AN INVITATION
The next morning Patty started off in her own little electric runabout
with Miller, the chauffeur.
She let him drive, and gave the address, as she stepped in, "The
Monongahela Art Embroidery Company," adding a number in lower
Broadway.
The correct Miller could not suppress a slight smile as he said,
"Where I took you once before, Miss Patty?" And Patty smiled, as she
said, "Yes, Miller."
But it was with a different feeling that she entered the big building
this time, and she went straight to department B. On her way she met
the red-headed boy who had so amused her when she was there a year
ago.
He greeted her with the same lack of formality that had previously
characterised him.
"Is youse up against it again?" he inquired, grinning broadly. "I
t'ought youse didn't get no cinch, and had to can de whole projick."
"I'm not on the same 'projick' now," said Patty, smiling at him. "Is
department B in the same place?"
"Sure it is," and for some reason the boy added, "miss," after a
momentary pause, which made Patty realise his different attitude
toward her, now that she wore a more elaborate costume, than when he
had seen her in a purposely plain little suit.
"And is the same lady still in charge of it?"
"Yep; dey ain't nuttin' lessen dynnimite goin' to boost Mis' Greene
outen o' here!"
"Then Mrs. Greene is the lady I want to see," and Patty threaded her
way through the narrow passages between the piled up boxes.
"No pass needed; she's a free show," the boy called after her, and in
a moment Patty found herself again in the presence of the sharp-faced,
tired-looking woman whom she had once interviewed regarding her
embroidery work.
"This is Mrs. Greene, isn't it?" said Patty, pleasantly.
"Yes, I am," snapped the woman. "You don't want work again, do you?"
"No," said Patty, smiling, "I come this time on quite a different
errand."
"Then you don't want to see _me_. I'm here only to give out work. Did
Mr. Myers send you?"
"No, I came of my own accord. Now, Mrs. Greene, forget the work for a
moment, and let me tell you what I want."
"If it's subscribin' to any fund, or belongin' to any working woman's
club run by you swell ladies, you can count me out. I ain't got time
for foolishness."
"It isn't anything like that," and Patty laughed so merrily that Mrs.
Greene's hard face softened in spite of herself. "Well, what is it?"
she asked, in a less belligerent tone.
"It's only this," and though Patty's errand had seemed to her simple
enough before she came in, she now began to wonder how Mrs. Greene
would take it. "Some friends of mine and I are asking three or four
people to lunch with us and take a little motor ride on Saturday, and
I want you to come as my guest?"
"What!" and Mrs. Greene's face was blank with amazement, but her
manner betokened an impending burst of wrath.
Patty realised that the woman's pride was up in arms at the idea of
patronage, and she was at her wit's end how to make the real spirit of
her invitation understood.
As it chanced, she unwittingly took the right tack. So earnest was she
that her lips quivered a little, and her eyes showed a pleading,
pathetic expression, as she said, "_Please_ don't misunderstand me,
Mrs. Greene. If you would enjoy it, I want you to come to our party on
Saturday as our welcome guest. If you wouldn't enjoy it,--just say
so,--but--but _don't_ scold me!"
Mrs. Greene looked puzzled, and then the hard, stern mouth broke into
an actual smile.
"Well, I declare," she said, "I do believe you've got a real heart!"
"And I do believe that _you_ have!" exclaimed Patty. "And, now that we
know the truth about each other, you'll come, won't you?"
"Tell me about it," and the speaker seemed still uncertain, though
wavering.
So Patty told her, honestly and straightforwardly, the circumstances
of the party, and wound up by saying, "I truly want you, Mrs. Greene,
for the simple reason that I want you to enjoy the afternoon,--and for
no other reason."
"And I'll come, and be awful glad of the chance! Why, I've never had a
ride in a motor car in my life, and I've never eaten in one of those
fandangle hotels; and the way you put it, I'm just crazy to go!"
"Do you have holiday Saturday afternoon?"
"Yes, all these downtown places do."
"Very well, then, I shall expect you at the Plaza at one o'clock. Ask
for Miss Galbraith, and they will show you right up to her rooms."
"Land! it does seem too good to be true! Say, Miss Fairfield, I've
only got a black mohair to wear,--will that do?"
"Of course it will. Maybe you've a pretty bit of embroidery or
something to lighten it up a little."
"Yes, I've got a linjerry collar and cuffs that I've just been achin'
to wear ever since my sister gave them to me last Christmas."
"Then I shall expect you on Saturday, and I'm so glad."
With a smiling bow, Patty started away, but she saw by Mrs. Greene's
face, there was something left unsaid.
"What is it?" she asked, kindly, stepping back again to the counter.
"Say, Miss Fairfield," and Mrs. Greene twisted her fingers a little
nervously, "don't think this is queer,--but won't you wear one of your
real pretty dresses? I do like to see a pretty, stylish dress,--and I
never get a chance."
"Of course I will," said Patty, heartily; "I've a brand-new one that
I've never worn, and I'll honour the occasion with it, on Saturday."
And then Patty went away, greatly pleased at her success.
"Had quite a buzz, didn't yer?" observed the red-headed boy, looking
at Patty with curiosity, as she passed him.
"Yes, I did. By the way, young man, what is your name?"
"Rosy; should think you'd know without askin'," and he grabbed a bunch
of his red hair with a comical grin.
"Well, I didn't know whether it was that or Freckles," said Patty, who
was moved to chaff him, by reason of his good-natured _camaraderie_.
"Might just as well 'a' been," and Rosy grinned wider than ever.
Patty nodded a good-bye, and went on, rapidly turning over in her mind
a new plan that would include Rosy in some future happy Saturday
afternoon. But this plan must wait for development, as the coming
Saturday was enough to occupy her thoughts for the present.
"Home, Miller," she said, as she took her seat. Miller gave a relieved
sigh, for he was always more or less afraid of Patty's escapades; and
he didn't like to have her go alone into these strange buildings.
They whizzed homeward, and at luncheon time Patty gave Nan a graphic
account of her interview with Mrs. Greene.
"I think that's the funniest of all," said Nan, "that she should want
you to wear your elaborate clothes."
"So do I," said Patty. "We girls had planned to wear our plainest
dresses, thinking to make our guests feel more at ease. And when
Madame Greene spoke of her black mohair, I thought I'd even rip the
trimming off my brown waist! But not so,--far otherwise. So I shall
get me into that new American Beauty satin, and I hope to goodness it
will suit her taste. I expect she's fearfully critical."
"Perhaps the other girls' guests won't feel as Mrs. Greene does about
this matter. What then?"
"Now, Nan, don't stir up trouble! I have only my own guest to look
after, and I shall dress my part. The others will have to do as
seemeth unto them best. Oh, Nan, it's going to be heaps of fun!"
"Yes, if it turns out right,--without any awkwardness or embarrassment."
"Oh, you old wet blanket! Now, you know perfectly well, we're doing our
best. And if we're awkward, we can't help it. We're going this
afternoon to get the favours. What do you think of little pins,--silver
gilt, or enamel?"
"They'd be all right, or hatpins, either."
"No, hatpins everybody has. And they don't show, anyhow. That amethyst
one of mine always hides itself behind a bow or a feather. No; I'm
sure a nice little round brooch is the best thing."
"How about gloves?"
"Or overshoes? or knitted wash-cloths? Nan, can't I bang it into your
head that this affair is for pleasure, not profit? Would you give
_your_ luncheon guests gloves as souvenirs?"
"I suppose you're right, Patty. But it _is_ an experiment."
"Of course it is! And it's going to be a successful one, and the
forerunner of many others!"
* * * * *
Half an hour before luncheon time, Patty walked into Mona's dining-room.
She wore her new gown of American Beauty satin, softly draped with a
thin black marquisette, and a soft sash of black satin. Her hat was all
black, with a Beauty rose tucked under the brim, and resting against her
fair hair.
Mona surveyed her with delight. "You look unusually well, Patty,--but
that's not saying anything unusual, for you always look unusually
well."
"Good gracious, Mona, what kind of English is that? And a doubtful
compliment beside! But I see you're preoccupied, so I shan't expect
much appreciation of my new costume. Simple but tasty, isn't it?"
As she spoke, Patty was looking at herself in a long mirror and
craning her neck to get a view of her back. She was fond of pretty
clothes, and her new gown, though rich, was really simple in line and
colouring.
"Your table is beautiful, Mona," she said, suddenly bringing her
attention from her own raiment to the festal preparation.
The girls had decided that, since Christmas was only about a fortnight
away, it would be attractive to use Christmas decorations for their
party. And so the round table showed crossed strips of broad red
ribbon, under bands of lace, and a central decoration of a real
Christmas tree, with beautiful fancy ornaments and colored electric
lights. At each place was an elaborate bonbonniere of Christmas red,
decked with sprays of holly. The place cards were Christmassy; and the
little brooches they had bought, were in dainty boxes tied with holly
ribbon.
"It's perfectly lovely, Mona," said Patty, enthusiastically. "There
isn't a bit too much of anything, and it's just as cheery and jolly as
it can be."
"I thought I wouldn't have any flowers on the table," Mona explained,
"for they didn't go with the other things. So, you see, I've these
four big bunches of red carnations around the room, and I shall give
them each one to take home. Of course, I have boxes ready for
them,--and then, Patty, I thought we'd distribute the Christmas tree
decorations among them,--and I have the boxes big, so we can put those
and the place-cards and candy-boxes and souvenirs all in them. And
then, you know, it won't seem like _giving_ them things; for you know
yourself how keen people are to take away their place cards and such
things."
"They are, indeed! I've been _surprised_ the people who have
_everything_ will gather up their cards and trumpery boxes after a
luncheon! And your thoughtfulness is lovely, Mona. We'll each give
them our own place-card and box, too."
"Yes; and then, you see, they'll have quite a few little things for
their own Christmas, and that will make them remember the 'bright
spot' all the more."
"Of course it will! Mona, you're a perfect _darling_!" And Patty
grasped Mona's shoulders and swung her about in a mad dance of
jubilation.
"And, Patty," Mona went on, "Mr. Lansing wants to help us with our
Happy Saturdays Club. He says he could go with us some afternoon, to
take a lot of newsboys to the circus."
"Why, Mona Galbraith!" and Patty stared at her friend in astonishment.
"Have you been telling _him_ about our club?"
"Yes; of course, I have. It's no secret society, is it?"
"No; but we don't want men for members."
"But, Patty, he would be a help. I'd love to give some of those poor
little newsboys a good time, and we couldn't do it, just by ourselves."
Suddenly, Patty thought of "Rosy," and her idea of including him in
some of their plans. To be sure, it would be better to have a man to
help manage such a project. But not Mr. Lansing!
"No, Mona," she said; "our club is made up of just us four girls, and
we can find plenty to do among girls or women. At least, for this
winter. If it's all a success, we can do more next winter, and perhaps
get some men to help us then. If we want to take newsboys to the
circus, father will go with us. Don't be everlastingly dragging in
that Mr. Lansing."
"I'm _not_ dragging him in! He kindly offered to help. But of
course,--if you don't want him----"
"Well, I don't! And, look here, Mona, I wish you'd let him alone,
yourself. He's not like the men of our set, and I want you to realise
that. Roger says he's a bounder,--if you know what that is."
"Pooh! Roger is jealous."
"Yes, I think he is. But, aside from that, he's right about Mr.
Lansing not being the right kind of a friend for you. Philip Van
Reypen says the same thing."
"Oh, pshaw! Mr. Van Reypen is an old stuck-up! He thinks nobody is any
good if they don't begin their names with a Van."
"Now, Mona, don't be silly. I'm sure I don't know what you see so
admirable in Mr. Lansing, but I do think you ought to be advised by
others who know better than you. Why, your own father doesn't like
him."
"I know dad doesn't; but--well, all the same, I _do_! Why, Patty, he's
awfully interesting, and he brings me flowers and candy and books----"
"Now, stop, Mona. You know you don't care for those things! You can
have all you want, without Mr. Lansing's gifts. You like him, because
he flatters you, and--well, I must admit that he has a way with him."
"Oh, yes, Patty, he has! Why, when you know him, he's really
fascinating!"
"Well, don't let him fascinate you. He's loud, Mona. He's not our
sort. Now, do promise me to see less of him, won't you? He seems to be
calling on you very often."
"Yes, he does. But how can I stop that? I can't be rude to him."
"Well, you can be cool. Every girl can discourage a man's attentions,
if she wants to."
"H'm; you seem to know a great deal about it."
"I only know what my common sense tells me. Mona, dear, _do_ drop that
man! Why, Roger is worth a dozen of him!"
"Roger's all right,--but Mr. Lansing is so,--so,--well, he's
different."
"He is, indeed! And that's the trouble. The difference is all in
Roger's favour, if you only could see it."
"Well, I can't! Now, look here, Patty. You know how much I care for
you, but I won't have you talking to me like a Dutch Aunt. I made
father bring me to New York this winter, so I could be near you, and
we could have fun together. But, if you're going to scold me all the
time, we won't have any fun at all."
Patty began to realise that, though Mona might be coaxed, she could
never be driven. So she concluded to drop the subject, and use more
thought and tact in her endeavours to break up Mona's new friendship.
And then Clementine Morse came, so the matter had to be laid aside.
"Is Jenny here?" asked Clementine, as she tossed off her furs.
"Jenny who?"
"My guest, Jenny Bisbee. She's the ribbon girl I told you about. I had
the greatest time to get her off for the afternoon. I had to go to
Walker's, you know, and see all sorts of Heads of Departments. My!
they acted like Crowned Heads! They said it wouldn't do at all,--it
would establish a precedent,--and all sorts of things like that. But,
somehow or other, I wheedled them into it, and at last they said Jenny
might come. She was just crazy about it. She said, she never has any
fun in her life, except looking at the new ribbons when they come in!
Oh, girls, isn't it awful _never_ to have any fun? I expect Jenny will
be embarrassed, but I'm sure she'll enjoy it all. Oh, how lovely the
table looks! Mona, you are a wonder! I never should have thought of
all those Christmas fixings."
"I'm glad you like them. Say, Clementine, don't you think it would be
nice to have men members in our club?"
"Why, I don't know. No, I guess not, though my brother Clifford says
it's a great game, and he'd like to help us."
"Yes, and I know another man who wants to help," said Mona, eagerly,
when Clementine interrupted her.
"I hope it isn't that strange being you brought to Patty's party!
Wherever _did_ you pick up that freak, Mona?"
"He _isn't_ a freak! Mr. Lansing is not a rich man, but he's very
exclusive. He told me so himself."
"Don't you believe it!" and Clementine laughed merrily. "As a rule,
people who say themselves that they're exclusive, are _not_. And one
glance at that man is enough to show his standing."
"What _is_ his standing, then?" said Mona, sulkily.
"Outside the pale of society, if not outside the pale of civilisation,"
retorted Clementine, who was plain-spoken.
"Don't let's talk about Mr. Lansing now," broke in Patty, who feared
an unpleasant element in their pleasant occasion. "And, anyway, here
comes Elise."