“And well you may be. Now, you girls run away and play, for I’ve a thousand things to do.”
Indeed, Mrs. Farrington was in a whirlpool of presents that she was both sending and receiving. Maids and footmen were running hither and thither, bringing messages or carrying out orders, and as the whole house was full of warmth and light, and the spicy fragrance of Christmas greens, Patty fairly revelled in the pleasant atmosphere.
She was of a nature very susceptible to surroundings. Like a cat, she loved to bask in warm sunshine, or in a luxurious, softly-furnished place. Moreover, she was fond of Elise, and so looked forward to her three days’ visit with glad anticipation.
After Patty had laid aside her things, the two girls sat down to chat in the big hall on the second floor of the mansion. A wood-fire was blazing, and soft, red-shaded lights cast a delightful glow.
“Elise,” said Patty, somewhat suddenly, “don’t you think we have too much riches and things?”
Elise stared at her.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
Patty laughed at her friend’s blank expression, but she went on.
“I mean just what I say. Of course, you have lots more riches and things than I have; but I think we all have too much when we think of the poor people who haven’t any.”
“Oh, you mean Socialism,” exclaimed Elise, suddenly enlightened.