“But supposing she was a woman of whom you were fond.  Would you feel that way then?”

“I couldn’t be fond of her.”

“You might be fond of her already,” said the Judge.

“Who—­who can it be?” asked Patty, wiping her eyes and pushing back her hair.

The Judge smiled.

“Think, my dear.”

“Is it Miss Kate Hollister?” cried the girl joyfully.  “Tell me quick.”

Then Judge Sands blushed like a schoolboy.

“Yes,” he said, “she is the only woman who can take your mother’s place, Patty.  No—­not that—­no one can take her dear place; but she is the only woman upon earth whom I should ask to be my wife.”

Then Patty jumped up and kissed her father many times.

“Oh, Papa!” she said, “why didn’t you tell me at first and not frighten me to death.  Oh!  I should love her so, and I should never be jealous of her.  Are you engaged?”

“No,” laughed the Judge, “I have never asked her.  I thought you deserved the compliment of being first consulted on the matter.”

“But, Papa, perhaps she’ll refuse you.”

“That’s my end of it,” laughed her father, “but when I do ask her I wish to say that you desire it, too, for Kate might not think it agreeable to you.”

“Papa, she’s got to say ‘yes.’  I’ll go along and make her if you wish.  I’d just love her for a mother,” and the girl clung to his neck and wept.  “I only now realize how lonely you must have been all these years, and you’ve done it for me.  But don’t let her refuse.  Tell her I desire it above all things.”

“All right, dearie,” said the Judge.  “I’ll go tonight.”

“And wake me up, Papa.  I shall be so anxious.”

Judge Sands laughed and promised.

That night no matter how hard Patty tried she couldn’t keep awake.  Now that she knew who it was that her father desired she was happy, and one can always sleep when one is happy.

The Judge ran up the stairs two steps at a time and woke his daughter with a kiss.

“Will she, Papa?”

“Yes, dear,” he answered.  “She has been good enough to say ‘yes.’  We’ll make her happy, won’t we, Patty?”

“We shall,” replied the girl.  “And how young you seem to have grown!” she gasped.  “I never noticed it before.  I’m glad for you and I’m glad for her.  She’s a dear.  I’ve always loved her and she’s such a stunning looking woman, too.  I tell you, we’ll be proud of her, Papa.”

They talked for half an hour over the virtues of Miss Kate, and each went to sleep thinking of how lovely she was.

When Kate and Patty met they said not a word, but from the quiet, sincere embrace each knew that the other would try and make her happy.

Congratulations poured in from all sides.  Archie and his wife with Aunt Susan, Grandmother and Tom, motored all the way over to Columbus to offer theirs.  Ethel was wild with joy.