Patty and Azalea | Page 7

as happy," laughed Patty. "I chance to be
naturally tidy, and I just love to potter over my things, and keep them in
place. Some time I'll show you Baby's wardrobe. Her little things are
too dear for anything. But now I'll take you to your rooms. This is
yours, Elise. I picked out this one for you, because it's lavender,--and I
know that's your favorite colour."
"And the wistaria vine is looking in at the windows!" Elise noted, with
joy. "Oh, Patty, I won't live on the porch, either, I'll live up here."
It was a beautiful room. A deep seated bay-window, with latticed panes,
opened into a profusion of wistaria blooms, and the fragrance filled the
whole place. The furniture was of ivory enamel and the appointments

were of various harmonious shades of lavender. A chaise-longue was
well supplied with lace pillows and a nearby stand and reading-lamp
hinted at the comfortable enjoyment of a tempting array of new books.
Pansies and violets were in small bowls, and on a table stood an
enormous vase full of trailing branches of wistaria.
"What a picture!" and Elise stood in the middle of the floor, looking
about her. "Patty, you're a wonder! I don't care if you have shoals of
servants, you fixed up this room,--I know you did."
"Of course I did,--with Mrs. Chase to help me. She's a treasure,--she
catches on to my ways so quickly. Glad you like it, Elise, honey. Now
settle yourself here,--your bags will be up in a minute,--and I'll put
Mona in her niche."
"I'm coming too," and Elise went with the others to the rooms designed
for Mona and Roger.
"This is my Royal Suite," laughed Patty, as she ushered them into a
charming apartment done up in handsome English chintz.
"It suits me," and Mona nodded approval. "You had this done by a
professional, Patty."
"It was here when we bought the house. You see, some rooms were
already furnished, when the man decided to sell it. And of these, such
as we liked we kept as they were. This is especially fine chintz and also
good workmanship, so as it is so imposing in effect, we call it the
Royal Suite. Father and Nan adored it, and you and Roger are the next
Royal guests."
"It's great," said Elise, "not half as pretty as mine, but more dignified
and gorgeous."
The chintz was patterned with tropical birds and foliage and as the
hangings were many and elaborate the effect was gorgeous. The
bathroom was spacious and fully equipped, and as Mona's things had

arrived she turned to instruct the maid who was already unpacking
them.
"Come back with me to my room," said Elise, as she and Patty went
down the hall.
"Just for a minute, then, for I must go and sort out the rest of my
visitors. I am putting Philip and Chick over in the west wing, far
removed from the nursery, for I don't want them imagining they are
kept awake by the night thoughts of my child. And, I must confess,
Fleurette has a way of tuning up in the wee, small hours! However, we
had the nursery walls muffled, so I don't think you'll be disturbed. Isn't
this outlook fine, Elise?"
"Beautiful," and Elise joined Patty at the bay-window. "This is the most
effective room I ever saw, and so comfy."
"And here's your bath," Patty opened the door to a bathroom of
white-tiled and silver daintiness. "Now you've time for a tub and a rest
before dinner. So I'm going to leave you. Come down at eight,--or
sooner, if you like."
Housewifely Patty ran away, happy in her new role of hostess to a
house party.
The men still sat on the tea-porch, smoking, and talking over the
political situation.
"Here you are again," Chick greeted her; "but where's the che-ild? I
must see that youngster to-night. I've--I've brought her a present."
"Oh, well, come along, then," said Patty; "if you're really so anxious to
meet the young lady,--why wait?"
The two went up to the nursery, and though a little surprised at the
unexpected call, Nurse Winnie made no objection.
"Here's your new friend," and Patty lifted Fleurette out of her pillows

and presented her to Chick.
"What a beauty!" he cried, as he saw the golden curls and the big blue
eyes. "And so intelligent!"
"Of course! Did you think she'd look vacant?"
"They often do," said Chick, sagely. "Why, my cousin's baby looks
positively idiotic at times,--but this mite,--she knows it all!"
And Fleurette did look wise. Being in benign mood, she smiled at the
big man who held her so gently, and put out a tentative fist toward his
face.
"Born flirt," he declared, "just like her mother! Well, Patty, she's a