“What a libel, Daddy! Was I ever dull?”
“No, but there must be a first time for everything.”
“Well, it won’t be while I’ve you and my vivacious stepmother for travelling companions.”
And truly it didn’t seem so. Nan and Patty fell to chattering, until Mr. Fairfield had difficulty in getting in a word edgewise. At last he took refuge in a newspaper, and finally fell asleep, while the loquacious two chattered on. They had not been much together while Patty had the younger girls about, and as they were really very good chums, they had much to talk over.
It seemed but a short trip, and before they knew it they were in Naples.
“I know I shall hate this place,” said Patty, in tones of firm conviction. “It’s the dirtiest and beggariest town in all Italy.”
But as they started in an open cab for their hotel, Patty changed her mind.
“I don’t see any dirt,” she said. “They must have swept lately. And not a beggar has begged yet.”
The driver pointed out the places of interest as they went along, and Patty’s admiration steadily increased.