"I don't think so. She didn't speak of any one, except her secretary and servants. She's rather old-fashioned, and the house is dear. All crystal chandeliers, and old frescoed walls and ceilings, and elaborate door-frames. Why, Nan, it'll be fun to be there a week, and it's so,--well, so safe and pleasant, you know, and so correct and seemly. Why, if I really had to earn my own living, I couldn't do better than to be companion to Mrs. Van Reypen." "No; I suppose not. What is the salary?" "Ah, that's the beauty of it! It's just fifteen dollars a week. And as I get 'board and lodging' beside, I'm really doing better than I agreed to." "I don't like it, Patty," said Nan, after a few moments' thought. "But it's better, in some ways, than the other things you've done. Go on, and I'll truly do all I can to talk your father into letting you stay there a week; but if he won't consent, I can't help it." "Why, of course he'll consent, Nan, if you put it to him right. You can make him see anything as you see it, if you try. You know you can." "Well, go ahead. I suppose a week will pass; and anyway, you'll probably come flying home after a couple of days." "No; I'm going to stay the week, if it finishes me. I'm tired of defeats; this time I conquer. You may help me pack, if you like." "You won't need many frocks, will you?" said Nan, as they went up to Patty's room. "No; just some light, dressy things for evening,--she's rather formal,--and some plain morning gowns." Nan helped Patty with her selection, and a small trunk was filled with what they considered an appropriate wardrobe for a companion. At about four o'clock Patty started, in the motor-car. Mrs. Van Reypen received her pleasantly, and as they sat chatting over a cup of tea, Patty felt more like an honoured guest than a subordinate. Then Mrs. Van Reypen dismissed her, saying: "Go to your room now, my dear, and occupy yourself as you choose until dinner-time. Dinner is at seven. There will be no guests, but you will wear a light, pretty gown, if you please. I am punctilious in such matters." Patty went to her room, greatly pleased with the turn events had taken. She wished she could telephone home how pleasantly she was getting along; but she thought wiser not to do that so soon. As it neared dinner-time, she put on one of her prettiest dresses, a light blue chiffon, with a touch of silver embroidery round the half-low throat and short sleeves. A few minutes before seven, she went slowly down the dark, old staircase, with its massive newels and balusters. As she reached the middle steps, she observed an attractive, but bored-looking young man in the hall. He had not noticed her light steps, and Patty paused a moment to look at him. As she stood, wondering who he might be, he chanced to turn, and saw her.