But she reproached herself for such a feeling toward one who had not only been kind and polite but had helped them out of a real predicament.
By way of salving her conscience, she assumed a kinder manner, and gently readjusted the fur stole.
“What a dear girl you are!” said Mrs. Doremus, in a burst of admiration. “I don’t wonder Little Billee loves you.”
Patty stared at her in astonishment.
“You do know Captain Farnsworth, then!” she exclaimed, “or how would you know he is called that by his intimate friends?”
The chaperon looked confused.
“I think I have heard you call him that since you’ve been here.”
“Indeed you haven’t! I never speak of him that way to strangers!”
“Come, come, Patty, don’t get wrathy!” said Philip, smiling at the lifted chin and tossed head.
“No, I won’t,” and Patty realised her own foolishness. “Forgive me, Mrs. Doremus, I suppose I’m a silly young thing. But you see, I’ve never been engaged before and I’m a little fussy about it!”