So he contented himself with an occasional evening call, or once in a while dropping in at tea time, resolved never to show to Patty herself the high regard he had for her. She had told him of her various unsuccessful attempts at "earning her living," and he deeply regretted that he had been the means of bringing about the situation. He did not share Mr. Fairfield's opinion that the experience was a good one for Patty, and would broaden her views of humanity in general, and teach her a few worth-while lessons. "Please give up the notion," he urged, after they had talked the matter over. "Indeed I won't," returned Patty. "At least, not until I've proved to my own satisfaction that my theories are wrong. And I don't think yet that they are. I still believe I can earn fifteen dollars a week, without having had special training for any work. Surely I ought to have time to prove myself right." "Yes, you ought to have time," said Mr. Hepworth, gently, "but you ought not to do it at all. It's an absurd proposition, the whole thing. And as I, unfortunately, brought it about, I want to ask you, please, to drop it." "No, sir!" said Patty, gravely, but wagging a roguish forefinger at him; "people can't undo their mistakes so easily. If, as you say, you brought about this painful situation, then you must sit patiently by and watch me as I flounder about in the various sloughs of despond." "Oh, Patty, don't! Please drop it all,--for my sake!" Patty looked up in surprise at his earnest tones, but she only laughed gaily, and said: "Nixy! Not I! Not by no means! But I'll give in to this extent. I'll agree not to make more than three more attempts. If I can't succeed in three more efforts, I'll give up the game, and confess myself a butterfly and an idiot." "The only symptoms of idiocy are shown in your making three more attempts," said Mr. Hepworth, who was almost angry at Patty's persistence. "Oh, pooh! I probably shan't make three more! I just somehow feel sure I'll succeed the very next time." "A sanguine idiot is the most hopeless sort," said Mr. Hepworth, with a resigned air. "May I ask what you intend to attempt next?" "You may ask, but you can't be answered, for I don't yet know, myself. I've two or three tempting plans, but I don't know which to choose. I've thought of taking a place as cook." "Patty! don't you dare do such a thing! To think of you in a kitchen,--under orders! Oh, child, how _can_ you?" Patty laughed outright at Mr. Hepworth's dismay. "Cheer up!" she cried; "I didn't mean it! But you think skilled labour is necessary, and truly, I'm skilled in cooking. I really am." "Yes, chafing-dish trifles; and fancy desserts." "Well, those are good things for a cook to know." "Patty, promise me you won't take any sort of a servant's position."