"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.