“Oh, he doesn’t know about the promise. But what else can I do, Little Billee? I can’t break a promise made to a dying woman, and—too—I like Phil——”
“Like isn’t enough,” said Farnsworth, sternly. “Do you love him, Patty?”
“I—I guess so——” she stammered, a little frightened at his vehemence.
And at that very moment Philip Van Reypen appeared.
“Hello, Peaches,” he said gaily to Patty. “How do, Farnsworth? And how’s our interesting invalid today?”
“I’m fine,” returned Patty. “Getting better by the minute. ’Spect to go out coasting soon. Better get your sleds ready, we may have snow any day——”
Patty was babbling on to cover a certain constraint in the attitude of the two men. But almost immediately, Farnsworth took his leave, gently declining Patty’s plea to stay longer.
“Let him go,” said Philip, as the street door closed behind Bill; “I want to see you alone. See here, Patty, what’s this about a promise to Aunty Van?”
“Who told you?”
“Your father. Sent and asked me to come to his office, so I went, and he told me the whole story. You poor little girl! I’m so sorry it happened, and I’ve come to ask you to forgive Aunty Van. She was all wrong to do such a thing, but honestly, she was actuated by right motives. She loved you so, and she loved me, and she was so sure we were made for each other. I’m sure of that, too,—but if you’re not, you’re to say so, and not think you’re bound by a promise to anybody.”