“What did Lieutenant Herron want, Patty?”
“Me.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I say. He actually had the nerve to tell me he admired me. I thought of sending for you and offering you as a substitute. But truly, Bumble, honey, he isn’t a reliable citizen. He’s—well, we won’t say it out loud,—but he isn’t our sort.”
“I know it. I know a lot about him. But did he really dare lift his eyes to you, Patty?”
“He really did. You see a soldier is of necessity a brave man, and it seems Lieutenant Herron is one of the bravest.”
“Brave! He’s a blind bat, if he thinks you’d look at him twice!”
“Or once even. You see my heart and hands are full with the one man in the world for me, and Mr. Herron’s sentiments are not even interesting to me. And now, my dearest cousin, if you’ll take your departure, I’ll compose myself to await my visitor. Sit still, my fluttering heart!”
CHAPTER XVII
PATTY AND BILL
Watching from the window, Patty saw him coming and in a moment the big man had gathered the dainty little figure into his arms.