"Only when you're in it," declared the young man, frankly. "I think Aunty Van fears I mean to kidnap you. I don't." "I'm sure you don't," said Patty, flashing a smile at him. "I think we could be good friends, and I hope we shall be. But not until after next Friday." CHAPTER XVI AN INVITATION DECLINED Philip Van Reypen went away, and his aunt never knew that he had been to her house on that occasion. "I'm glad that boy has sense enough to keep away when I tell him to," she remarked at luncheon, and Patty hastily took a sip of water to hide her uncontrollable smile. "Yes, he seems to obey you," she said, by way of being agreeable. "He does. He's a good boy, but too impressionable. He's captivated by every girl he meets, so I warn you again, Miss Fairfield, not to notice his pretended interest in you." Patty tossed her head a little haughtily. "Do not be alarmed, Mrs. Van Reypen," she said, "I have no interest whatever in your nephew." She was a little annoyed at the absurd speeches of the old lady, and determined to put a stop to them. "I should hope not," was the reply. "A person in your position should not aspire to association with young gentlemen like my nephew." Patty was really angry at this, but her common sense came to her aid. If she elected to play the part of a dependent, she must accept the consequences. But she allowed herself a pointed rejoinder. "Perhaps not," she said. "Yet I suppose a companion of Mrs. Van Reypen's would meet only the best people." "That, of course. But you cannot meet them as an equal." "No," agreed Patty, meekly. Then to herself she said: "Only a week of this! Only six days now." That afternoon they went to the dressmaker's. Patty put on a smart tailored costume, and almost regretted that she had left her white furs at home. But she and Nan had agreed that they were too elaborate for her use as a companion, so she wore a small neckpiece and muff of chinchilla. But it suited well her dark-blue cloth suit and plain but chic black velvet hat. The dressmaker, an ultra-fashionable modiste, looked at Patty with interest, recognising in her costume the work of adept hands. Moreover, Patty's praise and criticism of Mrs. Van Reypen's new gowns showed her to be a young woman of taste and knowledge in such matters. Both the modiste and her aristocratic patron were a little puzzled at Patty's attitude, which, though modest and deferential, was yet sure and true in its judgments and opinions. At last, when Mrs. Van Reypen was undergoing some tedious fitting, Patty had an inspiration. "May I be excused long enough to telephone?" she asked. "Certainly," said Mrs. Van Reypen, who was in high good humour, because of her new finery. "Take all the time you like." Patty had noticed a telephone booth in the hall, and, shutting herself in it, she called up Nan. By good fortune Nan was at home, and answered at once.