“Perhaps it won’t be for long, dearest. Things look a little as if I may make only a short trip, and return soon with my reports.”
“Ahem!” said a voice loudly and repeatedly outside the half-closed door. “May I come in?”
“Come along, Rose,” laughed Patty. “I’ll share my last interview with you!”
“Oh, Captain Farnsworth isn’t going right off, is he?”
“No, not today,” returned Bill. “But of course, there’s no telling how soon it may be.”
“I want you tonight for a little party,” Rose went on. “I find I can get Lieutenant Van Reypen and Helen Barlow over and I’m asking a few more. I think in these days of unrest we must have a bit of relaxation when we can.”
“I’m with you,” said Farnsworth, heartily; “I can come, I’m sure, unless something sudden and unexpected turns up. Count on me, Mrs. Barrett. But I must run away now, for I’ve an immediate appointment.”
“Isn’t he a darling!” Rose exclaimed, as she and Patty watched the military figure stride down the street.
“Oh, he is! Sometimes I fear I’m not grateful enough for the love and devotion of such a wonderful man!”
“Naughty girl! ‘Down on your knees, and thank Heaven, fasting, for a good man’s love,’ as Friend Shakespeare puts it. Now, run away and get a beauty-nap, so you’ll be chipper tonight. I’m going to have quite a party, I can tell you!”