ng role of
hostess.

"To think of little Patty as the chatelaine of this palatial menage!"
said Roger, "and actually acting as if it belonged to her!"

"It isn't palatial," corrected Patty, "but it _does_ belong to me,--that
is, to me and my friend William. He vows I claim the baby for all my own
property,--but I'll accord him a share in the place."

"It _all_ belongs to me," said Farnsworth, with a careless sweep of a big
arm. "The wistaria, Patty, the baby, and all!"

"That's right," agreed Roger, "keep up your air of authority as long as
you can! I tried it,--but Mona soon usurped the position!"

"Nonsense!" and Mona smiled at her husband. "Don't you believe him,
Patty. We go fifty-fifty on everything,--as to decisions, I mean. He
gives in to my superior judgment half the time, and I let him have his
own foolish way the other half. Follow my plan and you'll live happily,
my dear."

"Are we your first company?" asked Elise.

"Yes,--except Father and Nan,--and a few calls from the neighbours. This
is my first house-party. And I do want it to be a success, so I'm going
to depend on you all to help me. If I do what I ought not to do,--or
leave undone the things which I should ought to do,--check me up,--won't
you, please?"

"We sure will," agreed Channing, "but something tells me you're going to
prove an ideal hostess."

"She will," nodded Farnsworth, "she takes to hostessing like a duck to
water. She even asked me what sort of smokes you chaps prefer."

"I hope you remembered," said Roger. "And when are they to be passed
around?"

"Right now," said Patty, smiling and nodding to the maid who hovered
near.

In truth, Patty was a born hostess, and without fuss or ostentation
always had the comfort of her guests in mind. While not overburdened
with a retinue of servants, she had enough to attend to everything
she required of them; and her own knowledge and efficiency combined
with her tact and real kindliness brought about a state of harmony
in her household that might well have been envied by an older and more
experienced matron.

Mrs. Chase, who had the nominal position of housekeeper, found herself
strictly accountable to Patty for all she did, and as she was sensible
enough to appreciate Patty's attitude, she successfully fulfilled the
requirements of a butler or steward, and had general charge and oversight
of all the housekeeping details.

"The way to keep house," said Patty to Mona and Elise, as sh