Carolyn Wells

Patty in Paris Carolyn Wells

The Fairfields were holding a family conclave. As the Fairfield family consisted of only threemembers, the meeting was not large but it was highly enthusiastic. The discussion wasabout Patty; and as a consequence, Patty herself was taking a lively part in it."But you promised me, last year, papa," she said, "that if I graduated from the OliphantSchool with honours, I needn't go to school this year.""But I meant in the city," explained her father; "it's absurd, Patty, for you to consider youreducation finished, and you not yet eighteen.""But I'll soon be eighteen, papa, and so suppose we postpone this conversation until then.""Don't be frivolous, my child. This is a serious matter, and requires careful considerationand wise judgement.""That's so," said Nan, "and as I have already considered it carefully, I will give you the benefit of my wise judgment."Though Nan's face had assumed the expression of an owl named Solomon, there was asmile in her eyes, and Patty well knew that her stepmother's views agreed with her own, rather than with those of her father. It was the last week in September, and the Fairfields were again in their pleasant city homeafter their summer in the countr