The four who wanted to walk to the beach had already started, leaving the two senior Fairfields and Patty and Mr. Van Reypen on the veranda.
“It’s perfectly heavenly to get away from the city, and down to this beautiful, quiet, peaceful spot,” said Philip Van Reypen, as he seated himself on the veranda railing, and leaned against a pillar.
“Is your life in the city so full of strife that you welcome peace?” asked Patty, smiling.
“Oh, the city itself is full of strife,” returned Van Reypen; “isn’t it, Mr. Fairfield?”
“Yes; compared to the seashore, it certainly is. This expanse of blue ocean is much more peaceful and calm than a scene in Wall Street, for instance.”
“Yes, that’s what I mean; and to get down here and just bask in the calmness and peace is a great delight to me. It was awfully good of you people to ask me.”
“We like to have you here,” said Nan, smiling at the young man’s frank and heartfelt gratitude.
“And I think it’s good of you to come,” said Patty; “for you must have lots of invitations to grander houses than this.”
“My child,” said Philip Van Reypen, looking at her, gravely, “it is not the grandeur of a house that attracts me; it’s the grandeur of the people. And I think you people are just grand! But, tell me, how do you like the motor car which you won by such strenuous exertion?”
“Which you helped me to win,” said Patty. “I never could have won it without your help. And to think you haven’t seen it! Come out to the garage now, and take a look at it. I’ve never seen it by moonlight myself; and I know it must look lovely.”