"Yes, you will. It's all right. Nobody wants her and everybody wants you."
The subject under discussion was a "Society Circus" to be performed by the young people of Lakewood, and of great interest to all concerned.
It was a few days after the Spring Beach trip. Mona had gone back home and Philip also, and Roger was in New York. Elise was greatly enthusiastic over the circus plan, and was managing committees, and arranging details in her usual capable fashion. The affair was a charity benefit under the auspices of a philanthropic society that gave some such entertainment every winter. Patty, always ready for any gaiety, was preparing to take part, though the scheme was a new one to her. She had never been in a society circus, and wanted the matter thoroughly explained.
"It isn't much to explain, Miss Fairfield," Ethel said; "you see, everybody is an animal or a clown or a bareback rider, or something that belongs to a circus. Bob Riggs is ringmaster, and they all obey him. He's awfully funny, and whatever he has to do with, is sure to be a success."
"Tell me more about my part," said Patty; "how do I dress?"
"Well, you see, you're Mlle. Hooperino, and you do fancy dancing and jump through paper hoops——"
"What! Oh, I can't do that!"
"Yes, you can; Bob will show you how. Why, anybody who dances as you do, can do anything of that sort. And your costume is anything you like, in the way of tulle skirts, lots of 'em, and a satin bodice, laced up, you know, and a dinky little cap, and,—oh, anything you think fetching and attractive."
"It sounds fun," Patty agreed, "but what about Miss Rose? I don't want to disappoint her; will she feel annoyed?"
"She sure will! But never mind that. As soon as Bob saw you dance the other night, he said you were the one for the part. You must do it."