eople adore you, it's because
of your sunny, sweet nature, and your absolute thoughtfulness and
kindness to others. Don't be foolish _that_ way. But regarding this
matter of Philip, I know you see it as I do. And it's really your kind
heart and your dislike of hurting anybody's feelings that makes you
hate so to tell him what you must tell him."

"Yes, Nan, I must tell him. I know it myself. I know that I like him
lots, and I'd be awfully sorry not to be friends with him, but I don't
want to marry him."

"Do you want to marry anybody else?"

"I hardly know how to answer that. I suppose every girl would rather
be married than not, if it's to just the right man. But one thing is
certain, Philip isn't the right man."

Patty sighed, and the far-away look in her eyes made Nan wonder if
there was a "right man" whose image was enshrined in the girl's heart.
But she only said, "Then, dear, tell him so."

"I will," said Patty, but she looked very serious and troubled over it.

However, she did tell him so. When Van Reypen called that evening
Patty answered his plea with a decisive No. She was very gentle and
kindly, but she gave him no ray of hope, no suggestion of a change of
decision.

Philip took it gravely, but was unwilling to admit it was final. He
knew from Patty's demeanour that she meant it to be, but he hoped he
could yet win her by further devotion and patience. She told him this
was impossible, but he only smiled and expressed his determination to
try it.

"I take your word for it, dear," he said. "I know you mean just what
you say, that you don't love me enough to give yourself to me. And I
won't urge you, or tease you. Just let me remain your friend, and let
me see you, occasionally. I promise not to intrude when I'm not
wanted. And though I expect nothing, there's no law against hoping,
you know."

Phil's winsome smile was so cheery and yet so wistful, that Patty's
heart was touched anew. But she said, "It must be just friends, Phil.
I like you lots, you know that, but I can't be always fearful that----"

"That I'll break loose and become unmanageable! You needn't, dear. I
promise to abide by your decision, unless I can make you want to change
it. Now, forget it all, for the present, and let's be friends and
chums and comrades and all those nice things, that don't bother
curly-headed little girls and make them look troubled and sad. But, I
want to thank you and bless you, dear, fo