"Well, you're not so awfully clear; but I gather that you thought that ridiculous pudding I tried to make was out of proportion to Pansy Potts as waitress." "You have grasped my meaning wonderfully well," said her father; "but it was not only the pudding I had in mind, but several ambitious attempts at an over-display of grandeur and elegance." "Well, but, papa, I like to have things nice." "Yes, but be careful not to have them more nice than wise. However, there is no necessity for dwelling on this subject. I see you understand what I mean; and I know, now that I have called your attention to it, your own sense of proportion will guide you right, if you remember to follow its dictates." "But do you imagine," said Patty roguishly, "that such a mild scolding as that is going to do a hardened reprobate like me any good?" "Yes," said her father decidedly, "I think it will." "So do I," said Patty. Next morning at breakfast Patty could scarcely eat, so enthusiastic was she over the delightful sensation of breakfasting alone with her father in their own dining-room. Very carefully she poured his coffee for him, and very carefully Pansy Potts carried the cup to its destination. "I didn't ask Marian to stay last night," slid Patty, "because I wanted our first night and our first breakfast all alone by ourselves." "You're a sentimental little puss," said her father. "Yes, I think I am," said Patty. "Do you mind?" "Not at all; if you keep your sentiment in its proper place, and don't let it interfere with the somewhat prosaic duties that have of late come into your life." "Gracious goodness' sakes!" said Patty; "that reminds me. What shall I order from the butcher this morning?" "Don't ask me," said Mr. Fairfield. "I object to being implicated in matters so entirely outside my own domain." "Oh, certainly," said Patty; "that's all right. I beg your pardon, I'm sure. And don't feel alarmed; I'll promise you shall have a tip-top dinner." "I've no doubt of it, and now good-bye, Baby, I must be off to catch my train. Don't get lonesome; have a good time; and forget that your father scolded you." "As if I minded that little feathery scolding! Come home early, and bring me something nice from the city. Good-bye." Left to herself, Patty began to keep house with great diligence. She planned the meals for the day, made out orders for market, gave the flowers in the vases fresh water, and looking in at the conservatory, she found Pansy Potts digging around the potted daisies with a hairpin. "Pansy," she said kindly, "I'm glad to have you take care of the flowers; but you mustn't spend all your time in here. Have you straightened up in the dining-room yet?" "No, ma'am," said Pansy; "but these little daisies cried so loud to be looked after that I just couldn't neglect them another minute. See how they laugh when I tickle up the dirt around their toes."