“It’s a whole lot easier,” said Lank Van Winkle. “Lets you out of a lot of study.”
“And gives you equally good results,” said Mr. Homer. “A short cut and a merry one, is my creed, to knowledge or across a street, or wherever possible.”
“You don’t seem to pursue that plan in your twenty-volume book,” said Patty, smiling.
“Oh, my book? That’s intended for other people, so I can’t consult my own inclinations in the matter. But when I’m away on my wanderings and wonderings, I try to forget those twenty volumes, and pretend I’m entirely carefree.”
“That’s right,” said Mr. Van Winkle, approvingly; “when you take a vacation, take it thoroughly. That’s what I’m doing. I’ve forgotten that I have a business office in the United States, and I’ve become, temporarily, a Roman citizen. Are you staying at this hotel, Mr. Homer?”
“No; my fate decrees an humbler home. But I’m comfortably housed only a few blocks away, and I shall hope to see you all again. Now, I must pursue my wanderings, as I have an engagement shortly. By the way, Miss Fairfield, did you know your friend Floyd Austin is on his way here?”
“Really?” said Patty; “how delightful. We can have a Roman reunion, for Miss Carrington is coming too.”
“Yes, I know it. And Caddy Oram is with Austin. We must have a meeting of the clan soon.”
“We will,” said Patty; “I’ll invite you all to tea as soon as Flo arrives, and we’ll have a lovely time.”
“Don’t you always have a lovely time?” asked Peter Homer, as he said good-by to Patty.