one night without your aunt. You've so many servants, I'm sure
there's no danger of fire or burglars."

"Oh, it isn't that, Patty! I'm not afraid of such things. But, you
see, we've no chaperon,--just us two girls there alone,--it isn't
proper."

"Well," Patty laughed, "we can't help it. And if we have no
callers, and go to bed early, no one will be the wiser, and
surely, your aunt will come to-morrow."

"Oh, I hope she will! I'll telegraph her she MUST! But,--Patty,--
you see--well, I shall have to tell you!"

"Tell me what?"

"Why, just this: I have invited a little party to welcome you this
evening. Not many,--just about a dozen of the boys and girls. And
how can we receive them without Aunt Adelaide there?"

"For mercy's sake, Mona! Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise,--to welcome you to 'Red Chimneys.'"

"Yes, I know. Well, what CAN we do? We must do something! Shall I
telephone to Mrs. Sayre to come and chaperon us?"

"She can't come. She has a house party coming to-day. The Sayre
girls are coming to us to-night, but Mrs. Sayre has some older
guests, and she couldn't come."