You won't be half an hour late!"
This wasn't a VERY dreadful outlook, so Patty smiled again.
"Why stay in this queer place?" she said. "Why not go out on the
veranda?"
"No; there are eleven hundred servants bobbing up everywhere! Here
I can have you all to myself long enough to make you answer one
question. Apple Blossom, will you marry me?"
"No, sir; thank you," and Patty blushed, but looked straight into
Farnsworth's eyes.
"You mean it, don't you?" he said, returning her gaze. "And why
not, little girl?"
"Because, Billee, I don't want to marry anybody,--at least, not
for years and years. I like you AWFULLY,--and I appreciate all
your kindness, and your,--your liking for me----"
"Don't say liking, sweetheart; it's love,--deep, true, BIG love
for you,--you little sunbeam. Oh, Patty, CAN'T you?"
"No, Little Billee, I can't,--but,--but I DO like to have you love
me like that!"
"Then I shall WAIT, dear!" and Bill's voice was full of triumphant
gladness. "If you like to have me love you, I can hope and believe
that some day you'll love me. You ARE too young, dear, you're just
a little girl, I know."
"Why, I'm not even 'out,'" said Patty. "I'm to come out next
winter, you know.
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