Synopsis

The Fairfields were holding a family conclave. As the Fairfield family consisted of only three , the meeting was not large but it was highly enthusiastic. The discussion was about Patty; and as a consequence, Patty herself was taking a lively part in it. "But you promised me, last year, papa," she said, "that if I graduated from the Oliphant School with honours, I needn't go to school this year." "But I meant in the city," explained her father; "it's absurd, Patty, for you to consider your education finished, and you not yet eighteen." "But I'll soon be eighteen, papa, and so suppose we postpone this conversation until then."