Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the
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Patty in Paris
Author of "Patty Fairfield," "Patty's Summer Days," etc.
NEW YORK September, 1907
"A long blue veil tied her trim little hat in place"
"'There never was such a dear, lovely, beautiful stepmother on the faceof the earth!'"
"The next morning the girls spent in packing and getting ready to goashore"
"They also read books of history outside of school hours quite fromchoice"
"They were all perched on Patty's big bed—alone at last"
"'I just remember! I left my purse on the seat!'"
The Fairfields were holding a family conclave. As the Fairfield familyconsisted of only three members, the meeting was not large but it washighly enthusiastic. The discussion was about Patty; and as aconsequence, Patty herself was taking a lively part in it.
"But you promised me, last year, papa," she said, "that if I graduatedfrom the Oliphant School with honours, I needn't go to school thisyear."
"But I meant in the city," explained her father; "it's absurd, Patty,for you to consider your education finished, and you not yet eighteen."
"But I'll soon be eighteen, papa, and so suppose we postpone thisconversation until then."
"Don't be frivolous, my child. This is a serious matter, and requirescareful consideration and wise judgement."
"That's so," said Nan, "and as I have already considered it carefully,
I will give you the benefit of my wise judgment."
Though Nan's face had assumed the expression of an owl named Solomon,there was a smile in her eyes, and Patty well knew that herstepmother's views agreed with her own, rather than with those of herfather.
It was the last week in September, and the Fairfields were again intheir pleasant city home after their summer in the country.
Patty and Nan were both fond of city life, and were looking forward toa delightful winter. Of course Patty was too young to be in society,but there were many simple pleasures which she was privileged to enjoy,and she and Nan had planned a series of delightful affairs, quite apartfrom the more elaborate functions which Nan would attend with herhusband.
But Mr. Fairfield had suddenly interfered with their plans byannouncing his decision that Patty should go to college.
This had raised such a storm of dissension from both Nan and Patty thatMr. Fairfield so far amended his resolution as to propose aboarding-school instead.
But Patty was equally dismayed at the thought of either, and rebelledat