At last it was time for Patty to bring in the finger bowls. They
stood neatly ranged in readiness for her, and in each one was a
pansy blossom.
On the table near the doorway through which Patty went in and out of
the dining-room, chanced to be a big bowl of apple blossoms, and
Patty appropriated one of these and substituted it for the pansy in
the finger bowl which she subsequently placed before Farnsworth.
She did not glance at him, but she had the satisfaction of seeing
him start with surprise, and then let his glance travel around the
table as if assuring himself that he was the only one thus honoured.
He tried to catch Patty's eye, but she resolutely refrained from
looking at him.
After dinner was over, and the guests returned to the drawing-room,
Patty remained in the dining-room, wondering what would happen next.
In a few moments Mrs. Brewster came running out to her.
"You little brick!" she cried; "but, my DEAR child, what MADE you do
it?"
"What do you mean, madame?" asked Patty, in her most waitress-like
voice.
"What do I mean? You rogue! You scamp! Mr. Farnsworth has told us
all about it! I don't know what you mean by this masquerade. But
it's over now, and you must come into the drawing-room at once! Take
off that apron and cap, and put on your collar and bow again.
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