Pattys Butterfly Days | Page 9

well-built figure, and a sensible,
intelligent face. Her abundant hair was slightly grey, and her still rosy
cheeks and dark blue eyes indicated her nationality. Though she spoke

with a soft burr, her brogue was not very noticeable, and Patty felt
irresistibly drawn to her.
"If you want anything, Susan," she said, "or if I can help you in any
way, come to me at once. I shall be at 'Red Chimneys' for two months,
you know."
"Thank you, Miss Patty. I'm thinkin' I'll be fair comfortable at my
sister's. But if you do be goin' by in yer autymobile, wave yer hand, just.
It'd please us all. You know the house,--down on the Scudder Road."
"Yes, I know, Susan. I often pass there, and I'll wave my hand at you
every time."
Patty went back to her own room, and continued her preparations for
her visit to Mona. Although "Red Chimneys" was but two blocks away,
the packing to be done was the same as if for a more distant destination.
Many of Patty's things had already been sent over, and now she was
looking up some favourite books and music to take with her. Though,
of course, she would have the keys of her own home, and could return
for anything she might want.
Patty expected to go over to Mona's at five o'clock, but at about four
Mona herself came flying over to "The Pebbles." She waved a yellow
telegram, and before Patty heard what was in it, she divined that Mrs.
Parsons had again postponed her arrival.
And this was the truth.
"Doctor fears sunstroke. Advises me to wait until to-morrow," the
message read, and Patty and Mona looked at each other in blank
dismay.
"Father doesn't know this," said Mona. "You see, he left this morning
for New York. His steamer sails this afternoon. Of course, he was sure
Aunt Adelaide would come to-day. What shall we do, Patty?"
"Well, of course it's too bad. But I'm not afraid to stay alone one night

without your aunt. You've so many servants, I'm sure there's no danger
of fire or burglars."
"Oh, it isn't that, Patty! I'm not afraid of such things. But, you see,
we've no chaperon,--just us two girls there alone,--it isn't proper."
"Well," Patty laughed, "we can't help it. And if we have no callers, and
go to bed early, no one will be the wiser, and surely, your aunt will
come to-morrow."
"Oh, I hope she will! I'll telegraph her she MUST! But,--Patty,-- you
see--well, I shall have to tell you!"
"Tell me what?"
"Why, just this: I have invited a little party to welcome you this
evening. Not many,--just about a dozen of the boys and girls. And how
can we receive them without Aunt Adelaide there?"
"For mercy's sake, Mona! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise,--to welcome you to 'Red Chimneys.'"
"Yes, I know. Well, what CAN we do? We must do something! Shall I
telephone to Mrs. Sayre to come and chaperon us?"
"She can't come. She has a house party coming to-day. The Sayre girls
are coming to us to-night, but Mrs. Sayre has some older guests, and
she couldn't come."
"Well, let's ask Mrs. Dennison. No, she's away, I know. How about Mrs.
Lockwood?"
"She's ill; Lena told me so this morning. Oh, Patty, shall I have to send
them all word not to come?"
"Looks that way to me. And I'm sorry to do that, too. How many are
asked, Mona?"

"About twelve, counting you and me. I thought it would be such a nice
welcome for you."
"And so it would! You're a dear to think of it. I suppose your things are
all ordered?"
"Yes; a caterer will bring the supper. I don't know what it will
be,--cook looked after it."
"Cook! Cook! Mona--I have an idea! No, I haven't, either! It's too crazy!
Oh, DO you suppose we could? LET'S!"
"Patty, are YOU crazy? What ARE you talking about? And it's almost
five o'clock. I suppose I must telephone them not to come! Well, I'll go
home and do it, and you come on over as soon as you're ready. We'll
spend the evening alone in my boudoir, and we'll amuse ourselves
somehow."
"Wait a minute, Mona. Let me think. Yes, I do believe I'll do it! Mona,
suppose I provide a chaperon. Will it be all right to have the party
then?"
"Why, yes, if it's a proper kind of a lady,--of course it will."
Patty's eyes twinkled. "I don't know whether you'll think her a proper
lady or not," she said, "but I do."
She rang a nearby bell, and when Jane answered, she asked her to send
Susan, the cook, in.
Susan came, and stood