“Bill Farnsworth! Oh, I can’t think he would.”
“Well, Patty herself said to me that Farnsworth said she was good-looking enough, and then, somehow, she got mixed up with a singing-person of some sort, who used to be an actress. Farnsworth knew her in San Francisco, I believe. And she infatuated Patty to such an extent that——”
“I never heard such nonsense! Why hasn’t Patty told me all this?”
“That’s just the point. If there were nothing to it, she would have told you. That’s why I fear she has taken the notion seriously.”
“I can’t think it yet. I’ll ask her when she comes home.”
“I’m not sure that would be wise. Why don’t you wait, and see if she does anything in the matter. Elise Farrington said that a manager had asked to see Patty regarding the subject.”
“A manager!” Nan fairly gasped. “Why, this is awful! What would her father say?”
“But wait a minute, let’s look at the thing rationally. You know how susceptible Patty is to a new idea or a new influence. I think this ex-actress had bewitched the child, and to chide her would only make her more determined to stand by her new friend. Why not deal more diplomatically. Watch Patty, and if she does anything queer or inexplicable, follow it up, and see what it means. Of course, you know, Mrs. Nan, that I’m actuated only by honest interest in Patty’s welfare.”
“Oh, I know that, Philip; and I’m very glad you came to me with this story first. Perhaps it won’t be necessary to speak of it to Mr. Fairfield, at least, not yet. He’s busy, and a little bothered just now with some business matters; and if I could straighten out this foolishness without letting it worry him, I’d be glad.”
“We’ll do it,” and Phil spoke heartily. “We’ll save that little goosie from herself. Of course, you know, I worship the ground she walks on, and I’m going to win her yet. You think I’ve a chance, don’t you?”