"
"Oh, don't mean things. It's too heavenly a night to talk
seriously."
"Isn't it a wonderful night? Do you know a house party like this and
moonlight on a veranda, like this, always goes to my head. I think
week-ending is apt to go to one's head, anyway. But let it go. Let
it go to your head, too."
"I don't think I'd better," and Patty spoke hesitatingly; "I might
say something foolish."
"Oh, do, Patty! DO say something foolish! If you don't, I shall."
"Well, go on, then."
"May I, Patty? May I tell you that I've simply lost my heart to
you,--you beautiful little May Queen!"
"And is that what you call foolish?" Patty pouted, adorably.
"Yes, it's foolish, because I know there's no hope for me. I know
you don't care one least scrap of a speck for me! Now, do you?"
"If you're so positive yourself, why ask me?"
"Oh, I MIGHT be mistaken, you know. Oh, if I only MIGHT! Patty, DEAR
little Patty, couldn't you be my princess? My own Princess
Poppycheek."
"I've been your Belle," and Patty laughed merrily at the
recollection.
"There you go, laughing at me! I knew you would. That shows you
don't care anything for me. If you did, you wouldn't laugh at me!"
"Oh, yes, I would! the more I care for people the more I laugh at
them,--always.
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