However, Miss Daggett was not one to be ignored or lightly set aside, so
Patty put on her things and started.
Although Miss Daggett's house was next door to Boxley Hall, yet it was set in the middle of such a large lot, and was so far back from the street, and so surrounded by tall, thick trees, that Patty had never had a really good view of it.
She was surprised, therefore, to find it a very large, old-fashioned stone house, with broad veranda and steps guarded by two stone lions.
Patty rang the bell, and the door was opened very slightly. A small, quaint-looking old coloured man peeped out.
"Go 'way," he said, "go 'way at once! We don't want no tickets."
"I'm not selling tickets," said Patty, half angry and half amused.
"Well, we don't want no shoelacers, nor lead pencils, nor nuffin! You must be selling something."
"I am not selling anything," said Patty. "I came over because Miss
Daggett sent for me."
"Laws 'a' massy, child, why didn't you say so before you spoke? Be you
Miss Fairfield?"
"Yes," said Patty; "here's my card."