“Very well,” she said; “it is closed. As a matter of explanation, let me say that my interest in the thing is a legitimately financial one. Mr. Stengel gives me a fair commission on the young ladies I persuade to join his chorus. As I am self-supporting, this means something to me. Moreover, I am personally fond of Miss Fairfield, and I am sorry not to have achieved the triumph of her consent. But since it is impossible, I can only bid you all good evening.”
With the air of an offended queen, Maude Kent swept from the room, and the Fairfield chauffeur took her back to her home.
“Patty, you everlasting little goose!” said Fred Fairfield as he took his daughter in his arms, “forget it! There’s no harm done, and nobody need ever know how foolish you were. Your bubble’s burst, your air castle is in ruins, but your old father is still here to look after you, and laugh with you over your ridiculous schemes. Now, forget this one and start another!”
CHAPTER XII
MIDDY
“Whither away, Patty?” asked Nan, as Patty came downstairs one bright morning in late October, hatted and gowned for the street.
“I’m going out on multifarious errands. First, I shall make a certain florist I wot me of, wish he had never been born. What do you think? I ordered pink chrysanthemums and he sent yellow? Could villainy go further? And then I’ve some small shopping to do. Any errands?”
“No, unless you stop in at the photographer’s and see if my pictures are done.”
“All right I will. By, by.”
Patty got into the big car, with its open top, and drew in long breaths of the crisp autumn air.