"
"You wouldn't, if she's in the habit of crying all night," said
Patty. "I'm quite willing to give up my pretty rooms, but Mona
won't let me, and I never quarrel with my hostess' decisions."
"Meaning, I suppose, that I do," said Aunt Adelaide, querulously.
"Of course, you girls know more than I do. I'm only a poor, old,
set aside nobody. I couldn't expect to be listened to, even when I
advise you for your own good."
Patty well knew that any response to this sort of talk was
useless, so she said, lightly, "We want you mostly for ornament,
Aunt Adelaide. If you'll put on one of your prettiest dresses, and
some of that lovely old lace of yours, and your amethyst
jewellery, and be on hand to welcome our guests this afternoon,
Mona and I will relieve you of all bother about household
arrangements."
This mollified Mrs. Parsons somewhat, for she dearly loved to
"dress up" and receive company, so she went away to select her
costume.
Patty had been at "Red Chimneys" little more than a week, but
already the influence of her taste could be seen in the household.
Some of the more gaudy and heavy ornaments, which had been
provided by a professional decorator, had been removed, and their
places filled by palms, or large plain bowls of fresh flowers.
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