Those who came in contact with the
nervous, fussy lady were harassed beyond endurance by her
querulous and contradictory orders. The cook declared herself
unable to prepare Mrs. Parson's "messes" acceptably, and
threatened every other day to leave. But Patty's coaxing
persuasions, and Mona's promise of increased wages induced her to
remain.
Remonstrance with Aunt Adelaide did no good at all. She assumed an
air of injured innocence, asserted her entire indifference to the
details of Mona's housekeeping,--and then, proceeded to interfere
just the same.
As far as possible, the girls had arranged the house party without
consulting her; but, even so, she continually offered her advice
and obtruded her opinions until Mona lost patience.
"Aunt Adelaide," she said, when Mrs. Parsons insisted that Patty
should give up the suite of rooms she occupied to some of the
arriving guests, "when Patty came to me I gave her the best rooms,
and she's going to stay in them. I know Mrs. Kenerley is bringing
her baby and nurse, and that's why I gave her rooms on the third
floor, that the baby might not disturb any one."
"It's too high up for the dear child," argued Aunt Adelaide. "I'd
like to have her nearer me.
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