And so Tattine was fond of Patrick, for what (child though she was) she knew
him to be, and they spent many a delightful hour in each other's company.

"Patrick," said Tattine, on this particular morning, when they were raking
away side by side, "does Mrs. Kirk ever have a day at home?" and she glanced
at Patrick a little mischievously, doubting if he would know just what she
meant.

"Shure she has all her days at home, Miss Tattine, save on a holiday, when we
go for a day's drive to some of our neighbors', but I doubt if I'm catching
just what you're maning."

"Oh! I mean does she have a day sometimes when she gets ready for company and
expects to have people come and see her, the way ladies do in town?"

"Well, no, miss; she don't do tbat, for, tin to one, nobody'd come if she did.
We belongs to the workin' classes, Molly and I, and we has no time for the
doing of the loikes of city people."

"I'm sorry she hasn't a day," said Tattine, "because--because--"

"If ye're maning that you'd like to give us a call, miss," said Patrick,
beginning to take in the situation, "shure she could have a day at home as
aisy as the foinest lady, and proud indeed she'd be to have it with your
little self for the guest of honor."

"I would like to bring Rudolph and Mabel, Patrick."

"And what should hinder, miss?"