good, did it? But you're through with it now. How
will you break it all off, without unpleasantness--for you?"

"Oh, I can manage that by my tactful nature. I mean, with Alla. I
shan't bother to be specially tactful with Sam. Need I be?"

"No. When a man has practised a fraud like that on you, he deserves no
consideration whatever."

"And tell me, Little Billee, tell me quickly, for I must really be
going, how did you walk in there and kidnap me so easily?"

"I had a sort of notion that you ought to be looked after. Channing
was here, laughing over some of the details of the Blaney party that he
had heard of, and when he told about your dance,--well, Patty, I'll be
honest with you. I wanted to see that dance. You know how I love your
dancing. Also, I wanted to know just what the dance was,--for I know
Grantham."

"The dance was all right, Billee?"

"Yes, perfectly all right, only I'd rather you'd worn sandals. But it
was a wonderful dance,--exquisite, poetic, all that is beautiful. I
went in, reminded Sam of our old acquaintance, and he welcomed me
decently, if not over-cordially. I saw one or two numbers on the
program before yours, and I concluded I didn't want you mixed up with
that bunch. They're right enough, but their unconventionality and
ultra Bohemianism are not the element in which Patty Fairfield belongs.
Then came your dance. Unspeakably lovely, all that it ought to be, but
not for that herd of idiots! So, I made up my mind I'd persuade you to
go home with me,--pretty much instanter! I told Blaney I intended to
take you. He was mad all through, and denied my right to ask you to
leave his party. But,--well, I reminded him of a few of our past
memories--memories fraught with sadness!--to put it poetically,--and he
made no further objections to my carrying out my own sweet will----"

"And so you carried out----"

"My own sweet girl! Exactly! Patty, you little rogue, you musn't
bewitch me like that! If you do, I'll pick you up again, and carry you
off--oh, here comes Mrs. Morrison. Have _you_ come to carry Patty off?"

"Yes," and Mrs. Morrison looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Patty, dear,
but really----"

"It's time! Yes, I know it, and I'm quite ready to go. Good night,
Little Billee."

"Good night, Patty. Get a good rest, for you really need it."

CHAPTER XVII

PATTY'S DECISION

"You see, Nan, it isn't fair. I don't feel honest to keep Phil in
uncertainty, when