"Nonsense!" said Patty, laughing; "it's an easy trick. They're always nice and kind if you jolly them a little bit."
"Jolly me," said Kenneth, "and see how nice and kind I'll be."
"You're kind enough as you are," returned Patty. "If you were any kinder, I'd be overwhelmed with obligations. But how are we all going to get into this taxicab? Five into one won't go."
"That's easy," said Roger. "I'll perch outside with the chauffeur."
But after a good-natured controversy, Roger won the day, and climbed into the front seat. Mr. Fairfield, Kenneth, and the two girls settled themselves inside, and off they started for the Fairfields' home in Seventy-second street.
"I don't see much change in the old town," remarked Patty, as they neared the Flatiron.
"You don't, eh?" observed Kenneth. "Well, there's the Metropolitan tower,--I guess you'll say that's pretty fine, if you have seen the Campanile in Venice."
"But I didn't," returned Patty. "I was too late for the old one and too soon for the new. But is this a Campanile, father? What _is_ a Campanile, pure and simple?"
"A Campanile ought always to be pure and simple, of line," said Mr. Fairfield; "but if you mean what is it specifically, it's a bell tower. Listen, you'll hear the quarter-hour now."
"Oh, what lovely chimes!" cried Patty. "Let's move, father, and take a house beneath the shadow of a great clock."
"I've moved enough for a while, my child; if I once get seated at my own fireside, I shall stay there."
"How Christmassy things look," went on Patty, gazing out of the cab window. "It's only the middle of December, but the streets are crowded and there are holly wreaths in some of the windows."
"You won't have to buy many Christmas presents, will you, Patty?" said Elise. "I suppose you brought home enough Italian trinkets to supply all your friends."
"Yes, we did," laughed Patty. "I daresay my friends will get tired of busts of Dante, and models of the Forum."
"Don't give those to me. If you have a Roman scarf nobody else wants, I'll thank you kindly."
"All right, Elise; I'll remember that. And if I haven't, I daresay I can buy one in the New York shops."
"Wicked girl! Don't attempt any such deception on your tried and true friend. Oh, Patty, do you remember the day we got lost in Paris?"