“Not exactly reform it,” said Patty, smiling back at him; “reform has such a serious sound. But I do want to make it brighter and better.”
“That’s a good phrase, too,” observed Mr. Hepworth, still teasingly. “But, Patty, you do make the world brighter and better, just by being in it.”
“That’s too easy; and, anyway, I expect to remain in it for some several years yet; and I want to do something beside just be.”
“Ah, well, you can doubtless find some outlet for your enthusiasms.”
“What she really wants,” said her father, “is to be an operatic star.”
“And sing into phonographs,” added Nan, mischievously.
“Yes,” smiled Patty, “and have my picture in the backs of magazines!”
“That’s right,” said Mr. Hepworth, “aim high, while you’re about it.”
“I can aim high enough,” returned Patty, “but I’m not sure I can sing high enough.”
“Oh, you only need to come high enough, to be an operatic star,” said Mr. Hepworth, who was in merry mood to-day.