human
Doctor fears sunstroke. Advises me to wait until to-morrow,
gpt
Father doesn't know this, said Mona.
human
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?
gpt
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.
human
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.
gpt
Well, Patty laughed,
human
Oh, I hope she will! I'll telegraph her she MUST! But,--Patty,--you see--well, I shall have to tell you!
gpt
Tell me what?
human
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?
gpt
For mercy's sake, Mona! Why didn't you tell me this before?
human
I wanted it to be a surprise,--to welcome you to 'Red Chimneys.'
gpt
Yes, I know. Well, what CAN we do? We must do something! Shall I telephone to Mrs. Sayre to come and chaperon us?
human
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.
gpt
Well, let's ask Mrs. Dennison. No, she's away, I know. How about Mrs. Lockwood?
human
She's ill; Lena told me so this morning. Oh, Patty, shall I have to send them all word not to come?
gpt
Looks that way to me. And I'm sorry to do that, too. How many are asked, Mona?
human
About twelve, counting you and me. I thought it would be such a nice welcome for you.
gpt
And so it would! You're a dear to think of it. I suppose your things are all ordered?
human
Yes; a caterer will bring the supper. I don't know what it will be,--cook looked after it.
gpt
Cook! Cook! Mona--I have an idea! No, I haven't, either! It's too crazy! Oh, DO you suppose we could? LET'S!
human
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.
gpt
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?
human
Why, yes, if it's a proper kind of a lady,--of course it will.
gpt
I don't know whether you'll think her a proper lady or not, she said,
human
Susan, Patty began,
gpt
Yes, Miss Patty; me name is Hastings. Me husband is dead this four years, rist his sowl.
human
Well, Susan, I want you to do something for me, and you may think it's very queer, but you'll do it, won't you?
gpt
Nothin's quare, Miss Patty, if you bid me do it. What is it, ma'am?
human
Susan, Miss Mona and I expected to have a party at her house to-night, but her aunt, who was to chaperon us, hasn't arrived. So I want you, Susan, to let me fix you up, and dress you in a proper gown, and then I want you to act as a lady who is visiting at 'Red Chimneys.' Can you do this?