“On deck,” said Patty, laughing at Christine’s blank expression and changing the subject with promptness and dexterity.
CHAPTER VI
THE AWARD
Patty was in high spirits. It was the twentieth of April, and it was almost time for the postman to call on his afternoon round. The two Farringtons and Kenneth were present, and all eagerly awaited the expected letter, telling the result of the Prize Contest.
“Just think,” said Patty, “how many anxious hearts all over this broad land are even now waiting for the postman, and every one is to be disappointed, except me!”
“I believe you enjoy their disappointment,” said Elise.
“You know better, my child. You know I hate to have people disappointed. But, in this case, only one can win. I’m glad I’m that one, and I’m sorry for the others.”
“S’pose you don’t win,” observed Roger; “what will you do?”
“There’s no use s’posin’ that, for it can’t happen,” declared Patty, turning from the window, where she had been flattening her nose against the glass, in a frantic endeavour to catch a first glimpse of the belated postman.
“But, just for fun,” urged Kenneth, “just for argument’s sake, if you didn’t get that prize, what would you do?”