"Not at all. You said he wasn't overfond of you, so as he sends his
respects to you, I don't think you need ask for more."

"If she does start right off,--and I'm pretty sure she will,--she'll be
here in a week or so."

"Of course; but I'll be ready for her. I'll give her the yellow room.
It's big and sunny and has a lovely bath and dressing-room. It's all in
order, too, I'll just make some soft lacy pillows and give it some little
personal touches and it will be all ready for her. Oh, Billee,--think
what a lot we can do for her!"

Patty's eyes glowed with the anticipation of aiding the little country
girl, but Farnsworth was not so sanguine.

"You're running a risk, girlie," he said. "Suppose she turns out
impossible. The fact of her being my relative doesn't quite canonise
her, you know. Perhaps she _isn't_ a saint."

"Now, now, old calamity howler,--I don't want her to be a saint! I hope
and expect she'll be a sweet, docile nature, and her lack of culture,
if any, I shall try to remedy. Her lack of familiarity with social
customs and all that, I _know_ I can remedy. Oh, I expect a busy time
with her,--and I know I shall have to be tactful and kind,--but don't
you think I can be?"

Farnsworth kissed the wistful, questioning face upturned to his and
assured her that she most certainly could!