Flo, too, looked dainty and well-dressed, and Snippy, in her black satin, was a perfect model of an English duenna.
“Come on,” said Nan, to her husband, “let us go in to dinner.”
“Wait a moment,” said Mr. Fairfield, looking at his watch. “It isn’t quite time.”
“Yes, it is, Daddy,” said Patty, who was darting about in her excitement; now looking out of the window,—now admiring the appointments indoors. “Lots of people have gone to the dining-room.”
“And here are lots more to go,” said her father, triumphantly, as three smiling young men, resplendent in evening clothes, made a simultaneous and sudden appearance.
“Why, you blessed boys!” cried Patty, as with outstretched hands and shining eyes she greeted Peter Homer, Floyd Austin, and Caddy Oram.
“Rejoiced at being reunited to their long-lost friends, the young men rolled their eyes in ecstasy,” said Austin, and as he nudged the others, they all three struck an attitude and rolled their eyes ridiculously toward the ceiling.
“Oh, I’m so glad to see you!” exclaimed Patty; “how dear of you to come while we’re here! Isn’t it, Flo?”
“Yes, awfully jolly,” said Flo, who was glad to see the boys, but could not be so spontaneous of manner as Patty.
“Now we’ll go to dinner,” said Mr. Fairfield, and then it came out that he had known the three young men were in Venice, and had invited them to dinner that night as a surprise to Patty and Flo.