Carolyn Wells

Patty's Success Carolyn Wells

The ten days before Christmas flew by like Bandersnatches. Patty had a long list of friendsto whom she wanted to give presents, and though she had brought home a lot of whatKenneth called "foreign junk," she had no notion of giving it all away. Of course, the lovely fans, beads, and scarves she brought made lovely gifts for the girls, andthe little curios and souvenirs were all right for the boys, but there were so many friends, and her relatives beside, that she soon realised she would have little left for herself. And, though unselfish, she did want to retain some mementos of her foreign trip. So shopping was necessary, and nearly every day she went with Nan or Elise to buy theChristmas wares that the city shops displayed."And I do think," she said, "that things are just as pretty and just as cheap here as overthere.""Some things," agreed Nan."Yes; I mean just the regular wares. Of course, for Roman silks and Florentine mosaics it'sbetter to shop where they grow. What's father going to give me, Nan?""Inquisitive creature! I shouldn't tell you if I knew, but as I don't know, and he doesn'teither, I may as well tell you that he'd be glad of a hint. What would you like?""Honestly, I don't know of a thing! Isn't it awful to have everything you want?""You're a contented little girl, Patty. And that's a noble trait, I admit. But just at Christmastime it's trying. Now, if you only wanted a watch, or a diamond ring, or some trifle like that, I'd be glad to give your father a hint.""Thank you, stepmamma," said Patty, smiling; "but I have a watch, and I'm too young fordiamonds. I can't help it if I'm amply supplied with this world's goods. And think of the lotsof gifts I'll get, anyway! Perhaps father'd better just give me the money and let me put it inthe bank against a rainy day.""Why, Patty, you're not getting mercenary, I hope! What do you want of money in thebank?"Patty looked earnest."No, I don't think I'm mercenary," she said, slowly, "but, Nan, you never know what mayhappen. Suppose father should lose all his money.""Nonsense! he can't do that. It's most carefully invested, and you know, Patty, he thinks ofretiring from business in a year or two mor