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PATTY'S SUCCESS
by
CAROLYN WELLS
Author Of
Two Little Women Series,
The Marjorie Series, Etc.
Grosset & Dunlap
Publishers New York
Copyright, 1910
by 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 performance
in the world! You never know when they're coming, no matter how much they
sight them and signal them and wireless them!"
Mrs. Allen was not pettish, and she spoke half laughingly, but she was
wearied with her long wait for the _Mauretania_, in which she expected
her daughter, Nan, and, incidentally, Mr. Fairfield and Patty.
"There, there, my dear," said her husband, soothingly, "I think it will
soon arrive now."
"I think so, too," declared Kenneth Harper, who was looking down the
river through field-glasses. "I'm just sure I see that whale of a boat in
the dim distance, and I think I see Patty's yellow head sticking over the
bow."
"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 surely
the _Mauretania_."
It surely was, and though the last quarter hour of waiting seemed longer
than all the rest, at last the big ship was in front of them, and
swinging around in midstream. They could see the Fairfields clearly now,
but not being within hearing distance, they could only express their
welcome by frantic wavings of hands, handkerchiefs, and flags. But at
last the gangplank was put in place, and at last the Fairfields crossed
it, and then an enthusiastic and somewhat incoherent scene of reunion
followed.
Beside Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Kenneth Harper, Roger and Elise Farrington
were there to meet the home-comers, and the young people seized on Patty
as if they would never let her go again.
"My! but you've grown!" said Kenneth, looking at her admiringly; "I mean
you'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 will
soon wear off in New York. I _am_ glad to see you again, Patty; we didn't
think 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 terribly
good time. Now, I suppose we must see about our luggage."
"Yes," said Roger, "you'll be sorry you brought so many fine clothes when
you 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-house
botheration? I'm so tired of waiting."
"No, you needn't," said Mr. Fairfield, kindly. "You and Nan and Mr. Allen
jump in a taxicab and go home. I'll keep Patty with me, and any other of
the young people who care to stay, and we'll settle matters here in short
order."
The young people all cared to stay, and though they had to wait some
time, when at last they did get a customs inspector he proved to be both
courteous and expeditious.
"Oh, don't spoil my best hat!" cried Patty, in dismay, as he laid
thoughtless hands on a befeathered creation.
"That I won't, ma'am," was the hearty response, and the hat was laid back
in its box as carefully as an infant in its cradle. "I have ladies in my
own 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 had
fallen a victim to Patty's pretty face and bright smiles.
"Well, you did get through easily, Patty," said Elise, after it was over
and the trunks despatched by express. "When we came home, mother was half
a day fussing over customs."
"It's Patty's winning ways as does it," said Kenneth. "She hypnotised
that fat inspector with a mere glance of her eye."
"Nonsense!" said Patty, laughing; "it's an easy trick. They're always
nice 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 into
this 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 into
the front seat. Mr. Fairfield, Kenneth, and the two girls settled
themselves inside, and off they started for the Fairfields' home in
Seventy-second street.
"I don't see much change in the old town," remarked Patty, as they neared
the Flatiron.
"You don't, eh?" observed Kenneth. "Well, there's the Metropolitan
tower,--I guess you'll say that's pretty fine, if you have seen the
Campanile in Venice."
"But I didn't," returned Patty. "I was too late for the old one and too
soon 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 a
house beneath the shadow of a great clock."
"I've moved enough for a while, my child; if I once get seated at my own
fireside, I shall stay there."
"How Christmassy things look," went on Patty, gazing out of the cab
window. "It's only the middle of December, but the streets are crowded
and there are holly wreaths in some of the windows."
"You won't have to buy many Christmas presents, will you, Patty?" said
Elise. "I suppose you brought home enough Italian trinkets to supply all
your friends."
"Yes, we did," laughed Patty. "I daresay my friends will get tired of
busts 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 can
buy one in the New York shops."
"Wicked girl! Don't attempt any such deception on your tried and true
friend. Oh, Patty, do you remember the day we got lost in Paris?"
And then the two girls plunged into a flood of reminiscences that lasted
all the way home.
"Come in? of course we'll come in!" said Roger, as he assisted them from
the 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's
house, had invited Kenneth and the two Farringtons to dine, in order to
make a gay home-coming for Patty.
Very cosy and attractive the house looked, as, after more than a year's
absence, 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 house
and 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-chair
and threw aside her furs.
"It's good to have you here," responded Elise. "I've missed you
terribly."
"Me, too," said Roger, while Kenneth added, "So say we all of us."
Always a favourite, wherever she went, Patty was specially beloved by her
young friends in New York, and so the reunion was a happy one to all
concerned.
Before dinner was announced, Patty flew up to her own room to change her
travelling costume for a pretty little house-dress.
"Come on, Elise," she said, and soon the two girls were cosily chatting
in Patty's dressing-room.
"You look so different with your hair done up," said Elise. "Weren't you
sorry to give up hair-ribbons?"
"Yes, I was; I hate to feel grown-up. Just think, I'll be nineteen next
May."
"Well, May's a long way off yet. It's only December now. What are you
going to do on Christmas, Patty?"
"I don't know. Nan hasn't planned yet. She waited to see her mother
first. But I know Mrs. Allen will invite us to Philadelphia to spend
Christmas 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 father
to-night. How are all the girls?"
"They're all well, and crazy to see you. Hilda is making you the
loveliest Christmas present you ever saw. But, of course, I promised not
to tell you about it."
"No, don't tell me; I'd rather be surprised. Come on, I'm ready; let's go
down 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 curls
escaped and made a soft outline round her face. Her frock, of pale rose
colour, had a collarless lace yoke, and was very becoming.
"You can wear any colour, Patty," declared Elise. "Of course, blue is
yours, 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 girls
went 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 shall
cut 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 bid
to 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, but
I'm not bothering about it yet."
"Let's have a good time this winter, then," said Kenneth, "while we're
all children. If you girls come out next winter, you'll be so gay with
dances and parties, I can't play with you at all."
"All right," agreed Patty. "But have you time to play, yourself, Ken? I
thought 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. But
it's an unwritten law that a fellow must have some fun; so I'll take an
afternoon off now and then, to come round and tease you girls."
Then dinner was announced and, following their elders, the young people
went 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, on
which the word "Welcome" was outlined in holly berries.
There were no other flowers, and the glossy green and vivid scarlet made
a 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 the
head of her own table.
"Right you are," said Mr. Fairfield, as he sat opposite her. "Mother
Allen, 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 shall
count on Fred, also, of course. Patty, dear, I want you, too, if you care
to 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 steamer
dock waiting for Patty, the good lady was not greatly surprised. And she
knew 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 to
the 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 dance
and 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 must
have 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 improvement
on 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're
just _waits_."
"Oh, yes," said Elise, "_now_ I understand _perfectly!_ You explain
things so clearly, Patty!"
"Yes, doesn't she!" agreed Kenneth. "Never mind, Elise, I'll be a wait
and 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 two
Christmases in ten days."
"Wonderful girl!" commented Roger. "I thought ladies were always behind
time with their Christmas preparations. I thought they always said, 'It
doesn't seem _possible_ Christmas is so near!' and things like that."
"I haven't half my presents ready," said Kenneth, in an exaggerated
feminine voice. "I haven't finished that pink pincushion for Sadie, nor
the blue bedroom slippers for Bella."
Roger took the cue.
"Nor I," he said, also mimicking a fussy, womanish manner. "But I never
get into the spirit of the thing until near Christmas Day. Then I run
round and try to do everything at once."
"Do you tie up your presents in tissue paper and holly-ribbon?" asked
Kenneth, 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 holly
ribbon and tissue paper flummery. I forgot all about it. What do they use
this year, Elise? White tissue paper?"
"No, red. It's so nice and cheery."
"Yes," said Roger. "Most Christmas presents need a cheery paper. It
counteracts the depressing effect of an unwelcome gift."
"Don't pay any attention to him," said Elise, "he's putting on airs. He
thinks it's funny to talk like that, but you just ought to see him on
Christmas! He simply adores his presents, and fairly gloats over every
one!"
"Sure I do!" said Roger, heartily. "But when you get a purple necktie, or
a hand-crocheted watch-chain, it's nice to have a cheery red paper round
it."
"Well, I have a lovely present for you," said Patty, "but I shall take
the precaution of wrapping it in red paper."