her to formality and
ceremony, and though only a year older than Patty in reality, she was far
more advanced in worldly wisdom and ceremonious observances.

But Patty was adaptable by nature, and when in Rome she was quite ready
to do as the Romans did.

So she put on one of her prettiest frocks for dinner, and allowed Bertha
to do her hair in a new way which seemed to add a year or so to her
appearance.

There were a few other guests at dinner, and as Patty always enjoyed
meeting strangers, she took great interest in all the details of
entertainment at Pine Branches.

At the table she found herself seated between Bertha and Winthrop. This
pleased her, for she was glad of an opportunity to get better acquainted
with the young man, of whom she had seen little during the day.

Although frank and boyish in some ways, Winthrop Warner gave her the
impression of being very wise and scholarly.

She said as much to him, whereupon he explained that he was a student,
and was making a specialty of certain branches of scientific lore. These
included ethnology and anthropology, which names caused Patty to feel a
sudden awe of the young man beside her.

But Winthrop only laughed, and said, "Don't let those long words frighten
you. I assure you that they stand for most interesting subjects, and some
day if you will come to my study, I will promise to prove that to you.
Meantime we will ignore my scientific side, and just consider that we are
two gay young people enjoying a summer holiday."

The young man's affable manner and kind smile put Patty quite at her
ease, and she chatted so merrily that when the dinner hour was over she
and Winthrop had become good friends and comrades.

CHAPTER XV

MISS AURORA BENDER

After a visit of a few days, it was decided that Mr. and Mrs. Farrington
and Roger should continue the motor-trip on to Boston, and to certain
places along the New England coast, while Patty and Elise should stay at
Pine Branches for a longer visit.

The girls had expected to continue the trip with the others, but Bertha
had coaxed them to stay longer with her, and had held out such attractive
inducements that they decided to remain.

Patty, herself, was pleased with the plan, because she still felt the
effects of her recent mental strain, and realised that the luxurious ease
of Pine Branches would be far more of a rest than the more exciting
experiences of a motor trip.

So the girls were installed fo