"Wretch! As if I had a glimmer of a trace of a vestige of that deadly sin!"
The girls were very busy during the last few days of Patty's stay in Lakewood. There were many matters to attend to in connection with the approaching wedding. Also, Patty had become a favourite in the social circle and many parties were made especially for her.
And the day before their departure, Elise gave a little farewell tea, to which were bidden only the people Patty liked best.
The Blaneys were there, and, capturing Patty, Sam took her from the laughing crowd and led her to a secluded alcove of the veranda. It was a pleasant nook, enclosed with glass panes, and filled with ferns and palms.
"Sit thee down," said Blaney, arranging a few cushions in a long low wicker chair.
"I'm glad to," and Patty dropped into the seat. "I do think teas are the limit for tiring people out."
"You oughtn't to waste yourself on teas. It's a crime," and Blaney looked positively indignant.
"What would be the proper caper for my indefatigable energy?"
"You oughtn't to be energetic at all. For you, just to be, is enough."
"Not much it isn't! Why, if I just be'd, and didn't do anything else, I should die of that extreme bored feeling. And, it isn't like you to recommend such an existence, anyway."