Patty went downstairs and stood for a moment in the hall , rapt in reflection . If she had been at home , she verily believed she would have sat down and cried . Oh , it was too bad , too disappointing ! Clifford would certainly lose all chance of the permanency , even if the irate news editor did not discharge him at once . What could she do ? Could she do anything ? She must do something . `` If I only could go in his place , '' moaned Patty softly to herself . Then she started . Why not ? Why not go and interview the big man herself ? To be sure , she did not know a great deal about interviewing , still less about railroad bills , and nothing at all about politics . But if she did her best it might be better than nothing , and might at least save Clifford his present hold . With Patty , to decide was to act . She flew back to the reporters ' room , pounced on a pencil and tablet , and hurried off , her breath coming quickly , and her eyes shining with excitement . It was quite a long walk out to Mr. Reid 's place and Patty was tired when she got there , but her courage was not a whit abated . She mounted the steps and rang the bell undauntedly . `` Can I see Mr. -- Mr. -- Mr. -- '' Patty paused for a moment in dismay . She had forgotten the name . The maid who had come to the door looked her over so superciliously that Patty flushed with indignation .
`` The gentleman who is visiting Mr. XXXXX , '' she said crisply .
Clifford Mr. Patty Reid breath deal home maid name permanency