"No. When a man has practised a fraud like that on you, he deserves no consideration whatever." "And tell me, Little Billee, tell me quickly, for I must really be going, how did you walk in there and kidnap me so easily?" "I had a sort of notion that you ought to be looked after. Channing was here, laughing over some of the details of the Blaney party that he had heard of, and when he told about your dance,--well, Patty, I'll be honest with you. I wanted to see that dance. You know how I love your dancing. Also, I wanted to know just what the dance was,--for I know Grantham." "The dance was all right, Billee?" "Yes, perfectly all right, only I'd rather you'd worn sandals. But it was a wonderful dance,--exquisite, poetic, all that is beautiful. I went in, reminded Sam of our old acquaintance, and he welcomed me decently, if not over-cordially. I saw one or two numbers on the program before yours, and I concluded I didn't want you mixed up with that bunch. They're right enough, but their unconventionality and ultra Bohemianism are not the element in which Patty Fairfield belongs. Then came your dance. Unspeakably lovely, all that it ought to be, but not for that herd of idiots! So, I made up my mind I'd persuade you to go home with me,--pretty much instanter! I told Blaney I intended to take you. He was mad all through, and denied my right to ask you to leave his party. But,--well, I reminded him of a few of our past memories--memories fraught with sadness!--to put it poetically,--and he made no further objections to my carrying out my own sweet will----" "And so you carried out----" "My own sweet girl! Exactly! Patty, you little rogue, you musn't bewitch me like that! If you do, I'll pick you up again, and carry you off--oh, here comes Mrs. Morrison. Have _you_ come to carry Patty off?" "Yes," and Mrs. Morrison looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Patty, dear, but really----" "It's time! Yes, I know it, and I'm quite ready to go. Good night, Little Billee." "Good night, Patty. Get a good rest, for you really need it." CHAPTER XVII PATTY'S DECISION "You see, Nan, it isn't fair. I don't feel honest to keep Phil in uncertainty, when I don't think--no, I really _don't_ think I'm going to marry him." "But good gracious, Patty, you ought to know by this time! Either you care for him or you don't." "Nan, I've only learned of late that when people say 'care for' they mean love. I think it's a silly phrase,--why, I care for lots of things----" "There are a good many things you've only learned of late, Patty, and a good many more you've still to learn. But I really think you ought to make up your mind about Phil Van Reypen." "Well, amn't I making it up as fast as I can? I'm going right at it now, in dead earnest, and you've got to help me." Nan smiled at the anxious face that looked into her own.