“Had to come. Aunty telephoned for me.”
“Oh!”
Then Mrs. Van Reypen awoke.
“Who’s here?” she cried out. “Oh, Philip, you!”
She heartily kissed her nephew, and then rang for lights and tea.
“Miss Fairfield,” she said, not untimidly, but with decision, “you are weary and I’m not surprised at it. Go to your room and rest until dinner time! I will send your tea to you there.”
“Yes, Mrs. Van Reypen,” said Patty, demurely, and, with a slight impersonal bow to Philip, she left the room.
“Oh, I say! Aunty Van!” exclaimed the young man, as Patty disappeared, “don’t send her away.”
“Be quiet, Philip,” said his aunt. “You know you don’t like her, and she needs a rest.”
“Don’t like her!” echoed Philip. “Does a cat like cream? Aunty Van, what’s the matter with you, anyway? Who is she?”