Patty’s face fell.
“What is to become of poor little me?” she said. “I don’t want to stay with Mrs. Betham.”
“No; I’ve a plan for you. And it’s this. I want to take you with me to Herenden Hall, where I’m going, and,—Mrs. Nan says I may.”
“Oh, Kitty! You duck! How perfectly lovely!” Patty flew at her friend, and nearly strangled her in a spasmodic embrace.
“You see,” went on Lady Hamilton, when she had regained her breath, “I’m so well acquainted with the Herendens, that I can ask an invitation for you; and though you’re not really ‘out’ yet, it will give you a glimpse of the nicest kind of English country-house life.”
“It’s great!” declared Patty. “I’m wild with excitement. But I care more about being with you than I do about the house-party.”
“You won’t when you get there. They’re really charming people, and the Hall is one of the finest old estates in England.”
“Shall I have to have some new frocks?”
“We’ll look over your wardrobe, and see. I fancy the ones you already have will do. You know you’ll be looked upon as scarcely more than a schoolgirl, and you must wear simple, frilly muslins and broad-leafed hats.”
“I can even live through that! I don’t care what I wear if I’m with you. Three whole days! Will it be three days, Kitty?”