"Bless my soul! what a vision of beauty!" and Mr. Fairfield laid
down his paper to look at his pretty daughter.

"Yes," she said, demurely, "everybody tells me I look exactly like
my father."

"You flatter yourself!" said Nan, who had followed, and who now
tucked her hand through her husband's arm. "My Valentine is the
handsomest man in the world!"

"Oh, you turtle-doves!" said Patty, laughing, as she ran down the
steps to the waiting motor.

Unless going with a chaperon, Patty was always accompanied by the
maid, Louise, who either waited for her young mistress in the
dressing-room or returned for her when the party was over.

"Shall you be late, Miss Patty?" she asked, as they reached their
destination.

"Yes; don't wait for me, Louise. Come back about half-past twelve;
I'll be ready soon after that."

Louise adored Patty, for she was always kind and considerate of the
servants; and she thought Louise might as well have the evening to
herself, as to be cooped up in a dressing-room.

The party was at Marie Homer's, a new friend, with whom Patty had
but recently become acquainted.