“Like your brigand did! Patty, you’ll never get these clothes put away. I’ll help you.”
So, working together, the room was soon tidy, and Patty had the satisfaction of knowing that all her belongings were put away in proper order.
“I like them so I can put my hand on anything I want in the dark,” she said to Nan. “Though, indeed, it’s rarely I want my books or sewing materials in the dark. Or my best hat, for that matter. What would be the use of one’s best hat in the dark? Nobody could see it!”
But she easily found the clothes she did want, and when Mr. Fairfield returned, he found two very correct looking ladies, in fresh white costumes, ready to go to luncheon with him.
“I’ve good news for you,” he said, after they were seated at table; “I ran across Jim Leland, and he’s living here in Rome, and he proposes to make it pleasant for us in lots of ways while we’re here.”
“That’s lovely,” said Nan; “it’s always pleasant to know somebody who lives in a place. Who’s he, Fred?”
“I used to know him twenty years ago, but haven’t seen him since. He’s a bachelor, and has the reputation of being somewhat of a recluse, but I know he’ll be genial and hospitable where we’re concerned. He and I are good chums, though we don’t meet often. He has asked us to dine with him some night, and I’ve accepted for us all on Monday. I suppose you’ve no other engagement, Patty?”
“Not unless the King asks me informally to dinner,” she replied. “Where does Mr. Leland live?”
“Not far away. Just across the street, in fact. He has bachelor apartments, where he has lived for years, I believe.”