Marie deftly arrayed Patty in the pretty trifles, and poked pillows behind her back until she was comfortable.

“Goodness gracious sakes!  Marie,” said Patty, rubbing her eyes, “you waked me out of the soundest sleep I have ever known!  Why bother me with breakfast?”

“Had to do it,” returned Marie, calmly, drawing up a big chair for herself.  “Now keep your eyes open and behave like a lady.  Your chocolate is getting cool and your toast is spoiling.”

The two girls were still discussing their breakfast, when Mrs. Perry came in.

“How are you getting on?” she asked, cheerily; “Babette is still ill, so I had to send Nora to you.”

“Everything is lovely,” said Patty, smiling at her hostess.  “We’re delightfully looked after.  Nora is a jewel.  But I hope your maid isn’t seriously ill.”

“I’m afraid she is,” and Mrs. Perry looked troubled.  “She has a bad sore throat and she’s quite feverish.  Now you girlies dawdle around as much as you like.  Although I’m commissioned to tell you that there are two young men downstairs just pining for you, and they asked me to coax you to come down at once.”

“Let them wait,” said Patty; “we’ll be down after a while.  Mayn’t we see the baby?”

“Yes, indeed, if you like.  I’ll send her in.”

Soon a dainty little morsel of fragrant humanity appeared, accompanied by her nurse.

The tot was a trifle shy, but Patty’s merry smile soon put her at her ease.

“Tell the lady your name, dear,” said Marie.

“Pitty Yady!” said the baby, caressing Patty’s cheek.

“Yes,” said Marie, “now tell the pretty lady your name.”

“Baby Boo,” said the child.

“Baby Boo!  What a dear name!” said Patty.

“Her name is Beulah,” Marie explained, “but she always calls herself Baby Boo, so every one else does.”

“It’s just the name for her,” said Patty, catching up the midget in her arms and cuddling her.

“Pitty Yady,” repeated the baby, gazing at Patty.

“She’s struck with your beauty, Patty, like everybody else,” said Marie, laughing.

“It’s mutual, then,” returned Patty, “for I think she’s the prettiest baby I ever saw.  And she does smell so good!  I love a violet baby.”  And Patty kissed the back of the soft little neck and squeezed the baby up in her arms.

“Now Baby Boo must go away,” said Marie, at last, “for the Pitty Yady must get dressed and go downstairs.”

Patty had brought a morning frock, of pink linen with a black velvet sash, and she looked very trim and sweet as she at last declared herself ready.

The two girls went downstairs, and found two very impatient young men awaiting them.

“Whatever have you girls been doing all the morning?” exclaimed Cameron; “you can’t have been sleeping until this time!”

“Playing with the baby, and exchanging confidences,” said Patty, smiling.