CHAPTER XIV
A GREAT SUCCESS
Patty always declared afterward, that Chick hypnotised her, and that she never would have done it, had she been in her right mind.
But, on the spur of the moment, carried away with the spirit of the thing, knowing that it was then or never, and taunted by the “dare,” Patty stepped up on the low chair, and said, “People Dear” before she realised what she was about. Then, like a flash, an acute realisation of what she had done, came over her, followed with lightning-like swiftness by the knowledge that she must go on. To go on was the only possible justification for having gone so far. So, go on, she did.
“Dear People, listen a minute. This is unconventional and all that, I know,—but just hark. Here is a little girl, a beautiful and well-born child, for somebody’s adoption. Who wants her? Surely among all of you there is some woman-heart who could love this dear baby enough to give her a home. Look at her! Is she not charming? And as bright and affectionate as she is pretty. Kiss your hand to the people, Milly.”
Milly always obeyed the slightest wish of her beloved Patty, and with the most adorable smiles, and coy glances from her big, dark eyes, she blew kisses from her tiny fingertips.
“Now love Mr. Chick,” went on Patty, shaking in her shoes, lest this might try Channing’s endurance beyond its limit.
But he was game, and when Milly’s dimpled arms went round his neck and she laid her soft cheek against his hair, and crooned a few little love notes, the audience applauded with delight.
“You see,” went on Patty, “this baby is homeless. I want to give her to a kind, wise and loving woman. No others need apply. I will say no more now, but any one who is interested may speak to me about it either here and now, or at my home. I will tell all particulars to any one who wants the baby, and will be the right mother for her.”
Flushed with the excitement of the moment, Patty made a deprecating little bow, and stepped down from the low chair.