hem to see all our
friends. They're such _urbane dependents_."

CHAPTER XVII

FAREWELL TO THE STUDIO

"Did you see the Haldens on the train, Frad?" asked Patricia as she and
David were talking aside by the studio window while Elinor was
welcoming Tom Hughes and Griffin, Margaret Howes and Mr. Spicer, who
had all arrived in a bunch, Tom having lagged behind to get a big sheaf
of roses for Elinor, whom he admired immensely.

"No, we looked for them high and low, but didn't see hide nor hair of
them," he answered, ruffing his hair in a way that distressed Patricia,
who was very proud of his straight, shining locks.

"I wonder what keeps them?" she said anxiously. "They'd surely phone
if they were detained or weren't coming. All of Bruce's friends are
here, and Hannah Ann is on pins and needles for fear we'll be delayed
and not get through in time for the four-forty. She was awfully glad
to see you, wasn't she?"

"Yep," replied David, grinning. "I was afraid she'd regard me as an
interloper in the family abode, but she gave me the glad hand in great
shape. I didn't think it was in her to be so hearty. She's taken me
in, all right."

"She had your room all fixed with the best covers, but Elinor persuaded
her to reconsider it," smiled Patricia. "You're going to be as much at
home as any of us, Frad dear, and I'm glad the time will soon be here
for your school to shut up and let you come H-O-M-E, _home_."

The clock on St. Francis' tower boomed the hour.

"I think we'll have to begin with the feeding," said Bruce, as Miss
Jinny and Mrs. Shelly, gorgeous in their very best raiment, entered
from their bedroom. "Madam, may I have the privilege of escorting you
to the head of the table?"

Mrs. Shelly made him a pretty little bow.

"I shall be delighted, Mr. Haydon," she said primly, to the great
gratification of Judith, who had previously arranged this incident.

Elinor followed with Mr. Grantly, and Miss Jinny came next with Mr.
Spicer, who was very ceremonial and splendid in new clothes of the
latest pattern. Patricia thought he looked particularly radiant, and
wondered how he could be so glad to say good-bye. She was about to
whisper to Tom Hughes, who was next in the merry jumble that followed
the first three precise couples, when there was a tremendous rapping at
the studio door, and Hannah Ann in her treasured new hat rushed from
Miss Jinny's room, where she had been in ambush, to the besieged