“Fine,” Patty agreed. “Will you join us in this desperate scheme, Mrs. Doremus?”
“Don’t think you must, if you’re busy,” interposed Herron. “I’m sure the ladies will excuse you if you have duties to attend to.”
“I haven’t,” returned the chaperon, calmly. “I’ll be glad to have the coffee and the story, if I am permitted.”
“Surely,” said Helen, jumping up, “come along, Mrs. Doremus; you and I will pick out the sunniest spot. Philip, bring Patty; and Mr. Herron, will you order the coffee served there?”
Helen slipped her arm through that of the grey-haired lady, and they walked away together.
Philip detained Patty as she was about to follow.
“Queer old party,” he said, very low.
“Who? Mrs. Doremus? I rather like her.”
“Well, I don’t! Be careful what you say before her, and we must get away as soon as we can.”
“Why, Phil, what do you mean?”