Patty's Success Read online

  PATTY'S SUCCESS

  by

  CAROLYN WELLS

  Author OfTwo Little Women Series,The Marjorie Series, Etc.

  Grosset & DunlapPublishers New York

  Copyright, 1910by Dodd, Mead and Company

  Printed in U.S.A.

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER PAGE I Welcome Home 9 II An Advance Christmas Gift 23 III The Day Before Christmas 36 IV A Splendid Tree 50 V Skating and Dancing 65 VI A Fair Proposition 80 VII Department G 93 VIII Embroidered Blossoms 109 IX Slips and Sleeves 124 X The Clever Goldfish 139 XI A Busy Morning 154 XII Three Hats 169 XIII The Thursday Club 181 XIV Mrs. Van Reypen 197 XV Persistent Philip 211 XVI An Invitation Declined 227 XVII The Road to Success 243 XVIII Home Again 257 XIX Christine Comes 271 XX A Satisfactory Conclusion 284

  PATTY'S SUCCESS

  CHAPTER I

  WELCOME HOME

  "I do think waiting for a steamer is the horridest, pokiest performancein the world! You never know when they're coming, no matter how much theysight them and signal them and wireless them!"

  Mrs. Allen was not pettish, and she spoke half laughingly, but she waswearied with her long wait for the _Mauretania_, in which she expectedher daughter, Nan, and, incidentally, Mr. Fairfield and Patty.

  "There, there, my dear," said her husband, soothingly, "I think it willsoon arrive now."

  "I think so, too," declared Kenneth Harper, who was looking down theriver through field-glasses. "I'm just sure I see that whale of a boat inthe dim distance, and I think I see Patty's yellow head sticking over thebow."

  "Do you?" cried Mrs. Allen eagerly; "do you see Nan?"

  "I'm not positive that I do, but we soon shall know, for that's surelythe _Mauretania_."

  It surely was, and though the last quarter hour of waiting seemed longerthan all the rest, at last the big ship was in front of them, andswinging around in midstream. They could see the Fairfields clearly now,but not being within hearing distance, they could only express theirwelcome by frantic wavings of hands, handkerchiefs, and flags. But atlast the gangplank was put in place, and at last the Fairfields crossedit, and then an enthusiastic and somewhat incoherent scene of reunionfollowed.

  Beside Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Kenneth Harper, Roger and Elise Farringtonwere there to meet the home-comers, and the young people seized on Pattyas if they would never let her go again.

  "My! but you've grown!" said Kenneth, looking at her admiringly; "I meanyou're grown-up looking, older, you know."

  "I'm only a year older," returned Patty, laughing, "and you're that,yourself!"

  "Why, so I am. But you've changed somehow,--I don't know just how."

  Honest Kenneth looked so puzzled that Elise laughed at him and said:

  "Nonsense, Ken, it's her clothes. She has a foreign effect, but it willsoon wear off in New York. I _am_ glad to see you again, Patty; we didn'tthink it would be so long when we parted in Paris last Spring."

  "No, indeed; and I'm glad to be home again, though I have had a terriblygood time. Now, I suppose we must see about our luggage."

  "Yes," said Roger, "you'll be sorry you brought so many fine clothes whenyou have to pay duty on them."

  "Well, duty first, and pleasure afterward," said Kenneth. "Come on,Patty, I'll help you."

  "Oh, dear," said Mrs. Allen, "must we wait for all this custom-housebotheration? I'm so tired of waiting."

  "No, you needn't," said Mr. Fairfield, kindly. "You and Nan and Mr. Allenjump in a taxicab and go home. I'll keep Patty with me, and any other ofthe young people who care to stay, and we'll settle matters here in shortorder."

  The young people all cared to stay, and though they had to wait sometime, when at last they did get a customs inspector he proved to be bothcourteous and expeditious.

  "Oh, don't spoil my best hat!" cried Patty, in dismay, as he laidthoughtless hands on a befeathered creation.

  "That I won't, ma'am," was the hearty response, and the hat was laid backin its box as carefully as an infant in its cradle. "I have ladies in myown family, ma'am, and I know just how you feel about it."

  "I'm perfectly willing to declare all my dutiable goods," went on Patty,"but I do hate to have my nice things all tumbled up."

  "Quite right, ma'am, quite right," amiably agreed the inspector, who hadfallen a victim to Patty's pretty face and bright smiles.

  "Well, you did get through easily, Patty," said Elise, after it was overand the trunks despatched by express. "When we came home, mother was halfa day fussing over customs."

  "It's Patty's winning ways as does it," said Kenneth. "She hypnotisedthat fat inspector with a mere glance of her eye."

  "Nonsense!" said Patty, laughing; "it's an easy trick. They're alwaysnice and kind if you jolly them a little bit."

  "Jolly me," said Kenneth, "and see how nice and kind I'll be."

  "You're kind enough as you are," returned Patty. "If you were any kinder,I'd be overwhelmed with obligations. But how are we all going to get intothis taxicab? Five into one won't go."

  "That's easy," said Roger. "I'll perch outside with the chauffeur."

  "No, let me," said Kenneth.

  But after a good-natured controversy, Roger won the day, and climbed intothe front seat. Mr. Fairfield, Kenneth, and the two girls settledthemselves inside, and off they started for the Fairfields' home inSeventy-second street.

  "I don't see much change in the old town," remarked Patty, as they nearedthe Flatiron.

  "You don't, eh?" observed Kenneth. "Well, there's the Metropolitantower,--I guess you'll say that's pretty fine, if you have seen theCampanile in Venice."

  "But I didn't," returned Patty. "I was too late for the old one and toosoon for the new. But is this a Campanile, father? What _is_ a Campanile,pure and simple?"

  "A Campanile ought always to be pure and simple, of line," said Mr.Fairfield; "but if you mean what is it specifically, it's a bell tower.Listen, you'll hear the quarter-hour now."

  "Oh, what lovely chimes!" cried Patty. "Let's move, father, and take ahouse beneath the shadow of a great clock."

  "I've moved enough for a while, my child; if I once get seated at my ownfireside, I shall stay there."

  "How Christmassy things look," went on Patty, gazing out of the cabwindow. "It's only the middle of December, but the streets are crowdedand there are holly wreaths in some of the windows."

  "You won't have to buy many Christmas presents, will you, Patty?" saidElise. "I suppose you brought home enough Italian trinkets to supply allyour friends."

  "Yes, we did," laughed Patty. "I daresay my friends will get tired ofbusts of Dante, and models of the Forum."

  "Don't give those to me. If you have a Roman scarf nobody else wants,I'll thank you kindly."

  "All right, Elise; I'll remember that. And if I haven't, I daresay I canbuy one in the New York shops."

  "Wicked girl! Don't attempt any such deception on your tried and truefriend. Oh, Patty, do you remember the day we got lost in Paris?"

  And then the two girls plunged into a flood of reminiscences that lastedall the way home.

  "Come in? of course we'll come in!" said Roger, as he assisted them fromthe cab, and Patty graciously invited him. "That's what we're here for!We're all coming in, and if we're heartily urged, we may stay to dinner."

  In reality, Mrs. Allen, who was temporarily hostess in her daughter'shouse, had invited Kenneth and the two Farringtons to dine, in order tomake a gay home-coming for Patty.

  Very cosy and attractive the h
ouse looked, as, after more than a year'sabsence, Patty once again stepped inside. It had been closed while Mr.and Mrs. Fairfield were away, but a few days before their return, Mrs.Allen, Nan's mother, had come over from Philadelphia and opened the houseand made it cheery and livable. A bright fire glowed in the library,flowers were all about, and holly-wreaths hung in the windows.

  "It's good to be home again," said Patty, as she sank into an easy-chairand threw aside her furs.

  "It's good to have you here," responded Elise. "I've missed youterribly."

  "Me, too," said Roger, while Kenneth added, "So say we all of us."

  Always a favourite, wherever she went, Patty was specially beloved by heryoung friends in New York, and so the reunion was a happy one to allconcerned.

  Before dinner was announced, Patty flew up to her own room to change hertravelling costume for a pretty little house-dress.

  "Come on, Elise," she said, and soon the two girls were cosily chattingin Patty's dressing-room.

  "You look so different with your hair done up," said Elise. "Weren't yousorry to give up hair-ribbons?"

  "Yes, I was; I hate to feel grown-up. Just think, I'll be nineteen nextMay."

  "Well, May's a long way off yet. It's only December now. What are yougoing to do on Christmas, Patty?"

  "I don't know. Nan hasn't planned yet. She waited to see her motherfirst. But I know Mrs. Allen will invite us to Philadelphia to spendChristmas with her."

  "You don't want to go, do you? Can't you spend Christmas with me,instead?"

  "Oh, I'd love to, Elise! It would be lots more fun. We'll ask fatherto-night. How are all the girls?"

  "They're all well, and crazy to see you. Hilda is making you theloveliest Christmas present you ever saw. But, of course, I promised notto tell you about it."

  "No, don't tell me; I'd rather be surprised. Come on, I'm ready; let's godown and talk to the boys."

  Patty had done up her pretty hair in the prevailing fashion of the day;but though the soft braids encircled her head, many little golden curlsescaped and made a soft outline round her face. Her frock, of pale rosecolour, had a collarless lace yoke, and was very becoming.

  "You can wear any colour, Patty," declared Elise. "Of course, blue isyours, by right, but you're dear in that pinky thing."

  "Ah, sweet chub, I hoped I should be dear to thee in any old thing,"remarked Patty, as, slipping her arm through that of Elise, the two girlswent downstairs.

  "Ha, Patty resplendent!" exclaimed Roger, as they entered the library."Don't you dare to be a grown-up young lady, Patty Fairfield, or I shallcut your acquaintance."

  "Not I! Don't be alarmed, Roger. I am still childlike and bland."

  "Your cousin Ethelyn is going to make her debut next week. I have a bidto the ceremonies."

  "Yes, so have I. Well, let her 'come out,' if she likes. I prefer to'stay in' for another year, anyway."

  "So do I," said Elise. "Mother says I ought to come out next winter, butI'm not bothering about it yet."

  "Let's have a good time this winter, then," said Kenneth, "while we'reall children. If you girls come out next winter, you'll be so gay withdances and parties, I can't play with you at all."

  "All right," agreed Patty. "But have you time to play, yourself, Ken? Ithought you were fearfully busy absorbing the laws of the United States."

  "Oh, I do have to hammer at that all day, and some evenings, too. Butit's an unwritten law that a fellow must have some fun; so I'll take anafternoon off now and then, to come round and tease you girls."

  Then dinner was announced and, following their elders, the young peoplewent out to the dining-room.

  "Oh, how pretty!" cried Patty, as she saw the table, for the decoration,though simple, was most effective.

  Along the centre of the white cloth, lay a long bed of holly leaves, onwhich the word "Welcome" was outlined in holly berries.

  There were no other flowers, and the glossy green and vivid scarlet madea charming centrepiece, surrounded, as it was, by dainty silver, glass,and china.

  "It's good to be here once more," said Nan, as she took her place at thehead of her own table.

  "Right you are," said Mr. Fairfield, as he sat opposite her. "MotherAllen, it was kind of you to arrange this hearty Welcome Home for us."

  "It doesn't half express my joy at having you here again," said Mrs.Allen, as she looked affectionately at her daughter.

  Then the conversation turned upon Christmas and Christmas plans.

  "I must have Nan with me at Christmas," said Mrs. Allen. "And I shallcount on Fred, also, of course. Patty, dear, I want you, too, if you careto come; but----"

  "Oh, Mrs. Allen," broke in Elise, "divide the family with me, won't you?If you have Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield, won't you let me take Patty?"

  As Elise had hinted this to Mrs. Allen while they were at the steamerdock waiting for Patty, the good lady was not greatly surprised. And sheknew that Patty would prefer to be in New York with her young friends,rather than in Philadelphia.

  So it was settled that Patty should spend Christmas with Elise, much tothe joy of both girls, and also to the satisfaction of the two boys.

  "We'll have a gay old time," said Roger. "We'll have a tree and a danceand a boar's head,--whatever that thing is,--I never did know."

  "I don't know either," confessed Patty; "but we'll find out. For we musthave all the modern improvements."

  "I shouldn't call a boar's head a modern improvement," said Mr.Fairfield, smiling.

  "But ours will be," said saucy Patty, "for it will be such an improvementon the sort they used to have. And we'll have carols and waits----"

  "What are waits?" said Elise.

  "Why, waits," said Patty, "don't you know what waits are? Why, they'rejust _waits_."

  "Oh, yes," said Elise, "_now_ I understand _perfectly!_ You explainthings so clearly, Patty!"

  "Yes, doesn't she!" agreed Kenneth. "Never mind, Elise, I'll be a waitand show you."

  "Do," said Elise, "I'd much rather see than be one. Just think, Patty,Christmas is only ten days off! Can you be ready?"

  "Oh, yes," said Patty, smiling. "Why, I could get ready for twoChristmases in ten days."

  "Wonderful girl!" commented Roger. "I thought ladies were always behindtime with their Christmas preparations. I thought they always said, 'Itdoesn't seem _possible_ Christmas is so near!' and things like that."

  "I haven't half my presents ready," said Kenneth, in an exaggeratedfeminine voice. "I haven't finished that pink pincushion for Sadie, northe blue bedroom slippers for Bella."

  Roger took the cue.

  "Nor I," he said, also mimicking a fussy, womanish manner. "But I neverget into the spirit of the thing until near Christmas Day. Then I runround and try to do everything at once."

  "Do you tie up your presents in tissue paper and holly-ribbon?" askedKenneth, turning to Roger as if in earnest.

  "Oh, yes; and I stick on those foolish little seals, and holly tags.Anything to make it fussy and fluttery."

  "Gracious," said Patty, "that reminds me. I suppose I must get that hollyribbon and tissue paper flummery. I forgot all about it. What do they usethis year, Elise? White tissue paper?"

  "No, red. It's so nice and cheery."

  "Yes," said Roger. "Most Christmas presents need a cheery paper. Itcounteracts the depressing effect of an unwelcome gift."

  "Don't pay any attention to him," said Elise, "he's putting on airs. Hethinks it's funny to talk like that, but you just ought to see him onChristmas! He simply adores his presents, and fairly gloats over everyone!"

  "Sure I do!" said Roger, heartily. "But when you get a purple necktie, ora hand-crocheted watch-chain, it's nice to have a cheery red paper roundit."

  "Well, I have a lovely present for you," said Patty, "but I shall takethe precaution of wrapping it in red paper."