“Well, that’s a good trait to have, then. It’s what Mr. Hepworth calls steadfastness of purpose.”
“Yes; they’re about the same thing. And I’m glad you have it; it’s what won the car for you.”
“That, and my helpful friends.”
“Oh, the helpful friends were incidental, like text-books or cyclopædias. I truly congratulate you, Patty, girl, on your real success in this instance. But I also ask of you not to go into anything of such a public nature again, without consulting me first.”
“All right, Father Fairfield, I promise.”
And then they were at home again, and the luncheon hour was enlivened by Patty’s descriptions to Nan of her wonderful new toy.
“Are you going to give it a name, Patty?” Nan asked, after hearing of its glories.
“Yes; but not until after I’ve used it. I can’t tell, you see, just what sort of a name it needs until I try it. And, Nan, let’s do a little shopping this afternoon. I want a new motor-coat, and a few other trifles, to live up to the appearance of that thing of beauty.”
The shopping was done, some marvellous motor-apparel was purchased, and then, the next day, the departure from New York was made.
They reached “The Pebbles” in mid-afternoon, and the ocean and sky were a glowing mass of blue and white and gold.