e such a successful imitation of it, that I consider myself
justified," he returned. "And, anyway, it was only a little bit of a
butterfly kiss, and it doesn't really count."

"No," agreed Patty, rather relieved, "it doesn't count."

"But it counts that I have found you," went on Philip. "You know the
rest of the story, after the Prince kissed the Sleeping Beauty?"

"She had to go to the Country Club ball with him," said Patty,
laughing, as she danced away from him. "Be careful, Philip; we'll wake
baby May. Come on downstairs."

"I found her," announced Philip, somewhat unnecessarily; "and I was a
blooming idiot not to know she was there all the time!"

"You sure were!" said Roger, when he heard the story. "Did you get a
good rest, Patty?"

"Yes; only it was interrupted so soon," and Patty returned Philip's
meaning glance with a saucy smile.

"Well," Roger went on, "now you two will have to go to the masquerade
together. I suppose you'll go as Jack and Jill?"

"No," said Philip, "I think fairy tales are much prettier than Mother
Goose rhymes. We're going as the Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, and the
Fairy Prince. Only, of course, the Sleeping Beauty will be awake for
the occasion. Shall I bring up your costume when I return next week,
Patty?"

"I might like to have a voice in deciding on the part I shall take,"
said Patty, with a show of spirit.

"But you _did_ decide it! I never should have thought of appearing as
'Prince Charming,' if you hadn't----"

"That will do, Philip!" said Patty, turning very pink.

"Go on, Phil!" cried Roger. "If she hadn't what?"

"If she hadn't said I'd look so sweet in a light blue satin coat,"
replied Philip, pretending to look confused.

"Oh, pshaw! She didn't say that," declared Roger. "And beside, you
won't!"

"Oh, yes, he will," said Patty. "Those court suits are lovely,--all
silver lace and cocked hats! Oh, Philip, do wear one of those! And
I'll write to Nan, to get me a costume. What are you going to wear,
Mona?"

"But we mustn't tell!" said Adele, in dismay. "This is a masquerade,
not merely a fancy dress ball."

"Oh!" said Patty. "Then we'll have to change our plans, Philip. The
Sleeping Beauty game is all off!"

"Only for the moment!" And Philip threw her a challenging glance.

CHAPTER XIV

A PROPOSAL

It was after midnight when the Christmas guests went away, and Patty
declared her intention of going to bed at once.

"I coasted and danced and p