Patty turned her own dancing steps in that direction, and when they reached the hall, there was Big Bill Farnsworth, smiling at her.
“This is what I was looking for!” said Patty, gaily. “Run away now, Philip. Little Billee can only stay a minute, and we’ll finish our dance afterward.”
Van Reypen was decidedly annoyed, but he didn’t show it, for he knew Patty’s caprices must be obeyed. So he bowed politely, and walked away.
“He’s mad as hops,” said Patty, calmly; “but I had to see you for a few minutes, if you’re really going on that midnight train. Are you, Little Billee?”
“Yes, Apple Blossom, I am. I’ve time for just one turn round the room. Will you dance?”
For answer, Patty put her hand in his, and they waltzed slowly round the room.
“You are the busiest business man I ever saw,” Patty said, pouting a little.
“Yes, I am very busy just now. Indeed, matters are rapidly coming to a crisis. It was only because I suddenly found that I must be in Boston to-morrow, that I could stop here to-day. And if matters turn out to-morrow as I hope they will, I must start back immediately to Arizona. But some day I hope to be less hurried, and then——”
“And then?” asked Patty.
“Then I hope to live in New York, and learn good manners and correct customs, and make myself fit to be a friend of yours.”