Patty drove her own car, and she never tired of spinning along the shore roads, or inland through the pine groves and laurel jungles.  She had become acquainted with many young people, both cottagers and hotel guests, and the outlook for a pleasant summer and fall at Spring Beach was all that could be desired from her point of view.  But before they left the city in the spring, Patty had known that Nan preferred mountain localities and had agreed to the seashore house for her sake; so, now, it was Patty’s turn to give up her preference for Nan’s.

And she was going to do it,—­oh, yes,—­she was going to do it cheerfully and even gaily.  But, though she tried to pretend she didn’t care, Nan knew she did care, and she had tried hard to think of some way that Patty might be left behind.  Nan would willingly have given up her own desires, and stayed at Spring Beach all summer, but her husband wouldn’t hear of it.  Mr. Fairfield said that justice demanded a fair division of the season, and already three months had been spent at the seashore, so August and September must be spent in the mountains.

His word was law, and, too, Patty realised the fairness of the plan, and gracefully submitted to Fate.  So, as the first of August was in the very near future, Patty and Nan were discussing details of the trip.

“It almost seems as if you might take your motor-car, Patty,” said Nan, reflectively.

“I thought so, too, at first; but father says not.  You see, not all mountain roads are modern and well-kept, and, of course, we’ll be moving on, now and then, and Camilla is a nuisance as luggage.  Now, Nan, no more suggestions, or regrets, or backward glances.  I’m going to the mountains, not like the quarry-slave at night, but like a conquering hero; and I shall have all the mountaineers at my feet, overwhelming me with their devoted attentions.”

“You probably will, Patty; you’re easily the most popular girl at Spring Beach, and if the ‘mountaineers’ have any taste in such matters—­”

“There, there, Nan, don’t make me blush.  I’m ‘popular,’ as you call it, because I have such a delightful home, and such an attractive stepmother to make it pleasant for my callers!  And, by the same token, here are a few of them coming now.”

Two laughing girls, and a good-looking young man came in at the gate, and strolled along the drive to the veranda, where Patty and Nan sat.

Lora and Beatrice Sayre were of the “butterfly” type, and their pale-coloured muslin gowns, broad hats, and fluttering scarfs made the description appropriate.  Jack Pennington was just what he looked like, a college youth on his vacation; and his earnest face seemed to betoken a determination to have the most fun possible before he went back to grind at his books.

“Hello,” cried Patty, who was not given to dignified forms of salutation.

The trio responded gaily, and coming up on the veranda, selected seats on the wicker chairs, or couches, or the porch railing, as suited their fancy.