“But I don’t like her, and I don’t want to go to see her,” declared Patty, a little petulantly.
“Don’t act like an infant! Your not liking her has nothing to do with the case. We’ve had other calls down here, and we’ve returned them properly; now this is a social duty that must be attended to, so come along.”
“Oh, Nan, you go without me! Make excuses for me, can’t you?”
“No, I can’t; and I won’t! So go and put on a pretty frock and come right along. We needn’t stay long, and we can go for a short motor ride after.”
So Patty went away to dress, for she realised that she must go, however unwillingly. She put on a pretty calling costume of white serge, with black velvet collar and cuffs, and a large black hat.
“You look lovely,” said Nan, as Patty joined her in the hall.
“Yes, I like this frock,” said Patty, “but I’m sure Miss Galbraith won’t; you know, her taste runs to more elaborate costumes.”
“Oh, well, you can’t expect to suit everybody! Come along.”
Nan herself was in pale-grey cloth, with hat to match, and the two strolled along the short distance to “Red Chimneys,” which they had learned was the name of the Galbraith home.
They turned in at the entrance gate, and saw a large and massive stone house, with many red chimneys. It was a handsome building, but over-ornate in its architecture and decoration.