"About Miss Madeley?"

"I don't think there can be any harm in your saying yes or no. Is
she engaged to be married?"

Patty replied with a certain eagerness.

"No! Indeed she isn't. And she never has been."

"Thank you." Hilliard gave a sigh of relief. "I'm very glad to know
that."

"Of course you are," Patty answered, with a laugh.

As usual, after one of her frank remarks, she turned away and struck
chords on the piano. Hilliard meditated the while, until his
companion spoke again.

"You'll see her before long, I dare say?"

"Perhaps. I don't know."

"At all events, you'll _want_ to see her."

"Most likely."

"Will you promise me something?"

"If it's in my power to keep the promise."