"
"Oh, Nan, I only wish I could! You might as well try to make fun of
the Public Library. Kenneth is an institution. I always feel like
saying to him, 'Sail on, sail on, oh, Ship of State!' or something
like that. Now, wait a minute, Nan; don't you think I don't
appreciate his sterling qualities. Like a Ship of State, he's made
of pure granite,--oh, NO, they don't make ships of granite, do
they?--I mean like the Public Library, you know. And he has solid
foundations,--mental, moral, and physical. But he hasn't any fancy
work about him. Even the Public Library has flags flying,--but Ken
never thinks of anything as gay as a flag."
"Patty, you're talking a lot, but I do believe you know what you're
saying;--it's true, dear. And are you going to marry him?"
"Marry him!" And Patty looked distinctly aggrieved. "Why, Nan, do
you think for a moment I'd accept my first proposal? No, sir-ee!
After I've had half a dozen, I may take one seriously, but not
before. How can I tell until I've seen various sorts? Why, Nan,
Kenneth didn't go down on his knees at all! I thought they always
did. Didn't father, when he asked you?"
"Oh, Patty, I thought you were up-to-date! Kneeling proposals went
out with the Colonials! It's only a tradition, now.
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