liked it all, at first. I don't mind owning up I
was getting a little tired of it. It didn't----"

"It didn't make