CHAPTER XVIII.
AT VERNONDALE After the Barlows had left them Mr.Elliott put Patty in a cab to go across New York to the New Jersey ferry, and seating himself beside her, he said: "Well, my little maid, I am very glad to get you at last; and as there is a whole houseful of people out at Vernondale who are eagerly watching for your arrival, I am going to get you there as soon as possible." "Yes, do," said Patty; "I am so anxious to see Marian and all the rest.
Tell me something about them, Uncle Charlie.

I am getting accustomed to meeting new relatives, but I like to hear about them beforehand, too." "Well," said Uncle Charlie, "to begin with, your Aunt Alice is the loveliest woman on the face of the earth." "I am sure she is," said Patty, heartily, "for she has written me such beautiful letters about my coming, and I feel as if I already know her.

And then, of course, she is papa's sister, so she must be nice." "Then there is Grandma Elliott," her uncle went on; "she is my mother, and a dearer old lady never breathed.

You'll love her at first sight." "Oh, I know I shall," said Patty; "there hasn't been a single grandmother in all my other visits, and as I have none of my own, I shall just adopt yours, if she'll let me." "Try it, and see," said her uncle, smiling.

"As to your cousins, they are four specimens of young America who must be seen to be appreciated.