Patty herself preferred simpler furnishings, but she knew that
Mona didn't, and she exclaimed with delight at the beauty of
appointments.
"It's out best suite," said Mona, complacently, "and I've had it
fixed up freshly for you."
"It's charming," declared Patty, "and I know I shall be very happy
here,--IF I can have my own way!" She smiled as she spoke, but she
was in earnest, too, for Mona was dictatorial by nature, and Patty
by no means proposed to be tyrannised over.
"You shall, Patty! All the time you are here, your word shall be
law in this house, both over the servants and myself."
"Oh, I can manage the servants," cried Patty, gaily. "I'm rather
good at that. Now, if I can only manage you!"
"You can! I'll prove so manageable and docile, you'll scarcely
know me!"
So, having flown her colours, Patty wagged her head sagaciously as
Mona went away. "I think, Miss Fairfield," she observed to her
reflection in a gold-garlanded mirror, "that you're in for a
pleasant summer. Firmness tempered with kindness must be your
plan; and I'm pretty sure you can, in that way, manage Mona
without friction."
Humming snatches of song to herself, Patty continued to explore
her new domain.
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