Mr. Snowden looked first amazed, and then he burst into laughter.
“I beg your pardon, I’m sure,” he said, “but I had no idea! And so Lady Hamilton is your chaperon? I see. Of course. Well, we’ll have the stroll just the same, if you will, and we’ll ask her to go with us.”
“Isn’t she the dearest thing?” exclaimed Patty, looking at Lady Kitty across the table, and feeling much more at her ease now that she had confessed her position.
“She is a beautiful and charming woman,” agreed Mr. Snowden.
And then it was time for Patty to turn back to Mr. Merivale, for she had learned that one must divide the time fairly between dinner neighbors.
“I didn’t offend you, did I?” said young Merivale, eagerly. “You turned so quickly—and—and you—er—blushed, you know, and so I was afraid—er——”
But Patty was of no mind to confess the fewness of her years to everybody, and her mischievous spirit returned as she determined to chaff this amusing young man.
“What!” she said, reproachfully, “an Englishman, and afraid!”
“Afraid of nothing but a fair lady’s displeasure. All true Englishmen surrender to that.”
“I’m not displeased,” said Patty, dimpling and smiling; “in fact, I’ve even forgotten what you said.”