“Nothing particular. Only, don’t let Helen persuade you to stay all the afternoon. It’s nearly three now, and we must get away by four, at latest.”
“All right, Phil, but I never knew you to look so scared. Why?”
“Don’t fuss, Patty; go ahead and join the crowd; but remember not to answer personal questions.”
Patty wondered what had come over Philip’s mind, but she thought no more about it, rather glad than otherwise, that he was determined to go home so early.
They crossed the big foyer, and across a chair there, was a fur stole of Patty’s which she had left there in case of need while in the house. She picked it up, exclaiming: “Why, here’s my fur! I might have forgotten it!”
“Lend it to me, won’t you, if you’re not wearing it?” asked Mrs. Doremus. “I feel a bit chilly,—but, perhaps you do too?”
“Oh, no; I’m warm as toast. Use it, by all means. Let me put it round you.”
Patty draped the long stole round the shivering shoulders, and Mrs. Doremus said, apologetically, “I’m not really cold, but I take precaution for fear of rheumatism.”
“Certainly,” Patty acquiesced, and then the coffee tray was brought and Patty did the honours.
“Sugar?” she asked of the chaperon.