“That tells some, but not all,” said Patty.  “You tell me more, Lena.”

“Well, the Floats will represent the Sea and different rivers and all sorts of things like that.  And they are all under different committees, and every chairman has to look after her own people.”

“And whose people are we?” demanded Patty.

“Mrs. Sayre has the general committee of floats under her charge.”

“But the Sea Float is my especial care, Patty,” broke in Guy Martin, “and I want you to promise to be Spirit of the Sea.  Won’t you?”

“Not to-day, thank you.  I have to think these matters over slowly.  What do you want Mona Galbraith to be?”

A silence was the response to this question, and then Guy said: 

“I hadn’t put her name down yet, but I daresay she’ll be asked to take some part.”

“I daresay she will,” returned Patty, “and a good part, too!  Why can’t she be Spirit of the Sea?”

“Nonsense, that part requires a sylph-like girl, such as—­such as you or Lora.  Mona Galbraith is too heavy for any self-respecting spirit.”

“Well, never mind,” said Patty, “there must be plenty of other good parts that require more substantial specimens of humanity.  Arrange your meetings at our house, Guy, and we’ll fix it all up then.”

They changed the subject then, for Mona and Captain Sayre came walking toward them.

“Get good fortunes?” asked Jack.

“Very much so,” returned the captain.  “Miss Galbraith is to become a Duchess later on, and I am to achieve the rank of a Rear-Admiral.  What more could we ask?”

“Nothing!” exclaimed Patty.  “You’ll make a gorgeous Duchess, Mona.  I can see you now, prancing around with a jewelled coronet on your noble brow.”

“Can’t you see me,” said Captain Sayre, “prancing around in Admiral’s regalia?”

“But I’ve never seen you prance at all.  I supposed you were too dignified.”

“You did!  Well, you never were more mistaken in your life.  Watch me, now.”  The orchestra was playing in lively time, and Captain Sayre began to do a lively dance, which was something between a Sailor’s Hornpipe and a Double Shuffle.

He danced wonderfully well, and as Patty looked at him the spirit of the music inspired her, and throwing off her hat, she prettily caught up the sides of her frilled skirt, and danced, facing him.  He smiled at her, changed his step to a more graceful fancy dance, and they danced an impromptu duet.

Others gathered about to watch the pretty sight, and Patty soon discovered that, though she was an accomplished dancer, the captain was far more familiar with the latest styles and steps.  But he suited his mood to hers, and they advanced, retreated, and bowed, almost as if they had practised together for the purpose.  Loud applause greeted them as the band ceased playing, and they were urged to repeat the dance.