“No, indeedy! It’s made up to stay this time. So give me the money like a duck of a daddy, won’t you?”
Patty was very wheedlesome, as she caressed her father’s cheek, and smiled into his eyes.
“Well, as you don’t often make a serious request, and as you seem to be in dead earnest this time, I rather think I shall have to say yes.”
“Oh, you dear, good, lovely father!” cried Patty, embracing him. “Will you give it to me now, and how much will it be?”
“Patty,” said Nan, laughing, “you’re positively sordid! I never saw you so greedy for money before.”
Patty laughed outright. Now that she had gained her point she felt in gay spirits.
“Friends,” she said, “you see before you a pauper,—a penniless pauper! Therefore, and because of which, and by reason of the fact that I am in immediate need of money, I stoop to this means of obtaining it, and, as aforesaid, I’d like it now!”
She held out her rosy palm to her father, and stood waiting expectantly.
“Only one hand!” exclaimed Mr. Fairfield, in surprise. “I thought such a grasping young woman would expect both hands filled.”
“All right,” said Patty, and she promptly extended her other palm, too.