"Yes; and as she has no mother, Nan and I have tried to do all we could for her, but she is so capable, we couldn't do much, after all." "No; I suppose not. Patty, why did she give you her bouquet? I thought brides threw them, and any one caught them that could." "They do, usually." "Well, then, why didn't Mona?" "Oh, because,--oh, I don't know." "You do know, Patty. Was it because she thinks you will be the next bride of your set? Because she thinks you will marry--me?" Phil's eyes were radiant, and his voice trembled as he whispered, "And will you, dear? Will you, my little Patty? You promised, you know, to tell me tonight. So, tell me,--and tell me,--yes." Patty sat up very straight and looked at him. "Philip," she said, and her voice was serious; "if I have to decide now, it will be No. I did say I'd tell you tonight, and I meant to, but I'm all tired and bothered, and if I'm not careful, I shall cry! So, if you hold me to my promise, I'll answer you now, but it will be No. I can't say Yes,--tonight." "Then don't say anything. I'll wait, dearest. Oh, Patty, of course, I'll wait. You are exhausted and nervous and you want to rest. Don't answer me now, dear, for I don't want that answer you spoke of! Let's wait a week or so longer, and then make up our mind. Shall us?" "Yes, Phil, and thank you for being so good to me." CHAPTER XI THE CITY STUDIO "I'm quite anxious to see this paragon of a poet," said Nan, as she sat in Patty's room one evening. Patty was dressing for the party at the Blaneys', and Sam was coming to take her. "You'll like him, Nan, you can't help it. He is most interesting,--not a bit like other men. And they have such delightful people at their parties. They do big things, you know,--really big." "Such as what?" "Oh, they sing, and play on unusual instruments,--zitherns and lutes----" "That doesn't sound so awfully wonderful." "No; I suppose not. But it's the _way_ they do it,--and the--the atmosphere, you know, and the general exalted effect----" "The what?" "Oh, I don't know how to express it so you'll understand,--but I like it all. It's on a higher plane than the usual evening party." "Don't they dance?" "Yes, some. But more Solo dances, and Interpretative ones. I'm going to do a splendid dance for them, soon. Mr. Blaney is making it up for me." "Can I see it?" "I guess so. I think they mean to have a large audience for that occasion." "What _are_ you doing, Patty? Are you going to wear your hair like that?" "Yes, Sam likes it so." "But, my gracious goodness, you look like a crazy person!" "Oh, not so bad as that."