“Sorry I’m late,” said a cheery voice, and Philip Van Reypen joined them.
“Oh! how do you do?” cried Patty, jumping up to greet him. “Miss Farley, may I present Mr. Van Reypen? I think the rest are all acquainted.”
There were general greetings all round, and then Philip took his place with the rest.
“My aunt is here,” he said, to Patty. “A little later, perhaps, she wants to meet Miss Farley.”
“So she shall,” said Patty, remembering Miss Van Reypen’s offer to help Christine in some way. “Will you have tea?”
“Will I have tea?” echoed Philip. “That’s exactly what I’m here for. Please, yes.”
“Then here you are,” said Patty, handing him a cup; “and, incidentally, do you know how a bookworm goes through a book?”
“Ugh! what an unpleasant subject,” said Elise, with a shrug of her shoulders. “Patty, do talk of something else.”
“I can’t,” said Patty, solemnly; “I must know about the manners and customs of a well-conducted bookworm.”
“Do you mean a real bookworm, or a studious person?” asked Mr. Hepworth, who often took Patty’s questions very seriously.