"No," laughed the Judge, "I have never asked her. I thought you deserved the compliment of being first consulted on the matter." "But, Papa, perhaps she'll refuse you." "That's my end of it," laughed her father, "but when I do ask her I wish to say that you desire it, too, for Kate might not think it agreeable to you." "Papa, she's got to say 'yes.' I'll go along and make her if you wish. I'd just love her for a mother," and the girl clung to his neck and wept. "I only now realize how lonely you must have been all these years, and you've done it for me. But don't let her refuse. Tell her I desire it above all things." "All right, dearie," said the Judge. "I'll go tonight." "And wake me up, Papa. I shall be so anxious." Judge Sands laughed and promised. That night no matter how hard Patty tried she couldn't keep awake. Now that she knew who it was that her father desired she was happy, and one can always sleep when one is happy. The Judge ran up the stairs two steps at a time and woke his daughter with a kiss. "Will she, Papa?" "Yes, dear," he answered. "She has been good enough to say 'yes.' We'll make her happy, won't we, Patty?" "We shall," replied the girl. "And how young you seem to have grown!" she gasped. "I never noticed it before. I'm glad for you and I'm glad for her. She's a dear. I've always loved her and she's such a stunning looking woman, too. I tell you, we'll be proud of her, Papa." They talked for half an hour over the virtues of Miss Kate, and each went to sleep thinking of how lovely she was. When Kate and Patty met they said not a word, but from the quiet, sincere embrace each knew that the other would try and make her happy. Congratulations poured in from all sides. Archie and his wife with Aunt Susan, Grandmother and Tom, motored all the way over to Columbus to offer theirs. Ethel was wild with joy. "Why," she exclaimed, "everything is getting better! People are doing such sensible things lately, just as they should do. Isn't it wonderful? But, Tom, I always thought that you cared for Cousin Kate." "So I have all along, but just as I was considering, in walked the Judge and took her off under my very nose. While I was a poor lawyer I felt that she might refuse me and I took no chances, but I never imagined she'd look at a man of his age. She's certainly met the one for her. What a splendid couple they'll make." "You always were slow, Tom; that's your fault," laughed Ethel, "and you'll always get left. It serves you right." "Yes, that's going to be my fate, I fear. Before I can muster up courage to propose, these girls will be snatched up--every one of them." Judge Sands and Kate were to be married in November. They were to go to New York, Washington, etc., on a wedding trip, after which they were to meet Patty and sail for Egypt to be gone indefinitely. "Oh, dear! who can take your place at Camp?" said the girls. "We'll never find another Guardian like you."