"Have you been successful in your undertakings?" asked Patty, with a sympathetic interest. "Yes, I believe I have. I don't want to be over sanguine, and matters are not yet entirely settled, but I think I have conquered the obstacles which I came to conquer, and I hope all will go well." "I hope so, Little Billee," said Patty, looking at him with earnest good will. "I want you to succeed." "Thank you for that," said Farnsworth, simply. "And when are you coming East again?" "I can't tell; I may have to come back in February; but if that is not necessary, I shall not come for a year or more. You will be married and settled by that time." "Indeed, I shan't! In fact, I've about made up my mind that I'll never marry anybody." "Girls have said that before, and been known to change their minds. But whatever you do, I wish you all happiness and joy throughout your whole life,--Little Apple Blossom." Farnsworth had risen to go, and he held Patty's hands in both his, as he looked straight into her eyes. Patty's own eyes fell beneath his gaze, and she said, "And I wish you happiness wherever you are, Little Billee." "Thank you, dear," he said, and then with a final handclasp he went away. CHAPTER XIX AN EXCITING CHASE Farnsworth had left Patty about two o'clock, and it was only a few moments later that her telephone rang. Her response was answered by a tearful, wailing voice, that said, "Oh, Miss Patty, oh, _can't_ you come here at once? Come right away!" "Come where? Who are you?" said Patty, bewildered, for she did not recognise the voice, and it sounded like some one in deep distress. "Oh, don't wait a _minute_! Every moment is precious! Just come _at once_!" "But how can I come, if I don't know who you are? I can help you better, if you'll control yourself and tell me something about yourself and your trouble. First of all, who are you?" "I'm Anne, Miss Galbraith's maid. You know me, Miss Patty. Oh, come quick; Miss Mona has gone!" "Gone! Where? Now, listen to me, Anne! Stop your crying, and tell me what you mean, and then I will go to you at once. Where are you? And where has Miss Mona gone?" "I'm in her apartment, and I don't like to tell you over the telephone where she's gone. But,--Miss Patty,--I think,--Oh, I fear,--she has eloped with Mr. Lansing!" The last sentence came in an explosive burst, as if the girl could keep her secret no longer. "What!" exclaimed Patty. And then, suddenly realising that it was a desperate situation, she said, "Don't say another word, Anne! I will go right straight to you. Stay there till I come." She knew the excitable character of the girl, and feared she might get hysterical if she talked further over the telephone. Patty hung up the receiver, and sat still for a moment, thinking deeply. "I won't tell Mrs. Allen," she finally decided, "but I must have some one to help me,--to go with me. I believe I'll call up Roger."