“Now, now, you’re not to talk of ‘your case’! You promised not to.”
“With thee conversing, I forget all—promises!” misquoted Philip.
“Well, you mustn’t, or I’ll send you packing! Thank goodness, here comes Nan; now will you behave yourself?”
Mrs. Fairfield came in from out-of-doors, and drew near the blazing log fire.
“Well, children, what are you discussing so seriously?” she began; “Philip, my friend, if you please, will you push that bell and let us have lights and some tea. I’ve been to three committee meetings and I’m just about exhausted. Where’s Billee-boy, Patty?”
“I’m afraid he won’t be here until after dinner. He said it was unlikely he could come before.”
“Well, try to bear it, Patty. Can’t Philip beguile you for a time?”
“Yes, he’s a great little old beguiler, Phil is!” and Patty smiled at her guest.
“Of course I am,” declared Van Reypen. “I can beguile the birds off the trees,—but not Miss Patricia Fairfield, when she is waiting for her big Little Billee. Howsumever, I’ll do my best. Do I gather that I’m asked to dinner in place of the absentee?”
“You are not!” replied Patty, promptly, but Nan said, “Why, yes, Phil, stay. I’ll entertain you, if Patty won’t.”