what he said to me."

"Patty, you're incorrigible. I don't know what to say to you. But I hope
your parents won't blame me for this."

"Of course they won't, Kitsie. You see it was an accident. A sort of case
of mistaken identity. I don't mind it so much now that it's over, but I
was scared stiff at the time. Only it was all so funny that it swallowed
up my scare. Now I'll tell you the whole story."

So Patty told every word that the Earl had said to her during the
evening, in the ballroom and on the terrace. And Lady Hamilton listened
attentively.

"You were not a bit to blame, dear," she said, kindly, when the tale was
finished. "I don't think you even flirted with him. But it's truly
extraordinary that he should speak so soon."

"It was on the spur of the moment," declared Patty, with conviction. "You
know, moonlight and roses and a summer evening have a romantic influence
on some natures."

"What do you know of a romantic influence, you baby. Hop along to bed,
now, and get up in the morning your own sweet, natural self--without a
thought of Earls or moonlight."

"I will so," said Patty; "I didn't like it a bit, except that it was all
so funny. Won't Nan howl?"

"She may, but I'm afraid your father will be annoyed. You know you're in
my care, Patty."

"Don't you worry. I'll tell Daddy all about it. And I rather guess it
will make him laugh."

CHAPTER IX

AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

It was the custom at Herenden Hall to serve morning tea to the guests in
their rooms.

When Patty's tray was brought, she asked to have it taken into Lady
Hamilton's room, and the two friends chatted cosily over their toast and
teacups.

Lady Kitty, with a dainty dressing-jacket round her shoulders, was still
nestled among her pillows, while Patty, in a blue kimono, curled up,
Turk-fashion on the foot of the bed.

"It's a gorgeous day," observed Patty, stirring her tea, which she was
trying to sip, though she hated it. "I'll be glad to explore that lovely
rose garden without horrid old moonlit Earls."

"It's a wonderfully fine place, Patty; you really must go over the
estate. I'll show you round myself."

"Thank you," said Patty, airily, "but I believe I have an engagement. Mr.
Snowden, or Snowed on, or Snowed under, or whatever his name is, kindly
offered to do that same."

"Yes, and he'll kindly withdraw his offer when he sees you in your own
rightful raiment. I've a notion to put you in a pinafore, and give