merriment,
the hosts and guest went in to dinner.

The Kenerleys were in specially gay spirits, it seemed to Patty, and
she held her own in fun and repartee.

"You must stay a long time, Patty," Jim declared. "You're more fun
than a barrel of monkeys! I'm awfully glad you came."

"So'm I," assented Patty; "I wanted to get away from the giddy whirl,
and lead the simple life for a few days."

"Sometimes the simple life is very complicated," observed Kenerley, and
he glanced at the clock.

Adele took the hint. "You want to get away, don't you, dear?" she
said. "And we've been dawdling over dessert! Patty, I shan't give you
any coffee tonight. I'm afraid it will keep you awake, and you need
sleep. My, but you're hollow-eyed! I suppose you've kept late hours
all winter."

"Pretty much. But I sleep a good deal, too. And I feel all right,
now. I'm not going to bed before you come back, Jim."

"Indeed you are!" cried Adele. "Now, not a word from you, Miss! I'm
your nurse at present, and you will obey my orders!"

Kenerley started off to drive to the station for Farnsworth. He felt
sure his wife would have Patty out of the way when they returned, but
he didn't know just how she'd manage it.

Nor was it easy. But Adele wandered about the house with her guest,
and finally declared the moonlight view was prettier from Patty's
windows than anywhere else. She lured the girl upstairs, and then
cleverly persuaded her to don a dressing-gown and lie down, while she,
Adele, looked after some household matters, and she would then return
for a confab.

CHAPTER XX

BLOSSOM GIRL

Such a clever and resourceful housekeeper as Adele Kenerley found no
trouble in arranging a second dinner for half-past seven, although one
had been served at six. Patty safely out of the way, Adele presided at
the board with a light-hearted gaiety that surprised even her husband.

Farnsworth, too, was in good spirits, though both the Kenerleys
detected a roving eye and an alert ear that made them think he
suspected, or at least hoped, that Patty was there. But he said
nothing that indicated his thoughts except to ask on arrival if there
were other guests.

"As you see," said Adele. "But I'm flattering myself that you came
this time just to visit the Kenerleys."

"What more could one desire?" returned Farnsworth. And the
conversation continued in a light and impersonal tone. Patty's name
was mentioned, and innocently en