“Why, sure enough, it will be your birthday soon, won’t it?” exclaimed Nan, in affected surprise, which by no means deceived Patty.
“Yes, and what are you going to do about it?”
“Well, you ask me so suddenly, I scarce know what to say! What do you want done?”
“Well, you ask me suddenly, too, but I know exactly what to say! I want a celebration of the event.”
“Oh, you do! brass band, and torch-light parade?”
“Not exactly that, but something just as good. I want a house-party,—quite a large one,—to come the day before the birthday, and stay several days after, and celebrate all the time.”
“You’re so modest in your demands, Patty! Why don’t you have something really worth while?”
“Don’t be sarcastic, Nan; you’re too pretty to say such things! Now take a deep interest in my plans, won’t you, and help me decide things?”
“All right, Patty, I will, indeed. But I thought you didn’t want company down here, especially the boys, because you wanted to enjoy your scouring the plain, all alone.”
“Well, I did feel that way for a time, but I’m getting over it. Anyway, I want to try having company, and, if I don’t like it, I’ll try solitude again. Now you see, Nan, my birthday is next week, Thursday. I’d like to ask the people to come Wednesday, and then stay over the weekend.”