“Yes, if it is dinner. It’s more likely to be schoolroom tea. Mabel Hartley is sixteen, but I doubt if she’s allowed at dinner yet.”
“Nonsense, of course she is. Well, then, if they’re sending you home, Louise needn’t go after you?”
“No; they’ll send somebody. Good-bye, Nan.”
“Good-bye, Patty. Have a lovely time.”
“Oh, yes; I always do.”
Away went Patty and her frills, and when she reached Chesterton Mansions, she was soon established under the wing of her hostess, Mrs. Hastings.
That lady was very glad to have the pretty American girl as her guest, and she introduced Patty to so many people that it was almost bewildering. But after a time, the music began, and Patty was glad to sit still and listen.
It was very fine music, for that is the sort that Londoners usually offer at their teas, and Patty thoroughly enjoyed the singing and the violin-playing. She was a little afraid that Mrs. Hastings would ask her to sing, but as it was a programme of professionals this did not happen.
When the Hartleys came, Mabel at once made her way to Patty’s side and sat down by her.
“I’m so glad to see you again,” she said, “and it’s so lovely that you’re going home with us.”