CHAPTER IX.
A CALLER It was quite late in the evening before the Elliotts left Boxley Hall; but after they had gone, Patty and her father still lingered in the library for a bit of cosey chat.
"Isn't it lovely," said Patty, with a little sigh of extreme content, "to sit down in our own library, and talk over our own party?
And, by the way, papa, how do you like our library; is it all your fancy painted it ?" "Yes," said Mr.Fairfield, looking around critically, "the library is all right; but, of course, as yet it is young and inexperienced.

It remains for us to train it up in the way it should go; and I feel sure, under our ministrations and loving care, it will grow better as it grows older." "We've certainly got good material to work on," said Patty, giving a satisfied glance around the pretty room.

"And now, Mr.Man, tell me what you think of our first effort at hospitality?
How did the dinner party go off today ?" "It went off with flying colours, and you certainly deserve a great deal of credit for your very successful first appearance as a hostess.

Of course, if one were disposed to be critical--" "One would say that one's elaborate dessert--" "Was a very successful imitation of a complete failure," interrupted Mr.
Fairfield, laughing.

"And this is where I shall take an opportunity to point a moral.