"I didn't ask you," returned Nan, "but since you raise the question,
I'll just remark, in passing, that it's part of the performance, and
it's no more ridiculous than lots of the other flummery that goes along
with a this year's model wedding. _I_ didn't have any showers,--but
that was then."

"Right you are, Lady Gay, and as Mona most especially desired this mark
of esteem from her friends, I'm glad she's going to have it."

"But I thought showers were usually surprises,--I didn't know the
bride-elect requested one, or even knew of it beforehand."

"Your think is correct. It's most unusual, but Mona is unusual, and
any surprise in connection with her wedding would be impossible. She
knows it all, and the arrangements are all under her direct
supervision. It's going to be a pretty stunning affair, Nansome."

"So I gather from what I hear. While you were at Lakewood, I didn't
get much of the news about it, but since your return I've heard of
nothing else."

"And you won't until after the fifteenth. I declare, Nan, I've had no
time for a real heart to heart talk with you since I got back. I
haven't even told you about the Blaneys."

"Oh, the highbrow people? No; were they interesting?"

"Yes, indeed. You'll meet them at the wedding. Now, see here, I've
asked half a dozen of the crowd to stay to dinner tonight after the
shower, so look after the commissariat, won't you?"

"With pleasure. Who's staying?"

"Oh, Mona and Roger and Elise and Kit Cameron and Phil,--that's all."

"Elise and Kit are pretty good friends, aren't they?"

"Yes, there may be another wedding in the dim future."

"Be careful, Patty. They say 'Three times a bridesmaid, never a
bride,' you know."

"Goodness! I must beware. I was bridesmaid for Christine,--and now
for Mona,--then, if I'm bridesmaid for Elise, my last hope vanishes! I
might be her maid of honor, though. Does that count?"

"Yes, counts just the same. But perhaps you'll be married before
Elise. She isn't engaged yet."

"Neither am I."

"Same as."

"Indeed it _isn't_ same as! Philip made me pretty mad down at
Lakewood. He scorned my new friends, the Blaneys, and he was most
disagreeable about it, too."

"All right. Far be it from me to hasten your matrimonial alliance.
I'm only too glad to keep you here. It's lonesome enough, days when
you're away."

"Nice old Nan!" and Patty gave her a whirlwind hug that nearly took her
off her feet.

Twenty gi