“Oh, yes; well, I’ll scribble a reply.”

Turning to a desk, Patty quickly wrote:

“All right. Come on. I’ll be ready.”

Then addressing it, and signing it, she gave it to Floyd, who went in search of a footman.

After the tea guests had all gone, Patty went to Lady Kitty’s room to tell her the news.

“Wake up,” said Patty, gently dropping a kiss on the closed eyes of her friend, who was resting a bit before dinner.

“What for?” asked Kitty, not opening her eyes.

“What for, indeed! To see the last of your rapidly-disappearing friend and partner. Eyes, gaze your last! Heart, breathe your fond farewells!”

The big blue eyes of Kitty Hamilton slowly unclosed themselves.