“Of course I will. Send for one now, if you say so.”
“No, I can manage for tonight. She is resting quietly now. She is bright and cheery, you understand, but she is weak, and the disease has a strong hold on her.”
“Patty, what a dear girl you are!” Philip spoke in a fine, honest, manly way, and Patty thrilled at his so sincere praise. “You are one in a thousand! Indeed, I’m sure there never was another like you.”
“Go ’way wid yer blarney,” laughed Patty, a least bit embarrassed because she knew it was not mere blarney.
“It’s the truth, dear, and you know it. Oh, Patty, wouldn’t it be nice if you lived here all the time?”
“So I could take care of Lady Van?” and her light laugh rang out.
“Yes, and so you could take care of me. I need taking care of,—that is, I need you to take care of me.”
“Why, Philip, you’re the most capable person I know. You can take care of yourself.”
“Well, then, I wish you lived here so I could take care of you. Would you like that, you little Colonial Dame?”
“I’m pretty independent. I’m not sure I’d take kindly to being taken care of.”