an experience before."

Patty's life had been one of simple pleasures and duties. She had a great
capacity for enjoyment, but heretofore had only known fun and frolic of a
more childish nature. This glimpse into what seemed to be really truly
grown-up society was bewildering and very enjoyable, and Patty found it
quite easy to adapt herself to its requirements.

CHAPTER II

WEDDING BELLS

At last the wedding day arrived, and a brighter or more sunshiny day
could not have been asked for by the most exacting of brides.

It was to be an evening wedding, but from early in the morning there was
a constant succession of exciting events. The last touches were being put
to the decorations, belated presents were coming in, house guests were
arriving, messengers coming and going, and through it all Mrs. Allen
bustled about, supremely happy in watching the culminating success of her
elaborate plans. Patty looked at her with a wondering admiration, for she
always admired capability, and Mrs. Allen was exhibiting what might
almost be called generalship in her house that day.

Of course, Patty had no care or responsibility, and nothing to do but
enjoy herself, so she did this thoroughly.

In the morning Marian and Frank Elliott came. They were staying at the
Barlows', and Mr. Fairfield was staying there too.

It sometimes seemed to Patty that her father ought to have played a more
prominent part in all the preliminary festivities, but Mrs. Allen calmly
told her, in Mr. Fairfield's presence, that a bridegroom had no part in
wedding affairs until the time of the ceremony itself.

Mr. Fairfield laughed good-humouredly, and replied that he was quite
satisfied to be left out of the mad rush, until the real occasion came.

Like Nan, Mr. Fairfield would have preferred a quiet wedding, but Mrs.
Allen utterly refused to hear of such a thing. Nan was her only daughter,
and this her only chance to arrange an entertainment such as her soul
delighted in. Mr. Allen was willing to indulge his wife in her wishes,
and was exceedingly hospitable by nature. Moreover, he took great pride
in his charming daughter, and wanted everything done that could in any
way contribute to the success or add to the beauty of her wedding
celebration.

Patty fluttered around the house in a sort of inconsequent delight. Now
in the present-room, looking over the beautiful collection, now chatting
with her cousins, or other friends, now strolling throu