“That’s too far in the future even to think of,” said Patty, “and besides, I must get my father married and settled, before I can think of myself.”
She wagged her head at Nan with a comical look, and they all laughed.
It was a great joke that Patty’s father should be about to marry her dear girl friend. But Patty was mightily pleased at the prospect, and looked forward with happiness to the enlarged home circle.
“The trouble is,” said Patty, “I don’t know what to call this august personage who insists on becoming my father’s wife.”
“I shall rule you with a rod of iron,” said Nan, “and you’ll stand so in awe of me, that you won’t dare to call me anything.”
“You think so, do you?” said Patty saucily. “Well, just let me inform you, Mrs. Fairfield, that is to be, that I intend to lead you a dance! You’ll be responsible for my manners and behaviour, and I wish you joy of your undertaking. I think I shall call you Stepmamma.”
“Do,” said Nan placidly, “and I’ll call you Stepdaughter Patricia.”
“Joking aside,” said Patty, “honestly, Nan, I am perfectly delighted that the time is coming so soon to have you with us. Ever since last fall I have waited patiently, and it seemed as if Easter would never come. Won’t we have good times though after you get back from your trip and we get settled in that lovely house in New York! If only I didn’t have to go to school, and study like fury out of school, too, we could have heaps of fun.”
“I’m afraid you’re studying too hard, Patty,” said Mrs. Allen, looking at her young guest.
“She is, Mother,” said Nan, “and I wish she wouldn’t. Why do you do it, Patty?”