ve been in correspondence with Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield," she said,
"and we've concluded that we must have Patty back with us again. She has
been very happy here, I know, but she has made you a long visit, and I've
really been sent down here to kidnap her."

Patty smiled, but the others didn't. Mrs. Cromarty and Mrs. Hartley
looked truly sorry, and Mabel had to struggle to keep her tears back.

"You are right," said Mrs. Cromarty, at last. "We have enjoyed having
Patty here more than I can tell you. But we must not be selfish. I know
her parents have been writing for her to go to them, and it is wrong for
us to urge her to stay here."

"But I don't want Patty to go away," said Mabel, and now she was really
crying.

"I know you don't, dearie," said her mother. "But I see it as Grandma
does, and I think we must let her go. Perhaps some time she'll come
again."

"Oh, I hope so," said Patty, smiling through the tears that had gathered
in her own eyes. "You've all been so good to me, and I've had such lovely
times."

The question once settled, Lady Hamilton went on to say that she proposed
to take Patty away the next day. Of course this redoubled Mabel's woe,
but Lady Kitty was firm.

"It would be just as hard to spare her a week hence," she said. "And
then, who would take her to London? If she goes with us to-morrow, we
will keep her with us for the rest of our motor tour--about a week--and
then reach London about the first of July. After that Patty and I will
join Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield in Switzerland, and go on to do some further
travelling."

Although Patty was sorry to leave Cromarty, this plan did sound
delightful, and she was glad that it was all settled for her, and she had
no further responsibility in the matter.

Lady Hamilton had a genius for despatch, and she superintended the
packing of Patty's clothes and belongings that same afternoon. Except for
the luggage needed on the motor-tour, everything was to be sent to Lady
Kitty's home in London, and Patty had to smile, as she realised that her
present temporary home was the great house where she had so daringly
braved the irascible Sir Otho.

There was a daintily furnished room in the Markleham house that had been
set aside for Patty's very own, and whenever she cared to she was invited
to occupy it.

When the boys came home that afternoon and heard the news, they set up a
wail of woe that was both genuine and very noisy.

No one could help admiring L