"Oh, I can't promise that. I fancy I'd make a rather good lady's-maid or parlour-maid. But I promise you I won't be a cook. Much as I like to fuss with a chafing-dish, I shouldn't like to be kept in a kitchen and boil and roast things all the time." "I should say not! Well, since I can't persuade you to give up your foolish notion, do go on, and get through with your three attempts as soon as possible. Remember, you've promised not more than three." "I promise," said Patty, with much solemnity, and then Nan and Mr. Fairfield came in. Mr. Hepworth appealed at once to Mr. Fairfield, telling him what he had already told Patty. "Nonsense, Hepworth," said Patty's father, "I'm glad you started the ball rolling. It hasn't done Patty a bit of harm, so far, and it will be an experience she'll always remember. Let her go ahead; she can't succeed, but she can have the satisfaction of knowing she tried." "I'm not so sure she can't succeed," said Nan, standing up for Patty, who looked a little crestfallen at the remarks of her father. "Good for you, Nan!" cried Patty; "I'll justify your faith in me yet. I know Mr. Hepworth thinks I'm good for nothing, but Daddy ought to know me better." Mr. Hepworth seemed not to notice this petulant outburst, and only said: "Remember, you've promised to withdraw from the arena after three more conflicts." "They won't be conflicts," said Patty, "and there won't be but one, anyway!" "So much the better," said Mr. Hepworth, calmly. CHAPTER XIV MRS. VAN REYPEN It was about a week later. Nothing further had been said or done in the matter of Patty's "occupation," and Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield wondered what plan was slowly brewing under the mop of golden curls. Mr. Hepworth began to hope his words had had an effect after all, and was about to lay the case of Miss Farley before some other true and tried friends. But he had practically promised Patty to give her time for three more attempts; so he waited. One day Patty came into the house just in time for luncheon. "Nan," she said, as they sat down at the table, "I've struck it right this time!" "_In_-deed!" said Nan, raising her eyebrows, quizzically. "Yes, I have! You needn't laugh like that." "I didn't laugh." "Yes, you did,--behind your eyes, but I saw you! Now, as I tell you, this time conquers!" "Good for you, Patsy! Let me congratulate you. Let me do it now, lest I shouldn't be able to do it later." "Huh! I thought you had faith in me." "And so I have, Patty girl," said Nan, growing serious all at once. "I truly have. Also, I'll help you, if I can." "That's just it, Nan. You can help me this time, and I'm going to tell you all about it, before I start in." "Going to tell me now?" "Yes, because I go this afternoon." "Go where?"