“That sounds plausible, Mrs. Van Reypen,” and Nan shook her head; “but it is not so easy. You, of course, see them together often, but Patty goes to many parties where Philip is not invited, or if he is there, where she is escorted by some one else.”
“That’s just it!” and the old lady’s tone was vibrant with enthusiasm; “we must see to it that she is invited everywhere first by Philip, and then she can’t accept these other invitations.”
Nan smiled at the thought of thus ordering headstrong Patty’s engagement calendar, but she only said, “I’m sure if you can accomplish this, I shall be but too glad. For I, too, want to see Patty happily married. I am in no haste for the event to occur, but I would like to rest assured that her choice will be a wise one, and one that will mean her lifelong happiness.”
“All that would be insured by her betrothal to Philip,” and Philip’s aunt looked complacent. “And I am sure the dear girl would be willing to say yes to him, if she were convinced that it was time for her to make a choice. Will you not, both of you, do all you can to bring this about?”
“With pleasure,” said Mr. Fairfield, “but, as my wife says, it is not easy to force or coerce my daughter.”
“Oh, not force or coerce! Have you people no idea of diplomacy? Of strategy, even, if necessary?”
“Just how may diplomacy be directly employed?”
“Principally, perhaps, by inducing propinquity. The more they are together, the more they will care for one another. Though to be sure, Philip is deeply in love with Patty, now. He has, I am sure, asked her to marry him already.”
“Then if he has, and she has refused him,” said Nan, “what more can we do?”
“Refused him? Nothing of the sort! She hasn’t accepted him, of course, or we would know of it; but you know how girls, nowadays, play fast and loose with a man, if they are sure of his devotion. Indeed, if Philip could be persuaded to slight Patty a little, now and then, it would soon pique her into an acceptance. But he will never do that,—I know him too well. Philip is a dear boy, but a straightforward nature, with no thought of trifling or deception. No, we must devote our efforts toward Patty’s attitude, not Philip’s. He is all right as he is. If Patty will consent to marry my nephew, I am considering making her my heiress.”