CHAPTER II

GUESTS ARRIVE


"I refuse to go a step further! This porch of wistaria is the most
wonderful thing I ever saw in all my life! When I heard the name of the
place, I thought it was crazy,--but of course I see now it's the only
possible name! I don't care what's inside the house,--here I am,--and
here I stay!"

Elise Farrington threw off her motor coat, and settling herself on the
side seat of the porch, under the drooping bunches of purple bloom,
looked quite as if she meant what she said.

Patty stepped out from the doorway and smiled at her visitor.

"All right, Elise," she said, "you may. I'll send out your dinner, and
you can sleep here, too, if you like."

"No, I'll come in for my board and lodging, but all the rest of the time
look for me here! I'm going to have some lavender frocks made,--dimities
and organdies, and then I'll be part of the picture."

"Oh, do! I can't wear lavender or purple," Patty sighed.

"Nonsense! Of course you can. You only mean you've never tried. That
bisque doll complexion of yours will stand any color. Let's both get