noon
`` I certainly will , Clem ; that 's a first-rate idea . '' Mary Sargent brought a French phrase book . It was entitled `` French Before Breakfast , '' and as Mary explained that the French people never had breakfast until noon , Patty would have ample time to study it . Patty accepted the little book with many thanks and promised Mary she would never eat breakfast , at noon or any other hour , until she had thoroughly mastered at least one of the phrases . Of course all were agreed that Patty must have a farewell party of some sort ; and as Nan dearly loved elaborate affairs , she had decided that it should be an Aquatic Party . Patty frankly confessed her ignorance as to what an Aquatic Party might be , whereupon Nan informed her that she had only to wait until the occasion itself to find out . So busy was Patty herself that she took no hand in the preparations for the party , and indeed Nan required no help .