CHAPTER XIII
A NOBLE SOLDIER
THE Fairfields were to leave Rome for Florence at ten o’clock in the morning, and Flo and Snippy were to go with them. Patty’s regret at leaving Rome was somewhat lessened by her father’s promise that they should return there for a week or two after visiting Florence and Venice.
“For you know, Father,” she said, “I really ought to come back here and brush up my memories of Roman history, before going back home.”
“Yes,” agreed Mr. Fairfield, “particularly as your knowledge of Roman history is confined to picnics in the Forum, lunches on the Palatine, and tearooms on the Spanish Steps.”
“Well, I do know a few important facts about the Roman Emperors; and if I get them mixed up, that’s because there were so many of the Emperors and so few of me.”
“You’re a frivolous puss, Pattykins, but as you’re on a pleasure trip, I don’t suppose you can take time for useful information.”
“But that’s just what I do get. Dusty, musty, fusty knowledge about the inner workings of the Roman Empire isn’t a bit useful to a great, big girl like me. And the varied bits of information that I pick up with both hands as I go along will cheer and amuse me all my life.”
“I believe you’re right, you wise child. You know how to have a good time, anyway, and I’m glad of it. Now, run along, and say your good-bys to that flock of young people waiting for you.”
Patty was all ready to start on their journey, and her travelling costume of blue Rajah silk that just matched her eyes was both appropriate and becoming. Her straw hat was trimmed with blue roses, which, though not of Nature’s tint, were most harmonious, and she wore a long filmy blue veil, which was a characteristic article of her attire.