“Well, I asked him to delay you, on purpose.”

“You did? You little rascal! Why, that was downright dishonesty! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”

“Yes, I am,” said Patty, hanging her head, and looking like a lovely penitent. “Can you ever forgive me?”

“No, I never can!” Van Reypen’s tone was very stern, and Patty was amazed at the serious way he took what she thought was a joke.

“Oh, truly! can’t you forgive me?”

“No! I never shall!” and he glared into Patty’s upturned face with an expression so savage that it suddenly dawned on Patty that he was fooling, after all!

With a beseeching glance and a drooping curve to her lips, Patty then murmured, in low tones, “Can’t you ever forgive me,—Philip?”

“Patty! Of course I can! And there’s nothing to forgive, you little rogue! But now you’re going to call me Philip, all the time, aren’t you?”

“I thpothe I am,” said Patty, foolishly, and in an idiotic tone, and then they both giggled.

“And now can you be entertaining?” asked Patty, briskly; “and not just sit up and remark that it is a charming day?”