"I've a notion to spend the day here, with Aunty Van," he said, and then Patty glanced up at him in positive alarm.
"Don't!" she cried, and her face betokened a genuine distress.
"Why not?" said the surprised young man; "have you learned to dislike me so cordially already?"
Amiable Patty couldn't stand for this misinterpretation of her attitude, and her involuntary, smiling glance was a sufficient disclaimer.
But she was saved the necessity of a verbal reply, for just at that moment Mrs. Van Reypen came into the room.
"Why, Philip!" Mrs. Van Reypen exclaimed; "you are indeed growing attentive to your aged aunt!"
"Middle-aged aunt!" he returned, gallantly; "and belonging to the early middle-ages at that! I told you I should call this morning, and I'd like another egg, please, aunty."
"You may have all the eggs you want, but I am not at all pleased with your presence here after I expressly forbade it."
"Oh, it isn't a crime to call on one's own aunt, is it?"
"It's extremely rude. I have a busy day before me, and I don't want a bothersome nephew around."
Mrs. Van Reypen was exceedingly fond of Philip, and loved to have him at her house, but it was easy to be seen, now, that she considered him far too much interested in pretty Patty.
And partly because he was interested, and partly to tease his long-suffering aunt, the young man declared his intention of spending the day with them.
"I can't have you, Philip," said Mrs. Van Reypen, decidedly. "I want you to go away immediately after breakfast."
"Just my luck!" grumbled her nephew. "I never can do anything I want to. Well, I'll go downtown, but I'll be back here to luncheon."
"Don't talk nonsense," said Mrs. Van Reypen, shortly; "you'll do nothing of the sort."
The rest of the meal was not very enjoyable. Mrs. Van Reypen was clearly displeased at her nephew's presence; Patty did not think it wise to take any active part in the conversation; and, though Philip was in gay spirits, it was not easy to be merry alone.
Patty couldn't help smiling at his audacious speeches, but she kept her eyes down on her plate, and endeavoured to ignore the young man's presence, for she knew this was what Mrs. Reypen wished her to do.
"Now you may go," said the hostess, as Philip finished his egg. "I'd like to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace."