“Oh, no! Of course, not that! I mean aisles of it, and white stanchions——”
“Florists’ posts to hold up the garlands that make the aisle through which your bride shall come to you!”
“Patty Blossom! When you say those things you do look so sweet! How can I wait till June?”
“Oh, the time will just fly! By the way, dear, _why_ can’t I go up in a flying machine? Everybody does.”
“Yes, and the majority of them come down with broken bones.”
“Well, a large minority, then. But, that matter is settled, dearest, once for all. You’re not to do it, see?”
“No; that isn’t quite enough! Here’s the real reason why!” Patty smiled and whispered, “Because I love you!”
“Patty Precious! How happy you make me when you’re sweet and docile like that. Of course you know it’s my love for you that makes me forbid your risking your life.”
“I know it. Little Billee, wasn’t it funny about those valentines?”
“Indeed it was. What did you mean by a dare?”
“Just that! Lieutenant Herron said I wouldn’t dare send it to you, lest you send it back! And I knew you wouldn’t, and so I dared! And then——”
“And then you thought I did! Oh, you _dear_ little goose!”
“I couldn’t help thinking so at first. How did you happen to get the one you sent?”
“Why, little Lena,—the youngster where I live,——”
“Oh, is she a little black-haired beauty?”
“A little black-haired witch! Yes, she’s a good-looking kiddy——”
“N-no; but you don’t like her much, do you?”
“She’s a little nuisance! I’d fly the coop, only I’m well fixed there and it’s a bother to move.”
“No, not exactly. She said I ought to send you a valentine, and, honestly, Patty, I own up I hadn’t thought of it! So, as she had some extra ones I took one and paid her for it. That’s all.”
“Sort of funny,—and funny they should be alike. You see, Mr. Herron practically forced me to send mine, and this little girl made you send yours!”
“Well, there’s no harm done, is there? It didn’t bother me when I received what might seem to be a ‘returned token.’ For I trust you, Patty, my Blessing, and nothing could ever make me believe you false or fickle unless you told me so yourself. So never fear what they call ‘misunderstandings’ for I shall come straight to you and make you understand! That’s the meaning, to my mind, of our faith and trust.”