She had herself superintended the arrangement of the beautiful
flowers for which the Galbraiths' garden was famous, and she had,
in a moment of victory, persuaded Mona to put the men servants
into white duck instead of their ornate, gilt-braided livery, and
the maids into white linen uniforms.
"In this weather," she said, "let's make our keynote 'coolness,'
and your guests will have a better time than if we overpower them
with your winter splendour."
Mona began to see that coolness and splendour were rarely
compatible, but she was also beginning to see things as Patty saw
them, so she agreed. The girls had not dared to advise Aunt
Adelaide as to costume, for just so sure as they advised
something, that contradictory lady would be sure to insist on
something else.
"But I think I'd better coax her to wear that purple satin," said
Mona, "for if I don't, she'll surely put it on, and if I do, she
won't!"
"Wait and see," said Patty. "I took pains to hang her lavender
crepe de chine right in the front of her wardrobe, and I hope
she'll let her eagle eye light on that, and seek no further!"
"Patty, you're a born conspirator. I hope you'll marry a foreign
diplomat, and help him manage his international intrigues.
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