that Kenneth almost despaired of getting her away.

"Can't you make her come, Hilda?" he said.

"I'll try," said Hilda, but when she tried, Patty only said, "Yes, Hilda,
in just a minute. I want to coach Mary a little in her part, and I want
to show Hester where to stand in the third act."

"Never mind," said Hilda, impatiently. "Let her stand on the roof, if she
wants to, but for goodness' sake go on home. Your people are waiting for
you."

Again Patty looked at her with that queer vacant gaze, and then Lorraine
Hart stepped forward and took matters in her own hands.

"March!" she said, as she grasped Patty's arm, and steered her toward the
dressing-room. "Halt!" she said after they reached it, and then while
Patty stood still, seemingly dazed, Lorraine put her cloak about her,
threw her scarf over her head, wheeled her about, and marched her back to
where Kenneth stood waiting.

"Take her quick," she said. "Take her right to the carriage; don't let
her stop to speak to anybody."

So Kenneth grasped Patty's arm firmly and led her through the crowd of
girls, out of the door, and down the walk to the carriage. Ordinarily,
Patty would have resented this summary treatment, but still in a
half-dazed way she meekly went where she was led.

Once in the carriage, Nan sat beside her and Mr. Fairfield opposite, and
they started for home. No reference was made to Patty herself, but the
others talked lightly and pleasantly of the afternoon performance.

On reaching home, Nan put Patty to bed at once, and telephoned for the
Doctor.

But when Dr. Martin came, Nan met him downstairs, and told him all about
the case. They then decided that the Doctor should not see Patty, as to
realise the fact that she was in need of medical attendance might prove a
serious shock.

"And really, Doctor," said Nan, "if the girl shouldn't be allowed at
least to try to go through with the play this evening, I wouldn't like to
answer for the consequences."

"I understand," said Dr. Martin, "and though I think that with the aid of
certain prescriptions I shall give you, she can probably get through the
evening, it would be far better if she did not attempt it."

"I know it Doctor," said Nan, "and with some girls it might be possible
to persuade them to give it up, but I can't help feeling that if we even
advised Patty not to go to-night, she would fly into violent hysterics."

"Very likely," said Dr. Martin, "and I think, Mrs. Fairfield, y