"Oh, you turtle-doves!" said Patty, laughing, as she ran down the steps to the waiting motor.
Unless going with a chaperon, Patty was always accompanied by the maid, Louise, who either waited for her young mistress in the dressing-room or returned for her when the party was over.
"Shall you be late, Miss Patty?" she asked, as they reached their destination.
"Yes; don't wait for me, Louise. Come back about half-past twelve; I'll be ready soon after that."
Louise adored Patty, for she was always kind and considerate of the servants; and she thought Louise might as well have the evening to herself, as to be cooped up in a dressing-room.
The party was at Marie Homer's, a new friend, with whom Patty had but recently become acquainted.
The Homers lived in a large apartment house, called The Wimbledon, and it was Patty's first visit there. Miss Homer and her mother were receiving their guests in a ballroom, and when Patty greeted them, a large crowd had already assembled.
"You are a true valentine, my dear," said Mrs. Homer, looking admiringly at Patty's garlanded gown.
"And this is a true Valentine party," said Patty, as she noted the decorations of red hearts and gold darts, with Cupids of wax or bisque, here and there among the floral ornaments.
Marie Homer, who was a pretty brunette, wore a dress of scarlet and gold, trimmed with hearts and arrows.