ise was greatly
enthusiastic over the circus plan, and was managing committees, and
arranging details in her usual capable fashion. The affair was a
charity benefit under the auspices of a philanthropic society that gave
some such entertainment every winter. Patty, always ready for any
gaiety, was preparing to take part, though the scheme was a new one to
her. She had never been in a society circus, and wanted the matter
thoroughly explained.

"It isn't much to explain, Miss Fairfield," Ethel said; "you see,
everybody is an animal or a clown or a bareback rider, or something
that belongs to a circus. Bob Riggs is ringmaster, and they all obey
him. He's awfully funny, and whatever he has to do with, is sure to be
a success."

"Tell me more about my part," said Patty; "how do I dress?"

"Well, you see, you're Mlle. Hooperino, and you do fancy dancing and
jump through paper hoops----"

"What! Oh, I can't do that!"

"Yes, you can; Bob will show you how. Why, anybody who dances as you
do, can do anything of that sort. And your costume is anything you
like, in the way of tulle skirts, lots of 'em, and a satin bodice,
laced up, you know, and a dinky little cap, and,--oh, anything you
think fetching and attractive."

"It sounds fun," Patty agreed, "but what about Miss Rose? I don't want
to disappoint her; will she feel annoyed?"

"She sure will! But never mind that. As soon as Bob saw you dance the
other night, he said you were the one for the part. You must do it."

"And Ray Rose hasn't been asked this year," put in Elise. "She can't
resent your taking what she never had."

"She will, though," declared Ethel. "She looks upon that part as hers,
and she won't like Miss Fairfield's having it one bit. But that
doesn't matter. What Bob says, goes; and that's all there is about
that!"

They talked over the costumes and dances until every question was
settled, and Ethel went away with Patty's promise to do what was
requested of her.

"But I don't like it," Patty demurred, "on account of that Rose girl.
What is she like, Elise?"

"Oh, she's the jolliest thing in the world. She won't get mad at
you,--she isn't that sort. But I know what she will do. She'll try to
'get even,' you know,--do something to pay you out for stealing her
glory."

"What'll she do?"

"Oh, I don't know. Some practical joke, like as not. She's a sort of
kid, although she's nineteen years old."

"All right, if she's that s