“Good-morning, Lady Herenden,” cried Patty, gaily, as she approached her hostess. “Don’t look so surprised to see me, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Why, it’s Miss Fairfield!” exclaimed the elder lady, making room for Patty on the sofa beside her.
“Yes, and I really owe you an explanation. You see, my boxes didn’t come last night, and I had to wear one of Lady Hamilton’s gowns at dinner. I couldn’t tell you so, before all the guests, and so you didn’t know me this morning in my own frock.”
“It’s astonishing what a difference it makes! You look years younger.”
“I am. I’m not quite eighteen yet, and I wish you’d call me Patty, won’t you?”
“I will, indeed,” said Lady Herenden, answering the pretty smile that accompanied the request. “I knew Kitty Hamilton said you weren’t out yet, and so, when I saw you last night, I just couldn’t understand it. But I do now. Have you breakfasted, dearie?”
“Yes, thank you. And now, I want to go out and see the flowers, and the dogs. May I?”
“Yes, indeed. Run around as you like. You’ll find people on the terrace and lawn, though there are no girls here as young as yourself.”
“That doesn’t matter. I like people of all ages. I’ve friends from four to forty.”
“I’m not surprised. You’re a friendly little thing. Be sure to go through the rose orchard; it’s back of the rose garden, and you’ll love it.”