Carolyn Wells

Patty Blossom Carolyn Wells

As Roger had predicted, the snow departed as quickly as it came, and two days after theirsleigh ride there was scarcely a vestige of white on the ground. Tennis was again possibleand a great game was in progress on the court at Pine Laurel. Patty and Roger were playingagainst Elise and Sam Blaney, and the pairs were well matched. But the long-contested victory finally went against Patty, and she laughingly accepteddefeat."Only because Patty's not quite back on her game yet," Roger defended; "this child has beenon the sick list, you know, Sam, and she isn't up to her own mark.""Well, I like that!" cried Patty; "suppose you bear half the blame, Roger. You see, Mr. Blaney, he is so absorbed in his own Love Game, he can't play with his old-time skill.""All right, Patsy, let it go at that. And it's so, too. I suddenly remembered something Monatold me to tell you, and it affected my service.""What is it?" asked Elise. "Anything of importance?""Yes; it's this: Mona has decided to sell Red Chimneys, and Philip VanReypen thinks it a good plan to buy it for the Children's Home.""For gracious' sake!" exclaimed Patty. "That is news! Why doesn'tPhil tell me about it?""That's just it. He's coming down here tomorrow to talk it over with you. Mona's comingtoo, you know, and you can all have a powwow.""All right," and Patty wagged her head, sagaciously. "It's not a bad idea at all. I knew Mr. Galbraith was thinking of selling the Spring Beach place, and it would be a fine house forthe kiddies.