The dainty dressing-table was of bird's-eye maple; and for this Mr.Fairfield ordered a bewildering array of fittings, all in ivory, with Patty's monogram on them.
"And I want a little book-case, papa," she said; "a little one, you know, just for my favouritest books; for, of course, the most of my books will be down in the library." So a dear little book-case was bought, also of bird's-eye maple, and a pretty little work-table, with a low chair to match.
"That's very nice," said Patty, with an air of satisfaction, "for, though I hate to sew, yet sometimes it must be done; and with that little work-table, I think I could sew even in an Indian wigwam!" Patty hadn't much to say regarding the furniture of her father's bedroom, for Mr.Fairfield attended to that himself, and selected the things with such rapidity and certainty that it was all done almost before Patty knew it.
"Now," said Mr.Fairfield, "there are two guest-chambers to be furnished; the one you call Marian's room, and the other for the general stranger within our gates." Marian's room was done up in blue, as she had requested, and the other guest-room was furnished in yellow.
It was great fun to pick out the furniture, rugs, and curtains for these rooms; and Patty tried very hard to select such things as her father would approve of, for she dearly loved to have him commend her taste and judgment.
As they were sitting at luncheon, Mr.Fairfield said: "This afternoon, I think, we will devote to pictures.

I'm not sure we will buy any, but we will look at them, and I will learn what is your taste in art, and you will leant what is mine." "I haven't any," said Patty cheerfully.

"I don't know anything about art and never did." "You still have some time, I hope, in which to learn." "I've time enough, but I don't believe I could learn.

The only pictures I like are pretty ones." "You _are_ hopeless, and that's a fact," said Mr.Fairfield.

"Of all discouraging people, the worst are those who like pretty pictures!" "But I'm sure I can learn," said Patty, "if you will teach me." "You are more flattering than convincing," said Mr.Fairfield, "but I will try." And so after luncheon they visited several picture shops, and Mr.
Fairfield imported to his daughter what was at least a foundation for an education in art.
Back in Vernondale, Patty confided to Marian that she had had a perfectly lovely time all the morning, but the afternoon wasn't so much fun.