“Across the Seine from what?”

“Why, just across.  On the other side, you know.  Of course I don’t know across from what, because I’ve never been to Paris; but everybody who has lived there always just says ‘across the Seine,’ and everybody knows at once where they mean.  You’ll know all right after you’ve lived there a little while.”

“Marian, you’re a wonder,” declared Patty.  “I don’t think I ever knew anybody with such a perfect and complete understanding of her own wants as you seem to have.  I hope you haven’t mentioned half the things I’m to bring you, but don’t tell me the rest now.  I might change my mind about going.  But you buy a large blank book and write out all these orders at full length, giving directions just when to cross the Seine and when to cross back again, and I’ll promise to do my very best with the whole list.”

“Patty, you’re a darling,” said Marian, “and I’m almost reconciled to having you go when I think of having souvenirs brought to me that I really want.”

“Marian,” said Patty, struck with a sudden thought, “your idea of the difference between desirable and undesirable souvenirs is an interesting one.  Now I shall bring little gifts to all my friends and relatives, I expect, and if you happen to know of anything that would be especially liked by Uncle Charlie or Aunt Alice or any of your family, or the Tea Club girls, I wish you’d make another list and put those things all down for me.  It would be the greatest kind of a help.”

Marian promised to do this, and Patty felt sure that she would be glad of the lists later on.

Aunt Isabel and Ethelyn also came to say good-bye to Patty, but their demeanour was very different from Marian’s.

Aunt Isabel was much impressed by the fact that Patty was going to travel with the rich Farringtons, but she expressed a doubt as to whether it would do Patty much good in a social way after all.  For she knew something of Mrs. Farrington’s habits and tastes, and they in no way corresponded to her own.

Ethelyn informed Patty that she need not bring her any souvenir unless she could bring something really nice.  “I do hate the little traps and trinkets most people bring,” she said; “but if you want to bring me a bracelet or locket or something really worth while, I’d be glad to have it.”

“Well,” exclaimed Patty, “I certainly have most outspoken cousins!  They don’t seem to hesitate to tell me what to bring and what not to bring them.  But I’m sure of one thing!  Bumble Barlow won’t be so fussy particular; she’ll take whatever I bring and be thankful.”

“So will I,” said Nan, laughing; “anything no one else wants, Patty, you may give it to me.”

“Don’t spend all your money buying presents, child,” said Aunt Isabel; “you’d better buy pretty clothes for yourself.  I will give you a list of the best places to shop.”

“Thank you, Aunt Isabel, I’ll take the list with pleasure; but of course my purchases will be at the advice of Mrs. Farrington.  She dresses Elise quite simply, and will probably expect me to do the same.”