"I fancy YOU, if that's what you mean," Kit replied, and Patty gave him a haughty glance for his impertinence.
Then Babette put on Patty's coat, which was a really gorgeous affair. It was what is known as a Mandarin coat, of white silk, heavily embroidered with gold, and very quaint she looked in it.
"That thing must weigh a ton," commented Kit. "Why do you girls want to wear Chinese togs?"
"It's a beautiful coat," said Mrs. Perry, admiringly. "Have you been to
China, Miss Fairfield?"
"No; I never have. This was a Christmas present, and I'm awfully fond of it. I'm afraid I'm barbaric in my love of bright, glittering things."
"A very civilised little barbarian," said Mr. Perry, and then they all went off to the ball.
"How many may I have?" said Kit, as he took Patty's programme from her hand after they were in the ballroom.
"As I don't know any one else, I shall have to dance them all with you and Ken," returned Patty, demurely.
"Never mind Harper; give them all to me."
Patty looked at him calmly. "I'll tell you what," she said: "you put down your initials for every dance; then, if I do find any partners I like better, I'll give them dances; and, if not, you see I'll have you to depend on."