“And it is as a chorus girl that Mr. Stengel wishes to engage Patty?” Fred Fairfield’s voice was quiet, but his eyes shot gleams of indignation.
“Why, yes, Mr. Fairfield; she couldn’t expect a higher position at first.”
“And would she be assured of having it in time?”
“If she caught on with the public,—or, if Mr. Stengel took a liking to her personally——”
“That will do, Miss Kent. I’m sure you will forgive me if I decline to pursue this subject further. My daughter most certainly will not go into any venture of Mr. Stengel’s, or accept any other position on the stage. The incident is closed.”
There was something in Fred Fairfield’s face that forbade the indignant rejoinder Maude Kent was about to make. And it was with a sudden accession of dignity that she rose to her feet and drew her wrap about her.
“Very well,” she said; “it is closed. As a matter of explanation, let me say that my interest in the thing is a legitimately financial one. Mr. Stengel gives me a fair commission on the young ladies I persuade to join his chorus. As I am self-supporting, this means something to me. Moreover, I am personally fond of Miss Fairfield, and I am sorry not to have achieved the triumph of her consent. But since it is impossible, I can only bid you all good evening.”
With the air of an offended queen, Maude Kent swept from the room, and the Fairfield chauffeur took her back to her home.
“Patty, you everlasting little goose!” said Fred Fairfield as he took his daughter in his arms, “forget it! There’s no harm done, and nobody need ever know how foolish you were. Your bubble’s burst, your air castle is in ruins, but your old father is still here to look after you, and laugh with you over your ridiculous schemes. Now, forget this one and start another!”
“Whither away, Patty?” asked Nan, as Patty came downstairs one bright morning in late October, hatted and gowned for the street.
“I’m going out on multifarious errands. First, I shall make a certain florist I wot me of, wish he had never been born. What _do_ you think? I ordered pink chrysanthemums and he sent yellow? Could villainy go further? And then I’ve some small shopping to do. Any errands?”
“No, unless you stop in at the photographer’s and see if my pictures are done.”