"I've decided to go with Maud and Beth, and you know very well that the sight of my freckled face would certainly chill any romance that might arise." "That's nonsense, Patsy!" "Then you consider me beautiful, Uncle John ?" "I mean it's nonsense about your going with Maud and Beth.

I won't allow it." "Oh, Uncle! You know I can twine you around my little finger, if I choose.

So don't, for goodness' sake, start a rumpus by trying to set your will against mine." "Then side with me, dear.

I'm quite right, I assure you." "You're always right, Nunkie, dear," she cried, giving him a resounding smack of a kiss on his chubby cheek as she sat on the arm of his chair, "but I'm going with the girls, just the same, and you may as well make up your mind to it." Uncle John coughed.

He left his chair and trotted up and down the room a moment.