Carolyn Wells

Patty's Friends Carolyn Wells

Much to Patty's satisfaction Mabel Hartley was in the habit of dining with her elders andwas not condemned to "schoolroom tea."The family was not large, consisting only of Mrs. Hartley, her mother, Mrs. Cromarty, hertwo sons, and Mabel. The sons, Sinclair and Robert, were big, stalwart fellows, a few yearsolder than Mabel. Patty liked them at once, for they were cordial and hearty in their greetings, and quite atease in their conversation."I say, Mater," began Bob, after they were seated at dinner, "there's a stunning garden-partyon at Regent's Park next week. Don't you think we can all go? Tickets only two shillingseach.""What is it, my son? A charity affair?""Yes. Rest cure for semi-orphans, or something. But they've all sorts of jolly shows, and theStagefright Club is going to give a little original play. Oh, say we go!""I'll see about it," answered Mrs. Hartley. "Perhaps, if we make up a party, Miss Fairfieldwill go with us.""I'd love to," said Patty. "I've never seen a real English garden party.""Oh, this isn't a real English garden party in the true sense," said Sinclair. "To see that, youmust be in the country. But this is a public London garden party and typical of its sort. You'll like it, I'm sure. Will you go with us, Grandy?"At first it seemed incongruous to Patty to hear the dignified Mrs. Cromarty addressed bysuch a nickname, but as she came to know her better, the name seemed really appropriate. The lady was of the class known as grande dame, and her white hair and delicate, sharplycut features betokened a high type of English aristocracy. Her voice was very sweet andgentle, and she smiled at her big grandson, as she replied: "No, my boy; I lost my taste for garden parties some years ago. But it's a fine setting for youyoung people, and I hope Emmeline will take you all.