hat you can't afford to lose."

"That's a new idea to me, papa," said Patty, "but I see what you mean and
I know you are right. However, there's little chance of my investing in
silver at present, for I can just as well use Nan's."

"Of course you can," said Nan, heartily; "and whenever you want to have
company, or a party of any kind, you've only to mention it, and not only
my silver, but my servants and my own best efforts are at your disposal."

"That's lovely," said Patty, "and I would love to have parties and invite
the schoolgirls and some of the boys, but I can't take the time now. Why,
I couldn't spare an evening from my studies to entertain the crowned
heads of Europe."

"Nonsense," said Mr. Fairfield, "you mustn't work so hard, Puss; and
anyway you'll have to spare this evening, for I asked Hepworth to drop
in, and I think two or three others may come, and we'll have a little
informal housewarming."

"Yes," said Patty, dubiously, "and Kenneth said he would call this
evening, and Elise and Roger may come in. So, as it's Friday evening,
I'll see them, of course; but after this I must study every evening
except Fridays."

A little later on, when a number of guests had assembled in the
Fairfields' drawing-room, Patty looked like anything but a bookworm, or a
pale-faced student. Her eyes danced, and the colour glowed in her pretty
face, for she was very fond of merry society, and always looked her
prettiest when thus animated.

She and Elise entertained the others by quoting some bits from the school
play, Nan sang for them, and Kenneth gave some of his clever and funny
impersonations.

Mr. Hepworth declared that he had no parlour tricks, but Patty asserted
that he had, and she ran laughing from the room, to return with several
large sheets of paper and a stick of drawing charcoal. Then she decreed
that Mr. Hepworth should draw caricature portraits of all those present.
After a little demurring, the artist consented, and shrieks of laughter
arose as his clever pencil swiftly sketched a humorous portrait of each
one.

"It's right down jolly," said Kenneth to Patty, "your having a big house
of your own like this. Mayn't I come often to see you? Mrs. Nan is so
kind, she always has a welcome for me."

"You may come and accept her welcome whenever you like," said Patty, "but
I can't promise to see you, Ken, except Friday evenings. Honestly, I
don't have one minute to myself. You see, we rehearse the play
af