Patty's Fortune

“Oh, no, it’s too late. I only wanted to say that – that I’m not really engaged to anybody – now.”

“Thank heaven! and, – do you want to be?”

“Oh, no! Not for a month. I’ve got that long to make up my mind in.”

“Good! May I see you in the meantime?”

“Not unless you take that laugh out of your voice! I do believe you’re making fun of me.”

“I can’t help a laugh in my voice when the dull world has suddenly turned to rosy sunlight! Tell me, Apple Blossom, is that all you called up to say?”

“No,” and Patty’s eyes grew luminous; “I was going to say something else – ”

“What was it, – tell me, – Patty-sweet, – ”

“Only – that at this present moment, – just for one little minute, you know, I like – you – better – than – anybody else in all the world!”

And with a sudden click, Patty hung up the receiver, and buried her burning face in her hands.