Patty had not accomplished all her wishes, without some difficulties.  Several times Mona had balked at Patty’s decrees, and had insisted on following her own inclinations.  But by tactful persuasion Patty had usually won out, and in all important matters had carried the day.  It was, therefore, with honest pride and satisfaction that she looked over the house just before the arrival of the guests.

She had herself superintended the arrangement of the beautiful flowers for which the Galbraiths’ garden was famous, and she had, in a moment of victory, persuaded Mona to put the men servants into white duck instead of their ornate, gilt-braided livery, and the maids into white linen uniforms.

“In this weather,” she said, “let’s make our keynote ‘coolness,’ and your guests will have a better time than if we overpower them with your winter splendour.”

Mona began to see that coolness and splendour were rarely compatible, but she was also beginning to see things as Patty saw them, so she agreed.  The girls had not dared to advise Aunt Adelaide as to costume, for just so sure as they advised something, that contradictory lady would be sure to insist on something else.

“But I think I’d better coax her to wear that purple satin,” said Mona, “for if I don’t, she’ll surely put it on, and if I do, she won’t!”

“Wait and see,” said Patty.  “I took pains to hang her lavender crepe de chine right in the front of her wardrobe, and I hope she’ll let her eagle eye light on that, and seek no further!”

“Patty, you’re a born conspirator.  I hope you’ll marry a foreign diplomat, and help him manage his international intrigues.”

“Oh, I could manage the intrigues and the diplomat both, I expect.”

“I’m sure you could!  Now, let’s fly and get dressed.  The Kenerleys will come soon and I’m crazy to see Adele’s darling baby.”

Soon after, the girls going downstairs in their fresh, light summer frocks, were much pleased to see that Patty’s ruse had succeeded.  Aunt Adelaide was gracefully posed in a veranda chair, wearing the lavender gown, a collar of fine old lace, and her amethyst necklace.  She looked gentle and charming, and seemed in high good humour.

“I hope you like this gown,” she said.  “I hesitated a long time, but finally chose it because it matched my necklace.”

“It’s lovely,” said Patty, enthusiastically; “and it suits you awfully well.  Look, Mona, there they come!”

Another moment, and a rosy-cheeked young matron flew into Mona’s arms and greeted her after the most approved manner of reunited school friends.

“You dearest old thing!” she cried.  “You haven’t changed a bit, except to grow better looking!  And, Mona, here’s my husband,—­Jim, his name is,—­but here’s the baby!”

A nurse stepped forward, bringing a mite of humanity, who was laughing and waving her little fat arms, as if delighted to be of the party.