I don't know
why, I'm sure, but all the information I have gathered from art and
literature have led me to consider it the height of earthly joy."
"And is it proving all your fancy painted it?" asked Mr. Hepworth, who
was sitting a step below.
"Yes--that is, it's almost perfect."
"And what is the lacking element?"
"Oh, I wouldn't like to tell you," said Patty, and Mr. Hepworth was not
quite certain whether her confusion were real or simulated.
"May I guess?" he asked.
"Yes, if you'll promise not to guess true," said Patty. "If you did, I
should be overcome with blushing embarrassment."
"But I am going to guess, and if I guess true I will promise to go and
bring you the element that will complete your happiness."
"That sounds so tempting," said Patty, "that now I hope you _will_ guess
true. What is the missing joy?"
"Kenneth Harper," said Mr. Hepworth, looking at Patty curiously.
Without a trace of a blush Patty broke into gay laughter.
"Oh, you are ridiculous!" she said. "I have _you_ here, why should I
want him?"
"Then what is it you do want?" and Mr. Hepworth looked away as he evaded
her question.
"Since you make me confess my very prosaic desires, I'll own up that I'd
like a strawberry ice."
"Well, that's just what I'm dying for myself," said Mr. Hepworth gaily;
"and if you'll reserve this orchestra chair for me, I'll go and forage
for it. It looks almost impossible to get through that crowd, but I'll
return either with my shield or on it.
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