books and pictures.

Lots of things they had bought abroad, for Captain Bill had been
fortunate in his affairs and had had some leisure time in France and
England after the war was over to collect some art treasures.

Also, they didn't try or want to complete the whole house at once. Part
of the fun would be in adding bits later on, and if there were no place
to put them, there would be no fun in buying things.

Patty was a wise and careful buyer. Only worth-while things were
selected, not a miscellaneous collection of trumpery junk. So the
result to date was charming furniture and appointments, but space for
more when desired.

Little Billee's taste, too, was excellent, and he and Patty nearly always
agreed on their choice. But it was a rule that if either disapproved,
the thing in question was not bought. Only such as both sanctioned could
come into their home.

The house had a wide and hospitable Colonial doorway, with broad fanlight
above and columns at either side. Seats, too, flanked the porch, and the
carefully trimmed wistaria vine hung gracefully over all. Across both
ends of the house ran wide verandahs, with _porte cochère_, sun parlour,
conservatory and tea-porch breaking the monotony.

Patty's own bedroom was an exquisite nest, done up in blue and silver,
and her boudoir, opening from it, was a dream of pink and white. Then
came the baby's quarters; the day nursery, gay with pictured walls and
the sun porch, bright and airy.