"
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
Chimneys.' Can you do this?"
It was funny to see the varying expressions on Susan's face.
Wonder, amusement, and docility followed each other in quick
succession, and then she said:
"Is it a masqueradin', belike, you want, Miss Patty?"
"Yes; just that, Susan. Could you do it?"
"Av coorse I cud do it, if you be wantin' me to; but wud I look
good enough, Miss?"
"You'd look all right, after I dressed you; but, Susan, could you
talk with less,--less accent?"
"Me brogue, is it, Miss? Faith, an' I fear I can't be after
conquerin' that! It's born in me.
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