“Not till you’re an experienced airman,” returned Patty, gaily, and then Bill realised what was meant.
“Patty!” he said, severely, “you are never to go in an aeroplane,—I forbid it!”
He spoke far more sternly, even harshly than he meant to, for the bare idea of her so risking her life appalled him, and with the added awfulness of her going up with Van Reypen, Little Billee felt indeed aghast.
“No?” said Patty, pouting a little; “oh, but I want to!”
“Never! Understand? It is an order!”
The positiveness of Farnsworth’s commands was quite softened by the sweetness of his tone, but Patty was perverse, and she replied, “I shan’t promise.”
“Oh, yes, you will, dear,—you’ll promise because I ask it.”
Farnsworth stepped nearer to her, and with one hand raised her chin until her gaze met his. His strong, loving glance conquered, and won by the deep love she saw in his eyes, Patty said, simply, “I promise.”
“That’s all right,” and Bill smiled at her, needing no reiteration or reassurance. Her simple word was sufficient.
Van Reypen said nothing, but he gave Patty a quizzical glance.