ok
at the beautiful old house. Herenden Hall was always a splendid picture,
but especially at night, backgrounded by a gray sky full of racing
clouds, and touched at every gable by the silver moonlight, it was
enchanting.

"Oh," said Patty, drawing a sigh, "it is the most wonderful effect I ever
saw. See that great, quiet roof sloping darkly away, and beneath, the gay
lights of the terrace, and the laughter of happy people."

"It is a beautiful picture," said Lord Ruthven, looking steadily at
Patty, "but not so beautiful as another one I see. A lovely face framed
in soft, shining curls, against a background of dark cedar trees."

His tone, even more than his words, alarmed Patty. She was not used to
such speeches as this, and she said, gravely: "Take me back to the house,
please, Lord Ruthven."

"Not just yet," pleaded the nobleman. "Dear Miss Fairfield, listen to me
a moment. Let me tell you something. Let me justify myself. I oughtn't to
talk to you like this, I know--but the fact is--oh, the fact is you've
completely bowled me over."

"What?" said Patty, not at all comprehending his meaning.

"Yes; I'm done for--and at first sight! And by an American! But it's a
fact. I adore you, Miss Fairfield--I'm so desperately in love with you
that I can't down it. Oh, I know I oughtn't to be talking to you like
this. I ought to see your father, and all that. And I will, as soon as I
can, but--oh, I say, Patty, tell me you like me a little!"

It suddenly dawned on Patty that she was having a proposal! And from an
English Earl! And all on account of her grown-up gown! The absurdity of
it impressed her far more than the romantic side of it, and though a
little frightened, she couldn't help smiling at the Earl's tragic tones.

"Nonsense, Lord Ruthven," she said, though her cheeks were pink; "don't
talk like that. Please cut me that lovely cluster of roses, and then take
me back to Lady Hamilton."

The Earl drew a penknife from his pocket, and cut the flowers she asked
for. Then he stood, trimming off the thorns, and looking down at her.

Patty had never looked so winsome. Her garb made her seem a grown woman,
and yet the situation alarmed her, and her perplexed face was that of a
troubled child.

"Tell me," he repeated, "that you like me a little."

"Of course I like you a little," returned Patty, in a matter-of-fact
voice. "Why shouldn't I?"

"That's something," said the Earl, in a tone of satisfaction, "and now
wi