the elderly stranger, before turning away to their own interests.
And, if by chance, one or two showed a tendency to linger and
converse with her, Patty and Mona were at hand to take up the
burden of the conversation.

After all had arrived, Patty conducted Susan to a pleasant seat
near an open window, provided her with her knitting and a book,
and gave her a whispered permission to doze a little if she wished
to.

So far as the girls could see, not one of the guests had suspected
that Mrs. Hastings was other than an aunt of Mona's, nor had they
given her a second thought. To their minds a chaperon was a
necessary piece of furniture, but of only a momentary interest.
She must be greeted, and later, she must be bidden farewell, but
no conversation with her between times was necessary.

The party was a pretty one. Usually, the Spring Beach people
didn't care much to go to "Red Chimneys," for Mona was not a
favourite. But Patty was, and, invited to meet her, every one
accepted. And the large rooms, cooled by electric fans, and
decorated with lovely flowers and softly shaded lights, looked
somehow more attractive, now that Patty Fairfield's graceful
figure was flitting through them.

After one of the dances, Patty drifted across the room and stood
near Susan. That worthy was dutifully looking over her book, and
occasionally glancing thoughtfully round the room.

"Keep it up, Susan!" whispered Patty. "You're a howling success!