“You tell her,” said Sir Otho, smiling at his daughter. “I haven’t the courage.”
“I’ll explain later,” said Lady Hamilton. “But now, I want to enjoy the beauties of this grand old place. Is this the celebrated apartment where the fortune was hidden?”
“Yes,” said Patty, who had written to Lady Kitty about the matter. “And here is the old chimney-piece.”
“You can imagine, Lady Hamilton,” said Mrs. Hartley, “the deep debt of gratitude we are under to our dear Patty.”
“You must be, indeed. But I know Patty is quite as glad that she made the discovery as you are yourselves.”
The rest of the morning was devoted to showing the visitors about the place. Sir Otho was greatly interested in the plans for the restoration of the gardens, and both he and Lady Kitty were enraptured with the historic treasures of the old house. After luncheon, Lady Hamilton unfolded her plans to Patty.
“I have been in correspondence with Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield,” she said, “and we’ve concluded that we must have Patty back with us again. She has been very happy here, I know, but she has made you a long visit, and I’ve really been sent down here to kidnap her.”
Patty smiled, but the others didn’t. Mrs. Cromarty and Mrs. Hartley looked truly sorry, and Mabel had to struggle to keep her tears back.
“You are right,” said Mrs. Cromarty, at last. “We have enjoyed having Patty here more than I can tell you. But we must not be selfish. I know her parents have been writing for her to go to them, and it is wrong for us to urge her to stay here.”
“But I don’t want Patty to go away,” said Mabel, and now she was really crying.