“That’s so,” and Patty looked greatly relieved. “Say, Nan, when can you tell him?”
“Oh, I can’t do it. I’ll get your father to. He’s the proper one, anyway.”
“Yes, I guess he is,” sighed Patty. “Oh, what do poor little girls do who haven’t such kind parents? And now I wonder if it isn’t time for my beef tea!”
CHAPTER XX
BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE
It was the next afternoon that Farnsworth called. He had not seen Patty since the day she was so very ill, but he had telephoned or called every day to inquire after her. Today he was allowed to see her, and as he entered the library, his face was radiant with sunny smiles.
Patty looked up, smiling too, and held out her hands in greeting. From the lace cap that crowned her hair, to the tips of her dainty slippers, she was all in white, and her pale face and waxen hands made her look so like an angel that big, strapping Bill held his breath as he looked at her.
“Are you really there?” he asked; “are you fastened to earth? I somehow feel afraid you’ll waft off into the ether, you look so ethereal.”
“No, indeed! I’m here to stay. I’ve a pretty strong liking for this old world and I’ve no desire to flee away just yet.”
“Good! It’s great to see you again,” and Farnsworth took a seat beside her. “I’m thinking you’ll be getting out of doors soon.”