"Elise and Kit are pretty good friends, aren't they?"
"Yes, there may be another wedding in the dim future."
"Be careful, Patty. They say 'Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride,' you know."
"Goodness! I must beware. I was bridesmaid for Christine,—and now for Mona,—then, if I'm bridesmaid for Elise, my last hope vanishes! I might be her maid of honor, though. Does that count?"
"Yes, counts just the same. But perhaps you'll be married before
Elise. She isn't engaged yet."
"Neither am I."
"Same as."
"Indeed it isn't same as! Philip made me pretty mad down at Lakewood. He scorned my new friends, the Blaneys, and he was most disagreeable about it, too."
"All right. Far be it from me to hasten your matrimonial alliance. I'm only too glad to keep you here. It's lonesome enough, days when you're away."
"Nice old Nan!" and Patty gave her a whirlwind hug that nearly took her off her feet.