"By far the best," said Blaney, as he tucked her into the Fairfield limousine which, with an accompanying maid, had been sent for her. "And may I call soon, and reiterate this,--in better and longer lines?" "Yes, do," said Patty. "I'd love to have you." Nan was waiting up for her. "Well, I've seen your new friend?" she said, as Patty flung off her wrap and stood for a moment by the library table. "Yep," said Patty, smiling, "and sumpum tells me, Nan, that you're going to be disagreeable or disapproving or disappointed or dis--something or other about him. And I beg of you to don't,--at least until I get a bite of supper. I couldn't eat their old delicatessen shop stuff, and I want a decent sandwich and a glass of milk,--so I do." "Why, you poor child! I'll get it for you. Cook has gone to bed, but I'll forage in the pantry." "Do, that's a fairy stepmother. Bring some fruit, too, please." Patty went up to her room, and when Nan appeared, shortly, with a most attractive supper tray, she was in kimono and cap, waiting for it. "My, but this is good! I tell you, Nan, those Cosmickers know how to think, but they don't know a thing about foods." "Your Blaney looks well nourished. But, he didn't strike me as very erudite. Why, Patty, he didn't know who those poets _were_, I asked him about!" "Oh, yes, he did. He didn't want to discuss 'em, that's all." "Nonsense! I saw his expression. He didn't know them, I tell you. He has never read a word of them." "Well, he doesn't have to. He can write his own poems." "Does he? Is he a poet, really?" "Yes, Nan, he is. And he's all right, and Alla is, too. I don't like all their associate souls, but I like a lot of them, and you would too, if you saw them in their proper setting. Anyhow, their old symposium has tired my little brain all up, and with many thanks for your kind charity,--what there was of it--I'll let you go, if you really feel you must." Nan laughed, for there was deep good feeling between these two, then she kissed Patty good night and went off with the empty tray. CHAPTER XII AN ODD DINNER PARTY A few nights later, Patty invited the two Blaneys to dinner. Nan wanted to meet Alla, and Mr. Fairfield, too, expressed a desire to see these new friends of Patty's. "Me and the two companies is three," said Patty, making up her party, "and you and Dad are five. Who'd make a good sixth?" "Only six?" asked Nan. "Why not a big dinner?" "No; I don't think so. You see, the Blaneys don't fit in with everybody, and I want them to have a good time." "Oh, I mean ask their own sort of people." Patty looked up, quickly. "Now, Nan, don't be unpleasant. You're implying that their kind of people are not as nice as our kind, and that hurts my feelinks, and you know it. I want you wid me on this,--not agin me." "I am, Patty. I don't mean to be horrid. Well, have six, if you like. Who else?"