“No, I can’t stay to-night, Patty, dear. Will you go skating to-morrow?”

Patty hesitated. She wanted to go, but also she wanted to get at that “occupation” of hers, for she had a new one in view.

She was about to say she would go skating, however, when she saw a twinkle in her father’s eye that made her change her mind.

“Can’t, Elise,” she said. “I’ve an engagement to-morrow. Will telephone you some day when I can go.”

“Well, don’t wait too long; the ice will be all gone.”

Then the young people went away, and Patty went thoughtfully upstairs to her room to dress for dinner.


CHAPTER XI

A BUSY MORNING