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In Mrs. Elliott's library at Vernondale a great discussion was going on. It was an evening inearly December, and the room was bright with firelight and electric light, and merry withthe laughter and talk of people who were trying to decide a great and momentous question.For the benefit of those who are not acquainted with Patty Fairfield and her relatives, itmay be well to say that Mrs. Elliott was Patty's Aunt Alice, at whose home Patty and herfather were now visiting. Of the other members of the Elliott family, Uncle Charley, grandma, Marian, and Frank were present, and these with Mr. Fairfield and Patty weredebating a no less important subject than the location of Patty's future home."You know, papa," said Patty, "you said that if I wanted to live inVernondale you'd buy a house here, and I do want to live here, -at least, I am almost sure I do.""Oh, Patty," said Marian, "why aren't you quite sure? You're president of the club, and thegirls are all so fond of you, and you're getting along so well in school. I don't see where elseyou could want to live.""I know," said Frank. "Patty wants to live in New York. Her soul yearns for the gay andgiddy throng, and the halls of dazzling lights. 'Ah, Patricia, beware the rapids are belowyou ' as it says in that thrilling tale in the Third Reade.