Remonstrance with Aunt Adelaide did no good at all.  She assumed an air of injured innocence, asserted her entire indifference to the details of Mona’s housekeeping,—­and then, proceeded to interfere just the same.

As far as possible, the girls had arranged the house party without consulting her; but, even so, she continually offered her advice and obtruded her opinions until Mona lost patience.

“Aunt Adelaide,” she said, when Mrs. Parsons insisted that Patty should give up the suite of rooms she occupied to some of the arriving guests, “when Patty came to me I gave her the best rooms, and she’s going to stay in them.  I know Mrs. Kenerley is bringing her baby and nurse, and that’s why I gave her rooms on the third floor, that the baby might not disturb any one.”

“It’s too high up for the dear child,” argued Aunt Adelaide.  “I’d like to have her nearer me.”

“You wouldn’t, if she’s in the habit of crying all night,” said Patty.  “I’m quite willing to give up my pretty rooms, but Mona won’t let me, and I never quarrel with my hostess’ decisions.”

“Meaning, I suppose, that I do,” said Aunt Adelaide, querulously.  “Of course, you girls know more than I do.  I’m only a poor, old, set aside nobody.  I couldn’t expect to be listened to, even when I advise you for your own good.”

Patty well knew that any response to this sort of talk was useless, so she said, lightly, “We want you mostly for ornament, Aunt Adelaide.  If you’ll put on one of your prettiest dresses, and some of that lovely old lace of yours, and your amethyst jewellery, and be on hand to welcome our guests this afternoon, Mona and I will relieve you of all bother about household arrangements.”

This mollified Mrs. Parsons somewhat, for she dearly loved to “dress up” and receive company, so she went away to select her costume.

Patty had been at “Red Chimneys” little more than a week, but already the influence of her taste could be seen in the household.  Some of the more gaudy and heavy ornaments, which had been provided by a professional decorator, had been removed, and their places filled by palms, or large plain bowls of fresh flowers.

The cook’s extravagant ideas were curbed, and the meals were now less heavily elaborate, and the viands more delicate and carefully chosen.  The service was simpler, and the whole household had lost much of its atmosphere of vulgar ostentation.  Mona, too, was improved.  Her frocks were more dainty and becoming, and Patty had persuaded her to wear less jewellery and ornamentation.  Patty had also taught her to wave her hair in pretty, loose curls that were far more effective than the tight frizzes she had worn.  The plans for the house party were complete, and, to the girls, entirely satisfactory.

Adele Kenerley had been a school friend of Mona’s, and was coming with her husband and baby girl.  Daisy Dow, another of Mona’s schoolmates, was coming from Chicago, and Roger Farrington and two other young men would complete the party, which had been invited for a week.