"No one at all but Mona and myself. You see—" And then Patty told the whole story.
"Well, that's the best ever!" declared Jack as she finished. "Patty, you do beat all! No one else will guess, I'm sure,—and I'LL never tell. But it's most too good a joke to keep, now, isn't it?"
"But it's going to BE kept! Why, if some people knew of it, they'd drum me out of Spring Beach. And anyway, Jack, I wouldn't have done it, if Susan hadn't been such a dear respectable person herself."
"I'm sure she is, and to show I believe it, I'll take her out to supper."
"Gracious, goodness, Jack! I never thought of supper! Will she have to eat with us?"
"Of course she will! And, as I say, I'll take her out, so there'll be no danger of further discovery."
Patty giggled again. The idea of SUSAN being escorted out to the dining-room of "Red Chimneys"! And by Jack Pennington, the most aristocratic young man in their set!
"All right," she said. "But I must sit the other side of you. I want to keep my eye on her."
And so it came to pass that when supper was announced, Jack went up gallantly and offered his arm to the chaperon.
This seemed quite natural and proper to the other guests, and they paid little attention as Mrs. Hastings rose with dignity, and, with her escort, led the procession.