managed. And you are very generous, Mr.
Fairfield, but I can't say I have much hope of Patty's success."

"'Patty's success' is always a foregone conclusion," said that young
woman, saucily; "and now, at last, I have an aim in life! I shall begin
to-morrow,--and we'll see!"

The others laughed, for no one could take pretty Patty very seriously,
except herself.

"But don't tell anybody," she added, as the doorbell rang.

They all promised they wouldn't, and then Elise and Roger came in to
bring New Year's greetings, and the conversation took a lighter and
merrier turn.

CHAPTER VII

DEPARTMENT G

Alone in her own room that same night, Patty thought out her great
project. She was not at all doubtful of her success, she was only
choosing among the various methods of earning money that occurred to her.

All were easy, and some of them even seemed delightful occupations.

"Father is an angel," she thought to herself; "a big, splendid angel. He
knew I could do my part easily enough, and he only made it a stipulation
because he didn't want to shoulder the whole affair outright. He wanted
me to feel I had a hand in it. He's so tactful and dear. Well, I'll do my
part so well, he'll have nothing to complain of. Then I'll get Nan to
write to the girl, and invite her here for a few days or a week. Then I
rather guess we can gently persuade her to accept the goods the gods
provide."

Considering the matter as settled, Patty went to sleep and dreamed
happily of her coming triumphs as a wage-earner.

"Do you go to business to-day, Miss Fairfield?" asked her father, at the
breakfast table.

"Yes, Mr. Fairfield. That is, I shall occupy myself with my--with my
occupation."

"Indeed! that is logical, at any rate. Would it be indiscreet to inquire
the nature of said occupation?"

"It would be not only indiscreet, but useless, for I decline to tell. But
it is work I shall do at home. I've no desire to enter an office. And,
you don't need a stenographer, anyway, do you?"

"No, and if I did, I shouldn't take you. You're too young and too
self-assured,--not desirable traits in office work."

"I may get over them both," said Patty, smiling at him.

"You probably will," said Nan, "before you've succeeded in this
ridiculous scheme you've undertaken."

"Now, Nannikins, don't desert Mr. Micawber in that cruel fashion," Patty
flung back, gaily; "the game's never out till it's played out, you know;
and this game isn't