"It is all so uncertain yet," Patty went on. "I don't know exactly how we are to persuade the girl to come North at all. She is of a proud and sensitive nature that would reject anything like charity." "Well, you will doubtless arrange the matter somehow, and when you do, remember that I shall be glad to help in any way I can." "Thank you very much," said Patty. "It may be that you can indeed help us. And now, Mrs. Van Reypen, mayn't I read to you, or something? You know my week isn't up until this afternoon." "Not literally, perhaps; but for the few hours that are left of your stay with me I shall look upon you as a guest, not a 'companion.' And as I always like to entertain my guests pleasantly, I shall, if you agree, telephone for Philip to come to luncheon with us." The old lady's eyes twinkled at the idea of Philip's surprise at the changed conditions, and Patty smiled, too, as she expressed her assent. When Philip arrived he was, of course, amazed at his aunt's demeanour. She not only seemed to approve of Miss Fairfield, but treated her as an honoured guest and seemed more than willing that Philip should chat socially with her. Soon she explained to him the cause of her sudden change of attitude. Philip laughed heartily. "I suspected something of the sort," he said. "Miss Fairfield didn't strike me as being of the 'thankful and willin' to please' variety. She tried her best, but her deference was forced and her meekness assumed." "But she did it well," said Mrs. Van Reypen. "Oh, yes; very well. Still I like her better in her natural role of society lady." "Oh, not that!" protested Patty. "I'm not really a society lady. In fact, I'm not 'out' yet. I'm just a New York girl." "Were you born here?" asked Mrs. Van Reypen. "No," said Patty, laughing; "I was born South, and I've only lived North about five years. One of those I've spent abroad, and one or two outside of New York. So when I say I'm a New York girl I only mean that I live here now." "Mayn't I come to see you?" asked Philip. "Where do you live?" "I live on Seventy-second Street," said Patty, "and you may come to tea some Wednesday if you like. That's my mother's 'day,' and I often receive with her." "I see you're well brought up," said Mrs. Van Reypen, nodding her head approvingly. "I'm a bit surprised though that your mother allowed you to undertake this escapade." "Well, you see, she's my stepmother--she's only six years older than I am. So she hasn't much jurisdiction over me; and as for my father--well, really, I ran away!" The luncheon was a merry feast, for Mrs. Van Reypen made a gala affair of it, and, though there were but the three at table, there was extra elaboration of viands and decorations. Philip Van Reypen was in his gayest humour, and his aunt was beaming and affable. So they were really sorry when it was time for Patty to say good-by.