"That's true," agreed Patty, "and so, Zaly, suppose you discontinue that habit. It isn't done this year."
"Honest? That so? I'd be mighty glad to quit it!"
"Do, then," put in Bill. "And while we're on the subject, you won't mind if I go into it a little more deeply,--will you?"
"Well, for one thing, they don't put elbows on the table this season as much as formerly."
"Pooh! I know that! I didn't mean to,--but I forgot. I guess I know how to behave,--if I don't always do it!"
"I'm glad you do, Zaly,--and, listen, dear, you're my relative, you know, and I'm going to ask you to try to _use_ your knowledge,--for Patty is too polite to mention such subjects!"
"Oh, I don't mind! Pick on me all you like,--either of you. I suppose there are some frills I'm not onto,--but I'm quick at catchin' on,--and I'll get there, Eli!"
Norah returned then, and the subject was not continued. Coffee was served in the library and the small cups excited Azalea's scorn.
"Skimpy, I call it!" she cried. "And where's the milk?"
"You may have cream if you wish it, Azalea," said Patty, a little tired of smiling. "Norah will bring some."
"Oh, let me get it," and Azalea jumped up. "I remember, Patty, you told me not to trouble the servants too much."
"Sit down!" Farnsworth said, in a tone that made Azalea jump. "Wait for Norah to bring it."
"Oho! _you_ believe in making the lazy things work, don't you! What's the use of hiring a dog, and doing your own barking? That's right!"
Patty struggled with her annoyance, overcame it, and making a gesture to Bill to keep quiet, she warded off his angry explanations, and took the situation in her own hands.
"Here's cream, Azalea," she said, as the maid reappeared, "many people like it in after dinner coffee, and you're very welcome to it."
"Licking good!" was the verdict, as Azalea stirred her coffee, and drank the tiny cupful at one draught. "The sample's fine! I'll take a regular sized cup, please."
"For breakfast," smiled Patty. "That's all we serve at night. Are you fond of music, Azalea?"
"You bet! Why, we've got some records that are just bang-up!"
"I remember Uncle Thorpe was quite a singer," said Bill; "do you sing, too?"
"Not so's you'd notice it! My voice is like--"