“Oh,” said Patty,—“oh!” Realising the beauty of the whole effect, even Floyd Austin refrained from making his nonsensical speeches, and all sat silent and absorbed, as the gondoliers plashed their oars.
“Sing, Patty,” said Nan, at last.
“Yes, do,” said everybody, but Patty said:
“No, that would be out of the picture. Ask the gondoliers to sing.”
“No,” said Peter Homer, quietly. “You sing first, Patty, and then we’ll have them sing a barcarole.”
“I’d do anything to hear them sing a barcarole. What is it? It sounds like something to eat.”
“Patty!” cried Flo, “don’t talk of eating in this enchanted place!”
“Well, I won’t,” said Patty, good-naturedly. “What shall I sing?”
“Some pretty little sentimental thing,” suggested Floyd. “Soft and low, you know.”
“I don’t know much sentimental music,” said Patty, “but I’ll sing Secrets.”