tion. Her domestic science
was only half a day's work and she needed more. Patricia thought it safe
to hint at something that might be in sight if she came to the dance on
Friday.

Doris had not intended going to the dance, since her gowns were rather
shabby and she could not think of anything new, but on Patricia's
insisting, she said she would go if she could be late. She had a lesson
in French at the Settlement House--Patricia almost shook her head at the
thought of Doris taking free lessons in anything until she recollected
the Kingdom of Gladness--and she could not afford to miss it.

"I'll wait for you," Patricia promised. "I haven't any guests--or only
someone who won't mind. Come over to my room for me, and we'll go down
together."

Constance met her on her way to the Red Salon, where the girls often
gathered after dinner for chat, the Blue Salon across the way being
reserved for reception of visitors.

"The dance is going to be quite wonderfully fine," she told her with as
eager interest as ever a girl showed in a party. "Auntie's coming and
I'm going to have a splendid, gorgeous new dress. I've planned it all
out since I made up my mind. I'll get the stuff tomorrow and have it
made in a jiffy."

Patricia looked at her in some wonder, until she remembered that the
kingdom Constance was trying to enter was one of gladness.

"Of course you want to have a good time," she said aloud. "What color is
it to be?" meaning the dress.

"Yellow--goldy yellow," replied Constance deliciously. "And I'm going
the whole length, gold slippers and all!"

Patricia beamed. "You'll look perfectly stunning," she said, and then
she caught her breath. "Who's playing?" she asked, with a look toward
the open door.

Constance listened. "That must be the little Polish countess," she
replied. "No one else does it that way."

Patricia had a vision of a fascinating, elegant creature with sorrowful
eyes and plenty of furs, and she gave a little cry of expectation.

"Come along. She's beginning the 'Papillion'," she cried. "And I simply
can't miss it."

CHAPTER XV

PATRICIA DECIDES TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT

"Oh!" said Patricia on the threshold.

"S-s-sh!" warned a number of restrained voices.

They smiled kindly at her as she stood in the doorway, though they
plainly would not tolerate an interruption. Patricia had not meant to
interrupt. She was only surprised.

The firelight played over the lounging figures of the