But it was a surprise to all present when he announced that a friend whose name he was not privileged to mention, had offered a prize to the child who should dance most gracefully, either alone or with a partner. "You can't get it, Ethelyn," said Reginald, "for you're as awkward as a lame elephant." "I am not," snapped Ethelyn, "and you'd better not try for it, 'cause you'd only make a spectacle of yourself." "So would you," retorted Reginald, "and then we'd be a pair of spectacles." Ethelyn said no more, for the dances were beginning. Some of the pupils danced very prettily, others affectedly, and others cleverly, but the dances were of a kicking, romping nature that required much practice and skill to perform gracefully. After all had taken part, Professor Dodson turned politely to Patty, and invited her, if she would, to dance also. "Oh, I couldn't, thank you," she answered "I don't know any of these flings. I only know an old-fashioned minuet." "Try that," urged Ethelyn, who delighted to have her cousin made conspicuous, as that attracted attention towards herself. The professor insisted upon it, so Patty obligingly consented, and saying, "I couldn't dance with these things jingling," she gave Ethelyn the heavy necklace and bangles. Then she stepped out on the floor, and as the orchestra played the slow, stately music of the minuet, Patty bowed and swayed like a veritable old-time maiden. Graceful as a reed, she took the pretty steps, smiling and curtseying, her fair little face calm and unflushed. It was such a pretty dance and such a contrast to the acrobatic, out-of-breath performances of the other dancers, that, without a dissenting voice, the committee of judges awarded the prize to Miss Patricia Fairfield. Patty was delighted, for she had no idea that her dancing was specially meritorious and she accepted the gold medal with a few words of real gratitude, thinking the while how pleased her father would be, when she should write him all about it. On the way home she said to Ethelyn: "But it doesn't seem right for me to have this prize, as I'm not a member of the dancing class." "Oh bother," said Ethelyn, "that doesn't matter; they're always giving out prizes, and I'm awfully glad you got this one. People will think you're something wonderful. And I'm sure they'd have given it to Belle Crandon if you hadn't danced, and mamma will be tickled to death to think you got it ahead of her." CHAPTER VI PURPLE AND FINE LINEN When Mrs. St. Clair's purchases were sent home from New York and spread out on view, Patty could scarcely believe her own eyes. Were all those fine clothes really meant for her? The materials included silks, satins and velvets in bright colorings and somewhat conspicuous patterns.