The other girls had gone to luncheon, so the two were alone in the room. Patty knew that Miss O’Flynn was telling her the truth, and yet she resented it. A red spot burned in each cheek as she answered:
“But the hat is covered perfectly. What matter, then, whether I have been taught or not?”
“Excuse me, it is not covered perfectly. The stitches are too small——”
“Too small!” exclaimed Patty. “Why, I didn’t know stitches could be too small!”
The other smiled. “That is my argument,” she said. “You don’t know. Of course stitches should be small for ordinary sewing, and for many sorts of work. But not for millinery. Here long stitches are wanted, but they must be rightly set,—not careless long stitches.”
“Why?” said Patty, somewhat subdued now.
“Because a better effect can be produced with long stitches. You see, your stitches are small and true, but every one shows. With a skilful long stitch, no stitch is seen at all. It is what we call a blind stitch, and can only be successfully done by skilled workers, who have been taught, and who have also had practice.”
Patty was silent a moment, then she said:
“Miss O’Flynn, we agreed that I was to have a day’s trial.”
“Yes, Miss Fairfield; I will stand by my word.”