itineraries with her father, and costumes with Nan.

As the three sat on the veranda, thus engaged, a flying figure
came through the gate like a whirlwind, and Mona Galbraith
precipitated herself into the family group.

"Why, Mona, you look a little,--er,--hasty!" exclaimed Patty as,
out of breath, their visitor plumped herself into a swing and
twirled its tasselled ropes, while she regained her breath.

"Yes,--yes,--and well I may!" she panted. "What DO you think,
Patty? Oh, Mr. Fairfield, DO say yes! Coax him to, won't you, Mrs.
Fairfield! Oh, I can't tell you,--I daren't! I just KNOW you won't
do it! Oh, Patty, do,--DO!"

Impetuous Mona had swayed out of the swing in her eagerness, and
was now kneeling by Patty's side, stroking her hand, and gazing
into her face with imploring eyes.

"Mona Galbraith," said Patty, laughing, "are you rehearsing for
melodrama, or what? For, if so, you don't know your lines, and
you're 'way off on your gestures, and--and, as a whole, your act
is not convincing."

"Oh, don't say that, Patty!" exclaimed Mona, laughing herself.
"ANYTHING but that! It must be convincing,--it must,--it MUST!"

"Is it meant for a roaring farce?" asked Mr. Fairfield, politely,
"or merely high comedy?"