"To be sure," bitterly. "Was it while I have been living at home?"
"No; when the rumor came that you were coming."
He shrugged expressively. "I ought to have known."
"But come; you are up here to be cheered, not lectured. Let us play billiards. I can hear John and Kate playing now. We'll play sides; and if we win against those two, I promise to call you Richard once a day while you are up here. Or, would you rather I played and sang?"
"Much rather," brightening up a bit. "There is always time to play billiards. But first, I want you to come with me into the reading-room. I have something to show you; I had almost forgotten."
"The reading-room?" puzzled.
"Yes. Will you come?"
She nodded her assent, and the two entered the house. Warrington, having arrived at the writing-desk, bade her sit down. He had an idea. Patty sat down.
"I want you to write something for me," he said, pushing the pen and tablet toward her.
"What's the matter with your hand?" she demanded.