and Patty had begun to
fear he would not come at all.

"What are you looking at?" asked Philip Van Reypen, as Patty continued
to glance over her shoulder toward the hall, while they were dancing.

"Nothing," was the non-committal answer.

"Well, then, you may as well look at me. At least, I'm better than
nothing."

"_Much_ better!" said Patty, with exaggerated emphasis; "_ever_ so
much better! Oh, say, Philip, take me over to the hall, will you?"

"What for? This dance has just begun."

"Never mind!" said Patty, impatiently. "Lead me over that way!"

Patty turned her own dancing steps in that direction, and when they
reached the hall, there was Big Bill Farnsworth, smiling at her.

"This is what I was looking for!" said Patty, gaily. "Run away now,
Philip. Little Billee can only stay a minute, and we'll finish our
dance afterward."

Van Reypen was decidedly annoyed, but he didn't show it, for he knew
Patty's caprices must be obeyed. So he bowed politely, and walked
away.

"He's mad as hops," said Patty, calmly; "but I had to see you for a
few minutes, if you're really going on that midnight train. Are you,
Little Billee?"

"Yes, Apple Blossom, I am. I've time for just one turn round the room.
Will you dance?"

For answer, Patty put her hand in his, and they waltzed slowly round
the room.

"You are the busiest business man I ever saw," Patty said, pouting a
little.

"Yes, I _am_ very busy just now. Indeed, matters are rapidly coming to
a crisis. It was only because I suddenly found that I must be in
Boston to-morrow, that I could stop here to-day. And if matters turn
out to-morrow as I hope they will, I must start back immediately to
Arizona. But some day I hope to be less hurried, and then----"

"And then?" asked Patty.

"Then I hope to live in New York, and learn good manners and correct
customs, and make myself fit to be a friend of yours."

"Oh, Little Billee, you _are_ a friend of mine."

"Well, something more than a friend, then. Patty,--I _must_ ask
you,--are you engaged to Van Reypen?"

"Goodness, no!" and Patty flashed a glance of surprise.

"Then, Patty, mayn't _I_ hope?"

"That's a question I _never_ know how to answer," said Patty,
demurely; "if you mean that I'm to consider myself bound by any sort
of a promise, I most certainly won't!"

"No, I don't mean that, dear, but,----well, Patty, won't you wait?"

"Of course I'll wait. That's exactly what I mean to do for years and
yea