Pattys Suitors | Page 5

thing, and not half of the original contestants were still in the race. And, indeed, it proved to be much greater fun to watch those who were still blindly groping along, than to stay in the game.
At last the game was concluded, as Roger Farrington proudly planted his flag at the very spot that designated the North Pole, and not long after, Clementine Morse succeeded in safely reaching the South Pole. So the beautiful rugs were given to these two as prizes, and every one agreed that they had earned them.
Then, amid much laughter, everybody was unblindfolded. and they all sat around on the snow mounds waiting for the next game.
A big snow man was brought in and set in the centre of the room. Of course it was not real snow, but made of white plaster, gleaming all over with diamond dust. But it was the traditional type of snow man, with a top hat on, and grotesque features.
In the mouth of the figure was a cigarette, and each guest was presented with a few snowballs, made of cotton wool. The game was to knock the cigarette from the snow man's mouth with one of the snowballs.
Of course the cigarette was so arranged that the lightest touch of a ball would dislodge it, and as one cigarette was displaced, Mr. Homer supplied another.
The guests had been divided into two parties, and each side strove to collect the greater number of cigarettes.
Some balls flew very wide of the mark, while others with unerring aim would hit a cigarette squarely.
The game caused great hilarity, and everybody was anxious to throw balls. They threw in turn, each having three balls at a time.
Patty was especially deft at this, and with true aim succeeded several times.
Then when they tired of this play, a few more dances followed before it was time to go home.
Some attendants came in and whisked away the snow hillocks and floor covering, leaving the ballroom once again in order for dancing.
"Makes me feel young again, to play those kiddy games," said Kenneth, as he was dancing with Patty.
"I like them," returned Patty; "I hate to think that my childhood is over, and I love games of any kind."
"Your childhood will never be over," returned Kenneth; "I think you are the incarnation of youth, and always will be."
"I'm not so much younger than you."
"Five years,--that's a long time at our age. By the way, when are the Hepworths coming home?"
"Next week; and we're planning the loveliest reception for them. You know their apartment is all ready, and we're going to have just a few people to supper there, the night they return."
"Shall I be one of the few?"
"Well, rather! The best man at the wedding must surely be at the home-coming. Doesn't it seem funny to think of Christine as mistress of her own home? She'll be perfectly lovely, I know. My goodness gracious! Ken, what time is it? I'm afraid I'm staying too late. I promised Nan I'd leave at half-past twelve."
"It's not much more than that. Can't you stay for another dance?"
"No, I can't possibly. I must run right away, or my motor car will turn into a pumpkin, and Louise into a white mouse. Take me to Mrs. Homer, please, and I will say good-night to her."
But as they crossed the room, they met Van Reypen coming toward them.
"Our dance, I think," he said, coolly, as he took Patty's hand.
The music had just started, and its beautiful rhythm was too tempting for Patty to resist.
"I'm just on my way home," she said, "but we'll go around the room once, and then I must go."
"Once indeed!" said Philip, gaily; "we won't stop until the music does."
"Yes, we will; I must go now," but somehow or other they circled the room several times. Patty loved dancing, and Philip was one of the best of partners.
But at last she laughingly protested that she really must go home, and they went together to say good-night to their hostess. And then Patty said good-night to Philip, and ran away to the dressing-room, where Louise was patiently waiting for her.
And soon, muffled up in her furs, they were rapidly spinning along toward home.
"I didn't keep you waiting very long, did I, Louise?" said Patty, kindly.
"No, Miss Patty, you're right on time. I expect you would have liked to stay longer."
"Yes, I should, but I promised Mrs. Fairfield not to."
When at last Patty reached her own little boudoir, she declared she was more tired than she had realised. So Louise took off her pretty frock, and Patty sat in her blue silk dressing gown while the maid brushed her hair. Then she brought her a cup of hot milk, and left her for the night.
Patty wasn't sleepy, and she dawdled around her room, now