Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER IV A PERFECTLY GOOD CHAPERON IT was nearly six o'clock when Patty reached " Red Chimneys." She carried a bandbox, and Miller, who followed her, carried a large suitcase, and various other parcels. Mona met them at the door, and, directing that the luggage be sent to Patty's rooms, she carried her visitor off to her own boudoir. " Patty," she began, " I can't let you carry out that ridiculous scheme ! I'm going to telephone to the young people not to come." " Haven't telephoned yet, have you ? " enquired Patty, carelessly, as she flung herself into an easy-chair, and made vigorous use of a large 'fan. " No; I waited to tell you. But I'm going to begin now," and Mona lifted a telephone receiver from its hook. " Oh, I wouldn't," said Patty, smiling at her hostess. " You see, I've set my heart on having this party, and I'd hate to have you upset it"" But, Patty, consider how " " Consider,—cow—consider! Well, my fair lady, I have considered, and I must request you to hang up that telephone, and trust all to me." When Patty adopted this tone, playful but decided, Mona knew she could do nothing with her. So she hung up the receiver, but she still showed a troubled expression as she looked questioningly at pretty Patty. But that provoking young person only smiled at her, and slowly waved her big fan. " Awfully warm, even yet, isn't it? " she said. " What time is dinner, Mona ? I've a lot to do before that party of yours comes off." " I ordered dinner early, so we'd have time to dress afterward. Come, Patty, I'll show you your rooms." The two girls rose, and standing in front of Mona, Patty began to smooth the lines from the other's brow, with her own finger tips. "There there," she said; "don't worry. Trust all to Smarty-Patty! She'll do t...