Carolyn Wells

Patty-Bride Carolyn Wells

"I can't stand it, Patty, I simply can't stand it!""But you'll have to, Phil, dear. I'm engaged to Little Billee, and some day I'm going to marryhim. And that's all there is about it.""Oh, no, Patty, that isn't all about it. I'm not going to give you up so easily. You don't knowhow I care for you. You've no idea what a determined chap I can be, --""Now, stop, Phil. You know you promised that we should be friends and nothing more. Youpromised not to ask for more than my friendship-didn't you, now?""I did but that was only so you'd stay friendly with me, and I thought, -forgive theegotism, -I thought I could yet win your love. Patty, you don't care such a lot forFarnsworth, do you, now?""Indeed I do, Phil. Why, do you suppose I'd be engaged to him if I didn't love him more thananybody in all the world? Of course I wouldn't!""I know you think so, Patty," Phil's handsome face was grave and kind, "but you may bemistaken.""I'm not mistaken, Philip, and unless you change your subject of conversation, I'll have toask you to go away. I should think you'd scorn to talk like that to a girl who's engaged toanother man!""I should think I would, too, Patty. But I can't help it. Oh, my girl, my little love, I can't giveyou up. I can't tamely stand aside and make no effort to win you back! I'm not askinganything wrong, Patty, only don't send me away; let me try once again for you, --""It's too late, Phil," and Patty looked a little frightened at his vehemence."It's never too late, until you're actually married to him. When will that