But before Kit could reply, Patty rose, and said directly to him, "How strange! I wonder what it is that tells you the luncheon guests won't come. How do you know?"—and she smiled straight at him. "Something tells ME that they WILL come!"
Then Patty herself stepped into the hall, threw open the door, and in came eight merry, laughing girls!
Patty had arranged that Elise should stay downstairs and receive each guest, and keep them there until all had arrived. Then they were to come upstairs, and wait outside the Homers' door, until the dramatic moment.
Although not in favour of practical jokes, Patty couldn't help enjoying Kit's absolutely paralysed face. He looked crestfallen,—but more than that, he looked so bewildered and utterly taken back, that Patty burst into laughter.
CHAPTER XIV
KENNETH
Mrs. Homer and Marie were greeting the newcomers, and as yet had hardly realised the whole situation, but quick-witted Beatrice took it all in.
"You Patty!" she cried, "oh, you Patty Fairfield!"
Patty's beaming face left no doubts as to who it was that had circumvented their plan and carried off the honours of the day.
"I'm so sorry you can't stay to luncheon," she said, turning to Kit; "must you really go now?"