Carolyn Wells

Patty's Pleasure Trip Carolyn Wells

AFTERNOON tea was in progress, and as a light rain had set in, it was being served in thebilliard-room. This large apartment was very attractive, for aside from the purpose for which it wasintended, it was admirably adapted for a cosy lounging-place. A sort of extension with roofand sides of stained glass was an ideal place for the tea-table and its many appurtenances, and except for the footman, who brought in fresh supplies, Lady Kitty and her guestswaited upon themselves. Though never a large group, a few neighbours usually dropped in at tea-time, and asthere were always some people staying in the house, the hour was a social one. Patty, looking very dainty in a pretty little house-dress of Dresden silk, was having a verygood time. Flo Carrington, a young English girl, whom she had met only the day before, camebustling in with exclamations of dismay."I'm nearly drowned!" she cried. "The pelting rain has ruined me frock, and I'm starvingfor me tea. Do give me some, dear Lady Kitty.""You shall have it at once," declared Patty, hovering around the tea things; "cream orlemon?""Lemon, and two lumps. You pretty Patty-thing, I'm so glad to see you again. I've onlyknown you twenty-four hours, but already I feel one-sided if you're not by me. Sit down, and let's indulge in pleasant conversation."So with their teacups, the girls sat down, and being largely about their two selves, theconversation was very pleasant indeed. But soon they were interrupted, as CadwaladerOram, a typical young Englishman, approached them."You two young women have monopolised each other long enough," he declared; "youmust now endeavour to entertain me.""That's easy," said Patty, and turning to a near-by muffin-stand, she took a plate of hot, buttered ones, and offered them to young Oram; "have a muffin?""Indeed I will, they're very entertaining. Have you ever noticed how wonderful theMarkleham muffins are? I get such nowhere else. Why is that, I wonder?"Lady Kitty, who was waiting by, answered this herse