"If I run away then, to save my life, will you telephone me to-night?"
"Indeed I won't! that's all over. But please, Mr. Cameron, run away, for here comes Philip, with both hands full of soup, and I know he wouldn't hesitate to scald you with it."
Mr. Cameron arose, as Mr. Van Reypen came in, and with an air of willingly relinquishing his seat to Philip, he said, "My Girl's Orders."
Philip didn't hear it, but Patty did, and she blushed, for Cameron's departure that way showed greater deference to her wishes than if he had stayed with her.
"What did he say?" Philip asked, as he offered Patty a cup of bouillon, and then sat down beside her.
"He said you were such a sweet-tempered man, he didn't wonder I liked you," and Patty beamed pleasantly.
"I would be sweet-tempered, Patty, if you didn't tease the very life out of me!"
"Now, Philip, you wouldn't be much good if you couldn't stand a little teasing."
"Go ahead, then; tease me all you like," and Van Reypen looked the personification of dogged endurance.
"I will!" said Patty, emphatically, and then some others joined them, and the group began to laugh and talk together.