“Oh, cut it out! I’d do heaps more than that for you, if I only had the chance! Fly now, for you must know how impatient I am to go and talk to my new beau, Mr. Farrington.”
So, after an embrace that was hearty enough at least to indicate her gratitude, Patty flew.
CHAPTER XIX
PHILIP’S PICNIC
On Patty’s return she found the veranda almost deserted. Christine and Mr. Hepworth, Elise and Mr. Van Reypen had gone down to the beach. Mr. Fairfield had gone to the city, and Nan was chatting with Kenneth.
“Ducky stepmother of mine,” said Patty, as she wound her arm around Nan’s neck, “if you don’t want to monopolise this young man, I’d like to borrow him for a short time.”
“You may take him, Patty,” said Nan, with a resigned sigh. “But I suppose you know you will leave me alone in a cold world! Your father has gone to New York.”
“But, Nan, you ought to have some time to yourself. Solitude is an awfully good thing once in a while. Don’t you sort of feel the need of it now?”
“Yes, I think I do,” said Nan, laughing; “so you may have Kenneth for a while. What are you going to do with him?”
“Take him for a spin,” said Patty, “Come on, Ken.”