lise never thought of questioning his authority,
so again they all bundled into the car, and started homeward.

"I ought to go right home," said Clementine.

"Oh, come round for a cup of Christmas tea," said Roger, "and I'll take
you home in half an hour."

So the Morses consented, and the six merry young people had tea under the
Christmas tree, and told stories by the firelight, and laughed and
chatted until Clementine declared she must go, or she'd never get back in
time for the dance.

"What are you going to wear, Patsy?" asked Elise, as they went upstairs,
arm in arm.

"I've a new frock, of course. Did you think I'd come to your dance in one
I'd worn before? Nay, I hold Miss Farrington in too high esteem for
that!"

"Well, scurry into it, for I'm crazy to see it. If it's prettier than
mine, I won't let you go down to the ballroom!"

"It won't be," returned Patty; "don't worry about that!"

But when the two girls were dressed, Patty's frock, though not so
expensive, was quite as attractive as Elise's.

Patty's was of apricot-coloured satin, veiled all over with a delicate
thin material of the same shade. A pearl trimming encircled the slightly
low-cut throat and the short sleeves. It was very becoming to pretty
Patty, and she knew herself that she had never looked better.

Elise's gown was of white silk, draped with silvered lace. It was lovely,
and suited Elise's dark hair and eyes, and really both girls were
pictures. But Patty's face was sunny and happy, while Elise's red mouth
drooped in a little curve of discontent.

The girl was discontented by nature, and though she had everything that
heart could wish, she was never brimming over with content and happiness,
as Patty always was.

The dance was in the tennis court, where a smooth crash had replaced the
snowy floor of the Christmas Eve celebration. The Christmas tree still
stood there, as it formed a beautiful decoration for that end of the
ballroom.

It was not a large party, for Mrs. Farrington would not allow Elise to
act like a young lady out in society. About thirty young people were
asked, and the hours were from nine till twelve.

But the music was of the finest, and as Patty's favourite amusement was
dancing, she had a most enjoyable time.

An exquisite dancer, she was, of course, besieged by partners, but in her
merry, wholehearted way, she treated them all alike, showing favouritism
to none, and dancing with less desirable partners a