“Oh, thank you, dear, for your generous praise!”
“Yes; I foresee these parties will so interest and entertain you, that I’ll not have to work so hard to keep my agreement with your big man to divert your saddened and aching heart.”
“My heart’s outside your jurisdiction,—and beside, I’m doing this party to entertain you. You know, one can’t have a guest without making strenuous efforts to keep said guest merry and bright, please!”
“True, yes, true! But, give me half a chance, and I’ll entertain myself. Give me a pleasant home to visit, a lovely hostess, like——”
“Oh, thank you!”
“Like Nan, and a few young men, and I’ll ask nothing further.”
“I seem to be left out of your scheme of things!”
“No, no! my angel child, not so, but far otherwise!”
The vivacious visitor flung aside her pillows and jumped up to embrace Patty in a whirlwind flash of affection. Greatly given to chaffing, Helen was truly fond of Patty, and the two were congenial and affectionate.
“Now, one more tiny pour of chocolate, and one more popover, and my matutinal meal is finished,” Helen said, resuming her seat.