CHAPTER III
SUSAN TO THE RESCUE
The day that Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield were to start on their trip to themountains came during what is known as "a hot spell." It was one ofthose days when life seems almost unbearable,--when the slightestexertion seems impossible.
There was no breeze from the ocean, and the faint, languid land breezethat now and then gave an uncertain puff, was about as refreshing as aheat-wave from an opened furnace door.
At the breakfast table, Patty tried to persuade them not to go thatday. "You'll faint in the train, Nan, on a day like this," she said."Do wait until to-morrow."
"There's no prospect of its being any better to-morrow," said Mr.Fairfield, looking anxious; "and I think the sooner Nan gets away, thebetter. She needs cool, bracing mountain air. The seashore doesn'tagree with her as it does with you, Patty."
"I know it," said Patty, who loved hot weather. "Well, perhaps you'dbetter go, then; but it will be just BOILING on the train."
"No more so than here," said Nan, smiling. She wore a light pongee silktravelling gown, which was the coolest garb she could think of. "Butwhat's bothering me is that Mrs. Parsons hasn't arrived yet."
"Oh, she'll come to-day," said Patty. "Mona says she telegraphedyesterday that it was too hot to travel, but she'd surely come to-day."
Mrs. Parsons was the aunt who was to chaperon the two girls at "RedChimneys," and Nan wanted to see the lady before she gave Patty intoher charge.
"But it's going to be just as warm to-day," went on Nan. "Suppose shecan't travel to-day, either?"
"Oh, she'll have to," said Patty, lightly. "If you can travel, I guessshe can. Now, Nan, don't bother about her. You've enough to do to thinkof yourself and try to keep cool. I'm glad Louise is going with you.She's a good nurse, and you must let her take care of you."
Louise was the lady's maid who looked after the welfare of both Nan andPatty. But as Patty was going to a house where servants were more thanplentiful, it had been arranged that Louise should accompany Nan.
"Don't talk as if I were an invalid, Patty. I'm sensitive to the heat,I admit, and this weather is excessive. But I'm not ill, and once I geta whiff of mountain air I'll be all right."
"I know it, Nancy; and so fly away and get it. And don't waste athought on poor, worthless me, for I shall be as happy as a clam. Ijust love broiling, sizzling weather, and I'm sure my experiences atMona's will be novel--if nothing else,--and novelty is alwaysinteresting."
"I hope you will have a good time, Patty, but it all seems so queer. Togo off and leave you with that girl, and an aunt whom we have nevereven seen!"
"Well, I'll see her this afternoon, and if she won't give me aphotograph of herself for you, I'll draw you a pen portrait of theDragon Lady."
"I hope she will be a Dragon, for you need some one to keep you steady.You mean to do right, but you're so thoughtless and impulsive of late.I'm afraid it's growing on you, Patty."
"And I'm afraid you're a dear old goose! The heat has gone to yourhead. Now, forget me and my vagaries, and devote all your time andattention to the consideration of Mrs. Frederick Fairfield."
"Ready, Nan?" called her husband from the doorway, and then there was aflurry of leave-takings, and final advices, and last words, andgood-bye embraces; and then the motor-car rolled down the drivecarrying the travellers away, and Patty dropped into a veranda chair torealise that she was her own mistress.
Not that her father or Nan were over strict with her; they merelyexercised the kind and gentle supervision that every young girl oughtto have. But sometimes, of late, Patty had chafed a little at theirrestrictions, and though she had no desire to do anything they woulddisapprove of, she enjoyed the novel sense of entire freedom of action.However, to be responsible to nobody at all seemed to make Patty feelan added responsibility of her own behaviour, so she went into thehouse, determined to do all she ought to do as mistress there. Thoughher time for such duties was short. The Fairfields had been obliged toleave on an early morning train, and Patty was not to go to Mona'suntil late in the afternoon. She had, therefore, several hours, and shewent systematically to work, looking through each room to make sure allwas in order for closing the house. She put away some books and somebits of choice bric-a-brac, and then went out to interview the cook.
"Yes, Miss Patty," said that worthy, in answer to her enquiries, "I'veenough av food for yer luncheon, an' thin I'll dispose av the schraps,and lave the refrigerators clane an' empty."
"That's right, Susan," said Patty, in most housekeeperly tones; "andwill you go away in time for me to lock up the house after you?"
"Yes, Miss; Mrs. Fairfield said we was all to go at five o'clock. ThinMiller will lock up, and give yersilf the keys."
Patty knew these matters had all been arranged by her parents, but itpleased her to assume an authority.
"Very well, Susan," she said. "And where are you all going?" "Jane,she's going to take another place, Miss; but I'm going to me sister'sfor a time. It's a rest I'm nadin'."
Patty looked kindly at the cook. She had never really talked with herbefore, as Nan a capable and sufficient housewife, and Patty was alittle surprised to see what a fine-looking woman Susan was. She wasIrish, but of the best type. A large, well-built figure, and asensible, intelligent face. Her abundant hair was slightly grey, andher still rosy cheeks and dark blue eyes indicated her nationality.Though she spoke with a soft burr, her brogue was not very noticeable,and Patty felt irresistibly drawn to her.
"If you want anything, Susan," she said, "or if I can help you in anyway, come to me at once. I shall be at 'Red Chimneys' for two months,you know."
"Thank you, Miss Patty. I'm thinkin' I'll be fair comfortable at mysister's. But if you do be goin' by in yer autymobile, wave yer hand,just. It'd please us all. You know the house,--down on the ScudderRoad."
"Yes, I know, Susan. I often pass there, and I'll wave my hand at youevery time."
Patty went back to her own room, and continued her preparations for hervisit to Mona. Although "Red Chimneys" was but two blocks away, thepacking to be done was the same as if for a more distant destination.Many of Patty's things had already been sent over, and now she waslooking up some favourite books and music to take with her. Though, ofcourse, she would have the keys of her own home, and could return foranything she might want.
Patty expected to go over to Mona's at five o'clock, but at about fourMona herself came flying over to "The Pebbles." She waved a yellowtelegram, and before Patty heard what was in it, she divined that Mrs.Parsons had again postponed her arrival.
And this was the truth.
"Doctor fears sunstroke. Advises me to wait until to-morrow," themessage read, and Patty and Mona looked at each other in blank dismay.
"Father doesn't know this," said Mona. "You see, he left this morningfor New York. His steamer sails this afternoon. Of course, he was sureAunt Adelaide would come to-day. What shall we do, Patty?"
"Well, of course it's too bad. But I'm not afraid to stay alone onenight without your aunt. You've so many servants, I'm sure there's nodanger of fire or burglars."
"Oh, it isn't that, Patty! I'm not afraid of such things. But, you see,we've no chaperon,--just us two girls there alone,--it isn't proper."
"Well," Patty laughed, "we can't help it. And if we have no callers,and go to bed early, no one will be the wiser, and surely, your auntwill come to-morrow."
"Oh, I hope she will! I'll telegraph her she MUST! But,--Patty,--yousee--well, I shall have to tell you!"
"Tell me what?"
"Why, just this: I have invited a little party to welcome you thisevening. Not many,--just about a dozen of the boys and girls. And howcan we receive them without Aunt Adelaide there?"
"For mercy's sake, Mona! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise,--to welcome you to 'Red Chimneys.'"
"Yes, I know. Well, what CAN we do? We must do something! Shall Itelephone to Mrs. Sayre to come and chaperon us?"
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bsp; "She can't come. She has a house party coming to-day. The Sayre girlsare coming to us to-night, but Mrs. Sayre has some older guests, andshe couldn't come."
"Well, let's ask Mrs. Dennison. No, she's away, I know. How about Mrs.Lockwood?"
"She's ill; Lena told me so this morning. Oh, Patty, shall I have tosend them all word not to come?"
"Looks that way to me. And I'm sorry to do that, too. How many areasked, Mona?"
"About twelve, counting you and me. I thought it would be such a nicewelcome for you."
"And so it would! You're a dear to think of it. I suppose your thingsare all ordered?"
"Yes; a caterer will bring the supper. I don't know what it willbe,--cook looked after it."
"Cook! Cook! Mona--I have an idea! No, I haven't, either! It's toocrazy! Oh, DO you suppose we could? LET'S!"
"Patty, are YOU crazy? What ARE you talking about? And it's almost fiveo'clock. I suppose I must telephone them not to come! Well, I'll gohome and do it, and you come on over as soon as you're ready. We'llspend the evening alone in my boudoir, and we'll amuse ourselvessomehow."
"Wait a minute, Mona. Let me think. Yes, I do believe I'll do it! Mona,suppose I provide a chaperon. Will it be all right to have the partythen?"
"Why, yes, if it's a proper kind of a lady,--of course it will."
Patty's eyes twinkled. "I don't know whether you'll think her a properlady or not," she said, "but I do."
She rang a nearby bell, and when Jane answered, she asked her to sendSusan, the cook, in.
Susan came, and stood respectfully awaiting Patty's orders.
"Susan," Patty began, "you're married, aren't you?"
"Yes, Miss Patty; me name is Hastings. Me husband is dead this fouryears, rist his sowl."
"Well, Susan, I want you to do something for me, and you may think it'svery queer, but you'll do it, won't you?"
"Nothin's quare, Miss Patty, if you bid me do it. What is it, ma'am?"
Mona began to look a little scared, but Patty seemed now quite sure ofher own mind, and she began, in a kind but firm voice:
"Susan, Miss Mona and I expected to have a party at her house to-night,but her aunt, who was to chaperon us, hasn't arrived. So I want you,Susan, to let me fix you up, and dress you in a proper gown, and then Iwant you to act as a lady who is visiting at 'Red Chimneys.' Can you dothis?"
It was funny to see the varying expressions on Susan's face. Wonder,amusement, and docility followed each other in quick succession, andthen she said:
"Is it a masqueradin', belike, you want, Miss Patty?"
"Yes; just that, Susan. Could you do it?"
"Av coorse I cud do it, if you be wantin' me to; but wud I look goodenough, Miss?"
"You'd look all right, after I dressed you; but, Susan, could you talkwith less,--less accent?"
"Me brogue, is it, Miss? Faith, an' I fear I can't be after conquerin'that! It's born in me."
"Patty," said Mona, "I think your scheme is crazy,--perfectly CRAZY!But--if you really mean it, I'll tell you that I HAVE an Irishaunt,--at least, sort of Scotch-Irish,--and if we pass Susan off forher, the--the ACCENT won't matter."
"Just the thing!" cried Patty, gleefully. "I see my way clear now! ItIS a crazy plan, Mona, I admit that,--but do you know of any better?"
"No; but, Patty, think a minute. Of course, the truth will leak out,and what will people say?"
"No, it won't leak out,--and, if it did, what harm? Susan is a nice,respectable woman, and as a member of my family is capable ofchaperoning me in her own personality. But I choose this other gamebecause it's more fun. I shall dress her up in,--in,--Susan, youcouldn't wear a gown of Mrs. Fairfield's, could you?"
"The saints presarve us, Miss Patty, it wuddent go halfway round me!"
"No; so it wouldn't. Well, I'll find something. Oh, there's a gown inthe attic that Mrs. Allen left here--she's Nan's mother, Mona,--thatwill be just right. It's grey satin and silver lace. Oh, Susan, you'lllook GREAT!"
Mona still seemed a trifle unconvinced.
"Patty," she said, "you know I usually think what you do is allright,--but this,--well, this seems so very crazy."
"Mona, my child," said Patty, serenely, "I warned you that our waysmight clash, and you said I might do exactly as I chose while at 'RedChimneys.'"
"So I did, Patty,--and so I do. I'll go home now, and leave the rest ofthis performance to you. Come over soon, won't you?"
"Yes," said Patty, "I'll be there for dinner. Good-bye, Mona."
After Mona had gone, Patty turned to Susan.
"You know, Susan, this is to be a dead secret. Don't ever tell anybody.And you must obey my orders implicitly. I'll pay you something extrafor your trouble."
"Sure, it's no trouble at all, Miss Patty. I'd do anything for ye,whativer. But you must be afther tellin' me just what to do."
"Of course I will. And, first of all, Susan, you must go home,--I mean,to your sister's,--get your dinner there, and then come to 'RedChimneys' about half-past seven and ask for me. They'll bring you rightup to my room, and I'll dress you up as I think best. Then we'll takeyou down to the drawing-room, and all you'll have to do, Susan, is tosit there all the evening in a big easy chair. Can you knit, Susan?"
"Yes, Miss Patty."
"Well, bring a piece of knitting work, not an old grey thing,--a pieceof nice, fleecy white wool work. Have you any?"
"I've not, Miss, but I'll get some white yarn from my sister, and starta shawl or a tippet."
"Yes; do that. Then you just sit there, you know, and knit and glancearound the room now and then, and smile benignly. Can you smilebenignly, Susan?"
Susan tried, and after one or two lessons from Patty, was pronouncedproficient in that art.
"Then, Susan, if there's music, you must listen, and wag your head inappreciation, so! When we dance, you must look on with interest andagain smile benignly. Not many of the young people will talk to you,except to be introduced at first, but if they do, answer thempleasantly, and use your brogue as little as possible. Do youunderstand, Susan?"
And as Susan possessed the quick wit and ready adaptability of herrace, she did see; and as she adored her young mistress above any oneon earth, she was only too willing to please her; and, too, theoccasion had its charms for a good-hearted, hard-working Irishwoman.
She declared her willingness to obey Patty's orders, promised to keepit all a profound secret, and then went away to her sister's houseuntil the appointed time.
Patty's Butterfly Days Page 3