Today, Patty, in a chic little suit of tan cloth, with a white silk blouse and a crimson tie, sat in the swing, disconsolately poking into the earth with her patent leather shoe tip.
“I’m sorry, Patty girl,” and Big Bill looked regretfully at her. “But you see, the contract with the servants expires tomorrow, and they are all anxious to get away. You know, I’ve staid longer than I intended, now——”
“Yes, ’cause I begged you to,” and Patty smiled at him. “Now if I beg you some more, will you stay some more?”
“In a min-nit! if I possibly could. But it’s un-possible. You know I just came up for a few days to ratify the papers of transference and see to some business matters, and I’ve all sorts of important duties beckoning to me with both hands.”
“But if I beckon to you with both hands——”
Patty held out her pretty hands, and slowly beckoned with each slender forefinger.
“Don’t tempt me, you little witch. You know I’d do anything in this world for you, that didn’t conflict with duty——”
“Wouldn’t you conflict your duty—for me,—Little Billee?”
Patty’s voice was wheedlesome, and her face was very sweet.
“My duty, yes, Patty.” Bill looked stern. “But my duty to others,—no.”