to herself, exultantly. "I've lined that
hat, and, if I do say it that shouldn't, it's done perfectly; neat,
smooth, and correct in every particular."

While Patty was indulging in these self-congratulatory thoughts, Miss
O'Flynn took the hat from her hand. She gave it a quick glance, then she
looked at Patty.

Had Patty looked more meek, had she seemed to await Miss O'Flynn's
opinion of her work, the result might have been different.

But Patty's expression was so plainly that of a conquering hero, she
showed so palpably her pride in her own achievement, that Miss O'Flynn's
eyes narrowed, and her face hardened. Without a word to Patty, she handed
the hat to a sad-eyed young woman at another table, and said:

"Line this hat, Miss Harrigan."

"Yes, ma'am," said the girl; and even as Patty watched her, she began to
snip deftly at Patty's small, careful stitches, and in a few moments the
lining was out, and the girl was shaping and cutting a new one, with a
quick, sure touch, and with not so much as a glance in Patty's direction.

The other girls,--the ones at Patty's table,--looked horrified, but they
did not look openly at Patty. Furtively, they darted glances at her from
beneath half-closed lids, and then as furtively glanced at each other.

It all struck Patty humorously. To have her careful work discarded and
snipped out, to be replaced by "skilled labour," seemed so funny that she
wanted to laugh aloud.

But she was also deeply chagrined at her failure, and so it was an
uncertain attitude of mind that showed upon her face as Miss O'Flynn
again approached her.

Without making any reference to the work she had already done, Miss
O'Flynn gave Patty a hat frame and some thick, soft satin.

"Cover the frame neatly, Miss Fairfield," was all she said, and walked
away.

Patty understood.

It was her own independent and assured attitude that had led Miss O'Flynn
to pursue this course. She didn't for a moment think that all beginners
were treated like this. But she had asked to be given a fair trial--and
she was getting it.

Moreover, she half suspected that Miss O'Flynn knew she was not really
under the necessity of earning her own living.

Though wearing her plainest clothes, all the details of her costume
betokened an affluence that couldn't be concealed.

Astute Patty began to think that Miss O'Flynn saw through her, and that
she was cleverly getting even with her.

However, she took the hat frame and t