"That sounds exactly like Patricia," Mrs. Hardy commented, laughing. "I'll tell Nell; I'm sure she will approve."
"Miss Kirby" said thank you, then she hung up the receiver; after which, seizing Custard, she hugged him ecstatically. "I really am 'Miss Kirby,' you know," she explained. "Daddy's only got me—and I didn't say a word that wasn't perfectly true. And Mr. Baker, out at Long Farm, always calls me that. Now, I'll have to finish 'phoning."
Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Blake were next informed as to the kind of party under way for that afternoon; then came Mrs. Vail, with her Patricia made a break. "And if Susy hasn't any gingham—" she began.
"If Susy hasn't what?" Mrs. Vail interrupted. "Why, of course—"
"I only thought—I mean," Patricia felt herself floundering—and Aunt Julia never floundered. "Then we may look for Susy," she said hastily.
"Why, certainly," Mrs. Vail answered.
"That is well. Good-by."
"Miss Kirby" hung up the receiver hastily.
"I think she almost suspected—something, Custard; I reckon she's the suspiciony kind—Susy Vail looks the kind of girl to have a suspiciony mother. But the rest didn't." Patricia danced the interested Custard down the hall.
As she reappeared on the back piazza, Sarah asked sternly: "What you been up to now, Miss P'tricia? You've been doing a heap of talking at dat ere 'phone."