Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc.
Illustrations by E.C. Caswell
"It IS a boofy frock, isn't it, Nansome?"
Patty craned her head over her shoulder, as she waited for herstepmother's response, which was only, "Yes."
"Oh, my gracious, Nan! Enthuse! Don't you know half the fun in life isenthusiasm?"
"What shall I say?" asked Nan, laughing.
"Oh, say it's a peach! a hummer! a lallapaloosa!"
"Patty, Patty! what language!"
"Oh, yes; I forgot I meant to stop using slang. But when any one is solukewarm in her admiration as you are, forcible language is called for."
"Well, it certainly is a lovely gown, and you never looked prettier.
There! since you are fishing for compliments, are you pleased now?"
Patty was far from being conceited over her pretty face, but shehonestly liked admiration, and, indeed, she was accustomed to receiveit from all who knew her. At the present moment, she was standingbefore a long mirror in her boudoir, putting the last touches to hernew party toilette. Louise, the maid, stood by, with a fur-trimmedwrap, and Patty drew on her long gloves with a happy smile ofanticipation.
"I just feel sure I'm going to have a good time to-night," she said;"it's a presentiment or premonition, or whatever you call it."
"Don't flirt too desperately," said Nan, not without cause, for prettyPetty was by nature a coquette, and as she had many admirers shemerrily led them a dance.
"But it's so interesting to flirt, Nancy. And the boys like it,—so whynot?"
Why not, indeed? thought Nan. Patty's flirtations were harmless,roguish affairs, and prompted by mischief and good nature. Patty was asweet, true character, and if she teased the young men a bit, it wasbecause of her irrepressible love of fun.
"And this is St. Valentine's night," went on Nan, "so I suppose youthink yourself privileged to break all the hearts you can."
"Some hea