the party then?"

"Why, yes, if it's a proper kind of a lady,--of course it will."

Patty's eyes twinkled. "I don't know whether you'll think her a
proper lady or not," she said, "but I do."

She rang a nearby bell, and when Jane answered, she asked her to
send Susan, the cook, in.

Susan came, and stood respectfully awaiting Patty's orders.

"Susan," Patty began, "you're married, aren't you?"

"Yes, Miss Patty; me name is Hastings. Me husband is dead this
four years, rist his sowl."

"Well, Susan, I want you to do something for me, and you may think
it's very queer, but you'll do it, won't you?"

"Nothin's quare, Miss Patty, if you bid me do it. What is it,
ma'am?"

Mona began to look a little scared, but Patty seemed now quite
sure of her own mind, and she began, in a kind but firm voice:

"Susan, Miss Mona and I expected to have a party at her house to-
night, but her aunt, who was to chaperon us, hasn't arrived. So I
want you, Susan, to let me fix you up, and dress you in a proper
gown, and then I want you to act as a lady who is visiting at 'Red