"That nincompoop! with long hair and a green neck-tie! He's a half-witted farmer!" Patty's laugh rang out.

"Oh, Phil," she cried, "don't be a silly, yourself! His worst enemy couldn't call Sam a farmer! And I can assure you, he's far from half-witted." "Yes, far less than half," growled Van Reypen.

"Oh, Patty, drop 'em, cut 'em out, give 'em the go-by, won't you ?" "Thank you, no.

I still reserve the right to choose my friends, and I confess to a liking for those who are kindly disposed toward me." "Oh, I'm kindly disposed toward _you_, very much so," declared Phil, "but your new friends are not included in my kindly disposition." "So I gathered," and Patty laughed again.

"But, do you know, they feel that they can struggle along without your admiration and affection." "Don't be sarcastic, Patty," and Van Reypen smiled at the haughty little face turned toward his.
"No, I won't, Phil.