Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. PATTY'S BUTTERFLY DAYS BY CAROLYN WELLS Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc Illustrations by Martin Lewis CONTENTS CHAPTER I DIFFERENT OPINIONS II MONA'S PLAN III SUSAN TO THE RESCUE IV A PERFECTLY GOOD CHAPERON V A DINNER PARTY VI AUNT ADELAIDE VII A GARDEN PARTY VIII THE HOUSE PARTY ARRIVES IX BIG BILL FARNSWORTH X JUST A SHORT SPIN XI THE WORST STORM EVER! XII A WELCOME SHELTER XIII AT DAISY'S DICTATION XIV PAGEANT PLANS XV IN THE ARBOUR XVI THE SPIRIT OF THE SEA XVII THE APPLE BLOSSOM DANCE XVIII A COQUETTISH COOK XIX A FORCED MARCH XX GOOD-BYE FOR NOW CHAPTER I DIFFERENT OPINIONS "Different men are of different opinions; some like apples, some like inions," sang Patty, as she swayed herself idly back and forth in the veranda swing; "but, truly-ooly, Nan," she went on, "I don't care a snipjack. I'm quite ready and willing to go to the White Mountains,--or the Blue or Pink or even Lavender Mountains, if you like." "You're willing, Patty, only because you're so good-natured and unselfish; but, really, you don't want to go one bit." "Now, Nan, I'm no poor, pale martyr, with a halo roundy-bout me noble brow. When we came down here to Spring Beach, it was understood that we were to stay here part of the summer, and then go to the mountains. And now it's the first of August and I've had my innings, so it's only fair you should have your outing." Though Patty's air was gay and careless, and Patty's tones were sincere, she was in reality making an heroic self-sacrifice, and Nan knew it. Patty loved the seashore; she had been there three months, and loved it better every day. But Nan cared more for the mountains, and longed to get away from the sunny glare of the sea, and enjoy the shaded walks and drives of higher altitudes. However, these two were of unselfish nature, and each wanted to please the other. But as Patty had had her wish for three months, it was certainly fair that Nan should be humoured for the rest of the summer. The season had done wonders for Patty, physically. Because of her outdoor life, she had grown plumper and browner, her muscles had strengthened, and her rosy cheeks betokened a perfect state of health. She was still slender, and her willowy figure had gained soft curves without losing its dainty gracefulness. And Patty was still enthusiastically devoted to her motor-car. Indeed, it was the realisation that she must leave that behind that made her so opposed to a trip to the mountains.