"What pretty pet names you call them! Yes, I get letters from
them, but they're my lifelong friends."

"That's the position I'm applying for. Don't you need one more L.
L. F.?" But Patty had turned to the girls, and they were counting
up what few parties were to take place before Patty went away.

"I'd have a farewell party myself," said Patty, thoughtfully, "but
there's so little time now, and Nan's pretty busy. I hate to
bother her with it. You see, we leave next week,--Thursday."

"And our house party comes that very day!" said Beatrice,
regretfully. "And Captain Sayre is coming. He's the most stunning
man! He's our second cousin, and older than we are, but he's just
grand, isn't he, Lora?"

"Yes; and he'd adore Patty. Oh, girlie, DON'T go!"

"I think I'll kidnap Patty," said Jack. "The day they start, I'll
waylay the party as they board the train, and carry Patty off by
force."

"You'd have to get out a force of militia," laughed Patty. "My
father Fairfield is of a sharp-eyed disposition. You couldn't
carry off his daughter under his nose."

"Strategy!" whispered Jack, in a deep, mysterious voice. "I could
manage it, somehow, I'm sure."