"I haven't asked to be forgiven," and Patty shot him a saucy glance; "but," she added, shyly, "I'm truly glad you do forgive me. I was a pig!"
"So you were. A Poppycheeked piggy-wig! But with me, what is forgiven is forgotten. And, by the way, you dance fairly well."
"So I've been told," returned Patty, demurely. "And I find I can get along with you."
This sounded like faint praise, but each knew that the other appreciated how well their steps suited each other and how skilful they both were.
Van Reypen and Ken Harper stood where Patty had left them, for a moment, as they watched their hoped-for partner dance away.
"There's no use getting mad at that child," said Ken, patiently; "she
WILL do as she likes."
"Well, after all, why shouldn't she? She's a reigning belle, and she's a law unto herself. But she has a lot of sense inside that golden curly head."
"Yes," returned Kenneth, "and not only sense, but a sound, sweet nature. Patty is growing up a coquette, but it is only because she is beset by flattery; and, too, she IS full of mischief. She can't help teasing her suitors, as she calls them."
"She can tease me all she likes," said Van Reypen, somewhat seriously, and Kenneth answered simply, "Me, too."
Next morning, Patty told Nan all about Mr. Cameron, and that gay little lady was greatly interested in the story.