eal thing. I think you could only get
it right by using aluminum paint like they paint the letter-boxes with."

"Yes," said Mr. Hepworth, "that would be realistic, at least, but I see a
crowd of your young friends coming this way, and I feel quite sure they
mean to carry you off. So won't you promise me a dance or two, when the
time comes for that part of the programme?"

"Yes, indeed," said Patty, "and there is going to be dancing after the
supper."

Mr. Hepworth looked after Patty, as, all unconscious of his gaze, she
went on through the rooms with the young friends who had claimed her.

Gilbert Hepworth had long realised his growing interest in Patty, and
acknowledged to himself that he loved the girl devotedly. But he had
never by word or look intimated this, and had no intention of doing so
until she should be some years older. He, himself, was thirty-four, and
he knew that must seem old indeed to a girl of seventeen. So he really
had little hope that he ever could win her for his own, but he allowed
himself the pleasure of her society whenever opportunity offered, and it
pleased him to do for her such acts of courtesy and kindness as could not
be construed into special attentions, or indication of an unwelcome
devotion.

Among the group that surrounded Patty was Kenneth Harper, a college boy
who was a good chum of Patty's and a favourite with Mr. Fairfield. Marian
and Frank were with them, also Bob and Bumble, the Barlow Twins, and a
number of the Philadelphia young people.

This group laughed and chatted merrily until the orchestra struck up the
wedding march, and an expectant hush fell upon the assembly.

At Nan's special request, there were no bridesmaids, and when the bride
entered with her father, she was, as Patty had prophesied, a perfect
picture in her beautiful wedding gown.

Mr. Fairfield seemed to think so too, and his happy smile as he came to
meet her, gave Patty a thrill of gladness to think that this happiness
had come to her father. His life had been lonely, and she was glad that
it was to be shared by such a truly sweet and lovely woman as Nan.

Patty was the first to congratulate the wedded pair, and Mr. Hepworth,
who was an usher, escorted her up to them that she might do so. Patty
kissed both the bride and the bridegroom with whole-hearted affection,
and after a few merry words turned away to give place to others.

"Come on, Patty," said Kenneth, "a whole crowd of us are going to camp