“Babette’s a nice little thing, and I’m awfully sorry for her,” said Patty.

“So am I,” said Marie; “but I’m like Kit.  I think it’s awful for half a dozen of us to be held here, like this, because a maid is ill!”

“But, Marie, what’s the use of even thinking about it?” said Patty; “we can’t help ourselves, we’re obliged to stay here, so for goodness’ sake, let’s make the best of it.  I shall send home for my pink chiffon,—­that’s always a great comfort to me in time of trouble.”

“Send for one for me,” said Cameron, “if they’re so comforting in trouble.”

“I’ve only one,” returned Patty, “but you can share the benefit of its comforting qualities.  Now we’ll have to take turns at the telephone.  Suppose I take it first, and break the news to Mr. Van Reypen, for he’ll have to invite somebody in my place.”

“You’re sure it’s positive?” said Kenneth to Cameron; “you’re sure there’s no hope of a reprieve or a mistaken diagnosis?”

“No,” said Kit, positively; “I made sure, before I told you at all.”

“Of course you did,” said Patty, trying to be cheerful.  “I know you wouldn’t have told us, until you were sure you had to.  Now I’ll telephone to Phil, and then to my home, and then, Marie, you can tell your people, and after that we’ll let the men fix up their business affairs.  What a comfort it is that we can telephone, for I don’t suppose we’ll be allowed to write letters, unless we fumigate them, and I won’t inflict my friends with those horrid odours.”

The telephone was in the library, and as Patty crossed the hall, she met Mrs. Perry coming toward her.

Mrs. Perry had her handkerchief to her eyes, and Patty went straight to her and put her arms around her.

“Dear Mrs. Perry,” she said, “I am so sorry for you!  To have Babette’s illness, and then to have the burden of four guests at the same time!  But, truly, we’ll make just as little trouble as we can, and I hope you’ll let us help in any way possible.”

“Oh, Patty,” Lora Perry said, in a choked voice, “I feel dreadful about making you stay here in these circumstances!  Just think of all your engagements,—­and all the fun you’ll miss.  It’s perfectly awful!”

“Now don’t think of those things at all.  Just remember that your four guests are not complaining a bit.  We know you’re sorry for us and you know we’re sorry for you, and we’re all sorry for poor Babette.  Now that part’s settled, and we’re all going to make the best of it.  You don’t go into Babette’s room, do you?”

“Oh, no; I couldn’t go near the baby, if I did.  And the patient has a trained nurse, you know.  Honestly, Patty,—­you don’t mind my calling you Patty, do you?”

“No, indeed, I like to have you.”

“Well, I was going to say, I don’t really think there’s a bit of danger of infection for any of us.  But, of course, you know what a doctor’s orders are, and how they must be obeyed.”