Alone in her own room that same night, Patty thought out her great project. She was not at all doubtful of her success, she was only choosing among the various methods of earning money that occurred to her. All were easy, and some of them even seemed delightful occupations. "Father is an angel," she thought to herself; "a big, splendid angel. He knew I could do my part easily enough, and he only made it a stipulation because he didn't want to shoulder the whole affair outright. He wanted me to feel I had a hand in it. He's so tactful and dear. Well, I'll do my part so well, he'll have nothing to complain of. Then I'll get Nan to write to the girl, and invite her here for a few days or a week. Then I rather guess we can gently persuade her to accept the goods the gods provide." Considering the matter as settled, Patty went to sleep and dreamed happily of her coming triumphs as a wage-earner. "Do you go to business to-day, Miss Fairfield?" asked her father, at the breakfast table. "Yes, Mr. Fairfield. That is, I shall occupy myself with my--with my occupation." "Indeed! that is logical, at any rate. Would it be indiscreet to inquire the nature of said occupation?" "It would be not only indiscreet, but useless, for I decline to tell. But it is work I shall do at home. I've no desire to enter an office. And, you don't need a stenographer, anyway, do you?" "No, and if I did, I shouldn't take you. You're too young and too self-assured,--not desirable traits in office work." "I may get over them both," said Patty, smiling at him. "You probably will," said Nan, "before you've succeeded in this ridiculous scheme you've undertaken." "Now, Nannikins, don't desert Mr. Micawber in that cruel fashion," Patty flung back, gaily; "the game's never out till it's played out, you know; and this game isn't even yet begun." "You'll be played out before the game is," said her father. "Oh, daddy, I'm 'fraid that's slang! I am truly 'fraid so!" "Well, mind now, Puss; you're not to tire yourself too much. Remember when you 'most worked yourself to death, at your Commencement celebration." "Yes, but I've had a lot of experience since that. And I'm much weller and stronger." "Yes, you're well; but you're not of a very strong constitution, and never will be. So remember, and don't overdo." "Not I. I can earn fifteen dollars a week, and more too, I know, without overdoing myself." "Good-by, then; I must be off. I'll hear to-night the report of your first day's work." The family separated, and Patty ran singing away to make her preparations for the campaign. "What _are_ you doing?" asked Nan, as she went rummaging in the linen closet. "Nothing naughty," replied Patty, giggling. "Curb your curiosity, stepmothery, for it won't be gratified." Nan laughed and went away, and Patty proceeded to select certain very pretty embroidered doilies and centrepieces,--two of each.