And Patty promised she would.




CHAPTER III

BETTY GALE


Seated at the head of her own dinner table that evening, Patty felt
decidedly in her element. Always of a hospitable nature, always
efficient in household matters, she played her rôle of hostess with a
sweet simplicity and a winning grace that charmed all her guests.

Farnsworth, opposite her at the big, round table, was a quiet, dignified
and well-mannered host. He had not Patty's native ability to entertain,
but he was honestly anxious that his guests should be pleased and he did
all in his power to help along. Patty had coached him on many minor
points, for Little Billee had been brought up in simple surroundings and
unaccustomed to what he at first called Patty's frills and fal-lals.

But she had convinced him that dainty laces and shining silver were to be
used for his daily fare and not merely as "company fixings," and being
adaptable, the good-natured man obediently fell in with her wishes.

And now he was as deft and handy with his table appointments as Patty
herself, and quite free from self-consciousness or awkwardness.