So, as Patty found it impossible to snub such cheerfulness, she
concluded to forgive and forget.

"There's something doing after supper," remarked Roger. "Miss Homer
dropped a hint, and even now they're fixing something in the
ballroom."

"What can it be?" said Elise, craning her neck to see through a
doorway.

"It's a game," said Marie Homer, who had just joined the group. "I
told mother, you all considered yourselves too grown-up for games,
but she said she didn't want to have the whole evening given over to
dancing. So you will play it, won't you?"

"Sure we will!" declared Kenneth, who admired the shy little girl.

Marie was new in their set, but they all liked her. She was timid
only because she felt unacquainted, and the good-natured crowd did
all they could to put her at ease.

"Games!" exclaimed Philip; "why, I just love 'em! I'll play it,
whatever it is."

"I too," said Patty. "It will be a jolly change from dancing."




CHAPTER II