Encouraged by the general excellence of the courses, as they succeeded
one another, Patty began to hope that her gorgeous dessert would turn out
all right after all.
Seated at the head of her own table, she made a charming little hostess,
and many a glance of happy understanding passed between her and the
gentleman who presided at the other end.
"I say, Patty, it's right down jolly, you having a house of your own,"
said Frank.
"Except that we miss you awfully over home," added Uncle Charley.
"I don't see how you can," said Patty, smiling; "as I took breakfast
there this morning, you haven't yet gathered round your lonely board
without me."
"No, but we shall have to," said Uncle Charley, "and it is that which is
breaking my young heart."
"Well, _this_ is what's breaking _my_ young heart," said Patty, as she
watched Pansy Potts, who was just entering the room with a dish
containing a most unattractive-looking failure.
"I may as well own up," she said bravely, as the dessert was placed in
front of her. "My ambition was greater than my ability."
"Don't say another word," said Aunt Alice. "_I_ understand; those
spun-sugar things are monuments of total depravity."
Patty gave her aunt a grateful glance, and said, "They certainly are,
Aunt Alice; and I'll never attempt one again until I've made myself
perfect by long practice."
"Good for you, my Irish Pat," said Frank; "but, do you know, I like them
better this way.
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