"The old story," put in Bill. "Man built it,—went bankrupt,—had to sell at sacrifice. Along came we,—bought it,—everybody happy!"
"I am," declared Elise; "this is the sort of place I've dreamed of. Beautiful nearby effects, and a long distance view beside. This porch for mine,—all the time I'm here."
"But you haven't seen the other places yet," Patty demurred. "There's a tea-porch—"
"Wistaria, too?"
"Yes, of course."
"Lead me to it!" and Elise jumped up, and made for the house.
Then they all strolled through the wide hall and out at the back door on to the tea-porch. This was furnished with white wicker tables and chairs, and indeed, was prepared for immediate use, for a maid was just bringing the cakes and crumpets as the party arrived.
"Goody!" cried Elise, "can we have tea now, Patty? I'm famished."
"Yes, indeed," and Patty took her place at the tea table with a matronly air, and began to pour for her guests.
"It's just as pretty as the other porch," Elise decided, looking critically at the festoons of wistaria, which was on three sides of the house. "But I'll adopt the first one. Anybody looking for me will find me there—'most always."