u know, and see all sorts of Heads of Departments. My!
they acted like Crowned Heads! They said it wouldn't do at all,--it
would establish a precedent,--and all sorts of things like that. But,
somehow or other, I wheedled them into it, and at last they said Jenny
might come. She was just crazy about it. She said, she never has any
fun in her life, except looking at the new ribbons when they come in!
Oh, girls, isn't it awful _never_ to have any fun? I expect Jenny will
be embarrassed, but I'm sure she'll enjoy it all. Oh, how lovely the
table looks! Mona, you are a wonder! I never should have thought of
all those Christmas fixings."

"I'm glad you like them. Say, Clementine, don't you think it would be
nice to have men members in our club?"

"Why, I don't know. No, I guess not, though my brother Clifford says
it's a great game, and he'd like to help us."

"Yes, and I know another man who wants to help," said Mona, eagerly,
when Clementine interrupted her.

"I hope it isn't that strange being you brought to Patty's party!
Wherever _did_ you pick up that freak, Mona?"

"He _isn't_ a freak! Mr. Lansing is not a rich man, but he's very
exclusive. He told me so himself."

"Don't you believe it!" and Clementine laughed merrily. "As a rule,
people who say themselves that they're exclusive, are _not_. And one
glance at that man is enough to show his standing."

"What _is_ his standing, then?" said Mona, sulkily.

"Outside the pale of society, if not outside the pale of civilisation,"
retorted Clementine, who was plain-spoken.

"Don't let's talk about Mr. Lansing now," broke in Patty, who feared
an unpleasant element in their pleasant occasion. "And, anyway, here
comes Elise."

CHAPTER V

HAPPY GUESTS

Elise came in, bringing her guest with her. The three girls waiting in
the sitting-room were surprised to see the small, dainty person whom
Elise introduced as Miss Anna Gorman. She had a sweet, sad little
face, and wore a simple one-piece gown of dove-grey voile. Her hat was
grey, also; a turban shape, with a small knot of pink roses at one
side. Anna was not pretty, but she had a refined air, and a gentle
manner. Though embarrassed, she strove not to show it, and tried to
appear at ease.

Mona greeted her cordially: "How do you do, Anna?" she said, for they
had agreed to call the girls informally, by their Christian names. "I
am glad to see you. Come with me into the boudoir, and lay off your
coat." Mon