Patty at Home

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Wells Carolyn. Patty at Home

CHAPTER I. THE DEBATE

CHAPTER II. THE DECISION

CHAPTER III. THE TEA CLUB

CHAPTER IV. BOXLEY HALL

CHAPTER V. SHOPPING

CHAPTER VI. SERVANTS

CHAPTER VII. DIFFERING TASTES

CHAPTER VIII. AN UNATTAINED AMBITION

CHAPTER IX. A CALLER

CHAPTER X. A PLEASANT EVENING

CHAPTER XI. PREPARATIONS

CHAPTER XII. A TEA CLUB TEA

CHAPTER XIII. A NEW FRIEND

CHAPTER XIV. THE NEIGHBOUR AGAIN

CHAPTER XV. BILLS

CHAPTER XVI. A SUCCESSFUL PLAY

CHAPTER XVII. ENTERTAINING RELATIVES

CHAPTER XVIII. A SAILING PARTY

CHAPTER XIX. MORE COUSINS

CHAPTER XX. A FAIR EXCHANGE

CHAPTER XXI. A GOOD SUGGESTION

CHAPTER XXII. AT THE SEASHORE

CHAPTER XXIII. AMBITIONS

CHAPTER XXIV. AN AFTERNOON DRIVE

Отрывок из книги

In Mrs. Elliott's library at Vernondale a great discussion was going on. It was an evening in early December, and the room was bright with firelight and electric light, and merry with the laughter and talk of people who were trying to decide a great and momentous question.

For the benefit of those who are not acquainted with Patty Fairfield and her relatives, it may be well to say that Mrs. Elliott was Patty's Aunt Alice, at whose home Patty and her father were now visiting. Of the other members of the Elliott family, Uncle Charley, grandma, Marian, and Frank were present, and these with Mr. Fairfield and Patty were debating a no less important subject than the location of Patty's future home.

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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?"

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