Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Author of
The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc
Illustrations by Martin Lewis
"Different men are of different opinions; some like apples, some likeinions," sang Patty, as she swayed herself idly back and forth in theveranda swing; "but, truly-ooly, Nan," she went on, "I don't care asnipjack. I'm quite ready and willing to go to the White Mountains,—orthe Blue or Pink or even Lavender Mountains, if you like."
"You're willing, Patty, only because you're so good-natured andunselfish; but, really, you don't want to go one bit."
"Now, Nan, I'm no poor, pale martyr, with a halo roundy-bout me noblebrow. When we came down here to Spring Beach, it was understood that wewere to stay here part of the summer, and then go to the mountains. Andnow it's the first of August and I've had my innings, so it's only fairyou should have your outing."
Though Patty's air was gay and careless, and Patty's tones weresincere, she was in reality making an heroic self-sacrifice, and Nanknew it. Patty loved the seashore; she had been there three months, andloved it better every day.
But Nan cared more for the mountains, and longed to get away from thesunny glare of the sea, and enjoy the shaded walks and drives of higheraltitudes. However, these two were of unselfish nature, and each wantedto please the other. But as Patty had had her wish for three months, itwas certainly fair that Nan should be humoured for the rest of thesummer.
The season had done wonders for Patty, physically. Because of heroutdoor life, she had grown plumper and browner, her muscles hadstrengthened, and her rosy cheeks betokened a perfect state of health.She was still slender, and her willowy figure had gained soft curveswithout losing its dainty gracefulness.
And Patty was still enthusiastically devoted to her motor-car. Indeed,it was the realisation that she must leave that behind that made her soopposed to a trip to the mountains.
Mr. Fairfield and Nan had both dilated on the charms and beauties ofmountain scenery, on the joys and delights of the gay mountain hotels,but though Patty listened amiably, she failed to look upon the matteras they did. At first, she had declared her unwillingness to go, andhad t