"
Patty giggled again. The idea of SUSAN being escorted out to the
dining-room of "Red Chimneys"! And by Jack Pennington, the most
aristocratic young man in their set!
"All right," she said. "But I must sit the other side of you. I
want to keep my eye on her."
And so it came to pass that when supper was announced, Jack went
up gallantly and offered his arm to the chaperon.
This seemed quite natural and proper to the other guests, and they
paid little attention as Mrs. Hastings rose with dignity, and,
with her escort, led the procession.
Susan was resolved to make up for her blunder, and she carried
herself with an air of hauteur, and trailed the grey satin gown
after her quite as if she were used to such.
"It is a beautiful home, is it not, Mrs. Hastings?" said Jack, by
way of making conversation.
"It is, sir," returned Susan, careful of speech and accent, but
unable to forget her deference. "Such airy rooms and fine, high
ceilings."
Jack couldn't help admiring her aplomb, and he chatted away easily
in an endeavour to put her at her ease.
"Will you sit here, Mrs. Hastings?" he said, offering her the seat
at the head of the table, as became the chaperon of the party.
Susan hesitated, but catching Mona's nod of acquiescence, she sank
gracefully into the armchair Jack held for her.
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