t, big tears
formed in her eyes, and a sob that she tried in vain to suppress shook
her whole body.

She felt Farnsworth's arm go protectingly round her. Not caressingly,
but with an assurance of care and assumption of responsibility.

Then, he pulled off the glove from his other hand with his teeth, and
after a dive into a pocket, produced and shook out a big, white,
comforting square of soft linen, and Patty gratefully buried her face
in it.

CHAPTER XV

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

"Much obliged, Billee," Patty said, at last, as she handed back a
somewhat damp handkerchief, and Farnsworth stuffed it in his pocket.
"Where are you taking me?"

"Where do you want to go?"

"Back where you brought me from, please."

"Well, you can't go there. Will you go home, or to the Farringtons'?"

A quick side glance at the stern face beside her showed Patty that
there was no chance of her going back to the Blaneys', so she said,
with great dignity, "I'll go to Elise's, then. But I want you to
understand that I resent your treatment, that I detest you for using
your strength to interfere with my pleasure, and that I absolutely
sever all friendship or acquaintance with you, now and forever!"

"Bad as that? Well, well, you _must_ be annoyed."

"Annoyed! _annoyed_! why, I----"

"There now, Posy Face, quiet down a bit, we're almost at the house.
You don't want to go in looking like a--a weeping willow! You'll spoil
the effect of that red frock, if your eyes are red, too, and your
cheeks all tear-stained. Here, have a fresh handkerchief."

Farnsworth produced another big white linen affair, and unfolding it
with a flourish, held it up to Patty's face.

"I never saw anybody have so many clean handkerchiefs! Do you carry a
dozen?"

"Always glad to help ladies in distress. Are you often so lachrymose?"

"Oh Little Billee, _don't_ be so everlasting good-natured, when I feel
so cross. _Why_ did you bring me away from that place, when I was
having such a good time? And the best part was just about to begin!"

"Now, Patty, listen--while the listening's good. Here we are at
Elise's; I want you to go in, gay and smiling, and not cause any
curious comment. So let the Blaney discussion wait, and I'll tell you
all about it, first chance we get. You don't want everybody to know
that you left the Cosmic Club a--er,--a bit unintentionally, do you?
Then, forget it, for the moment, and put on a Merry Christmas manner.
You