"Oh, in that case, I've nothing more to say." And Patty smiled good-naturedly at Daisy. "And I suppose Mona and Roger are going somewhere to play by themselves." "Nothing of the sort," said Mona. "Roger's going back to the city this morning, and I'm going to write letters." "But I thought Philip was going back to the city," said Patty, looking at Adele. "He's going on the afternoon train. Go on and get dressed, Patty, and don't waste any more time." "All right," and Patty made an expeditious toilette and in little more than half an hour went downstairs equipped for her ride. She was enveloped from head to foot in a raccoon fur coat, with a jaunty hat of the same, trimmed only with a bright quill feather. "Why do we go?" she demanded, presenting herself before Philip, who was waiting in the hall. "To get butter and eggs," he returned, gravely. "The Kenerley larder is entirely empty of those two very necessary ingredients." "But why do _we_ go for them? Are there no servants to send?" "Little girls shouldn't ask questions," and without further ceremony Philip tucked her into the waiting sleigh, sprang in beside her, and took up the lines. "My, this is great!" exclaimed Patty, as the pair of fine horses went dashing down the drive, and the clear, keen winter air blew against her face. "Yes; I thought the sleighride would brace you up. And, really, there seemed to be nobody to send on this errand, so I said we'd go." "Is it far?" "No; only about five miles; we'll be back for luncheon. How did you sleep, after your late supper?" "All right," and Patty smiled back into Philip's face. "But I wasn't hungry for my breakfast." "I should say not! You ate enough last night for two little girls like you!" "There aren't two little girls like me!" said Patty, with twinkling eyes, and Philip exclaimed: "Indeed, there aren't! I say, Patty, my Princess Patty, _do_ be engaged to me, won't you?" "No, you ridiculous boy, I won't! And if you say another word on the subject, I'll be real downright mad at you!" "Very well, I won't. Now, see here, Princess, do you mean to go to this masquerade ball with me? For, if not, I'm not coming back here for New Year's." "Why, of course, I'm going with you. Who else?" "I don't know, I'm sure. But there would be plenty glad to take you." "Pooh! I know that. But I want to go with you. What shall we wear?" "I was thinking of some foolish thing, like Little Bo-Peep, you know." "Oh, I'd love to be that! A shepherdess costume, and a crook with ribbons on. But I want you to wear a satin coat and knee-breeches." "Well, I'll be Old King Cole." "No, I don't like that. I'll tell you! You be Little Boy Blue." "The Gainsborough picture?" "No, that won't do either. Oh, you be Bobby Shafto! He wears 'silver buckles on his knee,' don't you know?" "Yes, I _do_ know! And what's the next line?" "Never mind," said Patty, turning pink. "I want you to wear a real Bobby Shafto costume. So you will, won't you?"