Patty at Home | Page 3

yet he is accustomed to it, and, as I am
not, it seems to me an uninteresting performance. However, I dare say I
could get used to a commutation ticket, and I am certainly willing to try.
All of which is respectfully submitted," and with a bow the speaker
resumed his seat.
"That was a very nice speech," said the judge approvingly, "and now
we would be pleased to hear from the captain gentleman on the other
side."
Uncle Charley rose.
"Without wishing to be discourteous," he said, "I must say that I think
the arguments just set forth are exceedingly flimsy. There can be no
question but that Vernondale would be a far better and more
appropriate home for the young lady in question than any other spot on
the globe. Here we have wide streets, green lawns, fresh air, and bright
sunshine; all conducive to that blooming state of health which our
honourable judge now, apparently, enjoys. City life would doubtless
soon reduce her to a thin, pale, peaked specimen of humanity,
unrecognisable by her friends. The rose-colour in her cheeks would
turn to ashen grey; her starry eyes would become dim and lustreless.
Her robust flesh would dwindle to skin and bone, and probably her hair
would all fall out, and she'd have to wear a wig."
Even Patty's mallet was not able to check the burst of laughter caused
by the horrible picture which Uncle Charley drew, but after it had
subsided, he continued: "As to the wonderful masters and teachers in
the city, far be it from me to deny their greatness and power. But the
beautiful village of Vernondale is less than an hour from New York; no
mosquitoes, no malaria; boating, bathing, and fishing. Miss Fairfield
could, therefore, go to New York for her instructions in the various arts
and sciences, and return again to her Vernondale home on a local train.
Add to this the fact that here she has relatives, friends, and
acquaintances, who already know and love her, while, in New York,

she would have to acquire a whole new set, probably have to advertise
for them. As to the commuting gentleman: before his first ticket was all
punched up, he would be ready to vow that the commuter's life is the
only ideal existence. Having thus offered unattackable arguments, I
deem a decision in our favour a foregone conclusion, and I take
pleasure in sitting down."
"A very successful speech," said Patty, smiling at her uncle. "We will
now be pleased to hear from the next speaker on the affirmative side.
Mrs. Charles Elliott, will you kindly speak what is on your mind?"
"I will," said Mrs. Elliott, with a nod of her head that betokened
Fairfield decision of character. "I will say exactly what is on my mind
without regard to which side I am on."
"Oh, that isn't fair!" cried Patty. "A debate is a debate, you know, and
you must make up opinions for your own side, whether you think them
or not."
"Very well," said Aunt Alice, smiling a little, "then it being thoroughly
understood that I am not speaking the truth, I will say that I think it
better for Patty to live in New York. As her father will be away all day
at his business, she will enjoy the loneliness of a big brown-stone city
house; she will enjoy the dark rooms and the entire absence of grass
and flowers and trees, which she hates anyway; instead of picnics and
boating parties, she can go to stiff and formal afternoon teas; and,
instead of attending her young people's club here, she can become a
member of the Society of Social Economics."
With an air of having accomplished her intention, Aunt Alice sat down
amid great cheers and handclappings from the opposite side.
Patty looked a little sober as she began to think the Vernondale home
would win; and, though for many reasons she wished it would be so,
yet, at the same time, she realised very strongly the attractions of life in
New York City.
However, she only said:

"The meeting will please come to order, in order to listen to the
opinions of Miss Elliott."
Marian rose with great dignity, and addressed the chair and the ladies
and gentlemen with true parliamentary punctiliousness.
"Though personally interested in this matter," she began, "it is not my
intention to allow my own wishes or prejudices to blind me to the best
interests of our young friend who is now under discussion. Far be it
from me to blight her career for the benefit of my own unworthy self,
but I will say that if Patty Fairfield goes to live in New York, or
anywhere except Vernondale, I think she's just the horridest, meanest
old thing