s to tease me, and unless I am positively cross to him he never
lets up. But he is really devoted to me, and, I assure you, he scarcely
noted your presence at all."

"Of course not," said Patty, with great difficulty restraining a burst of
laughter. "No one could dream of Mr. Philip Van Reypen observing a
companion." Patty did not mean this for sarcasm; she desired only to set
Mrs. Van Reypen's mind at rest, and then the subject of Philip was
dropped.

Soon after breakfast Mrs. Van Reypen conducted Patty to a pleasant
morning room, and asked her to read the newspaper aloud.

"And do try to read slower," she added. "I hate rapid gabbling."

Patty had resolved not to take offence at the brusque remarks, which she
knew would be hurled at her, so, somewhat meekly, she took up the paper
and began.

It was a trying task. If she read an account of anything unpleasant she
was peremptorily stopped; if the news was dry or prosy, that was also cut
off short.

"Read me the fashion notes," said Mrs. Van Reypen, at last.

So Patty read a whole page about the latest modes, and her hearer was
greatly interested.

She then told Patty of some new gowns she was having made, and seemed
pleased at Patty's intelligent comments on them.

"Why, you have good taste!" she exclaimed, as if making a surprising
discovery. "I will take you with me this afternoon when I go to Madame
Leval's to try on my gowns."

"Very well," said Patty. "And now, Mrs. Van Reypen, I'm sure there's
nothing more of interest in the paper; what shall I do next?"

"Heavens! Miss Fairfield, don't ask such a question as that! You are here
to entertain me. I am not to provide amusement for you! Why do you
suppose I have you here, if not to make my time pass pleasantly?"

Patty was bewildered at this outburst. Though she knew her duties would
be light, she supposed they would be clearly defined, and not left to her
own invention.

But she was anxious to please, and she said, pleasantly:

"I think that's really what I meant, but I didn't express myself very
well. And, you see, I don't yet quite know your tastes. Do you like fancy
work? I know a lovely new crochet stitch I could show you."

"No; I hate crocheting. The wool gets all snarled up, and the pattern
gets wrong every few stitches."

"Then we'll dismiss that. Do you like to play cards? I know cribbage, and
some other games that two can play."

"No; I detest cards. I think it is very foolish to sit an