“You may stay here if you choose, instead of going with us, Patty,” said her father. “I didn’t realise it would be such a wrench for you and your friends.”
“No, thank you,” said Patty, decidedly. “The longer I stay, the more painful would be the wrench,—and I’ve no notion of losing my Italian trip, anyway.”
“That’s the right way to look at it,” said Austin, approvingly, “and cheer up, the fatal blow is yet to fall. I, too, am going to Italy in a few weeks, and I’ll meet you on any Rialto you say.”
“Are you really?” exclaimed Patty, pleased at the prospect. “Won’t that be gay, father? And Lady Hamilton and her father are going later too. We can have a reunion. Won’t you come, Flo?”
“I wish I could,” said the girl, and Mr. Fairfield said heartily:
“I shall be more than glad to welcome any of Patty’s friends, wherever we meet them. When are you starting, Mr. Austin?”
“I’m not sure yet, Mr. Fairfield. Perhaps in two or three weeks. Keep me posted as to your whereabouts, and I’ll find you somehow.”
“Do. We are going direct to Rome, and shall stay there for a time before we begin a series of other cities.”
“Are you going to Milan?” asked Cadwalader Oram.
“Yes, later,” said Mr. Fairfield, and Patty said, “Why?”