ide on Saturday, and
I want you to come as my guest?"

"What!" and Mrs. Greene's face was blank with amazement, but her
manner betokened an impending burst of wrath.

Patty realised that the woman's pride was up in arms at the idea of
patronage, and she was at her wit's end how to make the real spirit of
her invitation understood.

As it chanced, she unwittingly took the right tack. So earnest was she
that her lips quivered a little, and her eyes showed a pleading,
pathetic expression, as she said, "_Please_ don't misunderstand me,
Mrs. Greene. If you would enjoy it, I want you to come to our party on
Saturday as our welcome guest. If you wouldn't enjoy it,--just say
so,--but--but _don't_ scold me!"

Mrs. Greene looked puzzled, and then the hard, stern mouth broke into
an actual smile.

"Well, I declare," she said, "I do believe you've got a real heart!"

"And I do believe that _you_ have!" exclaimed Patty. "And, now that we
know the truth about each other, you'll come, won't you?"

"Tell me about it," and the speaker seemed still uncertain, though
wavering.

So Patty told her, honestly and straightforwardly, the circumstances
of the party, and wound up by saying, "I truly want you, Mrs. Greene,
for the simple reason that I want you to enjoy the afternoon,--and for
no other reason."

"And I'll come, and be awful glad of the chance! Why, I've never had a
ride in a motor car in my life, and I've never eaten in one of those
fandangle hotels; and the way you put it, I'm just crazy to go!"

"Do you have holiday Saturday afternoon?"

"Yes, all these downtown places do."

"Very well, then, I shall expect you at the Plaza at one o'clock. Ask
for Miss Galbraith, and they will show you right up to her rooms."

"Land! it does seem too good to be true! Say, Miss Fairfield, I've
only got a black mohair to wear,--will that do?"

"Of course it will. Maybe you've a pretty bit of embroidery or
something to lighten it up a little."

"Yes, I've got a linjerry collar and cuffs that I've just been achin'
to wear ever since my sister gave them to me last Christmas."

"Then I shall expect you on Saturday, and I'm so glad."

With a smiling bow, Patty started away, but she saw by Mrs. Greene's
face, there was something left unsaid.

"What is it?" she asked, kindly, stepping back again to the counter.

"Say, Miss Fairfield," and Mrs. Greene twisted her fingers a little
nervously, "don't think this is queer,--but won't you