CHAPTER XXIII.
AMBITIONS "There!" said Kenneth, after the dance was over, "you look more like your old self now." "I haven't lost any hairpins, have I ?" said Patty, putting up her hands to her fluffy topknot.
"No, but you've lost that absurd dressed-up look." "I'm getting used to my new frock.

Don't you like it ?" "Yes, of course I do.

I like everything you wear, because I like you.

In fact, I think I like you better than any girl I ever saw." Kenneth said this in such a frank, boyish way that he seemed to be announcing a mere casual preference for some matter-of-fact thing.
At least it seemed so to Patty, and she answered carelessly: "You _think_ you do! I'd like you to be sure of it, sir." "I am sure of it," said Ken, and then, a little more diffidently: "Do you like me best ?" "Why, yes, of course I do," said Patty, smiling, "that is, after papa and Aunt Alice and Marian and Uncle Charley and Frank and Mancy and Pansy--and Mr.Hepworth." Patty might not have added the last name if she had not just then seen that gentleman coming toward her.
He looked at Patty with an especial kindliness in his eyes, and said gently: "Miss Fairfield, may I see your card ?" Patty flushed a little and her eyes fell.
"Please don't talk like that," she said.

"I'm not grown up, if I am dressed up.