“Patty!” cried Farnsworth, his blue eyes lighting up with sudden joy; “do you mean that?”
“No, I never mean anything! Of course, I don’t mean it,—but if I did, I’d say I didn’t.”
“Patty Pink and White! you little scamp! if you tease me like this, how do you suppose I’m ever going to tear myself away to catch that midnight train to Boston?”
“Why, you can’t get that, Little Billee! it’s too late, now!”
“No, it isn’t; and beside, I must make it.” He looked at his watch. “I’ve just exactly two minutes longer to stay with you.”
“Two minutes is a long time,” said Patty, flippantly.
“Yes, it is! it’s just long enough for two things I have to do.”
“What have you to do?” asked Patty, wonderingly, looking up at him, as they stood alone in the hall.
Farnsworth’s strong face wore a determined look, but his blue eyes were full of a tender light, as he answered:
“Two very important things,—Apple Blossom,—this,—and this!”