“It’s kind of you to say so, Lady Van, and I do appreciate and greatly value your affection for me. I wish I could do something to show my love in return, and if you decide to go into this scheme of yours, call on me for any help I can give.”
“Thank you, dear. But, Patty, there is another way in which you could greatly please me,—if you—but I think you know.”
Patty did know what was coming, but she affected ignorance. “’Most any way, Lady Van, I’m glad to please you, but I think this Orfling Home plan the most feasible and practicable. When shall us begin?”
“But I’m not thinking of that just now. Patty, you dear girl,—don’t you—can’t you bring yourself to care for Philip?”
“Oh, I do care for Phil. I care for him a lot. We’re the greatest chums. He’ll help us with the new scheme, won’t he?”
“But I mean to care for him, especially. The way he cares for you.”
“Now, dear Lady Van, let’s not discuss that today. I’m so busy getting this matter of Milly fixed up, I can’t turn to other topics. Don’t you think it would be nice for me to get a sort of wardrobe together for her, before she goes to Mrs. Colton’s?”
“No. I think it would be ridiculous! Mrs. Colton has plenty of means, and she has taste and knows what is right and proper for the child far better than you do. Give the baby a parting gift if you like—I’ll give her one myself. I’ll give her a silver porringer. She’s ’most too big for a porringer, but she can keep it for an heirloom. The one I mean to give her is an old Dutch one of real value. But, Patty, as to Philip.”
“Not now, please, Lady Van, dear,” and Patty put her fingers to her ears.
“Well, some other time, then. But, Patty, if you could learn to care for my boy, I’d—I’d make you my heir.”