the conversation drifted to the tendencies of modern art, and the
expression of one's ego, and the influence of the aura, and a lot of
subjects that were to Patty as so much Greek. But she was fascinated
by the discourse, and resolved to read and study the books that should
be given her, until she, too, could discuss intelligently these great
subjects.

The talk was deliberate. Each wise and weighty opinion advanced was
thoughtfully considered and argued, and Patty listened, striving to
comprehend the jargon. Time passed rapidly, and, at last, she realised
that most of the guests had gone, and there remained only about a half
dozen of the most talkative ones.

Sam Blaney himself was the conversational leader. He went off on long
tirades, and though Patty strove to follow his theories, they seemed to
her vague and incomprehensible. She found herself getting sleepy,
though she would have indignantly repudiated such an idea.

Another man, Mr. Griscom, slightly differed in opinions with Blaney and
the debates between the two were raptly listened to by the others.

A chiming clock struck two.

"Good gracious!" exclaimed Patty, "it can't be two o'clock! Where are
the others? Where is Elise?"

"They've gone, long ago," said Blaney, smiling. "You know you said I
might take you home, and so I told the Farringtons I would do so.

"But I didn't mean to stay as late as this! Why, I had no idea it was
after twelve! Oh, please, Mr. Blaney, take me home at once. What will
Mrs. Farrington think? I've never stayed anywhere so late
before,--alone,--I mean."

"You're not alone, Patricia, dear," said Alla, surprised at Patty's
evident alarm. "You're ours now, you know, and we will care for you
and protect you. Sam will take you home, and if you fear Mrs.
Farrington's reproaches, I will go with you and explain."

"Oh, not that," and Patty smiled. "I don't fear her, you know. I'm
not a child, and I can do as I like. But it is not my custom to stay
later than the people I came with."

"But all your customs will change now. We are a law unto ourselves.
Bohemians are free of conventions and rules. Simply tell Mrs.
Farrington that you have joined our circle and you will henceforth be
governed by our ideas and customs. As you say, you are not a child,
you can do as you like."

"Of course you can," said Mr. Griscom. "I'm going that way, I'll take
you home, if you like."

"Thank you," said Patty, "but I have acce