Apprehensive of disappointment, he hurried downstairs and opened the door to Patty Ringrose--Patty alone.
With a shy but pleased laugh, her cheeks warm and her eyes bright, she jerked out her hand to him as in the old days.
"I know you won't be glad to see me.

I'm so sorry.

I said I had better not come." "Of course I am glad to see you.

But where's Eve ?" "It's so unfortunate--she has such a bad headache!" panted the girl.
"She couldn't possibly come, and I wanted to stay with her, I said.

I should only disappoint you." "It's a pity, of course; but I'm glad you came, for all that." Hilliard stifled his dissatisfaction and misgivings.