"Now don't get ruffled, little one; my train goes in twenty minutes. You're going to the station to see me off, and then Barker will take you on to the Country Club to join the rest of them. You won't be half an hour late!"
This wasn't a VERY dreadful outlook, so Patty smiled again.
"Why stay in this queer place?" she said. "Why not go out on the veranda?"
"No; there are eleven hundred servants bobbing up everywhere! Here I can have you all to myself long enough to make you answer one question. Apple Blossom, will you marry me?"
"No, sir; thank you," and Patty blushed, but looked straight into
Farnsworth's eyes.
"You mean it, don't you?" he said, returning her gaze. "And why not, little girl?"
"Because, Billee, I don't want to marry anybody,—at least, not for years and years. I like you AWFULLY,—and I appreciate all your kindness, and your,—your liking for me——"
"Don't say liking, sweetheart; it's love,—deep, true, BIG love for you,—you little sunbeam. Oh, Patty, CAN'T you?"
"No, Little Billee, I can't,—but,—but I DO like to have you love me like that!"
"Then I shall WAIT, dear!" and Bill's voice was full of triumphant gladness. "If you like to have me love you, I can hope and believe that some day you'll love me. You ARE too young, dear, you're just a little girl, I know."