“I know, Patty; I know, dear. Why, I’m as well acquainted with the conventions as you are. Do you suppose I want you to do anything not absolutely correct? But the Farringtons will come directly. They started later than we did, and the increasing depth of snow may make them longer on the road. But they’re sure to come.”
Phil’s air of conviction reassured Patty, and she turned to the great blazing fire again, with a sigh of contentment. There were two or three Club members about, but save for those and the liveried footmen here and there, the place was deserted.
Helen, thoroughly warm, jumped from her seat and went about looking at the various attractive rooms.
“A wonderful library!” she said, returning from her tour of investigation; “I could be happy there all day, just looking at the picture papers and books.”
“So could I,” said Patty, “if we had somebody with us. Why didn’t we bring Nan? That would have made everything all right!”
“Mona’s sure to come soon,” comforted Helen. “Let up, Patty, you make me tired with your fussing.”
Good-naturedly, Patty “let up” and said no more for the moment.
“Hello, people!” called a cheery voice, and a big figure in uniform came swinging in.
“Mr. Herron!” cried Helen, running forward to greet him. “I’m so glad you came! Did you come in your airship?”
“I wish I could have done so, for the going on the ground is something awful. This is sure one fierce storm!”