"Yes, she's all of that. But I don't see how she can do the chaperon act."
"Oh, well, there isn't much to do. It's only the idea of having a matronly lady here to observe the proprieties."
"But I don't believe she can do that. I think she'll take to her bed soon. She ought to go to a good sanitarium."
"Nonsense, Mona, she isn't as ill as all that! Can't you see through her? She's the sort of lady who likes to fancy she's ill, and likes to try all sorts of quack medicines."
"Well, you can look after her, Patty; you seem to understand her so well."
"All right, I will. Hush, here she comes."
Mrs. Parsons came slowly out to the veranda. She was followed by Mary, carrying a fan, a light wrap, a book, a thermometer, and a glass of lemonade.
"Sit here, won't you, Aunt Adelaide?" said Mona, politely offering a comfortable wicker chair.
"I'll try this, my dear, but I fear it's too low for me. Can you get another cushion or two?"
Mona went for more cushions, and then Aunt Adelaide had to have the chair moved, for fear of a possible draught,—though there wasn't a breath of wind stirring. Then a table must be moved nearer for the book and the lemonade, and the thermometer placed where it would get neither sun nor wind.