"I'd forgotten to mention it to them." "For my part," continued the girl, "I can get ready in a week, easily.
But Beth is way out in Ohio, and we don't know whether she can go or not." "I'll telegraph her, and find out," said Uncle John.
"Do it to-day," suggested the Major.
"I will." "And to-morrow you must see Louise," added Patsy.

"I'm not sure she'll want to go, dear.

She's such a social butterfly, you know, that her engagements may keep her at home." "Do you mean to say she's engaged ?" asked Mr.Merrick, aghast.
"Only for the parties and receptions, Uncle.

But it wouldn't surprise me if she was married soon.

She's older than Beth or me, and has a host of admirers." "Perhaps she's old enough to be sensible," suggested the Major.
"Well, I'll see her and her mother to-morrow morning," decided Uncle John, "and if she can't find time for a trip to Europe at my expense, you and Beth shall go anyhow--and we'll bring Louise a wedding present." With this declaration he took his hat and walking stick and started for the telegraph station, leaving Patsy and her father to canvass the unexpected situation.
John Merrick was sixty years old, but as hale and rugged as a boy of twenty.