“Come in,” said Patty, dancing about in her excited glee. “Come right in. You are welcome to Cromarty Manor, and in a moment the family will also tell you so.”
“What a delightful house!” said Lady Hamilton, pausing to admire the stately old portal.
“Yes, isn’t it? You know the Hartleys, don’t you?”
“Slightly. I’ll be glad to see them again. But, of course, we came to see you.”
“And it’s a lovely surprise. Are you staying near here?”
“Only for a day or two,” said Sir Otho. “We’re taking a little jaunt about, and as Kitty wanted to see you especially, we came in this direction.”
The chauffeur and the big touring car were put in charge of the Cromarty coachman, and Patty ushered her guests into the house.
The ladies soon appeared and with hospitable welcome insisted that Sir Otho and his daughter should remain for a few days. This they were unable to do, but it was finally decided that they should stay the night, and resume their trip the next day.
“And,” said Sir Otho, “it may seem a rather sudden proceeding, but we want to take Patty with us.”
“Take Patty!” exclaimed Mabel, aghast; “for how long?”