about it."

"That's in honour of one of my ancestors, who, they tell me, came over
from Holland some hundreds of years ago."

"Then it's a most appropriate name," said Patty, "and it's the most
beautiful and comfortable car I ever saw."

They went spinning on mile after mile at what Patty thought was terrific
speed, but which Mr. Banks seemed to consider merely moderate. After a
while, seeing how interested Patty was in the mechanism of the car, Mr.
Allen offered to change seats with her, and let her sit with Mr. Banks,
while that gentleman explained to her the working of it.

Patty gladly made the change, and eagerly listened while Mr. Banks
explained the steering gear, and as much of the motor apparatus as he
could make clear to her.

Patty liked Mr. Banks. He was a kind and courteous gentleman, and treated
her with a deference that gave Patty a sudden sense of importance. It
seemed strange to think that she, little Patty Fairfield, was the
honoured guest of the well-known Mr. Banks of Philadelphia. She did her
best to be polite and entertaining in return, and the result was very
pleasant, and also very instructive in the art of motoring.

They reached Atlantic City late in the afternoon, and went at once to a
large hotel, where Mr. Banks had telegraphed ahead for rooms.

Patty and Ethel had adjoining rooms, and the Allens and Mr. Banks had
rooms across the hall from them.

Patty had begun to like Ethel before this trip had been planned, and as
she knew her better she liked her more. Ethel Banks, though the only
daughter of a millionaire, was not in the least proud or ostentatious.
She was a sweet, simple-minded girl, with friendly ways, and a good
comradeship soon developed between her and Patty.

She was a little older than Patty, and had just come out in society
during the past winter.

As Patty was still a schoolgirl, she could not be considered as "out,"
but of course on occasions like the present, such formalities made little
or no difference.

"Now, my dear," said Mr. Banks to Ethel, "if you and Miss Fairfield will
hasten your toilettes a little, we will have time for a ride on the board
walk before dinner." This pleased the girls, and in a short time they had
changed their travelling clothes for pretty light-coloured frocks, and
went downstairs to find Mr. Banks waiting for them on the verandah. He
explained that the Allens would not go with them on this expedition, so
the three started off. As t