"What's your favourite flower, Patty?" asked Farnsworth.
"Sunflowers, but nobody ever sends me any. I just get old orchids and things."
"Poor kiddy! I wish I could get a sunflower or two for you. But I fancy, at this season of the year, they're about as scarce as blue roses."
"'It is but an idle quest, Roses red and white are best,'"
sang Patty, with a smile at Big Bill.
"Do you know that?" he asked, interestedly. "I never heard you sing it."
"Oh, it's one of her best songs," cried Elise; "sing it now,
Patty,—you'll have time before the chocolate comes."
"Too much bother," said Patty; "we'd have to go in the music room and all. I'll sing it for you some other time, Little Billee."
"All right," he responded, carelessly, and again Patty felt a slight chagrin that he cared so little about the matter.
Other people drifted in, as the young folks were apt to do at tea time, and then the chocolate arrived, and Patty found herself provided with a welcome cup of her favourite beverage.