CHAPTER IV
AN INVITATION
The next morning Patty started off in her own little electric runaboutwith Miller, the chauffeur.
She let him drive, and gave the address, as she stepped in, "TheMonongahela Art Embroidery Company," adding a number in lowerBroadway.
The correct Miller could not suppress a slight smile as he said,"Where I took you once before, Miss Patty?" And Patty smiled, as shesaid, "Yes, Miller."
But it was with a different feeling that she entered the big buildingthis time, and she went straight to department B. On her way she metthe red-headed boy who had so amused her when she was there a yearago.
He greeted her with the same lack of formality that had previouslycharacterised him.
"Is youse up against it again?" he inquired, grinning broadly. "It'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. "Isdepartment B in the same place?"
"Sure it is," and for some reason the boy added, "miss," after amomentary pause, which made Patty realise his different attitudetoward her, now that she wore a more elaborate costume, than when hehad 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' Greeneouten o' here!"
"Then Mrs. Greene is the lady I want to see," and Patty threaded herway through the narrow passages between the piled up boxes.
"No pass needed; she's a free show," the boy called after her, and ina moment Patty found herself again in the presence of the sharp-faced,tired-looking woman whom she had once interviewed regarding herembroidery 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 differenterrand."
"Then you don't want to see _me_. I'm here only to give out work. DidMr. Myers send you?"
"No, I came of my own accord. Now, Mrs. Greene, forget the work for amoment, and let me tell you what I want."
"If it's subscribin' to any fund, or belongin' to any working woman'sclub run by you swell ladies, you can count me out. I ain't got timefor 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 simpleenough before she came in, she now began to wonder how Mrs. Greenewould take it. "Some friends of mine and I are asking three or fourpeople to lunch with us and take a little motor ride on Saturday, andI want you to come as my guest?"
"What!" and Mrs. Greene's face was blank with amazement, but hermanner betokened an impending burst of wrath.
Patty realised that the woman's pride was up in arms at the idea ofpatronage, and she was at her wit's end how to make the real spirit ofher invitation understood.
As it chanced, she unwittingly took the right tack. So earnest was shethat 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 onSaturday as our welcome guest. If you wouldn't enjoy it,--just sayso,--but--but _don't_ scold me!"
Mrs. Greene looked puzzled, and then the hard, stern mouth broke intoan 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 weknow the truth about each other, you'll come, won't you?"
"Tell me about it," and the speaker seemed still uncertain, thoughwavering.
So Patty told her, honestly and straightforwardly, the circumstancesof 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 forno other reason."
"And I'll come, and be awful glad of the chance! Why, I've never had aride in a motor car in my life, and I've never eaten in one of thosefandangle 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. Askfor 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'veonly got a black mohair to wear,--will that do?"
"Of course it will. Maybe you've a pretty bit of embroidery orsomething 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'sface, 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 littlenervously, "don't think this is queer,--but won't you wear one of yourreal pretty dresses? I do like to see a pretty, stylish dress,--and Inever get a chance."
"Of course I will," said Patty, heartily; "I've a brand-new one thatI'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, lookingat 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 bunchof his red hair with a comical grin.
"Well, I didn't know whether it was that or Freckles," said Patty, whowas 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 minda new plan that would include Rosy in some future happy Saturdayafternoon. But this plan must wait for development, as the comingSaturday was enough to occupy her thoughts for the present.
"Home, Miller," she said, as she took her seat. Miller gave a relievedsigh, for he was always more or less afraid of Patty's escapades; andhe didn't like to have her go alone into these strange buildings.
They whizzed homeward, and at luncheon time Patty gave Nan a graphicaccount of her interview with Mrs. Greene.
"I think that's the funniest of all," said Nan, "that she should wantyou to wear your elaborate clothes."
"So do I," said Patty. "We girls had planned to wear our plainestdresses, thinking to make our guests feel more at ease. And whenMadame Greene spoke of her black mohair, I thought I'd even rip thetrimming off my brown waist! But not so,--far otherwise. So I shallget me into that new American Beauty satin, and I hope to goodness itwill suit her taste. I expect she's fearfully critical."
"Perhaps the other girls' guests won't feel as Mrs. Greene does aboutthis matter. What then?"
"Now, Nan, don't stir up trouble! I have only my own guest to lookafter, and I shall dress my part. The others will have to do asseemeth 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 ourbest. And if we're awkward, we can't help it. We're going thisafternoon to get the favours. What do you think of little pins,--silvergilt, or enamel?"
"They'd be all right, or hatpins, either."
"No, hatpins everybody has. And they don't show, anyhow. That amethystone of mine always hides itself behind a bow or a feather. No; I'msure 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 yourhead 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 theforerunner 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 athin black marquisette, and a soft sash of black satin. Her hat was allblack, with a Beauty rose tucked under the brim, and resting against herfair hair.
Mona surveyed her with delight. "You look unusually well, Patty,--butthat's not saying anything unusual, for you always look unusuallywell."
"Good gracious, Mona, what kind of English is that? And a doubtfulcompliment beside! But I see you're preoccupied, so I shan't expectmuch appreciation of my new costume. Simple but tasty, isn't it?"
As she spoke, Patty was looking at herself in a long mirror andcraning her neck to get a view of her back. She was fond of prettyclothes, and her new gown, though rich, was really simple in line andcolouring.
"Your table is beautiful, Mona," she said, suddenly bringing herattention from her own raiment to the festal preparation.
The girls had decided that, since Christmas was only about a fortnightaway, it would be attractive to use Christmas decorations for theirparty. And so the round table showed crossed strips of broad redribbon, under bands of lace, and a central decoration of a realChristmas tree, with beautiful fancy ornaments and colored electriclights. At each place was an elaborate bonbonniere of Christmas red,decked with sprays of holly. The place cards were Christmassy; and thelittle brooches they had bought, were in dainty boxes tied with hollyribbon.
"It's perfectly lovely, Mona," said Patty, enthusiastically. "Thereisn't a bit too much of anything, and it's just as cheery and jolly asit 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 thesefour big bunches of red carnations around the room, and I shall givethem each one to take home. Of course, I have boxes ready forthem,--and then, Patty, I thought we'd distribute the Christmas treedecorations among them,--and I have the boxes big, so we can put thoseand the place-cards and candy-boxes and souvenirs all in them. Andthen, you know, it won't seem like _giving_ them things; for you knowyourself how keen people are to take away their place cards and suchthings."
"They are, indeed! I've been _surprised_ the people who have_everything_ will gather up their cards and trumpery boxes after aluncheon! And your thoughtfulness is lovely, Mona. We'll each givethem our own place-card and box, too."
"Yes; and then, you see, they'll have quite a few little things fortheir own Christmas, and that will make them remember the 'brightspot' all the more."
"Of course it will! Mona, you're a perfect _darling_!" And Pattygrasped Mona's shoulders and swung her about in a mad dance ofjubilation.
"And, Patty," Mona went on, "Mr. Lansing wants to help us with ourHappy Saturdays Club. He says he could go with us some afternoon, totake 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 poorlittle newsboys a good time, and we couldn't do it, just by ourselves."
Suddenly, Patty thought of "Rosy," and her idea of including him insome of their plans. To be sure, it would be better to have a man tohelp manage such a project. But not Mr. Lansing!
"No, Mona," she said; "our club is made up of just us four girls, andwe can find plenty to do among girls or women. At least, for thiswinter. If it's all a success, we can do more next winter, and perhapsget some men to help us then. If we want to take newsboys to thecircus, father will go with us. Don't be everlastingly dragging inthat Mr. Lansing."
"I'm _not_ dragging him in! He kindly offered to help. But ofcourse,--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 realisethat. 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 VanReypen says the same thing."
"Oh, pshaw! Mr. Van Reypen is an old stuck-up! He thinks nobody is anygood 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 soadmirable in Mr. Lansing, but I do think you ought to be advised byothers who know better than you. Why, your own father doesn't likehim."
"I know dad doesn't; but--well, all the same, I _do_! Why, Patty, he'sawfully interesting, and he brings me flowers and candy and books----"
"Now, stop, Mona. You know you don't care for those things! You canhave all you want, without Mr. Lansing's gifts. You like him, becausehe 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 reallyfascinating!"
"Well, don't let him fascinate you. He's loud, Mona. He's not oursort. Now, do promise me to see less of him, won't you? He seems to becalling 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 thatman! Why, Roger is worth a dozen of him!"
"Roger's all right,--but Mr. Lansing is so,--so,--well, he'sdifferent."
"He is, indeed! And that's the trouble. The difference is all inRoger's favour, if you only could see it."
"Well, I can't! Now, look here, Patty. You know how much I care foryou, but I won't have you talking to me like a Dutch Aunt. I madefather bring me to New York this winter, so I could be near you, andwe could have fun together. But, if you're going to scold me all thetime, we won't have any fun at all."
Patty began to realise that, though Mona might be coaxed, she couldnever be driven. So she concluded to drop the subject, and use morethought 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 hadthe greatest time to get her off for the afternoon. I had to go toWalker'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,--itwould establish a precedent,--and all sorts of things like that. But,somehow or other, I wheedled them into it, and at last they said Jennymight come. She was just crazy about it. She said, she never has anyfun 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 willbe embarrassed, but I'm sure she'll enjoy it all. Oh, how lovely thetable looks! Mona, you are a wonder! I never should have thought ofall those Christmas fixings."
"I'm glad you like them. Say, Clementine, don't you think it would benice to have men members in our club?"
"Why, I don't know. No, I guess not, though my brother Clifford saysit'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 veryexclusive. 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 oneglance 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 fearedan unpleasant element in their pleasant occasion. "And, anyway, herecomes Elise."