Patty asked permission to read the note, glanced it over, and then tossed it to Roger, saying, “We seem to be especially favoured!”
The note was an invitation for Patty and Roger to come over to “Red Chimneys” at once, but no one else was asked.
“Come on, Patty,” said Roger; “the others will excuse us for a little while, I’m sure.”
So Patty and Roger walked away by the shortcut across the two lawns, and found Mona in the doorway awaiting them.
She smiled as she put her arm around Patty, and said, “You’re the one I want,—I asked Mr. Farrington for a blind.”
“Well, I like that!” exclaimed Roger, looking incredulous.
“Well, I’ll tell you,” went on Mona, smiling at him; “the truth is, I want to see Patty privately on a very important matter. I didn’t want to send for her alone, because it looked so conspicuous. But our private conference won’t last more than ten minutes, and, if you can entertain yourself that long, I’ll take care of you afterward. Here’s the morning paper, and do try to be patient.”
Mona didn’t wait for Roger’s response, but, with her arm still around Patty, led her to the library, took her in, and closed the door.
“Patty,” she began, “I’m a queer girl, and you know it,—and I know it. You don’t like me very much, but I like you, and I’d do anything for you.”
“Good gracious, Mona! What are you getting at?”