It surely was, and though the last quarter hour of waiting seemed longer than all the rest, at last the big ship was in front of them, and swinging around in midstream. They could see the Fairfields clearly now, but not being within hearing distance, they could only express their welcome by frantic wavings of hands, handkerchiefs, and flags. But at last the gangplank was put in place, and at last the Fairfields crossed it, and then an enthusiastic and somewhat incoherent scene of reunion followed.
Beside Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Kenneth Harper, Roger and Elise Farrington were there to meet the home-comers, and the young people seized on Patty as if they would never let her go again.
“My! but you’ve grown!” said Kenneth, looking at her admiringly; “I mean you’re grown-up looking, older, you know.”
“I’m only a year older,” returned Patty, laughing, “and you’re that, yourself!”
“Why, so I am. But you’ve changed somehow,—I don’t know just how.”
Honest Kenneth looked so puzzled that Elise laughed at him and said:
“Nonsense, Ken, it’s her clothes. She has a foreign effect, but it will soon wear off in New York. I am glad to see you again, Patty; we didn’t think it would be so long when we parted in Paris last Spring.”
“No, indeed; and I’m glad to be home again, though I have had a terribly good time. Now, I suppose we must see about our luggage.”
“Yes,” said Roger, “you’ll be sorry you brought so many fine clothes when you have to pay duty on them.”
“Well, duty first, and pleasure afterward,” said Kenneth. “Come on, Patty, I’ll help you.”