“Then let’s be impolite, just for this once. Do tell me, daddy.”
“You embarrass me exceedingly, young lady,” said Mr. Fairfield, smiling at her, “for, to tell you the truth, I haven’t bought you anything.”
“Oh, I’m so glad!” exclaimed Patty, “for, father, I want to ask you a great favour. Won’t you give me the money instead, and let me spend it as I like?”
“That would be a funny Christmas gift. I thought you liked some pretty trinket, tied up in holly paper and red ribbons and Santa Claus seals, and served to you on a silver salver.”
“Well, I do, from other people. But from you, I just want the money that my present would cost, and—I want it now!”
“Bless my soul! She wants it now! Why, Patsy, what are you going to do? Buy stock?”
“No, but I do want it, father. Won’t you give it to me, and I’ll tell you afterward what I’m going to do with it.”
“I’ll tell you now,” said Nan, smiling at the pair. “She’s going to put it in the bank, because she’s afraid she’ll be poor some day.”
“I don’t wonder you think that, stepmothery,” said Patty, her eyes twinkling at Nan, “for I did tell you so. But since then I’ve changed my mind, and though I want my present from father in cash, I’m going to spend it before Christmas, and not put it in the bank at all.”
“Well, you are a weathercock, Patty. But before morning you will have changed your mind again!”