e they would see pretty
Patty.

After dinner they all assembled on the terrace, and the other guests,
arriving later, joined them there.

But the soft beauty of the summer evening seemed to intensify the spirit
of sadness, and all were glad to hear the strains of a violin coming from
the great hall.

Bob had sent for two or three musicians, and soon the young people were
spinning around in the dance, and merriment once more reigned.

Always a popular partner, Patty was fairly besieged that night.

"I can't," she said laughingly, as the young men gathered around to beg
her favours; "I've halved every dance already; I can't do more than
that."

"Don't halve this one," said Tom Meredith, as he led her away for a
waltz. "I must have all of it. Unless you'll sit it out with me on the
terrace."

"No, thank you," said Patty. "I'd rather dance. I don't suppose I'll find
another dancer as good as you all summer."

"I hate to think of your going away," said Tom. "You almost promised me
you'd stay here all summer."

"I know. But I'm not mistress of my own plans. They're made for me."

"And you're glad of it," said Tom, almost angrily. "You're glad you're
going away from here--to go motoring in Switzerland, and all sorts of
things."

"Don't be so savage. It isn't surprising that I'm glad to go away from
any one as cross as you are."

Tom had to smile in return for Patty's laughing tones, and he said more
gently:

"I don't mean to be bearish, but I wish you weren't going. I--I like you
an awful lot, Patty. Truly I do."

"I'm glad of it," said Patty, heartily, "and I like you too. After
Sinclair and Bob, you're the nicest boy in England."

"There's luck in odd numbers," said Tom, a little ruefully, "so I'm glad
I'm number three. But I'd like to be number one."

"Well, you're a number one dancer," said Patty, as the music ceased, and
with that Tom had to be content.

And now the hour was getting late and the young people began to go home.

It was really an ordeal for Patty to say good-bye, for she had many
friends among them, and they all seemed truly regretful to part with her.

But after they had gone, and only those staying in the house remained,
another surprise was in waiting for Patty. They were gathered in the
great hall, talking over for the last time the mystery of the hidden
fortune, and Patty's clever solution of it.

"And now," said Sinclair, "I've a little speech to make."

He went and stood on