"I think that is best," Clarence Toxteth assented. "I wonder we didn't think of it. You remember our bet?"
"Oh, yes!" Patty replied. "I am as sure of those gloves as if I had them now."
Toxteth had somewhere seen or heard of the fashion of betting gloves; and the custom seemed to him the acme of high-bred gallantry. He had accordingly bet with Patty that he should be able to penetrate her disguise at the masquerade. She was determined to win this wager, and had already settled in her mind the costume she should, if possible, secure.
Some time was occupied in laying out the dresses, and then the lots were drawn from a hat. The first choice fell to Patty, and the second to Emily Purdy; Ease had the third, and Putnam the fourth.
"Now we shall see what we shall see," Patty said gayly. "I'm going to try on all the suits, and take the most becoming."
She disappeared into the dressing-room, and after a few moments emerged empty-handed.
"Where is your dress?" Emily Purdy asked.
"I put it into my trunk," was the reply. "It is all ready to take home that way."
Miss Purdy was absent far longer than Patience had been; but a large bundle in her arms furnished a ready excuse for the delay.