THE FLEMINGS The messenger-boy rang the door bell, and a white-capped maid opened the door.

When she saw the uniformed youth, she held out her hand for his book, signed it and dismissed him.
Then turning to Patty, she said, "This way, miss," and ushered her into a small reception room.
As Patty wrote to her father afterwards, she felt like a package sent from a department store, and she looked down, almost expecting to find herself wrapped in paper and tied with a string.
After she had waited about ten minutes, a tall young woman came quickly down-stairs and passed along the hall.

She had on a hat and jacket, and was evidently going away in a great hurry.
As she went by the reception room, she caught sight of Patty through the open door, and stopped in surprise.
"Good-morning," she said, in a quick, hurried way.

"Did you wish to see me ?" "I don't know," said Patty, uncertain whether this was a cousin or a visitor at the house.

"I am Patty Fairfield." "Oh, yes, of course,--our cousin from the South.