“Oh, Miss Allfriend, don’t begin on the table, now. It’s only three o’clock, and Mrs. Ritchie’s children are coming to spend the afternoon with Gladys Gwendolyn. I wish you’d fix up a sort of little party for them. The Ritchies are new people, and I want the children to have a good time here. Can’t you telephone to the caterer for some ices and cakes? Nothing elaborate,—I think children’s parties ought to be kept simple. Who is our caterer? Why,—well,—the truth is, we haven’t one just now,—for I scolded Lafetti so that I don’t like to call him again. You see he was rude because we hadn’t paid—well,—anyway, he was impertinent,—so—don’t you know of some nice caterer to telephone to? Order only simple things,—say a Jack Horner pie, with pretty little gifts in it,—and ices in novel shapes,—and plenty of bon-bons,—children love candy so.
“But before you do that, please just finish off Gladys Gwendolyn’s little frock. It’s nearly done, but the seamstress had to leave it to finish my dinner gown, so you just look after baby’s dress. It only needs one sleeve set,—and make it a bit larger round the belt,—it’s too tight for her,—I don’t believe in cramping the little growing bodies.
“I’m awfully careful with Gladys Gwendolyn. I boil her toys and I bake her books every day. And won’t you see,—since you’re here,—that she uses her germicide spray on the even hours, and her antiseptic douche every other half hour? It is a help to have you here, I’m sure. And I wish you would entertain the kiddies. Not professionally,—you know,—just tell them stories and make up games for them. Oh, and be sure to arrange prizes,—children just love prizes. Are you knacky about such things? Some people are,—and others are so different!
“Can you play Bridge? I’ve just two tables running over for a rubber at four, and I’m most sure one lady won’t come! And you look so,—so,—presentable, I’d be glad if you’d take a hand, if necessary,—and I’m pretty certain it will be.
“Now I must fly and take my nap. Then I have to go for my short walk. I have to exercise, or I gain at once. Now please attend to the things I’ve asked of you. If you standardize, you can easily have time for all. And in your spare moments, here’s a piece of my cross-stitch embroidery,—you may as well do a little. Be sure to cross the stitches the way I do.
“And please answer the telephone when it rings;—oh, say anything you like. You must have wit enough to know what to say! If you’re qualified for a Visiting Helper, you ought to know such things!
“And be very careful what you say before Gladys Gwendolyn. I’m bringing her up in an ethically artistic atmosphere. I want her to come in contact only with what is true and beautiful. And unless I’m ethically pure myself, how can I expect her to be? So bear that in mind, Miss Allfriend.
“Oh, and by the way, our telephone is on a party wire. If you overhear any interesting gossip, be sure to remember it, and tell me!”