CHAPTER XIX
THE DISCOVERY
The removal of the old chimney-piece was not an easy task. If the Hartleyboys hadn't been big and strongly-built, they could scarcely havesucceeded in tearing away the woodwork from the wall. But they did do it,and their labours were rewarded by the discovery of the long-lostfortune!
Sure enough the historic "poke" was a pocket or recess between the oldbedhead and the main wall. It was really built in the chimney itself,though not in the flue. But this chimney-place, with its wonderfullycarved mantel, was never used for fires, and the fortune had remainedundisturbed in its hiding-place.
As the boys lifted away the portion of the heavy oak that covered thesecret pocket, a rough wall of plaster was seen, and by tapping on it,Sinclair learned that it was hollow.
"Shall we break through?" he said. "I feel sure the money is there."
"Break through, of course," cried Bob; "but wait a moment till I lock thedoors. This is no time for intruders."
Bob fastened the doors, and then with a hatchet they broke through theplaster.
And even as the old mortar crumbled beneath their blows, out fell ashower of glittering gold coins and tightly folded banknotes!
The sight was too much for the strained nerves of the watchers. Mabelburst into tears, and Mrs. Cromarty trembled like a leaf.
The boys broke into shouts of joy, and Patty scarcely knew whether tolaugh or cry. But in a moment they were all congratulating each other andshowering praises on Patty for her cleverness in the matter.
"It's ours! It's ours!" cried Bob. "It's Grandy's, to be sure, but itbelongs to old Cromarty Manor, and we're all Cromartys. Patty, you'rehereby adopted and made one of us."
"What shall we do with it?" asked the more practical Sinclair. "I mean,just at present. We must take care of it, at once, you know. We can'tleave it long like this."
"There's the old Spanish chest," said Mrs. Hartley, indicating agood-sized affair that stood nearby. "Put it in that."
"Just the thing," said Bob. "Lend a hand, Clair."
It was a strange proceeding. The old coins, many of them still bright,though of far back dates; represented a great deal of money. How much,they could not guess as yet, but it was surely a large sum. Also therewere Bank of England notes, folded small that they might be pushedthrough the openings in the carved oak, and well-preserved, as the pockethad been carefully made damp-proof.
The boys took the money out in double handfuls and deposited it in theold Spanish chest.
"It will be quite safe there until to-morrow," said Mrs. Hartley, "andthen we must get it to the bank. But as no one yet knows of ourdiscovery, there can be no danger of its being stolen to-night."
"What ever made Uncle Marmaduke choose this way of concealing hisfortune?" asked Bob, as he kept on transferring the money from itshiding-place to the chest.
"He had a fear of banks or investments," said Mrs. Cromarty. "I've oftenheard him say he wouldn't trust any of them. He said he'd rather be sureof his principal, and go without his interest."
"Crickets!" said Bob, "if all this _had_ been out at interest for fortyyears, think how it would have increased!"
"Yes," said his mother, "but in that case it would not have been hidden,and before now, it might have all been spent."
"Then I'm glad the old gentleman chose this way of banking. And I supposehe meant to leave full instructions where to find it."
"Well," said Sinclair, "we found it without his instructions, thanks toour Patty."
And then they all began again to bless and praise Patty, until she wasreally embarrassed at their overwhelming gratitude.
"We'd offer you a share," said Bob, gaily, "but you already have morethan you know what to do with."
"Perhaps not quite that," said Patty, smiling, "but I have enough. And,oh! I am so glad that you have your own at last."
"How much do you suppose there is?" asked Mabel, awestruck, as shewatched the boys still carrying their precious handfuls across the room.
"Enough to buy you some new frocks, sister," said Sinclair, "and enoughto fix up dear old Cromarty as it should be fixed up."
"There must be thousands of pounds," said Grandma Cromarty. "To think ofMarmaduke exchanging all his securities and bonds for gold and notes! Isuppose he did it while I was away in London. He was a most erratic man."
"Well, you see," said Sinclair, thoughtfully, "once he had the placebuilt, he could drop his money through whenever he received any. I canimagine the old chap, after every one else in the house was in bed,standing here and dropping in his coins one by one, and listening to themclink. Why, it's like a child's toy savings-bank, on a large scale."
"It's a large scale!" said Bob. "Whew! I'm tired out. But it's nearly allin the chest now, and see, Grandy, the chest is nearly full! When shallwe count it? And how _shall_ we get this mess cleared away? If theservants come in here, they'll know it all, at once. And I think we oughtto keep the matter quiet until we can cart the gold away to the bank."
"I think so too," said his mother. "Suppose we leave this room exactly asit is, and lock it all up until to-morrow. Then we can talk it over thisevening, and decide what is best to do. I think we should consult withLawyer Ashton, and let him advise us."
So, after carefully securing the windows, and locking all the doors ofthe room, it was a merry-hearted family who went away to dress fordinner.
"Let's put on our prettiest frocks, and make the dinner a sort ofcelebration feast," said Patty, who dearly loved an "occasion."
"We will," said Mabel, "and Grandy must wear her black velvet."
Mrs. Cromarty was easily persuaded, and the happy old lady looked almostregal as, in her trailing gown, she led the way to the dining-room. Thedinner conversation was on the all-absorbing topic, and Patty realisedafresh how dearly these people loved their old home, and how anxious theywere to devote their newly-found fortune to restoring the glories of theplace.
"And now we can have the garden party!" exclaimed Mabel. "You know,Patty, we've had one every summer for years and years, and this summer wethought we couldn't afford it. What fun to have you here to it!"
"Let's have it soon," said Sinclair. "Can you get ready in a week,mother?"
"Give me a little longer than that, son. And we want to send out theinvitations about ten days before the party."
"We'll make the lists to-night. Let's invite everybody. I suppose, afterwe put the money safely away, there's no necessity for secrecy about it."
"No, I think not. All our friends will rejoice with us, that we've foundit at last."
Later on, they all sat round the library table, and made plans for thegarden party. Patty discovered that it would be a much larger and moreimportant affair than she had imagined. The invitation list soon rose toabout four hundred, and seemed literally to include everybody in all thecountry round.
"I really ought to have a new frock for the party," said Mabel; "butwe've so much going on that I won't have time to get one made."
This gave Patty an idea, and she determined to give Mabel a littlesurprise. While they were making the plans for the fete, she wasplanning to write to Lady Hamilton and ask her to send down from Londontwo new frocks for herself and Mabel to wear at the garden party. Shefelt sure she could secretly procure one of Mabel's old dresses to sendfor a pattern, and she meant that Mabel should not know of it until thenew frock arrived.
The evening was a merry one, indeed. The boys were so exuberant that theylaughed and sang snatches of songs, and exclaimed over and over how muchthey appreciated the good turn Patty had done them.
The two elder ladies were more quietly glad, and it did Patty's heartgood to see that the sad, anxious expression was gone from Mabel's face.
The days before the garden party flew by quickly, for there was much tobe done. Extra servants had to be secured, some repairing done in houseand gardens, and the caterer's orders attended to. The day before theparty the dresses arrived from London. Lady Hamilton had chosen them,though P
atty had given her a general idea of what she wanted.
Though they were called white muslin frocks, they were made almostentirely of fine embroidery and lace. Mabel's was worn over a pink silkslip, and Patty's over blue. Frenchy knots of ribbon were placed here andthere, and when the boxes were opened and the tissue papers torn away,Mabel gave a shriek of delight at the beautiful things.
Patty had wanted to give Mabel a pretty frock, but had hesitated to doso, lest she wound her pride.
But this seemed different, and Patty offered the gift so prettily, as asouvenir of the garden party, that Mabel accepted it in the spirit it wasgiven.
The day of the party was perfect. Just the right temperature, and not acloud in the blue sky, except some fleecy little white ones that were asinnocent as kittens.
The party was from three till six, and promptly at three o'clock theguests began to arrive. There was a continuous stream of carriages andmotor cars, and soon Patty was almost bewildered by the crowds of people.Although introduced to them as they arrived, she couldn't remember themall. But many of them she had met before, and after a time she and Mabelwere excused from the receiving party, and were sent to mingle with theguests.
The old place was looking its best. Though there had not been time formuch work on the gardens, yet a deal of tidying up had been done. Newflowers had been set out in the formal flower beds, the fountains hadbeen repaired and put in working order, and the shrubs and hedges hadbeen trimmed. Patty, looking very sweet in her lovely white dress,wandered around indoors and out, greeting old friends and making newones.
The house was thrown open, and of course the old chimney-piece, which hadbeen replaced, was scrutinised with great interest. Patty was lioniseduntil she became almost embarrassed at being made so prominent. Buteverybody was thoroughly glad that the Cromartys had come into theirfortune at last. On the lawn was a band of musicians in gay scarlet andgold uniforms, who played popular music at intervals during theafternoon. The terraces and gardens were filled with groups of peoplepleasantly chatting, and the ladies' pretty summer costumes added to thebrilliancy of the scene.
At four o'clock tea was served in a great round tent, which had been putup for the purpose. Although called tea, the repast was a substantialsupper of various and elaborate viands. Patty thought she had never seenso many sorts of salads and carefully constructed cold dishes. She sat ata small table with the Merediths and some other young people.
"You're going to stay here all summer, aren't you?" asked Tom, whosincerely hoped she was.
"I don't know," replied Patty. "I'd love to stay, for I'm happy everyminute here. But my own people are writing me very urgently to join themin Switzerland. They're in such delightful quarters there, that theythink I'd like it too."
"Oh, don't go. Stay here with us. We're going to get up a croquet club,and we want you to be a member."
"I'll be glad to, if I stay. But where are the people going now?"
The guests had all risen, and were being led to a part of the groundswhere a platform had been erected. On this were a troupe of entertainerscalled The Pierrots. They all wore funny white suits, with little blackpompons bobbing all over them. They sang amusing songs, played on cymbalsand other instruments, did some clever acrobatic work, and for ahalf-hour entertained the guests who stood about on the grass, or sat oncamp chairs to watch them.
At six o'clock the guests all took leave, and the great procession ofvehicles again appeared on the driveway. Mrs. Cromarty and Mrs. Hartleyreceived their good-byes, and Patty and Mabel invited a number of theyoung people to remain to dine and spend the evening.
"Though I'm sure we can't eat any dinner, after that very satisfyingtea," said Grace Meredith, as she accepted the invitation.
In the evening they all went out on the lake for a moonlight row. Severalnew boats had been bought, and the young men rowed the girls about. Theboats were hung with Chinese lanterns, which gave the lake the appearanceof a regatta or a water festival.
Then back to the house for a dance in the great hall. The musicians hadremained, and to their inspiriting strains the young people glided aboutin merry measures.
"Do give me another waltz," Tom Meredith begged of Patty.
"I'd be glad to, Tom," said Patty, frankly; "but I can't do it withoutoffending somebody else. I love to dance with you, but you've had threealready, and I've promised all the rest."
But Tom wheedled Mrs. Hartley into allowing one more extra, after thelast dance, and he claimed Patty for that.
"You're the best dancer I ever saw," said Tom, as they floated away.
"You're the best English dancer I ever saw," laughed Patty, for she wellknew English people do not dance like Americans. Good-natured Tom didn'tmind her implication, and after the waltz was ended he led her out on theterrace to sit down for a bit and rest. There were several others there,the Hartley boys among them, and soon they began to sing songs.
Others came and joined them, and the young voices rose in merry chorusesand glees.
"You have splendid songs in England," said Patty, after the men's voiceshad come out strong in "Hearts of Oak" and "Rule Britannia."
"Yes, we have," agreed Tom. "But, Patty, won't you sing something alone?"
"Do," chorused the rest, and Mabel said: "Sing that newest song that youand Sinclair made."
"'The Moon's Song?'" asked Patty.
"Yes; this is just the night for it."
The moon was nearing the western horizon, and its soft light fell acrossthe lake in silver ripples. Truly it was just the time and place to singthe pretty song of which Patty had composed the words, and Sinclair hadset them to music. It was a simple air, but full of soft, lingeringcadences, and without accompaniment Patty's really sweet voice soundedexquisite as it thrilled through the summer evening air.
The song was called "The Minstrel Moon," and the words were these:
"I wonder if the moon could sing, On a marvellous, mystical night in spring, I wonder what the song would be That the minstrel moon would sing to me. And as I think, I seem to know How the music of the moon would go. It would be a mystic, murmuring strain Like the falling of far-away fairy rain. Just a soft and silvery song That would swing and swirl along; Not a word Could be heard But a lingering ding-a-dong. Just a melody low and sweet, Just a harmony faint and fleet, Just a croon Of a tune Is the Music of the Moon."
CHAPTER XX
GOOD-BYES
One beautiful morning, about a week after the garden party, Patty lay inher favourite hammock out under the trees. She liked this hammockespecially, for from it she could see both terraces, the formal gardens,and the lake beyond.
As she looked around this morning she could see the workmen busilyengaged in restoring the gardens to their original symmetry and beauty.The Hartleys were by no means purse proud or ostentatious, and theirsudden acquisition of a great fortune in no way changed their simple,pleasant attitude toward life. But they were now enabled to live in theirdear old home, without financial anxieties, and moreover, were able torepair and restore its appointments.
But though Patty loved to let her idle gaze roam over the attractivelandscape, her thoughts just now were far away. She had in her hand aletter from her father, and its message was strongly in favour of herleaving Cromarty Manor and joining her parents in Switzerland.
It was for Patty to make choice, but both Nan and Mr. Fairfield urged theplan they proposed. So Patty was thinking it over. She was very happy atCromarty, and the life was quiet and pleasant, and interspersed with manylittle gaieties. But she thought, herself, it was a pity not to travelabout and see sights and places when opportunity presented itself.
As she lay, thinking, she saw a large motorcar coming along the drivethrough the park. She jumped out of th
e hammock and started toward thehouse, in order to greet the guests whoever they might be. As the carcame nearer, she saw a lady and gentleman in the tonneau, but soconcealed were they by their motor-clothes she could not recognise them.
As they drew nearer, the lady waved her hand, and seeing the familiargesture, Patty at once realised that it was Lady Hamilton.
Her father was with her, and Patty ran to meet them, and reached thesteps of the great entrance of Cromarty just as the car swung round thelast curve of the road.
"Oh, Kitty!" cried Patty; "I'm _so_ glad to see you! Where did you comefrom? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? How do you do, Sir Otho.This is indeed a surprise."
"How are you, my dear child?" said Sir Otho Markleham, after Patty hadreleased Lady Kitty from her enthusiastic embrace, and turned to shakehands with her father.
"Come in," said Patty, dancing about in her excited glee. "Come right in.You are welcome to Cromarty Manor, and in a moment the family will alsotell you so."
"What a delightful house!" said Lady Hamilton, pausing to admire thestately old portal.
"Yes, isn't it? You know the Hartleys, don't you?"
"Slightly. I'll be glad to see them again. But, of course, we came to seeyou."
"And it's a lovely surprise. Are you staying near here?"
"Only for a day or two," said Sir Otho. "We're taking a little jauntabout, and as Kitty wanted to see you especially, we came in thisdirection."
The chauffeur and the big touring car were put in charge of the Cromartycoachman, and Patty ushered her guests into the house.
The ladies soon appeared and with hospitable welcome insisted that SirOtho and his daughter should remain for a few days. This they were unableto do, but it was finally decided that they should stay the night, andresume their trip the next day.
"And," said Sir Otho, "it may seem a rather sudden proceeding, but wewant to take Patty with us."
"Take Patty!" exclaimed Mabel, aghast; "for how long?"
"You tell her," said Sir Otho, smiling at his daughter. "I haven't thecourage."
"I'll explain later," said Lady Hamilton. "But now, I want to enjoy thebeauties of this grand old place. Is this the celebrated apartment wherethe fortune was hidden?"
"Yes," said Patty, who had written to Lady Kitty about the matter. "Andhere is the old chimney-piece."
"You can imagine, Lady Hamilton," said Mrs. Hartley, "the deep debt ofgratitude we are under to our dear Patty."
"You must be, indeed. But I know Patty is quite as glad that she made thediscovery as you are yourselves."
The rest of the morning was devoted to showing the visitors about theplace. Sir Otho was greatly interested in the plans for the restorationof the gardens, and both he and Lady Kitty were enraptured with thehistoric treasures of the old house. After luncheon, Lady Hamiltonunfolded her plans to Patty.
"I have been in correspondence with Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield," she said,"and we've concluded that we must have Patty back with us again. She hasbeen very happy here, I know, but she has made you a long visit, and I'vereally been sent down here to kidnap her."
Patty smiled, but the others didn't. Mrs. Cromarty and Mrs. Hartleylooked truly sorry, and Mabel had to struggle to keep her tears back.
"You are right," said Mrs. Cromarty, at last. "We have enjoyed havingPatty here more than I can tell you. But we must not be selfish. I knowher parents have been writing for her to go to them, and it is wrong forus to urge her to stay here."
"But I don't want Patty to go away," said Mabel, and now she was reallycrying.
"I know you don't, dearie," said her mother. "But I see it as Grandmadoes, and I think we must let her go. Perhaps some time she'll comeagain."
"Oh, I hope so," said Patty, smiling through the tears that had gatheredin her own eyes. "You've all been so good to me, and I've had such lovelytimes."
The question once settled, Lady Hamilton went on to say that she proposedto take Patty away the next day. Of course this redoubled Mabel's woe,but Lady Kitty was firm.
"It would be just as hard to spare her a week hence," she said. "Andthen, who would take her to London? If she goes with us to-morrow, wewill keep her with us for the rest of our motor tour--about a week--andthen reach London about the first of July. After that Patty and I willjoin Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield in Switzerland, and go on to do some furthertravelling."
Although Patty was sorry to leave Cromarty, this plan did sounddelightful, and she was glad that it was all settled for her, and she hadno further responsibility in the matter.
Lady Hamilton had a genius for despatch, and she superintended thepacking of Patty's clothes and belongings that same afternoon. Except forthe luggage needed on the motor-tour, everything was to be sent to LadyKitty's home in London, and Patty had to smile, as she realised that herpresent temporary home was the great house where she had so daringlybraved the irascible Sir Otho.
There was a daintily furnished room in the Markleham house that had beenset aside for Patty's very own, and whenever she cared to she was invitedto occupy it.
When the boys came home that afternoon and heard the news, they set up awail of woe that was both genuine and very noisy.
No one could help admiring Lady Kitty, but Sinclair and Bob felt as ifshe were robbing their household, and it required all their good mannersto hide their feeling of resentment.
But they rose nobly to the occasion, and Bob said: "Well, since Pattymust go, we'll have to send her off in a blaze of glory. Let's make aparty, mother, a few people to dinner, and some more for the evening."
Mrs. Hartley quickly realised that this would be the best way to tideover a sad occasion, and she agreed. The Merediths and a few others weresent for to come to dinner, and a dozen or more young people asked for alittle dance in the evening. Notwithstanding her unwelcome errand, LadyKitty fitted right into the house party, and both she and her father wereso affable and pleasant that the Hartleys forgave them for stealing Pattyaway.
The tourists had luggage with them, so were able to don attire suitableto the party. Lady Hamilton wore one of her beautiful trailing lacegowns, which had won for her Patty's name of "The White Lady."
Patty, too, wore a white frock, of ruffled organdie, with touches of palegreen velvet. In her pretty hair was a single pink rose, and as shearranged it, she felt a pang as she thought that might be the last flowershe would ever wear from the dear old Cromarty rose garden. The dinnerwas a beautiful feast, indeed. The table sparkled with the old silver andglass that had belonged to the Cromarty ancestors. Flowers wereeverywhere, and the table and dining-room were lighted entirely by waxcandles, with the intent of abiding by the old traditions of the manor.
At Patty's plate was a multitude of gifts. How they managed it on suchshort notice, she never knew, but every one of the family and most of theguests gave her a parting souvenir.
Grandma Cromarty gave her a valuable old miniature that had long been inher historic collection. Mrs. Hartley gave her an exquisite fan, paintedby a celebrated artist. Mabel gave her a ring set with a beautiful pearl,and the boys together gave her a splendid set of Dickens' works inelaborately gilded binding. Grace Meredith brought her a bangle, and Toma quaint old-fashioned candlestick; and many other guests brought prettyor curious trifles.
Patty was overwhelmed at this unexpected kindness, and opened parcelafter parcel in a bewilderment of delight.
Everybody was gay and merry, yet there was an undercurrent of sadness, asone after another remembered this was the last time they would see prettyPatty.
After dinner they all assembled on the terrace, and the other guests,arriving later, joined them there.
But the soft beauty of the summer evening seemed to intensify the spiritof sadness, and all were glad to hear the strains of a violin coming fromthe great hall.
Bob had sent for two or three musicians, and soon the young people werespinning around in the dance, and merriment once more reigned.
Always a popular partner, Patty was fairly besiege
d that night.
"I can't," she said laughingly, as the young men gathered around to begher favours; "I've halved every dance already; I can't do more thanthat."
"Don't halve this one," said Tom Meredith, as he led her away for awaltz. "I must have all of it. Unless you'll sit it out with me on theterrace."
"No, thank you," said Patty. "I'd rather dance. I don't suppose I'll findanother dancer as good as you all summer."
"I hate to think of your going away," said Tom. "You almost promised meyou'd stay here all summer."
"I know. But I'm not mistress of my own plans. They're made for me."
"And you're glad of it," said Tom, almost angrily. "You're glad you'regoing away from here--to go motoring in Switzerland, and all sorts ofthings."
"Don't be so savage. It isn't surprising that I'm glad to go away fromany one as cross as you are."
Tom had to smile in return for Patty's laughing tones, and he said moregently:
"I don't mean to be bearish, but I wish you weren't going. I--I like youan awful lot, Patty. Truly I do."
"I'm glad of it," said Patty, heartily, "and I like you too. AfterSinclair and Bob, you're the nicest boy in England."
"There's luck in odd numbers," said Tom, a little ruefully, "so I'm gladI'm number three. But I'd like to be number one."
"Well, you're a number one dancer," said Patty, as the music ceased, andwith that Tom had to be content.
And now the hour was getting late and the young people began to go home.
It was really an ordeal for Patty to say good-bye, for she had manyfriends among them, and they all seemed truly regretful to part with her.
But after they had gone, and only those staying in the house remained,another surprise was in waiting for Patty. They were gathered in thegreat hall, talking over for the last time the mystery of the hiddenfortune, and Patty's clever solution of it.
"And now," said Sinclair, "I've a little speech to make."
He went and stood on the "stair across the hall," in front of the oldchimney-piece, and so, just beneath the picture of the fir trees. Thepainting was a fine one, and represented a landscape with firs in theforeground. It had hung there since the days of the earlier Cromartys,and was a valuable work of art.
Patty had always loved the picture, even before the added interest oflearning the truth about the fir trees, and they all knew it was one ofher favourites among the many art treasures of the old house.
"I was going to make this speech when the party was here," proceededSinclair, "but I didn't, partly because I feared it might embarrassPatty, and partly because I like it better to have only our own peoplehere. But the speech itself is this: We, the Cromartys of Cromarty Manor,realising that we can never liquidate the great debt of gratitude we oweto our beautiful and beloved friend, Miss Patty Fairfield, wish, atleast, to give her a token of our affection and a memento of her nobledeed. We, therefore, one and all of the household of Cromarty, offer herthis picture of fir trees, this painting by Hobbema, and we trust thatshe will accept it in the spirit it is tendered."
Sinclair bowed and sat down, and Patty sat for a moment in awestrucksilence.
Then, "The Hobbema!" she cried, "I won't take it! The idea of giving methat painting! Why, it's one of the gems of the house!"
"That's why we want you to have it, Patty dear," said Grandma Cromarty,gently. "It is one of our treasures, and for that very reason it isworthy to be presented as a souvenir to one who so gloriously deservesit."
"Hear! Hear!" cried Bob. "Grandy makes a better speech than you, Clair."
Patty's scruples were lovingly overcome, and she was made to realise thatshe was the owner of a real masterpiece of art, that would be to her alifelong delight.
"But what will take its place?" she said. "It has hung there so manyyears."
"It hung there," said Mrs. Hartley, "until its mission was fulfilled. Nowthat there is nothing to be searched for 'between the fir trees and theoak,' it need hang there no longer. It is fitting that we retain the'oak' and you possess the 'fir trees,' thus assuring an everlasting bondof union between the fir trees and the oak."
"Bravo, Mater!" cried Bob. "You're coming out strong on speechifying,too. Mabel, we must look out for our laurels."
But Mabel was too near the verge of tears to trust her voice, so sheslipped her hand in Patty's, knowing that she would understand all thatcould not be said.
"Well," went on Bob, "I'm not much of an orator, but I'll take it for mypart to see that the Fir Trees are properly packed and sent to your home,Patty. Where shall I send the box?"
"I hate to have it go to New York now," said Patty, "for I want it withme while I'm over here."
So it was arranged to send the picture to Sir Otho's house in London,there to remain until the Fairfields returned to America.
The departure from Cromarty was made next morning directly afterbreakfast. It was fortunate that the last details of luggagepreparations, and the packing of luncheon and so forth, made a bustle andhurry that left little time for actual farewells. And, too, they were alltoo sensible to mar Patty's last memory of Cromarty with futile regrets.
So after good-byes were said, and the party stowed away in the big car,Sinclair started one of their favourite nonsense songs.
The others joined in, and Patty sang too, and handkerchiefs were waved,and as the car slid out of sight among the trees, those who were leftcould still hear Patty's high, sweet soprano ringing back to them.
Thank you for reading books on BookFrom.Net Share this book with friends