Florence was puzzled, but consented. "What you want to talk over here for?" she asked as she came near her friend.
"Oh, I don't know," said Patty. "Let's go out in the front yard."
She led the way round the house, and a moment later uttered a cry of surprise as the firm of Atwater & Rooter, passing along the pavement, hesitated at the gate. Their celebrated eyes showed doubt for a moment, then a brazenness: Herbert and Henry decided to come in.
"Isn't this the funniest thing?" cried Patty. "After what I just said awhile ago—you know, Florence. Don't you dare to tell 'em!"
"I cert'nly won't!" her hostess promised, and, turning inhospitably to the two callers, "What on earth you want around here?" she inquired.
Herbert chivalrously took upon himself the duty of response. "Look here; this is my own aunt and uncle's yard, isn't it? I guess if I want to come in it I got a perfect right to."
"I should say so," his partner said warmly.
"Why, of course!" the cordial Patty agreed. "We can play some nice Sunday games, or something. Let's sit on the porch steps and think what to do."
"I just as soon," said Henry Rooter. "I got nothin' p'ticular to do."
"I haven't either," said Herbert.