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Page 10
Louise was the lady's maid who looked after the welfare of both
Nan and Patty. But as Patty was going to a house where servants
were more than plentiful, it had been arranged that Louise should
accompany Nan.
"Don't talk as if I were an invalid, Patty. I'm sensitive to the
heat, I admit, and this weather is excessive. But I'm not ill, and
once I get a whiff of mountain air I'll be all right."
"I know it, Nancy; and so fly away and get it. And don't waste a
thought on poor, worthless me, for I shall be as happy as a clam.
I just love broiling, sizzling weather, and I'm sure my
experiences at Mona's will be novel--if nothing else,--and novelty
is always interesting."
"I hope you will have a good time, Patty, but it all seems so
queer. To go off and leave you with that girl, and an aunt whom we
have never even seen!"
"Well, I'll see her this afternoon, and if she won't give me a
photograph of herself for you, I'll draw you a pen portrait of the
Dragon Lady."
"I hope she will be a Dragon, for you need some one to keep you
steady. You mean to do right, but you're so thoughtless and
impulsive of late. I'm afraid it's growing on you, Patty."
"And I'm afraid you're a dear old goose! The heat has gone to your
head. Now, forget me and my vagaries, and devote all your time and
attention to the consideration of Mrs. Frederick Fairfield."
"Ready, Nan?" called her husband from the doorway, and then there
was a flurry of leave-takings, and final advices, and last words,
and good-bye embraces; and then the motor-car rolled down the
drive carrying the travellers away, and Patty dropped into a
veranda chair to realise that she was her own mistress.
Not that her father or Nan were over strict with her; they merely
exercised the kind and gentle supervision that every young girl
ought to have. But sometimes, of late, Patty had chafed a little
at their restrictions, and though she had no desire to do anything
they would disapprove of, she enjoyed the novel sense of entire
freedom of action. However, to be responsible to nobody at all
seemed to make Patty feel an added responsibility of her own
behaviour, so she went into the house, determined to do all she
ought to do as mistress there. Though her time for such duties was
short. The Fairfields had been obliged to leave on an early
morning train, and Patty was not to go to Mona's until late in the
afternoon. She had, therefore, several hours, and she went
systematically to work, looking through each room to make sure all
was in order for closing the house. She put away some books and
some bits of choice bric-a-brac, and then went out to interview
the cook.
"Yes, Miss Patty," said that worthy, in answer to her enquiries,
"I've enough av food for yer luncheon, an' thin I'll dispose av
the schraps, and lave the refrigerators clane an' empty."
"That's right, Susan," said Patty, in most housekeeperly tones;
"and will you go away in time for me to lock up the house after
you?"
"Yes, Miss; Mrs. Fairfield said we was all to go at five o'clock.
Thin Miller will lock up, and give yersilf the keys."
Patty knew these matters had all been arranged by her parents, but
it pleased her to assume an authority.
"Very well, Susan," she said. "And where are you all going?"
"Jane, she's going to take another place, Miss; but I'm going to
me sister's for a time. It's a rest I'm nadin'."
Patty looked kindly at the cook. She had never really talked with
her before, as Nan a capable and sufficient housewife, and Patty
was a little surprised to see what a fine-looking woman Susan was.
She was Irish, but of the best type. A large, well-built figure,
and a sensible, intelligent face. Her abundant hair was slightly
grey, and her still rosy cheeks and dark blue eyes indicated her
nationality. Though she spoke with a soft burr, her brogue was not
very noticeable, and Patty felt irresistibly drawn to her.
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