Patty ran downstairs, Mona soon followed, and then the guests arrived. In an effort to have a new sort of a shower, Patty had decreed a lace shower, and many and varied were the gifts. As Patty had wisely remarked, lace gave a wide scope. One could choose valuable specimens of real lace or trifling affairs that were pretty and inexpensive. And so, when the time for their exhibition came the score of merry young people sat breathlessly awaiting the fun. In the doorway appeared Elise, in the costume of a Brittany peasant. She carried a huge white basket ornamented with orange blossoms and fluttering white ribbons. "Laces, lady?" she said, approaching Mona. "Nice, pretty laces. Handiwork of the humble peasants for the grand lady. Accept,--please." With bows and curtseys, Elise opened the basket and placed it at Mona's feet. Delightedly, Mona examined the contents, and at each gift a chorus of exclamations went up from all the admiring throng. Patty's offering was a tablecloth of Filet Antique and Venetian embroidery, and was among the most beautiful in the lot. Elise gave a berthe of rose point, and Nan a Duchesse lace fan. But most of the gifts were of a simpler nature, and dainty boudoir pillows, table scarfs, bags, caps, and handkerchiefs made up the filmy shower and delighted the heart of the recipient. Mona was radiant with joy. Although a pampered favourite of fortune, she was especially fond of receiving gifts, and she loved every individual lace confection and warmly thanked the donors. "The things are heavenly, girls," she cried; "perfectly darling, every one of them! I can't thank you enough, but my heart is just overflowing with honest-to-goodness gratitude. Oh, I _do_ love 'em so!" and gathering the whole lot in her arms, she rocked back and forth in ecstasy. "How did you ever come to think of a lace shower, Patty? I love lace more than anything on earth--except Roger,--and I shall furnish my house with these beauty things. Oh, you are all so good to me!" Tea was served in the dining-room, and Mona graced the head of the table, with her bridal attendants on either side of her. The place cards and favours were all suggestive of the wedding occasion, and, for a centrepiece, two white doves perched on a basket of white roses. Mona was in highest spirits and her eyes glistened with pleasure as the girls assured her of their friendship and love, and wished her all sorts of future joy and happiness. Patty looked at her a little curiously, and then she realised that the girl had lived a loveless life, and that the sudden change to the atmosphere of love and friendship had well-nigh turned her head. The guests departed, all but Mona and Elise, who were to stay for dinner, and the three chums went up to Patty's room to chat. "I can't believe these things are really mine," said Mona, as she collected and arranged her laces, preparatory to having them sent home. "Why is everybody so good to me?"