In fact, Patty rather forgot about it, in the multitude of her conferences with the housekeeper and the maids.
Farnsworth said nothing in the presence of the guests, and Elise, after her first exclamation, subsided.
In fact, Elise was more interested in the society of Channing and Van Reypen than in the mystery of Azalea's disappearances.
Betty and Ray Gale had been telephoned for, and they came gladly, so that at dinner there was quite a big party.
"You certainly are a great little old hostess, Patty!" exclaimed Roger Farrington, as they seated themselves at table. "I liked you heaps as a girl, but as mistress of a fine house you are even more charming."
"Thank you, Sir Hubert Stanley!" smiled Patty; "and I'm glad to admit that I learned a lot about managing a house from your gifted wife. Do you remember, Mona, how we kept house down at 'Red Chimneys'?"
"Indeed I do!" Mona answered, "what fun we had that summer!"
"I'll subscribe to that!" declared Farnsworth, "for it was then and there that I met the lady who is now my wife! And,--I kissed her the moment I saw her!"
"Oh, Cousin William!" cried Azalea, "did you really? What _did_ she say?"
"Flew at me like a small cyclone of wrath! But as I had mistaken her for my cousin Mona, she couldn't hold me very guilty."
"Yes! A lot Patty looks like me!" said Mona, who was a dark-haired beauty.
"But I didn't see her face," pleaded Bill; "I just saw a girl on the verandah of your house, Mona, and I took it for granted it was you!"
"It's all ancient history," said Patty, laughing. "And, to tell the truth, I'm glad it happened,--for otherwise, I mightn't have become interested in--Mona's cousin."
"Then I bless my mistake!" said Farnsworth, so fervently that Patty shook her head at him.
"Mustn't talk so before folks," she said, reprovingly. "Now, people all, what shall we do with this lovely evening? It's moonlight, so any who are romantically inclined can ramble about the place, and flirt in the arbours,--while those who prefer can play bridge or--the piano. Or just sit and chat."
"Me for the last!" cried Mona. "I've oceans to talk about with you, Patty. Can't we play all by ourselves for a little while?"
"Certainly," said Patty, as she rose from the table. "Mona and I are going to sit on the wistaria porch and gossip for half an hour. After that, we're all going to dance,--and maybe sing."
