“Very well,” said Nan; “but, if it’s to be dinner, you must all run away now and come back later. I can’t order a celebration dinner at a moment’s notice.”
“All right, we will.” And obediently the guests went away, to return later for a gala dinner.
And a real celebration it was. Mr. Fairfield himself went out to the florist’s and returned with a centrepiece for the table, consisting of a wicker automobile filled with flowers.
By dint of much telephoning, Nan provided place cards and favours of little motor cars; and the ices were shaped like tiny automobiles; and the cakes like tires. And all the viands were so delicious, and the guests so gay and merry, that the feast was one long to be remembered by all.
“When will you get the car, Patty?” asked Elise.
“I don’t know exactly. In a fortnight, perhaps. But we’ll be down at Spring Beach then, so whoever wants a ride in it will have to come down there.”
“I want a ride in it,” said Philip Van Reypen, “and I will come down there. May I ask you to set the date?”
“You’ll get a notification in due season,” said Patty, smiling at the eager youth. “I’m not sure it’s your turn first. No, Elise must be first.”
“Why, I didn’t help you at all,” said Elise, greatly pleased, however, at Patty’s remark.
“No, but you’re my lady friend, and so you come first. Perhaps your brother will come with you.”