"Well, it isn't!" declared Patty. "I may have a wedding some day, but
that's in the far, far future; why, I'm only just entering society,
and when I'm married, I suppose I shall leave it. I expect to have
heaps of fun between this and then."

The programme for the occasion was an afternoon reception, from four
o'clock until seven. This was really Patty's debut. A dinner at eight
was to follow, to which were invited about a dozen of her dearest
friends, and after this would be a dance, to which a goodly number
more were asked.

"You ought to have time for an hour's rest, Patty," said Nan, as she
drew the girl away from a last look at the beautiful flowers, and took
her up to her room.

"Well, I haven't, little steppy-mother. It will be just about all Miss
Patricia Fairfield can do to get into her purple and fine linen by
four o'clock p.m., and methinks you'd better begin on your own glad
toilette, or you'll be late yourself."

"Was I _ever_ late?" asked Nan, scornfully, and as Patty responded,
"never anything but," she ran away to her own room.

However, four o'clock found all the members of the reception party in
their places.

Patty looked adorable in soft white chiffon, untrimmed, save for some
fine lace round the slightly low-cut neck. She wore a string of small
but perfect pearls which her father had given her for the occasion,
and she carried a beautiful bouquet of orchids, which was Nan's gift.

Patty had never looked prettier. Her rose-leaf cheeks were slightly
flushed with excitement, and her big violet eyes were bright and
sparkling. Her golden hair, which was really unusual in texture and
quantity, was dressed simply, yet in a manner very becoming to her
small, prettily poised head. On her brow and temples it rippled in
natural ringlets, which gave her piquant face a charming, childish
effect. Patty was certainly a beauty, but she was of such a sweet,
unspoiled nature, and of such simple, dainty manners, that everybody
loved her.

Her father looked at her rather thoughtfully, half unable to realise
that his little Patty had really grown up and was taking her place in
society. He had no fears for her, he knew her sweet nature too well;
but he was earnestly hoping that she was starting out on a life of
happiness and well-being. Though healthy and moderately strong, Patty
was not of a robust constitution, and there was danger that too much
gaiety might result in a nervous breakdown. This, Mr. Fairfi