And I NEVER growl about the weather. That’s more. Oh, please, please! I never
wanted anything so much in my life—and this floor is awfully hard.”
“There’s just one more thing,” said Priscilla resolutely. “You, Phil, as all
Redmond knows, entertain callers almost every evening. Now, at Patty’s Place
we can’t do that. We have decided that we shall be at home to our friends on
Friday evenings only. If you come with us you’ll have to abide by that rule.”
“Well, you don’t think I’ll mind that, do you? Why, I’m glad of it. I knew I
should have had some such rule myself, but I hadn’t enough decision to make it
or stick to it. When I can shuffle off the responsibility on you it will be a real
relief. If you won’t let me cast in my lot with you I’ll die of the disappointment
and then I’ll come back and haunt you. I’ll camp on the very doorstep of Patty’s
Place and you won’t be able to go out or come in without falling over my
spook.”
Again Anne and Priscilla exchanged eloquent looks.
“Well,” said Anne, “of course we can’t promise to take you until we’ve
consulted with Stella; but I don’t think she’ll object, and, as far as we are
concerned, you may come and glad welcome.”
“If you get tired of our simple life you can leave us, and no questions asked,”
added Priscilla.
Phil sprang up, hugged them both jubilantly, and went on her way rejoicing.
“I hope things will go right,” said Priscilla soberly.
“We must MAKE them go right,” avowed Anne. “I think Phil will fit into our
‘appy little ‘ome very well.”
“Oh, Phil’s a dear to rattle round with and be chums. And, of course, the more
there are of us the easier it will be on our slim purses. But how will she be to live
with? You have to summer and winter with any one before you know if she’s
LIVABLE or not.”
“Oh, well, we’ll all be put to the test, as far as that goes. And we must quit us
like sensible folk, living and let live. Phil isn’t selfish, though she’s a little
thoughtless, and I believe we will all get on beautifully in Patty’s Place.”