r a change."

"I think," said Mr. Farrington, "that as it is such a pleasant day, it
would be a good plan to take some luncheon with us and picnic by the
roadside. We could then get to the Warners'in time for dinner, though
perhaps a little late."

"Lovely!" cried Elise, "I'm perfectly crazy to use that new luncheon-kit.
It's great, Patty! It has the cunningest alcohol stove, and every little
contraption you could possibly think of."

"I know it," said Patty. "I peeped inside yesterday, and the array of
forks and spoons and plates and bottles was perfectly fascinating."

"Very well," said Mrs. Farrington to her husband, "ask them to fill the
kit properly, and I think myself we will enjoy a little picnic."

So Mr. Farrington went to see about the provisions, and Roger to get the
car ready, while the ladies sauntered about the piazza.

The route of their journey lay along the shore of Long Island Sound, and
the hotel where they had stayed over night was not far from New Haven,
and quite near the water's edge.

Patty was very fond of the water, and gazed with delight at the sparkling
Sound, dotted with white steamers and various sorts of fishing-craft. For
her part she would have been glad to stay longer at this hotel, but the
Warners, whom they were going to visit, were expecting them to dinner that
evening. These people, Patty knew, lived in a beautiful country place
called "Pine Branches," which was near Springfield in Massachusetts. Patty
did not know the Warners, but Elise had assured her that they were
delightful people and were prepared to give her a warm welcome.

When the car came to the door the ladies were all ready to continue the
journey. They had again donned their queer-looking motor-clothes, and
though Patty was beginning to get used to their appearance, they still
seemed to her like a trio of brownies or other queer beings as they took
their seats in the car.

Roger climbed to his place, touched a lever by his side, and swung the
car down the drive with an air of what seemed to Patty justifiable pride.
The freshly cleaned car was so daintily spick and span, the day was so
perfect, and the merry-hearted passengers in such a gay and festive mood,
that there was indeed reason for a feeling of general satisfaction.

Away they went at a rapid speed, which Patty thought must be beyond the
allowed limit, but Roger assured her to the contrary.

For many miles their course lay along a fine road which fol