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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/14352-0.txt b/14352-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cdd4b78 --- /dev/null +++ b/14352-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7543 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14352 *** + + PATTY AND AZALEA + + BY CAROLYN WELLS + + Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc. + + 1919 + + + + +THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH LOVING GOOD WISHES TO PRISCILLA KERLEY + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER + + I WISTARIA PORCH + II GUESTS ARRIVE + III BETTY GALE + IV A NEW RELATIVE + V THAT AWFUL AZALEA + VI TABLE MANNERS + VII MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + VIII MISSING + IX VANITY FAIR + X INQUIRIES + XI THE SAMPLER + XII AZALEA'S CHANCE + XIII "STAR OF THE WEST" + XIV AT THE PICTURE PLAY + XV SOME RECORDS + XVI AZALEA'S STORY + XVII PHILIP'S REQUEST + XVIII PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + + + +PATTY AND AZALEA + + + + +CHAPTER I + +WISTARIA PORCH + + +"Oh, Little Billee! Come quick, for goodness' sake! The baby's choking!" + +Patty was in the sun parlour, her arms full of a fluttering bundle +of lace and linen, and her blue eyes wide with dismay at her small +daughter's facial contortions. + +"Only with laughter," Bill reassured her after a quick glance at the +restless infant. "Give her to me." + +The baby nestled comfortably in his big, powerful arms, and Patty sat +back in her chair and watched them both. + +"What a pleasure," she said, complacently, "to be wife and mother to two +such fine specimens of humanity! She grows more and more like you every +day, Little Billee." + +"Well, if this yellow fuzz of a head and this pinky peach of a face +is like anybody in the world except Patty Farnsworth, I'll give up! +Why, she's the image of you,--except when she makes these grotesque +grimaces,--like a Chinese Joss." + +"Stop it! You shan't call my baby names! She's a booful-poofle! She's a +hunny-bunny! She's her mudder's pressus girly-wirly,--so she wuz!" + +"Oh, Patty, that I should live to hear you talk such lingo! I thought you +were going to be sensible." + +"How can anybody be sensible with a baby like that! Isn't she the very +wonderfullest ever! Oh, Billee, look at her angel smile!" + +"Angel smile? More like a mountebank's grin! But I'm sure she means well. +And I'll agree she is the most wonderful thing in the world." + +Bill tossed the child up and down, and chuckled at her evident +appreciation of his efforts for her amusement. + +"Be careful of my baby, if you please," and Patty eyed the performance +dubiously. "Suppose you drop my child?" + +"I hardly think I shall, ma'am. And, incidentally, I suppose she is my +child?" + +"No; a girl baby is always her mudder's own--only just her very own +mudder's own. Give her to me! Let me has my baby,--my ownty-donty baby!" + +Farnsworth obediently handed Patty her property, and put another pillow +behind her as she sat in the low willow chair. Then he seated himself +near, and adoringly watched his two treasures. + +It was mid-April and the Farnsworths had been married more than a year. +On their return from France, they had looked about for a home, and had at +last found a fortunate chance to buy at a bargain a beautiful place up in +Westchester County. It was near enough to New York for a quick trip and +yet it was almost country. + +The small settlement of Arden was largely composed of fine estates and +attractive homes. This one which they had taken was broad and extensive, +with hundreds of acres in lawns, gardens and woodland. It was called +Wistaria Porch, because of an old wistaria vine which had achieved +astounding dimensions and whose blooms in the spring and foliage later +were the admiration of the whole countryside. + +The house itself was modern and of the best Colonial design. Indeed, +it was copied in nearly every detail from the finest type of Colonial +mansion. Though really too large for such a small family, both Patty and +Bill liked spacious rooms and lots of them, so they decided to take it, +and shut off such parts as they didn't need. But no rooms were shut off, +and they revelled in a great library beside their living-room and +drawing-room. They had a cosy breakfast room beside the big dining-room +and there were a music room and a billiard room and a den and great hall +with a spreading staircase; and the second story was a maze of bedrooms, +guest rooms and bathrooms. + +It took Patty some days even to learn her way round, and she loved every +room, hall and passage. There were fascinating windows, great wide and +deep ones, and little oriels and dormers. There were unexpected turns and +nooks, and there was,--which brought joy to Patty's heart,--plenty of +closet space. + +The whole place was of noble proportions and magnificent size, but +Patty's home-making talents brought cosiness to the rooms they themselves +used and stateliness and beauty to the more formal apartments. + +"We must look ahead," she told Billee, "for I expect to spend my whole +life here. I don't want to fix a place up just as I like it, and then +scoot off and leave it and live somewhere else. And when our daughter +begins to have beaux and entertain house parties, we'll need all the +room there is." + +"You have what Mr. Lucas calls a 'leaping mind,'" Bill remarked. "But I'm +ready to confess I like room enough to swing a cat in,--even if I've no +intention of swinging poor puss." + +And so they set blithely to work to furnish their ancestral halls, as +Patty called them, claiming that an ancestral hall had to have a +beginning some time, and she was beginning hers now. + +Such fun as it was selecting rugs and hangings, furniture and ornaments, +books and pictures. + +Lots of things they had bought abroad, for Captain Bill had been +fortunate in his affairs and had had some leisure time in France and +England after the war was over to collect some art treasures. + +Also, they didn't try or want to complete the whole house at once. Part +of the fun would be in adding bits later on, and if there were no place +to put them, there would be no fun in buying things. + +Patty was a wise and careful buyer. Only worth-while things were +selected, not a miscellaneous collection of trumpery junk. So the +result to date was charming furniture and appointments, but space for +more when desired. + +Little Billee's taste, too, was excellent, and he and Patty nearly always +agreed on their choice. But it was a rule that if either disapproved, +the thing in question was not bought. Only such as both sanctioned could +come into their home. + +The house had a wide and hospitable Colonial doorway, with broad fanlight +above and columns at either side. Seats, too, flanked the porch, and the +carefully trimmed wistaria vine hung gracefully over all. Across both +ends of the house ran wide verandahs, with _porte cochère_, sun parlour, +conservatory and tea-porch breaking the monotony. + +Patty's own bedroom was an exquisite nest, done up in blue and silver, +and her boudoir, opening from it, was a dream of pink and white. Then +came the baby's quarters; the day nursery, gay with pictured walls and +the sun porch, bright and airy. + +For the all-important baby was now two months old, and entitled to +consideration as a real member of the family. + +Fleurette was her name, only selected after long thought and much +discussion. Bill had stood out for Patricia Fairfield Farnsworth, but +Patty declared no child of hers should be saddled with such a burden for +life! Then Bill declared it must be a diminutive, in some way, of the +mother's name, and as he always called Patty his Blossom Girl, the only +suggestion worth considering was something that meant Little Flower. And +as their stay in France had made the French language seem less foreign +than of yore, they finally chose Fleurette,--the Baby Blossom. + +Farnsworth was a man of affairs, and had sometimes to go to Washington or +other distant cities on business, but not often or for a long stay. And +as Patty expressed it, that was a lot better than for him to have to go +to New York every day,--as so many men of their acquaintance did. + +"I never thought I'd be as happy as this," Patty said, as, still holding +her baby, she sat rocking slowly, and gazing alternately at her husband +and her child. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth inquired, as he lighted a fresh cigar. + +"Oh, it's too much for any one mortal! Here I've the biggest husband in +the world, and the littlest baby--" + +"Oh, come now,--that's no incubator chick!" + +"No, she's fully normal size, Nurse says, but she's a tiny mite as yet," +and Patty cuddled the mite in an ecstasy of maternal joy. + +"I thought friend Nurse wouldn't let you snuggle the kiddy like that." + +"She doesn't approve,--but she's still at her lunch and when the cat's +away--" + +And then the white uniformed nurse appeared, and smiled at pretty Patty +as she took the baby from her cuddling arms. + +"Come for a ride, Patty _Maman_?" asked her husband, as they left the +little Fleurette's presence. + +"No; let's go for a walk. I want to look over the west glade, and see if +it will stand a Japanese tea-house there." + +"All right, come ahead. You've not forgotten your dinky tea-porch?" + +"No; but this is different. A tea-house is lovely, and--" + +"All right, Madame Butterfly, have one if you like. Come down this way." + +They went along a picturesque path, between two rocky ravines,--a bit +of real scenic effect that made, indeed, a fine setting for a little +structure for a pleasure house of any kind. + +"Lovely spot!" and Patty stood still and gazed about over her domain. + +"Seems to me I've heard you remark that before." + +"And will again,--so long as we both shall live! Oh, Little Billee, I'm +so glad I picked you out for my mate--" + +"_I_ picked _you_ out, you mean. Why, the first moment I saw you, I--" + +"You kissed me! Yes, you did,--you bad man! I wonder I ever spoke to you +again!" + +"But I kissed you by mistake that time. I'd no idea who you were." + +"I know it. And you've no idea who I am, now!" + +"That's true, sweetheart. For you've as many moods and personalities as a +chameleon,--and each more dear and sweet than the last." + +"Look here, my friend, haven't we been married long enough for you to +cease to feel the necessity for those pretty speeches?" + +"Tired of 'em?" + +"No; but I don't want you to think you must--" + +"Now, now, don't be Patty Simpleton! When I make forced or perfunctory +speeches, you'll know it! Don't you think so, Patty Mine?" + +"Yep. Oh, Billee, look, there's the place for the tea-house!" + +Patty pointed to a shady nook, halfway up the side of the ravine. + +"Great!" agreed Bill. "Wait a minute,--I'll sketch it in." + +He pulled an old envelope and a pencil from his pockets, and rapidly drew +the location with a few hasty strokes, and added a suggestion of an +Oriental looking building that was meant for the proposed tea-house. + +"Just right!" cried Patty; "you _are_ clever, dear! Now draw Baby and me +drinking tea there." + +A few more marks did for the tea drinkers and a queer looking figure +hurrying along the path was doubtless the father coming home. + +Patty declared herself satisfied and folded the paper and put it safely +away in her pocket. + +"We'll get at that as soon as the landscape gardener finishes the sunken +garden," she said. + +"Oh, I'm _glad_ I'm alive! I never expected to have everything I wanted +in the way of gardens! Don't you love them, too?" + +"Of course,--and yet, not as you do, Patty. I was brought up in the great +West, you know,--and sometimes I long for the big spaces." + +"Why, this is a big space, isn't it?" + +"I mean the prairies,--yes, even the desert,--the limitless expanse of--" + +"Limitless fiddlesticks! You can't have the earth!" + +"I don't want it. You're all the world to me, then why crave the earth?" + +"Nice boy! Well, as I was about to say, do you know, I think it's time +we had some guests up here, just for to see and to admire this paradise +of ours." + +"Have them, by all means. Are you settled enough?" + +"Oh, yes. And I shan't have anything much to do. Mrs. Chase is a host in +herself, and Nurse Winnie takes full charge of my child,--with Susie's +help." + +"Do you own that infant exclusively, ma'am? I notice you always say _my_ +child!" + +"As I've told you, you don't count. Why, you won't really count until +the day when some nice young man comes to ask you for the hand of +Mademoiselle Fleurette." + +"Heaven forbid the day! I'll send him packing!" + +"Indeed you won't! I want my daughter to marry and live happy ever +after,--as _I'm_ doing." + +"Are you, Patty? Are you happy?" + +As Billee asked this question a dozen times a day for the sheer joy of +watching Patty's lovely face smile an affirmative, she didn't think it +necessary to enlarge on the subject. + +"I do be," she said, succinctly, and Farnsworth believed her. + +"Now, I propose," she went on, "that we have a week-end house-party. +That's the nicest way to show off the place--" + +"Patty! Are you growing proud and ostentatious?" + +"I'm proud--very much so, of my home and my family,--but nobody ever +called me ostentatious! What _do_ you mean?" + +"Nothing. I spoke thoughtlessly. But you are puffed up with pride and +vanity,--_I_ think." + +"Who wouldn't be--with all this?" + +Patty swept an arm off toward the acres of their domain, and smiled +happily in her delight of ownership. + +"Well, anyway," she went on, "we'll ask Elise and Bumble and Phil and +Kenneth and Chick and--" + +"Don't get too many,--you'll wear yourself all out just talking to them." + +"No: a big party entertain themselves better than a few. Well, I'll fix +up the list. Anybody you want specially?" + +"No, not now. Some time we'll have Mona and Roger, of course; and some +time Daisy--" + +"Yes, when we have Adèle and Jim. Oh, won't we have lots of jolly +parties! Thank goodness we've plenty of guest rooms." + +"Are they all in order?" + +"Not quite. I have to make lace things and fiddle-de-fads for some of +them." + +"Can't you buy those?" + +"Some I do, but some I like to make. It's no trouble, and they're +prettier." + +"Let's go back around by the garage, I want to see Larry." + +They strolled around through the well-kept vegetable gardens and chicken +yards, and came to the garage. Here were the big cars and Patty's own +little runabout. Larry, the chauffeur, touched his cap with a respectful +smile at Patty, and as Farnsworth talked to the man, Patty stood looking +off across the grounds and wondering if any one in the whole world loved +a home as she did. + +Then they went on, strolling by the flower beds and formal gardens. + +"And through the land at eve they went," quoted Bill, softly. + +"And on her lover's arm she leant," Patty took up the verse. + +"And round her waist she felt it fold," continued he: + +"And far across the hills they went + To that new world which is the old. + And far across the dying day, + Beyond its utmost purple rim: + Beyond the night, across the day + The happy Princess followed him." + +"Through all the world she followed him," added Patty; "I think our +quotations are a bit inaccurate, but we have the gist of Tennyson's +ideas." + +"And the gist is--?" + +"That I'm a happy Princess," she smiled. + +"Well, you're in your element, that's certain. I never saw anybody enjoy +fixing up a house as you do!" + +"Did you ever see anybody fix up a house, anyway?" + +"I'm not sure I ever did. I had very little home life, dear." + +"Well, you're going to make up for that now. You're going to have so much +home life from now on, that you can hardly stagger under it. And I'm +going to make it!" + +"Then it will be a real true home-made home! Sometimes, Patty, I fear +that with all your tea-houses and formal gardens you'll lose the real +homey effect--" + +"Lose your grandmother! Why, in the right hands, all those faddy things +melt into one big bundle of hominess, and you feel as if you'd always had +'em. Soon you'll declare you've never lived without a Japanese tea-garden +in your back yard!" + +"I believe you! You'd make a home feeling in the Parthenon,--if you chose +to live there!" + +"Of course I should! Or in the Coliseum, or in the Taj Mahal." + +"There, there, that will do! Don't carry your vaunts further! Now come +around the house, and let's go in under the wistaria. It's a purple +glory now!" + +"So it is! What a stunning old vine it is. I did think I'd change the +name of the place, but that wistaria over that porch is too fine to be +discarded. Let's get Mr. Hepworth up here to paint it." + +"It must be painted, and soon, while it's in its prime. If Hepworth can't +come, I'll get somebody else. I want that picture." + +"And let's have some photographs of it. It's so perfect." + +"All right, I'll take those myself,--to-morrow,--it's too late now." + +"And me and Baby will sit in the middle of the composition! Won't that be +touching!" + +Patty laughed merrily, but Farnsworth said, "You bet you will! Be ready +in the morning, for I'll want a lot of poses." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +GUESTS ARRIVE + + +"I refuse to go a step further! This porch of wistaria is the most +wonderful thing I ever saw in all my life! When I heard the name of the +place, I thought it was crazy,--but of course I see now it's the only +possible name! I don't care what's inside the house,--here I am,--and +here I stay!" + +Elise Farrington threw off her motor coat, and settling herself on the +side seat of the porch, under the drooping bunches of purple bloom, +looked quite as if she meant what she said. + +Patty stepped out from the doorway and smiled at her visitor. + +"All right, Elise," she said, "you may. I'll send out your dinner, and +you can sleep here, too, if you like." + +"No, I'll come in for my board and lodging, but all the rest of the time +look for me here! I'm going to have some lavender frocks made,--dimities +and organdies, and then I'll be part of the picture." + +"Oh, do! I can't wear lavender or purple," Patty sighed. + +"Nonsense! Of course you can. You only mean you've never tried. That +bisque doll complexion of yours will stand any color. Let's both get +wisteria-coloured frocks, and--" + +Elise's plans were interrupted by the appearance of Farnsworth and two +men who had arrived for the house party. These were our old friends, +Philip Van Reypen and Chickering Channing. + +Still a devoted admirer of pretty Patty, Van Reypen had become reconciled +to his fate, and moreover had discovered his ability to take pleasure in +the society of other charming young women. + +Channing was the same old merry Chick, and he was exuberant in his praise +of the beautiful home of the Farnsworths which he now saw for the first +time. + +"Great little old place!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. "But why such +an enormousness? Are you going to keep boarders?" + +"Yes, if you'll stay," laughed Patty. "But, you see it was a bargain,--so +we snapped it up." + +"The old story," put in Bill. "Man built it,--went bankrupt,--had to sell +at sacrifice. Along came we,--bought it,--everybody happy!" + +"I am," declared Elise; "this is the sort of place I've dreamed of. +Beautiful nearby effects, and a long distance view beside. This +porch for mine,--all the time I'm here." + +"But you haven't seen the other places yet," Patty demurred. "There's a +tea-porch--" + +"Wistaria, too?" + +"Yes, of course." + +"Lead me to it!" and Elise jumped up, and made for the house. + +Then they all strolled through the wide hall and out at the back door on +to the tea-porch. This was furnished with white wicker tables and chairs, +and indeed, was prepared for immediate use, for a maid was just bringing +the cakes and crumpets as the party arrived. + +"Goody!" cried Elise, "can we have tea now, Patty? I'm famished." + +"Yes, indeed," and Patty took her place at the tea table with a matronly +air, and began to pour for her guests. + +"It's just as pretty as the other porch," Elise decided, looking +critically at the festoons of wistaria, which was on three sides of the +house. "But I'll adopt the first one. Anybody looking for me will find me +there--'most always." + +"We're always looking for you," said Channing, gallantly, as he took up +his teacup, "and it is a comfort to know where to find you. Of late +you've been inaccessible." + +"Not to you," and Elise glanced coquettishly from under her eyelashes. + +"To me, then," put in Van Reypen. "I've not seen you, Elise, since I came +back from Over There. You've grown a lot, haven't you?" + +"Taller?" + +"Mercy no! I mean mentally. You seem more--more grown up like." + +"Everybody is, since the war work. Yes, Phil, I have grown,--I hope." + +"There, there," warned Patty; "no serious talk just now, please,--and no +war talk. For the moment, I claim your attention to my new house and its +surroundings." + +"Some claim you've staked out," and Chick grinned. "I want to see it all. +And,--moreover,--I want to see the rest of the family!" + +Patty beamed. "You dear!" she cried; "do you really want to see my +daughter?" + +"_My_ daughter," Farnsworth added; "but I didn't know you chaps would +be interested in our infant prodigy. I never cared about seeing other +people's babies." + +"I do," stoutly insisted Channing. "I'm a connoisseur on kiddies. Let me +see him." + +"He isn't him," laughed Patty, "he's a she." + +"So much the better," Chick avowed. "I love girl babies. Where is she?" + +"You can't see her now, she's probably asleep. To-morrow she'll be on +exhibition. I hear a car! It must be Mona!" + +"I'll go and fetch her," said Farnsworth, springing up, and after a short +time he returned with two newcomers, Mona Farrington and her husband, +Roger. + +Then there was more greeting and exclamation and laughter, as the latest +guests admired the new home, and accepted Patty in her becoming role of +hostess. + +"To think of little Patty as the chatelaine of this palatial ménage!" +said Roger, "and actually acting as if it belonged to her!" + +"It isn't palatial," corrected Patty, "but it _does_ belong to me,--that +is, to me and my friend William. He vows I claim the baby for all my own +property,--but I'll accord him a share in the place." + +"It _all_ belongs to me," said Farnsworth, with a careless sweep of a big +arm. "The wistaria, Patty, the baby, and all!" + +"That's right," agreed Roger, "keep up your air of authority as long as +you can! I tried it,--but Mona soon usurped the position!" + +"Nonsense!" and Mona smiled at her husband. "Don't you believe him, +Patty. We go fifty-fifty on everything,--as to decisions, I mean. He +gives in to my superior judgment half the time, and I let him have his +own foolish way the other half. Follow my plan and you'll live happily, +my dear." + +"Are we your first company?" asked Elise. + +"Yes,--except Father and Nan,--and a few calls from the neighbours. This +is my first house-party. And I do want it to be a success, so I'm going +to depend on you all to help me. If I do what I ought not to do,--or +leave undone the things which I should ought to do,--check me up,--won't +you, please?" + +"We sure will," agreed Channing, "but something tells me you're going to +prove an ideal hostess." + +"She will," nodded Farnsworth, "she takes to hostessing like a duck to +water. She even asked me what sort of smokes you chaps prefer." + +"I hope you remembered," said Roger. "And when are they to be passed +around?" + +"Right now," said Patty, smiling and nodding to the maid who hovered +near. + +In truth, Patty was a born hostess, and without fuss or ostentation +always had the comfort of her guests in mind. While not overburdened +with a retinue of servants, she had enough to attend to everything +she required of them; and her own knowledge and efficiency combined +with her tact and real kindliness brought about a state of harmony +in her household that might well have been envied by an older and more +experienced matron. + +Mrs. Chase, who had the nominal position of housekeeper, found herself +strictly accountable to Patty for all she did, and as she was sensible +enough to appreciate Patty's attitude, she successfully fulfilled the +requirements of a butler or steward, and had general charge and oversight +of all the housekeeping details. + +"The way to keep house," said Patty to Mona and Elise, as she took them +away with her, leaving the men to their "smokes," "is not so much to work +yourself as to be able to make others work in the way you want them to." + +"That's just it," agreed Mona, "and that's just what I can't do! Why, my +servants rode over me so, and were so impudent and lazy, I just gave up +housekeeping and went to a hotel to live. We had to,--there was no other +way out." + +"And how Roger hates it!" said Elise, who, as Roger's sister, thought +herself privileged to comment. + +A cloud passed over Mona's face. "He does," she admitted, "but what can I +do? He hated worse the scenes we had when we were housekeeping." + +"Perhaps conditions will get better now," said Patty, hopefully, "and you +can try again, Mona, with better results." + +"Maybe; and perhaps you can teach me. You used to teach me lots of +things, Patty." + +"All right,--I'll willingly do anything I can. Now, who wants to see my +angel child? Or would you rather go to your rooms first?" + +"No, indeed," cried Elise, "let me see her right now. If she's as pretty +as the wistaria vine--oh, Patty, why don't you name her Wistaria?" + +"Gracious, what a name! No, she's Fleurette,--or so Little Billee says. +Anyway, here she is." + +Patty led them to the nursery, and from the lacy draperies of the +bassinette a smiling baby face looked up at them. + +"What a heavenly kiddy!" Elise exclaimed, "Oh, Patty, what a daffodil +head! Just a blur of yellow fuzz! And such blue eyes! She looks exactly +like you! And exactly like Bill, too. Oh, I never saw such a darling +baby. Let me take her,--mayn't I?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's no glass-case baby." + +Elise picked up the dear little bundle, and cooed and crooned in most +approved fashion. + +Apparently Fleurette understood, for she smiled and gurgled, and seemed +to look upon Elise as an old friend. + +Mona admired the baby but was more interested in the house. + +"Show me everything," she begged Patty. "I want to see it all. Where's +your linen closet?" + +"My linen closet is a room," and Patty led them thither. "You see, we +have such a lot of rooms and,--such a lot of linen,--that I took this +little bedroom for a linen press. I had a carpenter put in the shelves +and cupboards just as I wanted them,--and here's the result." + +With justifiable pride, Patty showed her linen collection. Sheets, +towels, tablecloths,--each sort in its place, each dozen held by blue +ribbon bands, that fastened with little pearl buckles. + +Other shelves held lace pieces, luncheon sets, boudoir pillow-cases, +table scarfs, and all the exquisite embroidered bits that are the delight +of the home lover. + +"Perfectly wonderful!" Elise declared; "looks just like a shop in Venice +or Nice. How do you keep them so tidy? and where did you ever get so +many?" + +"Oh, I've done quite some shopping to get our Lares and Penates together, +and Bill let me get whatever I wanted in the house furnishing line. Yes, +this linen room is my joy and my pride. See, _this_ cupboard is all +curtains. I do love to have fresh curtains as often as I want them." + +"Well, it's all like Fairyland," Mona said. "I have beautiful things, +too, but they don't look like this. They're all in a jumble on the +shelves, and everything is hodge-podge." + +"Oh, well, you're just as happy," laughed Patty. "I chance to be +naturally tidy, and I just love to potter over my things, and keep them +in place. Some time I'll show you Baby's wardrobe. Her little things are +too dear for anything. But now I'll take you to your rooms. This is +yours, Elise. I picked out this one for you, because it's lavender,--and +I know that's your favorite colour." + +"And the wistaria vine is looking in at the windows!" Elise noted, with +joy. "Oh, Patty, I won't live on the porch, either, I'll live up here." + +It _was_ a beautiful room. A deep seated bay-window, with latticed panes, +opened into a profusion of wistaria blooms, and the fragrance filled the +whole place. The furniture was of ivory enamel and the appointments were +of various harmonious shades of lavender. A _chaise-longue_ was well +supplied with lace pillows and a nearby stand and reading-lamp hinted at +the comfortable enjoyment of a tempting array of new books. + +Pansies and violets were in small bowls, and on a table stood an enormous +vase full of trailing branches of wistaria. + +"What a picture!" and Elise stood in the middle of the floor, looking +about her. "Patty, you're a wonder! I don't care if you have shoals of +servants, you fixed up this room,--I know you did." + +"Of course I did,--with Mrs. Chase to help me. She's a treasure,--she +catches on to my ways so quickly. Glad you like it, Elise, honey. Now +settle yourself here,--your bags will be up in a minute,--and I'll put +Mona in her niche." + +"I'm coming too," and Elise went with the others to the rooms designed +for Mona and Roger. + +"This is my Royal Suite," laughed Patty, as she ushered them into a +charming apartment done up in handsome English chintz. + +"It suits me," and Mona nodded approval. "You had this done by a +professional, Patty." + +"It was here when we bought the house. You see, some rooms were already +furnished, when the man decided to sell it. And of these, such as we +liked we kept as they were. This is especially fine chintz and also good +workmanship, so as it is so imposing in effect, we call it the Royal +Suite. Father and Nan adored it, and you and Roger are the next Royal +guests." + +"It's great," said Elise, "not half as pretty as mine, but more dignified +and gorgeous." + +The chintz was patterned with tropical birds and foliage and as the +hangings were many and elaborate the effect _was_ gorgeous. The bathroom +was spacious and fully equipped, and as Mona's things had arrived she +turned to instruct the maid who was already unpacking them. + +"Come back with me to my room," said Elise, as she and Patty went down +the hall. + +"Just for a minute, then, for I must go and sort out the rest of my +visitors. I am putting Philip and Chick over in the west wing, far +removed from the nursery, for I don't want them imagining they are kept +awake by the night thoughts of my child. And, I must confess, Fleurette +has a way of tuning up in the wee, small hours! However, we had the +nursery walls muffled, so I don't think you'll be disturbed. Isn't this +outlook fine, Elise?" + +"Beautiful," and Elise joined Patty at the bay-window. "This is the most +effective room I ever saw, and so comfy." + +"And here's your bath," Patty opened the door to a bathroom of +white-tiled and silver daintiness. "Now you've time for a tub and a rest +before dinner. So I'm going to leave you. Come down at eight,--or sooner, +if you like." + +Housewifely Patty ran away, happy in her new role of hostess to a house +party. + +The men still sat on the tea-porch, smoking, and talking over the +political situation. + +"Here you are again," Chick greeted her; "but where's the che-ild? I must +see that youngster to-night. I've--I've brought her a present." + +"Oh, well, come along, then," said Patty; "if you're really so anxious to +meet the young lady,--why wait?" + +The two went up to the nursery, and though a little surprised at the +unexpected call, Nurse Winnie made no objection. + +"Here's your new friend," and Patty lifted Fleurette out of her pillows +and presented her to Chick. + +"What a beauty!" he cried, as he saw the golden curls and the big blue +eyes. "And so intelligent!" + +"Of course! Did you think she'd look vacant?" + +"They often do," said Chick, sagely. "Why, my cousin's baby looks +positively idiotic at times,--but this mite,--she knows it all!" + +And Fleurette did look wise. Being in benign mood, she smiled at the big +man who held her so gently, and put out a tentative fist toward his face. + +"Born flirt," he declared, "just like her mother! Well, Patty, she's +a wonder-child,--oh, I know 'em!--and I hereby constitute myself her +godfather, without waiting to be asked." + +"Good! We accept the honour. Make a bow, Fleurette." + +"No, the honour is mine. She doesn't quite take it all in, yet,--but in +days to come, she may feel real need of a godfather and I'll be there!" + +"What do godfathers do? I never had any." + +"I'm not quite sure, myself. I'm going to get a field-book,--or First +Lessons in Godfathering, or something like that. But, anyway, I'm hers! +Oh, Patty, she's going to grow up a beauty! Did you ever see such eyes!" + +Patty laughed at Chick's enthusiasm, which was too patently genuine to be +mere polite flattery, and entirely agreed in his opinion as to the good +looks of the small Fleurette. + +"What did you bring her?" she asked, and Chick drew from his pocket a set +of small gold pins. + +"For her bibs and tuckers," he explained. "At least that's what they told +me at the shop. I don't know much about such things." + +"They're just right," Patty said, "and they're her very first +present,--outside the family. Thank you a thousand times,--you're +very thoughtful, Chick." + +"I hoped you'd like 'em," and the big, warm-hearted chap smiled with +gratification. "Dress her up in them to-morrow, will you?" + +And Patty promised she would. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +BETTY GALE + + +Seated at the head of her own dinner table that evening, Patty felt +decidedly in her element. Always of a hospitable nature, always +efficient in household matters, she played her rôle of hostess with a +sweet simplicity and a winning grace that charmed all her guests. + +Farnsworth, opposite her at the big, round table, was a quiet, dignified +and well-mannered host. He had not Patty's native ability to entertain, +but he was honestly anxious that his guests should be pleased and he did +all in his power to help along. Patty had coached him on many minor +points, for Little Billee had been brought up in simple surroundings and +unaccustomed to what he at first called Patty's frills and fal-lals. + +But she had convinced him that dainty laces and shining silver were to be +used for his daily fare and not merely as "company fixings," and being +adaptable, the good-natured man obediently fell in with her wishes. + +And now he was as deft and handy with his table appointments as Patty +herself, and quite free from self-consciousness or awkwardness. + +"You've made me all over, Patty," he would sometimes say; "now, I really +like these dinky doo-daddles better than the 'old oaken bucket' effects +on which I was brought up!" + +And then Patty would beg him to tell her more about his early days and +his wild Western life in the years before she knew him. + +It was her great regret that Bill had no parents, nor indeed any near +relatives. An only child, and early orphaned, he had lived a few years +with a cousin and then had shifted for himself. A self-made man,--as +they are styled,--he had developed fine business ability, and had also +managed to acquire a familiarity with the best in literature. Patty was +continually astonished by his ready references and his quotations from +the works of the best authors. + +Indeed, the room he took the deepest interest in furnishing in their new +home was the library. + +For the purpose he selected the largest room in the house. It had been +designed as a drawing-room or ballroom; but Farnsworth said that its +location and outlook made it an ideal library. He had an enormous window +cut, that filled almost the whole of one side of the room, and which +looked out upon a beautiful view, especially at sunset. + +Then the furnishings were chosen for comfort and ease as well as +preserving the dignified effect that should belong to a library. The book +cases were filled with the books already owned by the two and new ones +were chosen and bought by degrees as they were desired or needed. + +The reference portion was complete and the cases devoted to poetry and +essays well filled. Fiction, too, of the lasting kind, and delightful +books of travel, biography and humour. + +There were reading chairs, arranged near windows and with handy tables; +there were desks, perfectly appointed; racks of new books and magazines; +portfolios of pictures, and cosy window seats and _tête-à -têtes_. + +There were a few fine pictures, and many little intimate sketches by +worth-while pencils or brushes. And there were treasured books, valuable +intrinsically or because of their inscriptions, that Farnsworth had +collected here and there. + +Small wonder, then, that the library was the favourite room in the house +and that after dinner Patty proposed they go there for their coffee. + +"Some room!" ejaculated Chick Channing, as they sauntered in and stood +about, gazing at the wealth of books. + +"Glorious!" agreed Mona, who had a mere pretence of a library in her own +home. "I didn't know you were so literary, Patty." + +"Oh, I'm not. It's Little Billee's gigantic intellect that planned this +room, and he's the power that keeps it going. Every week he sends up a +cartload of new books--" + +"Oh, come, now, Patty,--I haven't bought a book for a fortnight!" laughed +Farnsworth. "But I've just heard of a fine old edition of Ike Walton that +I can get at--" + +"There, there, my son, don't get started on your hobby," implored +Channing. "We're ignoramuses, Mona and I, and we want to talk about +less highbrow subjects." + +"Count me on your side," said a smiling girl, whose big gray eyes took +on a look of awe at the turn the conversation had taken. "I don't know +if Ike Walton is a book or a steamboat!" + +The speaker was Beatrice Gale, a neighbour of the Farnsworths. She was +pretty and saucy looking,--a graceful sprite, with a dimpled chin, and +soft brown hair, worn in moppy bunches over her ears. She was called +Betty by her friends, and Patty and Bill had already acquired that +privilege. + +"Now, Betty," and Patty shook her head at her, "you are a college +graduate as well as a débutante,--you _must_ know old Ike!" + +"But I don't! You see, my début meant so much more to me than my +commencement, that all I ever learned at college flew out of my head +to make room for all I'm going to learn in society." + +"Have you much left to learn?" asked Elise, looking at the piquant face +that seemed to show its owner decidedly conversant with the ways of the +world,--at least, her own part in it. + +"Oh, indeed, yes! I only know how to smile and dance. I'm going to learn +flirting, coquetry and getting engaged!" + +"You're ambitious, little one," remarked Van Reypen. "Have you chosen +your instructors?" + +"I'm sure you won't need any," put in Elise, who was already jealous of +Philip's interested looks at the new girl. "I think you could pass an +efficiency examination already!" + +"You ought to know," said Betty, with such an innocent and demure look +at Elise, that it was difficult to determine whether she meant to be +impertinent or not. + +"Let me conduct the examination," said Philip; "shall it be public,--or +will you go with me into a--a classroom?" and he looked toward the small +"den" that opened from the library. + +"Oh, have it public!" exclaimed Mona. "Let us all hear it" + +"All right," and pretty Betty smiled, non-chalantly. "Go ahead, +Professor." + +"I will. You know these examinations begin by matching words. I say one +word, and you say whatever word pops into your head first." + +"That's easy enough. Proceed." + +"Arden." + +"Forest. I always thought this place ought to have been named the Forest +of Arden, because--" + +"Don't talk so much. You must say one word only. Concentrate." + +"Silence." + +"Oh, concentrate wasn't the _word_! I said that to you--" + +"I thought you were talking to me _all_ the time!" + +"I am. Now be still! Horse." + +"How can I pass my examination if I'm to be still? Wagon." + +"Aeroplane." + +"You." + +"How did you know that I was an aviator?" + +"Never mind; go on with the game." + +"All right. Beaux." + +"Flattery." + +"Chaperon." + +"Hoodwink." + +"Oh, you rascal! Mother." + +"Father." + +"Father." + +"Money." + +"Soft-boiled egg." + +"Messy." + +"American Beauties." + +"Mr. Grant,--he often sends them to me." + +"Music." + +"Dancing." + +"You pass. Now for to see if you're thoroughly grounded in the common +branches. Grammar, first. What's a noun, and give examples." + +"A noun's a name. As, candy, heart, slipper." + +"What's a compound noun?" + +"Two names,--as chicken salad,--Philip Van Reypen,--moonlight." + +"What's a mood?" + +"Something you fall into,--as a ditch,--or love." + +"What is an article?" + +"A piece of fancy work for sale at a fair." + +"What's a conjunction?" + +"Anything that joins,--as the marriage ceremony, or hooks and eyes." + +"Good. Now for arithmetic. If you are at home of an evening, and a chap +calls on you, and then I come to call, and take half your attention +from him, what is left?" + +"The chap!" + +"Right! Now, definitions. What do you mean by forever?" + +"Until to-morrow!" returned Betty, laughing. + +"Never?" + +"Not until to-morrow!" + +"How do you spell No?" + +"Y-e-s." + +"Oh, Betty," exclaimed Patty, laughing, "I didn't know you were so +witty!" + +"Good gracious! don't call me _that!_ Here, stop this examination right +now! I _won't_ be called witty. Why, don't you know-- + +"'Though you're sweet and though you're pretty, +Men won't love you if you're witty!' + +"I'm _always_ afraid of not being loved!" + +Miss Gale looked so frightened at this very idea, that they all broke +into laughter. + +"You should worry!" declared Bill. "You haven't enough wit to do any +great harm. Or, at least, if you have, you've compensating foolishness--I +mean--that is--" + +"There, there, Billee," counselled Patty, "you'd better stop,--you're +just getting in deeper with every word." + +"Oh, it's all right," and Beatrice shrugged her shoulders, "I need to +be brought up with a round turn now and then. I'm too intellectual,--I +know." + +She purposely assumed a vacant, stupid expression and folded her hands +helplessly in her lap. + +"She's a hummer," Channing remarked in an aside to Patty, as further +hilarity followed Betty's fooling. + +"I like her lots," Patty returned. "She's a frivolous little thing, but +thoroughly sweet and dear. She adores Fleurette." + +"Aha, little mother! So that's the way to your good graces, is it? I too +adore Fleurette." + +"But you're already in my good graces,--and have been for years." + +"So? Then,"--Chick's tone grew wheedlesome,--"invite me up here +often,--won't you?" + +"Now I _should_ have thought you meant because of my daughter's charms, +if your glance hadn't wandered toward Miss Gale, even as you spoke!" + +"Both, fair lady,--both. I adore Fleurette as the delightful daughter of +a delightful mother. May I not also admire the delightful neighbour?" + +"Indeed, you may. And you have a standing invitation to come up here +as often as you like. I'm going to entertain a lot this spring and +summer,--and you're a really useful house guest" + +"Thanks, indeed! How do I qualify?" + +"By your nice, kind, entertaining qualities. You're an all-round nice +man, Chick,--and I don't care who knows my opinion. And now, do you go +and make up to Elise." + +"Yes, ma'am. Between you and me, ma'am,--she's a bit miffed--not?" + +"Hush! Run along and make yourself so agreeable that she'll forget +everybody else." + +Of a truth Elise was a little disturbed. For she was of a jealous and +self-seeking disposition, and resented any attentions that were not given +to her. The advent of this bright and sparkling young girl,--probably +three or four years younger than herself, made her suddenly feel +neglected, and it displeased her. + +Mona noticed it, and smiled to herself. But Patty truly regretted it, +for she had taken a decided fancy to Beatrice Gale, and as they were +neighbours, she knew the girl would be often at Wistaria Porch. And as +she had planned to have Elise with her often, also, she saw breakers +ahead, unless the two could be reconciled. + +Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is +not easily placated. And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the +"bone of contention." + +After Patty's marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared +himself a confirmed bachelor. And though Elise would have looked with +satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred. + +Patty had hoped,--and thought,--that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen +Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen +had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde. + +This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,--it could be seen by +any onlooker,--was not at all averse to his company. + +And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming. But when +things didn't go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which +was far from attractive. + +So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a +girl,--as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,--was as iron entering her soul. + +However, she was clever enough to hide her real feelings, and she +welcomed Chick Channing with a cordial smile. + +"Let's go for a stroll round the verandahs," he proposed, and Elise +consented. + +"Want a wrap? though it's warm for April," he said, as they went out the +door. + +"No, thank you, I love the fresh air," and Elise waved her white arm +upward, and entwined it in the wistaria blossoms. "I've adopted this +porch,--I shall probably be with Patty a lot this summer. You'll come +up--now and then?" + +"Oh, yes; it's the most charming house to visit, don't you think?" + +"Great! Patty is an ideal hostess, and Bill's a dear!" + +"And the kiddy,--don't leave her out" + +"Oh, she's an angel. But a bit unfledged, as yet." + +"Of course. But such a darling! By the way, I'm her godfather." + +"Oh, are you? Then I'll be her godmother! She ought to have both." + +"Certainly. Though I think I heard that Miss Gale has the position." + +"Of course she has! That girl appropriates everything! I think she's too +fresh!" + +"You mean that for a compliment, I'm sure. Yes, she is,--she's like a +dewy daisy--" + +"Dewy daisy, nothing! She isn't so childlike as she wants to appear!" + +"There now, Elise, don't talk like that! It doesn't sound pretty,--and +goodness knows _you've_ no reason to be jealous." + +"What?" asked Elise, already mollified. + +"Why, you, with your established place in this household, and in our +set,--mustn't stoop to be--jealous--of a little schoolgirl!" + +"Oh, I'm _not_! How dare you hint it?" + +"Then don't act so. Take my advice, Lisa, and don't show even the +appearance of that sort of thing. It reacts,--you know." + +Elise did know,--she knew Chick was telling her the truth, and telling +it, too, only in the kindest spirit of real friendship. + +She bit her lip in annoyance, and said, sharply, "Don't abuse the +privilege of an old friend, Chick." + +"I don't mean to,--honest I don't, Elise. Forgive me if I've offended +you." + +"Oh, you haven't. That's all right. Have you ever met this Gale girl +before?" + +"No; but she sat next me at dinner, and she told me about herself. It +seems she has a wonderful brother--" + +"She has!" It was amazing how Elise brightened up. "Why wasn't he invited +this evening?" + +"He's away from home just now,--will return next week,--I think she said. +Get on your warpaint and feathers! See, the conquering heroine comes!" + +"Stop teasing, Chick. I do like to meet strangers, and if Patty's +neighbour is attractive--" + +"Patty's neighbour's brother,--you mean?" + +"I do! If he's attractive, it'll add to my pleasure when visiting +Patty,--won't it?" + +"It sure will,--and, may I say it? You'll add to his pleasure, I've no +doubt." + +"Very pretty, Chick. You _are_ a nice boy." + +"Thank you, ma'am. But I won't be in it, when the brother appears on the +scene, I fear! So, to make hay while the sun shines, won't you go in and +dance with me? I hear the light fantastics tripping in the hall." + +They went in and found all of the party keeping time to the gay music of +the big victrola, and they joined the swaying couples. + +As they passed Betty Gale and Van Reypen, Elise overheard her saying, +"You're awfully good to me,--and you've only just met me to-night!" + +Phil's reply was lost as they danced away, but Elise realised that it was +an eager expression of his desire that they should meet again, and soon, +and her demon of jealousy once more up-reared his ugly head. + +But she concealed it,--outwardly, at least,--and when the time came, she +was so cordial and sweet to Miss Gale that a friendship pact was sealed +between them. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A NEW RELATIVE + + +May came in with the sunshine and balmy days that are popularly supposed +to belong to that month, but which do not always materialise. + +Wistaria Porch was fairly basking in the sunshine, and the flower gardens +were already showing their early blooms. The tulip beds were a blaze of +bright glory and hyacinths and daffodils added their sweetness and +beauty. + +"Such a heavenly place!" Patty exclaimed as she and Little Billee +strolled along the garden paths in the late afternoon. "I'm glad we have +this week-end to ourselves,--I love to have guests, but once in a +while,--you know--" + +"I do know!" declared Farnsworth, "and I'd be willing to have 'em twice +in a while--" + +"Have what?" + +"Week-ends alone with you! Oh, I like company, too,--have all you want, +but now and then--just now and then, a family party looks good to me! +Where's our blessed child at the moment?" + +"She ought to be here,--it's time. Winnie usually brings her for her +afternoon visit to her proud parents. And here she comes! Here's mudder's +own Poggly-woggly Pom-pom head!" + +"What delightful names you invent! Let me have a try at it! Here's +Fodder's own Piggly-winktum! There, how's that?" + +"Perfectly horrid! Sounds like a pig!" + +"All right, let's try again. Who's the airiest, fairiest, tiny mite? +Who's the pinky-goldiest Smiley-eyes in the whole world? Here she is!" +and big Bill took the baby, from nurse's arms, and flung her high in +the air, catching her deftly on her descent, while Patty held her breath +in apprehension. She knew perfectly well Bill wouldn't let the child +fall,--and yet, accidents had occurred,--and the crowing baby might +squirm out of the watchful father's arms. + +But no accident happened and the two had their usual afternoon romp. + +Little Fleurette knew her father and adored the big, comfortable man who +held her so firmly and tossed her up so delightfully. + +"Now, it's my turn,--give her to me," said Patty, at last. Then Bill +deposited the child in her mother's arms, and the little one nestled +there contentedly. She was a good baby, and rarely cried or fretted. +Healthy and strong, she bade fair to become a fine big woman some +day, and Patty's leaping mind had already planned out her whole lifetime! + +"I think I'll send her to the Mortimer School," she said, musingly. + +"Why, that's a finishing school!" exclaimed Bill, knowing of the +fashionable establishment. + +"Yes; I mean when she's ready to be 'finished,'" said Patty, calmly. +"Before that, she'll go to Kindergarten,--and some other school, I +suppose." + +"I suppose she will; but we'll have a few years of her company here, at +home, won't we, before her schooldays begin?" + +"Yes, of course, we're having them now. But they go so fast! Oh, Little +Billee, _all_ the days fly so fast,--I can't realise we've been married +nearly two years--" + +"Nonsense! A year and nearly two months--" + +"Well, it soon _will_ be two years! I never saw the time fly so! It goes +like a Bandersnatch!" + +"Does that mean you're so happy, Patty?" + +"It means exactly that! Oh, I want to live forever! I am so happy! I +didn't know life with you and Fleurette would be so beautiful as it is!" + +"Is it, dearest? I'm so glad," and the big man looked at his dainty, +sweet little wife with his whole soul in his fine clear blue eyes. + +"Your eyes are wonderful, Billee, dear," said Patty, meeting his glance +lovingly; "did your mother have blue eyes,--or your father?" + +"Both of them did. I was thought to look more like mother, as a +kiddy,--but they were both fair haired and blue eyed." + +"You never knew your mother much, did you?" + +"No, she died when I was very small. And father, when I was about ten. +Then, as I've told you, I lived four years with Aunt Amanda--" + +"In Arizona?" + +"Yes; in a small settlement,--hardly even a village,--called Horner's +Corners." + +Patty laughed. "What a darling name! How could anybody call a place +that! Suppose it had grown to be a large city." + +"Then they would probably have changed the name. Perhaps they have +already done so,--I haven't heard from there for years." + +"Why didn't you keep up your relatives' acquaintance?" + +"Well, Aunt Amanda died, later, and her husband never cared much for me, +anyhow. So we drifted apart, and never drifted together again." + +"Wasn't your aunt your mother's sister?" + +"Oh, Lord, no! She was not really my aunt, at all. She was a cousin of my +father's and when she took me in, I called her auntie. But they only took +me because they wanted my help on the place, and I worked hard for them +four years. They gave me no affection, nor even thanks for my services, +and as I couldn't learn anything or make any sort of progress in that +God-forsaken valley, I left them and shifted for myself." + +"And made a great success of the shifting!" Patty's eyes glowed as she +looked at her big handsome husband. + +"Yes, I found you! And, incidentally that little flower of loveliness +that's going to sleep against your breast." + +"So she is! Pretty thing!" Patty gazed adoringly at the baby and then +handed her over to the nurse, who returned for her charge. + +"Tell me more about Horner's Corners," Patty resumed, as they remained +seated on the porch, after Fleurette's departure. + +"Not much to tell. It consisted of a store and post-office,--a church and +school,--and forty or fifty small houses. Uncle Thorpe's place was a mile +out from the Corners, proper, and I used to trudge back and forth every +day for the mail, and for provisions. And part of the time I went to +school. The teacher was a nice young girl, but we boys led her a dance! +How we _did_ plague her!" and Bill laughed at the recollection. + +"Any children in your aunt's family?" + +"One; a little baby girl, named Azalea." + +"What a pretty name! Where is she now?" + +"I don't know. Right there, probably. Let me see. I was ten when I went +there. But she wasn't born then. When I left, that child was about a year +old, I guess. She must be about seventeen or so, now." + +"And she's your only living relative?" + +"The only one I know anything about. Mother's people were English,--none +of them over here. No near relatives, anyhow, for she was an only child. +Dad was, too, for that matter. Little Zaly,--that's what they called +her, is about the last leaf on the tree." + +"Let's ask her to visit us, can't we? I do want to know your people; and +if she's all the people there are, I want to know her." + +"Why, child, I don't know anything about her,--I don't even know if she's +still in the land of the living." + +"Can't you write and find out?" + +"Why, I suppose so. But _why_ do you want her? She's probably an awkward, +countrified little thing--" + +"I don't care for that! She's your kin, and I'm prepared to love her for +that reason." + +"That's a dear thing for you to say, Patty mine, but you may get more +than you bargain for. Suppose you invite Azalea and Uncle Thorpe himself +comes trotting along, too!" + +"Well, I could even live through that! I don't suppose he'd bite me!" + +"But I'm quite sure he wouldn't fit into your scheme of things entire! +Oh, let sleeping dogs lie, Pattibelle. Take me for my whole family,--I'm +a host in myself." + +"You are,--my lord and master,--you sure are! But, all the same, I +must hunt up your little cousin. Of course her father can't come, if he +isn't invited. And I'd like to know the child. I might do something for +her,--be of some real help to her, I mean. Maybe she's longing to get +East and have the advantages I could give her." + +"Maybe she's longing to stay put in her native desert." + +"In that case, she can say so. I shan't compel her to come! Let me write +her, anyway, mayn't I, Little Billee?" + +"Of course you may. You may write to anybody you wish; to the Sultan of +Kasharabad, if you like." + +"Is he your relative?" + +"He may be,--for all I know. Some family trees branch widely." + +"Well, give me Azalea's address,--I'm going to open a correspondence, at +least." + +"No address, that I know of, except Miss Azalea Thorpe, Horner's Corners, +Arizona." + +"I'll write, if only for the fun of addressing a letter there. I never +heard such a funny name for a place!" + +Patty tore up two or three letters before she finally composed one that +suited her. It was not easy to know what attitude to take toward such a +complete stranger, and with no knowledge of what sort of a girl she was +writing to. But she at last sent off this: + +MY DEAR AZALEA: + +I am the wife of your cousin, William Farnsworth. Though you do not +remember him, your father will tell you about him. At any rate, as you +are of his kin, I want you to come and make us a visit--that is, if you +care to. We have a lovely home, not far from New York City, and I would +do my best to make you happy and give you a good time. You may not want +to come,--indeed, you may have moved away from your native town, and may +never even get this letter. But if you do get it, write me, at any rate, +and tell me what you think about a trip East. We both send love and hope +to hear from you soon. + +Affectionately yours, + +PATTY FARNSWORTH. + +"You see," Patty explained to Bill, as she read the letter to him, "it +may be she can't afford such a trip. But I didn't like to hint at that, +so I asked her to write me what she thinks about it. If she thinks she +can't spend so much money, then we can offer to get her ticket." + +"Very thoughtful and very delicately done, my dearest. You have the +kindest heart a little blue-eyed girl ever possessed." + +"Not entirely disinterested, though. I do want to have some of your +people under our roof,--and this is my first attempt. If it fails, I +shall look up some of your English relatives." + +"Yes, we will do that some day. I'd like to round them up +myself. Mother's tales of her childhood home,--as retold me by my +father,--sounded delightful. They had old country estates, and--" + +"And ancestral halls! Hung with old armour! Oh, Little Billee, what fun +to take Fleurette there! Portraits of her ancestors smiling down at her +from the oaken walls of the long picture gallery--" + +"Patty, Patty! how you _do_ run on! I don't know that there are any +picture galleries at all." + +"Oh, of course there are. They're bound to be there. And maybe a family +ghost! A spectre, that stalks the corridors when one of the family is +about to die--" + +"Hush! You bad child! What awful ideas!" + +"I've just been reading a story about a family spectre. I think they're +_most_ interesting." + +"Well, we'll cut out the spook show. _I've_ no liking for clanking chains +and hollow groans!" + + * * * * * + +Impatiently Patty waited for the answer to her letter, and one day it +came. + +Farnsworth was in New York on business, and so she put it away unopened +until his return. + +"Goody girl!" he cried, when she told him. "Nice of you, dear, to let us +have the first reading together." + +"Oh, I couldn't gobble it up alone,--I like everything better if I have +it with you." + +And so they sat side by side on the porch, and read the long looked for +missive. + + * * * * * + +"DEAR COUSIN PATTY;" it began. + +I was so surprised and pleased to get your letter I hardly knew what to +do. It seemed as if the dream of my life had at last come true. I've +always wanted to go East,--to see New York,--oh, I'm so excited I can +hardly write! And dear Cousin William! How kind of him to tell you about +me,--for I was a very small baby when he was here. My father has told me +all about it. When shall I start? I accept your invitation with joy. I +have saved up my money and I have enough, I think, for the ticket. How +much does it cost? But I can find out somehow. Father sends his respects +and he says I may go. I am all ready. Can't you telegraph me, so I can go +soon? + +With grateful thanks, +I am yours very sincerely, +AZALEA THORPE. + +"Well," said Bill, "what do you think of that for a letter?" + +He looked thoughtfully at Patty, as he spoke. + +"Why," she hesitated,--"I think it's a very nice letter--" + +"Wait, now,--be honest!" + +"Well, I--oh, I don't know,--but I looked for a little more--simplicity, +I guess. This sounds as if she had resorted to a 'Complete Letter-Writer' +for help." + +"Just what I thought, exactly! But I don't know as we can blame her if +she did. The poor child is doubtless unversed in polite correspondence, +and she did her best,--but she felt she needed a little more elegance of +construction and so forth, and she picked out some dressy phrases from +the book." + +"It doesn't matter, anyway," said Patty, generously, "she's glad to come, +and so I'm glad to have her. Let's telegraph at once,--shall us?" + +"Yes; but I don't like that haste of hers. It strikes me queer." + +"Queer, how? She's impatient to start,--that's all. What else could it +mean?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure. But the whole letter's queer,--if you ask me!" + +"I _do_ ask you,--and I ask you _how_ it's queer." + +"It's so,--so jumbly,--incoherent,--choppy." + +"Pooh! don't criticise the lack of style in that poor country child. I'll +teach her to write letters,--and I won't let her know I'm teaching her, +either." + +"You'll teach her lots of things,--I know,--and in that dear, gentle way +of yours, that couldn't hurt or offend anybody. Well, I'll telegraph, +then, for her to come ahead. What else shall I say?" + +"Tell her what road to take, and all directions you can think of. Though +it sounds to me, as if she thought she would have no difficulty as to +travel." + +"Sounds that way to me, too; but I suppose her father can look after such +details. Queer message from her father." + +"Not at all. You said he wasn't overfond of you, so as he sends his +respects to you, I don't think you need ask for more." + +"If she does start right off,--and I'm pretty sure she will,--she'll be +here in a week or so." + +"Of course; but I'll be ready for her. I'll give her the yellow room. +It's big and sunny and has a lovely bath and dressing-room. It's all in +order, too, I'll just make some soft lacy pillows and give it some little +personal touches and it will be all ready for her. Oh, Billee,--think +what a lot we can do for her!" + +Patty's eyes glowed with the anticipation of aiding the little country +girl, but Farnsworth was not so sanguine. + +"You're running a risk, girlie," he said. "Suppose she turns out +impossible. The fact of her being my relative doesn't quite canonise +her, you know. Perhaps she _isn't_ a saint." + +"Now, now, old calamity howler,--I don't want her to be a saint! I hope +and expect she'll be a sweet, docile nature, and her lack of culture, +if any, I shall try to remedy. Her lack of familiarity with social +customs and all that, I _know_ I can remedy. Oh, I expect a busy time +with her,--and I know I shall have to be tactful and kind,--but don't +you think I can be?" + +Farnsworth kissed the wistful, questioning face upturned to his and +assured her that she most certainly could! + +So Patty gaily set about her preparations of the pretty guest chamber. +She hoped Azalea liked yellow,--most girls did,--but if not, she could +easily be moved to the pink guest room. + +This yellow room, however, was so well adapted for a young girl. There +was a long French window that opened on the dearest little balcony, where +the wistaria clambered and made a delightful shade. There was an alcove, +where stood a Chippendale writing desk, and a revolving book rack. There +was a sewing corner, with a fully furnished work-stand; and there was a +soft puffy couch, with a pile of down pillows and a fluffy yellow afghan. +And yet there was ample room for the bed, with its dimity draperies, and +the fascinating toilet table, with its bewildering array of ivory +fittings. + +Uncertain of her guest's tastes, Patty put out few books, only a story or +two of general interest and a couple of new magazines. All such matters +could be attended to after she had sized up the newcomer. + +On the day she was expected, Patty arranged the flowers in the yellow +room herself. + +Naturally, she chose azaleas, and some of a lovely soft tint of buff +harmonised with pale pink ones. White ones too, with a bit of green +foliage, until the room was a bower of beauty. Not overdone, though. +Patty never made the mistake of too many flowers,--fond as she was +of them. + +A last affectionate survey of the room convinced her that all was exactly +as it should be, and with a happy little sigh of contentment she went +down to the porch to await the arrival of the guest, for Farnsworth had +gone to the station to meet her, and they were due now at any minute. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THAT AWFUL AZALEA + + +The car came along the driveway and stopped in front of the porch where +Patty sat. + +Farnsworth stepped out, with a cheery "Here we are!" and Patty rose to +greet the visitor. + +Up the steps toward her flew a figure which, as Patty afterward described +it, seemed like a wild Indian! A slight, wiry figure, rather tall and +very awkward, and possessed of a nervous force that expressed itself in +muscular activity. + +"Oh, how do you do?" the girl cried, explosively. "You're Cousin +Patty,--aren't you?" But even as she spoke, she stumbled on the steps, +pitched forward, falling on Patty, and but for Farnsworth's quick action +would have knocked her down. + +"Jiminy crickets! Ain't I the tangle-foot! Guess I'm getting in bad at +the very start. Hope I didn't hurt you." + +"Not at all," said Patty, recovering her poise, both mental and physical. +"You are very welcome, Azalea. Will you sit here a few minutes before we +go in the house?" + +"Sure! I'll spill myself right into this double-decker!" + +She threw herself into a long wicker lounging-seat, of the steamer-chair +type, and stretched out her feet in evident enjoyment of the relaxation. + +"Well, this is comfort, after travelling cross country for days and days! +I say, Cousin, it was awful good of you to ask me." + +"Think so?" and Patty tried to smile pleasantly. She avoided catching +Bill's eye, for the poor man was overcome with shame and consternation +that his relative should be so impossible. + +"Yep,--I do. My! this place of yours is swell. I never saw such a grand +house--close to. You're rich, ain't you, Cousin William?" + +"So, so," Farnsworth replied, gazing at the girl in a sort of horrified +fascination. "You've changed since last we met," he went on, in an +endeavour to make casual conversation. + +"Well, yes, I s'pose so. They tell me I was a squalling young one when +you were at the Corners. Was I a terror?" + +"Not then!" Bill wanted to answer, but of course he didn't. + +"Not at all," he said, pleasantly. "You were a pretty baby--" + +"But greatly changed,--hey?" + +The girl gave him a quick glance. She was not ill-looking, as to features +and colouring, but her whole effect was unattractive,--even repelling. + +She had flashing black eyes, which darted from one object to another in a +jerky, inquisitive way. Her scarlet lips parted over white, even teeth, +but her lower lip hung, and her half-open mouth gave her an air of +ignorance, often accompanied by rude staring. + +Her black hair was concealed by a coarse straw hat, untrimmed save for +some gaudy flowers embroidered on the straw with crude coloured wools. + +"How do you like my hat?" Azalea asked suddenly. "Just the shape of a +horse's hat, isn't it? But it's all the go. This dress is, too,--hope you +like it,--I do." + +The dress in question was a "sport suit" of a large-sized green and black +check. It was cheap material, and badly cut, and its ill-fitting coat +hung on Azalea's slim shoulders in baggy wrinkles. Her blouse was bright +pink Georgette, beaded with scarlet beads, and altogether, perhaps her +costume could not have been worse chosen or made up,--at least, from +Patty's point of view. + +She ignored the question about the hat, and asked the girl as to her +journey. + +"O.K.," Azalea returned. "Had a bang-up time. Made friends all along the +line. Some of 'em coming to see me. Hope you'll like 'em." + +She stretched out luxuriously in the long chair, throwing her arms above +her head, and crossing her feet, which were dressed with "gun metal" +stockings and shoes. Her hat was pushed awry, and wisps of hair fell +at either side of her face. + +"Now, perhaps you'd like to go to your room," suggested Patty, at her +wits' end what to do with such an unconventional person. + +"Nixy; I'm too comfortable here! I'll chuck my hat, and just enjoy +myself." + +Off came the hat, and was pitched on the floor. Azalea ran her fingers +through her hair, making it a little more disordered than before. It was +pretty hair,--or, rather would have been, if it were better cared for. +Dark, almost black, with a slight inclination to curl, it was bunched +into a tousled knot that was far from picturesque. + +"Oh, come," said Patty, jumping up, for she couldn't stand the girl's +uncouth actions another minute. "Come along with me, Azalea. You must +dress for dinner soon,--and some one might come to call now. We'll have +tea in your room, if you like." + +"Tea! I never drink it. I like coffee,--for breakfast,--or cocoa. But see +here, Cousin, don't you make any difference for me. I ain't company, you +know,--just let me be one of the family, won't you?" + +Many retorts flashed through Patty's mind, but she only said, "Certainly, +Azalea. We want you to be one of us." + +Farnsworth was silent. The man was really aghast. What had he brought on +poor little Patty! He didn't excuse himself with the thought that it was +Patty's doing, not his, that Azalea was there at all, but he felt +personally to blame for having such a relative and for having her there +in their home. He looked helplessly at Patty, with such despair in his +kind eyes, that she ran over and kissed him, in spite of the fact that +they were not alone. + +Azalea giggled. "That's right," she said, affably; "don't mind me! Just +go right on spoonin' even when I'm around. I don't mind. And I don't +wonder you took to her, Cousin William. She's a peach, for fair,--ain't +she?" + +"She certainly is," said Farnsworth, forcing a polite smile, but +conscious of a strong desire to choke his new-found relative. + +His utterly discouraged face roused Patty to fresh efforts at +hospitality, and taking Azalea's arm, she persuaded her to get up +from the lounging chair. + +On her feet, the girl shook herself with a careless abandon of manner, +unheeding the fact that a hairpin flew from her loosened hair, and she +dropped the handkerchief, gloves and small bag that she had had in her +lap. + +"Oh, pshaw," she said, as Bill restored them, "ain't I awful! That's +me--dropping things all the time! But I can pick them up myself--don't +you be bothering." + +She stuffed gloves and handkerchief in the bag, slinging it on +her arm. "My, what a vine!" she said, pulling down a branch of the +wistaria,--and, incidentally, breaking it off. + +"Oh, golly! Look what I done! Just like me! But you've got plenty left." +She tossed the broken branch out on the lawn, and then turned to follow +Patty, already in the doorway. + +"I'm coming!" she said, "lead the way, Cousin, I'll trail you. What a big +house! Don't you ever get lost in it?" + +"No," smiled Patty, "and you won't as soon as you're used to it. This +way, Azalea." + +"Hello! _Hello_! This my room?" The Western girl looked at the pretty +yellow room as Patty ushered her in. + +"Yes, if you like yellow,--if not--" + +"Oh, yes, I like yellow good enough. Don't make any diff to me what +colour a room is. Nice and big, ain't it? Say, do you care if I chuck +some of the lace props into the discard?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Why, these here, now, faddly-duds." And Azalea whisked off a little lace +stand-cover, swept up an armful of lace pillows, and was about to jerk +off the lace bedspread, when Patty protested. + +"Oh, wait a minute,--of course you needn't have anything you don't +want,--but Janet will take off the spread." + +"'Fraid I'll muss it up, hey?" Azalea laughed, "Well. I s'pose I _am_ a +terror! But honest to goodness I can't stand for those ticklers. They get +in my ears!" + +Patty sighed. She had grasped the situation the instant she first +laid eyes on the girl, but somehow it seemed to be developing further +difficulties all the time. + +"Now, Azalea," she began, "let me help you get your travelling dress off +and put you into your kimono, and we'll chat over a cup of tea. Oh, you +don't like tea,--will you have lemonade?" + +"Yep. Love it! Plenty of sugar, though." + +Patty gave the order to Janet, who had appeared to look after the +visitor, and turned back at the sound of Azalea's loud, strident +laughter. + +"Kimono! At six P.M. That's good. Why, Cousin, I use my kim for a +dressing gown, I ain't going to bed,--am I?" + +"No, dear. But we'll have a more cosy time, I think, if you get off your +travel things and have a refreshing bath." + +"Oh, well, I'll take off this rig,--I want to be choice of it, anyway. +You have dinner at night?" + +"Yes, we always do." + +"Well, don't make any change for me, as I said. I ain't accustomed to it, +but I can stand it, I guess. Nothing fazes _me_!" + +Azalea took off her dress and looked at the skirt with concern. + +"Some dusty," she remarked, "but it'll brush off." + +"Oh, yes; lay it on that chair. Janet will look after it." + +"Brush it, you mean?" + +"Yes; clean it and press it properly." + +"My land! does your servant do that?" + +"Certainly. And leave your street shoes out for her to attend to." + +"Oh,--I see! She's a regular outfit! Well, I never had a maid,--but I +guess I can stand one." + +Janet re-entered the room at this moment, and with an attempted air of +grandeur, Azalea flung herself into a low chair, and stuck out her foot +to have her shoe removed. + +Patty gasped. The girl changed so quickly from independence to apparent +helplessness, and yet her manner was so crude and overbearing, that it +was doubtful how the maid would take it. + +However, Janet was not only a well-trained servant, but she adored her +mistress and not for worlds would she have failed in her duty. + +Quietly and respectfully she knelt before Azalea and took off her shoes +and waited on her as she would have waited on any of Patty's more +cultured friends. + +"Yes, put on a kimono, Azalea," Patty said, this time in a decided tone, +and Azalea obeyed. + +Then the tea tray was brought and the two sat together for a time. + +Patty was up against a crisis. She had been thinking deeply ever since +Azalea's arrival, and she was still perplexed. + +Should she try _now_ to reform the girl,--improve her manners, or at +least her general attitude,--or, should she leave her to her own ways for +a time, and trust to her observation of other people to show her her own +faults? + +It was almost impossible not to correct some of Azalea's ignorant +mistakes, but still more difficult to ignore her over readiness to adapt +herself to what she thought was the proper behaviour toward servants. + +On the latter point Patty permitted herself a word when they were alone. + +"Be a little careful with Janet," she said, pleasantly. "She's a bit +peculiar as to disposition. A splendid maid, and a most capable +girl,--but she doesn't like to be ordered about too definitely. You +see, she knows her duties so well, and is so efficient, that it's really +unnecessary to give her directions." + +"Oh, pooh, she's only a servant. You oughtn't to stand for her airs. Why, +our girl at home,--she was a Tartar! But I tamed her. I've a way with +them--" + +"Please, Azalea," and Patty smiled ingratiatingly, "remember, won't you, +that this is my house and these are my servants. I have my own ways of +treating them, and I'm going to ask you to work with me,--not against +me." + +"Dunno what you mean! I've no notion of working against you, Cousin. And +don't you be high and mighty with _me_! We'll get along all right, if you +meet me half way, but--" + +Patty saw her chance. "Good, Azalea! There's my hand on that! We'll meet +each other half way, and you consider my wishes and I'll consider yours." + +The danger point was passed and Azalea smiled again. + +"I want to see the baby," she said suddenly. "I love babies." + +"To-morrow, please. She's asleep now." + +"Well, I can look at her. I won't wake her. I'll be awful careful." + +This interest in Fleurette touched Patty's mother heart, and she +consented. + +"Can I go this way?" said Azalea, looking at her kimono. + +This garment was,--not entirely to Patty's surprise,--a horror of gaily +flowered silkoline, but as they would see no one but the nurse, she +said, "Yes; come along." + +To the nursery they went and there, in her bassinette lay the baby, +asleep. She looked like a lovely little flower, indeed, and Patty gazed +with adoring eyes at the flushed little face. + +"Oh!" cried Azalea, aloud, "what an angel baby!" + +"Hush!" whispered Patty, "don't wake her!" and Nurse Winnie stood around +in a state of nervous apprehension. + +"No, I won't," Azalea said, in such a loud whisper, that it was scarce a +whisper at all,--rather a muffled shout. + +And then she poked her forefinger into the baby's roseleaf cheek. + +"Pretty!" she said, beaming at the child. + +"Oh, don't touch her!" Patty cried out. "Come away, Azalea!" for she +really didn't know what the strange girl would do next. + +"Pshaw! I didn't hurt her. If she's such a touch-me-not, she's no fun at +all! But every-body's like that with their first baby! Silly! Fussy! Just +ridiculous!" + +"I daresay," laughed Patty, determined not to show her annoyance. +"But it's time to dress for dinner,--or nearly. Come back to your +room,--and--wouldn't you like to take a fifteen minute nap? It might +refresh you." + +"It would _not_! Take a nap in broad daylight! I never heard of such a +thing! Oh, well, if I can't speak to that kid let's go back to my room. +I'll skittle into my frock and go down to that flowery, bowery piazza +again. I like that." + +"What shall you put on?" asked Patty, interestedly, as Azalea made a mad +dive into her trunk. + +"Dunno. What say? This?" She held up a mussy looking white muslin, +trimmed with coarse embroidery and some imitation lace. + +"That will do nicely," Patty said, relieved that it was at least white, +and not some of the flamboyant effects she saw still in the trunk. "Janet +will press it off for you,--it's rumpled from packing. And then you +needn't unpack, dear, Janet will do that for you." + +"Oh, I thought you told me not to call on the servant for anything!" + +"No," Patty said, discouraged, "I didn't quite say that,--here's Janet +now. Let her do your hair for you!" + +"Do my hair! Mercy gracious! I should say not! I've never had that done +for me." + +"But I'm sure you'll be pleased with the way she'd do it. Janet is an +artist at hair-dressing." + +"Nopy! nix on the barber act for little Zaly! I'll comb my own wig, thank +you!" + +With a comb, she stood before the cheval glass, and twisted up the dark +mop into a tidy but most unbecoming coil. + +"Don't you _care_ how it looks?" cried Patty, in dismay. "Really, _don't_ +you? And you've such pretty hair!" + +"Then if it's pretty hair, it doesn't need any fancy doing," and Azalea +gave a whimsical smile. "There, that's done. Now for my frock." + +Janet had whisked the white muslin away, and already had it back, pressed +and freshened. + +"Lovely!" Azalea exclaimed; "how ever did you do it so quick? Happen to +have an iron on the stove?" + +"Electric iron," said Patty, briefly. "They're always handy, you know." + +"Never saw one. No, Miss Janet,--not that way, it hooks in the back." + +At last, Azalea was attired, and looked fairly presentable in her white +frock; though having no white shoes and stockings she wore black ones. + +"I'd like white ones," she said, apologetically, "but I could only have +two pairs so I got black and the ones I wore here." + +"Quite right," said Patty, appreciatively; "I'll be glad to get you some +white ones. They'd be pretty with this frock." + +"Oh, thank you. I'd love to have 'em. Where we going now?" + +"Suppose you come to my room, while I dress," Patty suggested, thinking +an object lesson in the arts of the toilette might not be amiss. + +"O.K.," and the visitor strode along by the side of her hostess. + +They _were_ a contrast! Patty, dainty, graceful and sweet, was the very +antithesis of tall, gawky Azalea, with her countrified dress and badly +made black shoes. Her careless air, too, was unattractive,--for it was +not the nonchalance of experience, but the unselfconsciousness of sheer +ignorance of urban ways and manners. + +"My land! what a room," the country girl ejaculated, as they entered +Patty's boudoir. "How ever can you live in this fancy place! It's like +a picture!" + +"It is," agreed Patty, pleased at the comment. "But I love it. I'm afraid +I'm too fond of soft lights and pretty appointments, and delicate +fragrance." + +"Well, you've got it! My land! I'm afraid to move around! I don't want to +break anything." + +"You won't," laughed Patty. "Sit there, and we can talk while I get into +my gown. I do my own hair, too," and she shook down her mop of golden +curls, to Azalea's hearty admiration. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TABLE MANNERS + + +Patty's dining-room was beautiful. She argued that as an appreciable +percentage of one's waking hours were spent there, care and thought +should be given to its appointment. + +The colouring was soft old blue, and the furniture of mahogany. The +lights were pleasantly shaded and the sideboards and cabinets showed +attractive silver and glass in immaculate order. + +"The flowers are in your honour," said Patty, smiling, as they took their +places at the table, in the centre of which was a bowl of azaleas. + +"Ho, ho! You needn't have done that! I ain't accustomed to such grand +things." + +"Now, Azalea, flowers on the table aren't especially grand. I think I +should have them,--if I could,--if I were eating in the middle of the +Desert of Sahara." + +"I believe you would," said Bill, smiling at her; "Patty is a +flower-worshipper, Zaly. Zaly's the name your mother called you when +you were a tiny mite. Tell me about your father? Was he willing to be +left alone?" + +"Oh,--he didn't mind. What lovely silver you have, Patty." + +"Yes; they are my wedding presents." + +"Oh, tell me all about your wedding!" + +"I didn't have any. I mean, not a big reception and all that. We were +married in haste,--so we could have a chance to repent at leisure,--if +we want to." + +"And do you?" asked Azalea, with such a serious air that the other two +laughed. + +"I haven't had leisure enough for _that_ yet," Bill declared. + +"And I don't know what leisure means," Patty said. "I'm busy from morning +till night. If we ever get any leisure,--either of us,--perhaps we'll +begin on that repentance performance." + +But Patty's happy face, as she turned it toward her husband, left little +doubt as to her state of satisfaction with her life. Though, as she said, +she was always busy, it was by her own wish, and she would have been +miserable if she had had nothing to do. + +Azalea, as Bill expressed it later to Patty, was a whole show! + +The girl was ignorant of manners and customs that were second nature to +her hosts, and was even unacquainted with the uses of some of the table +furniture. + +But this they had expected, and both Patty and Bill were more than ready +to ignore and excuse any lapses of etiquette. + +However, they were not prepared for Azalea's attitude, which was that of +self-important bravado. Quite conscious of her shortcomings, the girl's +nature was such that she preferred to pretend familiarity with her +strange surroundings and she assumed an air of what she considered +elegance that was so funny that the others had difficulty to keep from +laughing outright. + +She was especially at great pains to extend her little finger when she +raised a glass or cup, having evidently observed the practice among +people she admired. This finally resulted in her dropping the glass and +spilling water all over her dinner plate. + +"Hang it all!" she cried; "ain't that _me_! Just as I get right into the +swing of your hifalutin ways, I go and upset the applecart! Pshaw! +You'll think I'm a country junk!" + +"Not at all," said Patty, kindly, "'twas an accident that might happen to +anybody. Norah will bring you a fresh plate. Don't think of it." + +"No, I won't have a fresh plate. I'm going to keep this one, to serve me +right for being so awkward." And no amount of insistence would persuade +the foolish girl to have her plate changed. + +"Nonsense, Azalea!" Farnsworth remonstrated, "you can't eat that chicken, +floating around in a sea of potato and water! Don't be a silly! Let Norah +take it." + +"No, I won't," and a stubborn look came into the black eyes. But in the +meantime, Norah had attempted to remove the plate,--carefully, not to +spill the water. + +Azalea made a clutch at it, and succeeded in overturning the whole +thing,--and the food fell, partly in her lap and partly on the pretty +tablecloth. + +"Never mind," said Patty, gaily. "Leave it all to Norah,--she'll do a +conjuring trick." + +And sure enough, the deft waitress whisked the details of the accident +out of sight, spread a large fresh napkin at Azalea's place, set another +plate for her, and was passing her the platter of chicken almost before +she realised what was going on. + +"Well, I never!" she exclaimed; "that was _some_ stunt! Say, I'm sorry, +Cousin Patty,--but I'm a little kerflummixed,--and I may as well own up +to it." + +"Oh, don't be that!" Patty laughed, carelessly. "Forget the past and +enjoy a piece of hot chicken. It's real good,--isn't it?" + +"It's great! I never tasted anything like it!" Whereupon, Azalea took +in her fingers a wing and, with both elbows on the table, proceeded to +enjoy it in her own informal way. But both little fingers were carefully +extended at right angles to the others. She glanced at them now and then, +to make sure. + +Her equanimity restored by Patty's kindliness and tact, the girl lapsed +into what was, doubtless, her customary way of eating. She displayed +undue gusto, smacked her lips at the appearance of a dainty dish and when +the dessert proved to be ice cream, she rolled her eyes ceilingward, and +patted her chest in a very ecstasy of anticipation. + +It was too much for Farnsworth. He appreciated Patty's patience and +endurance, but he knew just how she felt. And it was _his_ cousin who was +acting like a wild Indian at their pretty home table! + +"Azalea," he said,--Norah had left the dining-room,--"who brought you up? +Your mother died some years ago. With whom have you lived since?" + +"Why,--oh,--only with Papa." + +"But Uncle Thorpe,--I remember him well,--was a simple soul, but he was a +quiet, well-behaved man. Why didn't he teach you to be more restrained in +your ways,--especially at table?" + +"Restrained? Oh, you mean I eat too much! Well, I have got a big +appetite, but to-night I guess I'm specially hungry. Or else your eats +are specially good! You don't mind how much I eat, do you, Cousin Patty?" + +"Of course she doesn't," Farnsworth went on, trying to look severe but +obliged to smile at Azalea's total unconsciousness of any wrong manners +on her part. "But she does care if you behave like a 'wild and woolly,' +although she's too polite to say so!" + +"Wild and woolly nothing! I've been awful careful to crook out my +finger,--and that's the very reason why I upset the tumbler!" + +"That's true," agreed Patty, "and so, Zaly, suppose you discontinue that +habit. It isn't done this year." + +"Honest? That so? I'd be mighty glad to quit it!" + +"Do, then," put in Bill. "And while we're on the subject, you won't mind +if I go into it a little more deeply,--will you?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Well, for one thing, they don't put elbows on the table this season as +much as formerly." + +"Pooh! I know that! I didn't mean to,--but I forgot. I guess I know how +to behave,--if I don't always do it!" + +"I'm glad you do, Zaly,--and, listen, dear, you're my relative, you know, +and I'm going to ask you to try to _use_ your knowledge,--for Patty is +too polite to mention such subjects!" + +"Oh, I don't mind! Pick on me all you like,--either of you. I suppose +there are some frills I'm not onto,--but I'm quick at catchin' on,--and +I'll get there, Eli!" + +Norah returned then, and the subject was not continued. Coffee was served +in the library and the small cups excited Azalea's scorn. + +"Skimpy, I call it!" she cried. "And where's the milk?" + +"You may have cream if you wish it, Azalea," said Patty, a little tired +of smiling. "Norah will bring some." + +"Oh, let me get it," and Azalea jumped up. "I remember, Patty, you told +me not to trouble the servants too much." + +"Sit down!" Farnsworth said, in a tone that made Azalea jump. "Wait for +Norah to bring it." + +"Oho! _you_ believe in making the lazy things work, don't you! What's the +use of hiring a dog, and doing your own barking? That's right!" + +Patty struggled with her annoyance, overcame it, and making a gesture to +Bill to keep quiet, she warded off his angry explanations, and took the +situation in her own hands. + +"Here's cream, Azalea," she said, as the maid reappeared, "many people +like it in after dinner coffee, and you're very welcome to it." + +"Licking good!" was the verdict, as Azalea stirred her coffee, and drank +the tiny cupful at one draught. "The sample's fine! I'll take a regular +sized cup, please." + +"For breakfast," smiled Patty. "That's all we serve at night. Are you +fond of music, Azalea?" + +"You bet! Why, we've got some records that are just bang-up!" + +"I remember Uncle Thorpe was quite a singer," said Bill; "do you sing, +too?" + +"Not so's you'd notice it! My voice is like--" + +But the description of Azalea's singing voice was interrupted by the +entrance of two young people. Betty Gale and her brother Raymond stepped +in at the open French window, and laughingly announced themselves as +daring intruders. + +"Very welcome ones," declared Patty, jumping up to greet them, and then +Farnsworth introduced Azalea. + +"You're the real purpose of our visit," said Betty, her charming little +face alight with gay welcome. "We adore our neighbours, and they simply +worship us,--so we're quite prepared to take any friends or relatives of +either of them into our hearts and homes." + +"My!" said Azalea, unable to think of any more fitting response, and +taking Betty's outstretched hand, with her own little finger carefully +extended. + +Betty Gale's eyes opened wide for a fraction of a second, then she as +quickly accepted the situation, and said, cordially, "I'm sure we shall +be friends. And you must like my scapegrace brother, too, if only for my +sake." + +"At first," supplemented Raymond, as he stepped toward Azalea, "but as +soon as you know me better, you'll love me for myself alone,--I feel sure +of that!" + +"My!" said Azalea again. Her bravado deserted her in the presence +of these two merry visitors. They seemed so at ease, so knowing, so +carelessly polite, that Azalea felt as if they were beings from some +other sphere. The Farnsworths, she knew, made allowance for her because +she was a guest in their household, but these people seemed to expect her +to be like themselves, and she suddenly realised she couldn't be as they +were. + +A strange contradictory streak in her nature often made her assume an +accomplishment she did not possess, and now, knowing she couldn't chat in +their lively fashion, she took refuge in an attitude of bold hilarity, +and talked loud and fast. + +"I'll love you, if you make love to me good and proper," she said, with a +burst of laughter. "But I've got a beau back home, who'll go for you, if +he knows it!" + +"Oh, we'll keep it secret," returned young Gale; "I'm awfully good at +keeping secrets of that sort! Trust me. And it shall be my earnest +endeavour to cut out said beau. Meet me halfway, won't you?" + +"Yes, indeed, and then some! I'm a great little old halfway meeter, you +bet!" + +"I'm sure of it!" Gale was laughing now. "Let's go out on the verandah +and talk it over." + +"Don't trust him too implicitly, Miss Thorpe," warned Betty; "my brother +is a first-grade scalawag,--and I want you to be forewarned!" + +"There, there, Sis, I'll do my own forewarning. Come along, Miss Thorpe, +we'll sit under the spreading wistaria tree." + +The two disappeared, and there was a moment's silence, and then Patty +said, + +"Our cousin is from Arizona, and it's hard for her, at first, to adapt +herself to our more formal ways. It must be great out there,--all wide +spaces, and big, limitless distances--" + +"God's country!" said Farnsworth, who always had a love for his Western +wilds. + +"Nix!" cried Betty, "I've been there, and it's just one cactus after +another!" + +"Well, cactuses are all right,--in their place," said Patty, smiling. +"They're as much verdure as maples or redwoods." + +"Quite different kind of verdure," said Betty. "Now, Patty, I want to do +something for your cousin,--right away, I mean, to help you launch her." + +"Oh, no, Betty; you're awfully kind, but--" + +"Yes, I shall, too. I'm your nearest neighbour, and it's my right. I +suppose you'll give her a luncheon or something, first, and then I'll +follow it with a tea, or a dance, or whatever you like. There'll be lots +of things for her later on, so I want to get my bid in first. How pretty +she is." + +"You're a darling, Betty," cried Patty, enthusiastically, touched by her +friend's kindness, "but,--well, there's no use mincing matters,--I'm not +sure Azalea is quite ready to be presented to society." + +"Oh, but your cousin--" + +"Indeed she isn't!" put in Farnsworth, "I want you to understand that +she's _my_ cousin,--not Patty's. And, also my wife's quite right,--Azalea +is not ready for social functions,--of any sort. You see, Betty, we can't +blink the facts,--she's of the West, western,--in the least attractive +sense. I'm fond of my home, and unashamed of my people, but all the same, +I'm not going to have Patty embarrassed by the ignorance and awkwardness +of an untutored guest. And so here's where I set my foot down. We accept +no invitations for Azalea until we think she is in trim to make a correct +appearance in society." + +"Oh, Cousin Bill, I overheard you and I think you're just horrid!" Azalea +came running back into the room, while Raymond Gale followed, evidently +in a dilemma how to act. + +"Cousin Patty would let me go, I know, and I _want_ to go to Miss Gale's +to a party! Just because I upset a glass of water at dinner, you're mad +at me! It isn't fair! I think you're real mean!" + +The girl went up to Farnsworth and almost scowled at him as she awaited +his response. + +But he looked at her steadily,--even sternly. + +"Of course it must be as Patty says," he told her, at last, "but I will +say, Azalea, that I'm surprised at you--" + +"Why should you be surprised at me? You invited me to come and see you. +If I'm not good enough to visit you, I'll go home again. You didn't ask +me any questions,--you just said come along,--and I came. I ain't a +swell,--like these friends of yours,--but I am your cousin, and you've +got no right to scorn me!" + +"That's so, Bill," Patty said, seriously; "and here's another thing. +Betty has met Azalea now,--she knows just what she is. If she still +cares to ask her to her house, I shall approve of her going. I want to do +all I can for our cousin, and there's no better way to teach people to +swim, than to throw them into the water!" + +"Bully for you, Cousin Patty!" Azalea cried, her eyes snapping at Bill. +"I'm not so bad as I might be, and I'll do just what you tell me." + +"I'm sure you will," agreed Betty, and Farnsworth looked at her +appreciatively, feeling a deep sense of gratitude at the way she was +helping Patty out. + +"It seems hard on you, Azalea," he went on, "to talk of you like +this,--as if you were not present,--but it is so. You need,--I'm not +going to hesitate to tell you,--you need a thorough training in matters +pertaining to polite society. Unless you are willing to accept our +teachings and do your best to profit by them,--I am going to send you +back home! For much as I want to be kind and helpful to my young +cousin,--I will not even try, if it makes my wife any trouble or +embarrassment." + +"Oh, pshaw, Little Billee,--leave Azalea to me,--I can manage her." + +"You can't, Patty, without her cooperation and willingness. Will you +promise those, Azalea?" + +"Sure I will! I'm a great little old promiser,--I am!" + +"And will you keep your promises?" + +"You bet! I don't want to go home when I've just got here! And if my +learning things is my meal ticket,--then I'm ready to learn." + +Farnsworth sighed. He had had, as yet, no chance to talk to Patty alone, +since their misfit visitor had arrived. He had been firmly resolved to +send her home again,--until now, that Patty and Betty seemed willing to +take her in hand. If they were, it would be a great injustice to the +Western girl not to give her the chance to learn refinement and culture +from those two who were so well fitted to teach her. + +And, anyway,--he continued to muse,--perhaps Azalea's worst faults were +superficial. If she could be persuaded to amend her style of talk and +her _gauche_ manners, perhaps she was of a true fine nature underneath. +His Uncle,--so-called,--and his Aunt Amanda, he remembered as kindly, +good-hearted people, of fair education, though lacking in elegance. + +"Oh, don't take it so seriously," cried the vivacious Betty, as she noted +Farnsworth's thoughtful face: "leave the little girl to us for a few +weeks,--and you will be surprised at the result! You'll do just as I tell +you,--won't you, Azalea?" + +"If you tell me the same as Cousin Patty," was the reply, and the strange +girl gave Patty a look of loyalty and admiration that won her heart. + +"That's right, Zaly, dear," Patty cried, "you're my girl, first, last and +all the time! And we'll both do as Betty says,--because she knows it all! +She knows lots more than I do." + +"Indeed I do!" and the saucy Betty laughed. "Well, then, I'll arrange for +a dance for Azalea very soon. Do you dance?" + +"I don't know," replied Azalea, "I never tried." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + + +Big Bill Farnsworth came into the nursery, where Patty was playing with +the baby. It was the nurse's luncheon hour, and Patty always looked +after Fleurette then. + +"Take her, Daddy," Patty cried, holding up the soft, fragrant little +bundle of happy humanity, and Farnsworth grasped the child in his strong +careful way, and tossed her up high above his head. + +The baby laughter that followed proved Fleurette's delight in this +performance, and she mutely insisted on its repetition. + +"Azalea does that," said Patty, in a troubled tone, "she is strong and +very athletic, I know, but I can't bear to see anybody toss baby around +but you." + +"No; Azalea oughtn't to do it,--she is strong, but she isn't careful +enough. Don't allow it, Patty." + +"I do forbid it, but she comes in here when I don't know it,--or she +picks baby out of her carriage, Winnie says, and tosses her clear up and +catches her again." + +"I'll speak to her about it; why, she'll drop the child some day! She +must not do it!" + +"I wish you would speak to her," Patty sighed. "Azalea is really a +trial. I don't know what to do with her. Sometimes she is so sweet and +docile that I think I'm teaching her to be a civilised person, and then +she flies off at a tangent and she's as unruly and intractable as she +was at first." + +"How long has she been here now?" + +"Nearly a month. I've tried and Betty has tried,--and, yes, Azalea has +tried herself,--but we can't seem to--" + +"Camouflage her!" + +"That's just it! I want her to look like the background she's against +here,--and she doesn't!" + +"I should say not! Last night at dinner she threw herself back in her +chair and yawned openly--" + +"Openly! It was all of that! I saw her,--across the table through the +flowers. And, Billee,--she's queer--that's what she is,--queer!" + +"Have you noticed that, too? Yes, she _is_ queer,--here take this +Little Flower. She's nearly asleep." + +"So she is,--give her to me,--there, there, mudder's pressus,--petty +poppity,--yes, she's queer!" + +"Who? Fleurette?" + +"You know very well I don't mean Fleurette! I mean that Pride of the +West,--that stranger within our gates,--that thorn in the flesh,--that +awful Azalea!" + +"Meaning me?" and Azalea herself popped her head in at the nursery door. + +"Yes," replied Farnsworth, imperturbably, "meaning you. Come in, Azalea, +I want to speak to you. When have you heard from your father?" + +"Let me see--about a week ago, I think." + +"Will you show me the letter?" + +"Why, how inquisitive you are! What do you want to see it for?" + +"I'd like to read it. I suppose it isn't distinctly a private letter." + +"N-no, of course not. But, the truth is,--I haven't got it." + +"What did you do with it?" + +"I--I tore it up." + +"Was it unpleasant?" + +"No, but as I had answered it,--I didn't need to keep it." + +"What was in it? Tell me,--in a general way." + +"Oh,--it said--he hoped I was well,--and he--he hoped you were +well,--and--" + +"And he hoped Patty was well! and he hoped the baby was well,--yes,--and +after those polite hopes, what else did he say?" + +"Why,--why, I don't know,--I guess that was about all." + +"Oh, it was! Why didn't he tell you something about himself? What he was +doing,--or going to do?" + +"I don't know. Papa isn't very much of a letter writer." + +"Well, he used to be! It was his special forte. I've had letters from +him a dozen pages long. I don't believe he's outgrown his bent of letter +writing. Now, listen, to this, Azalea, the next letter you get from him, +I want you to show it to me, see? If there's anything in it you don't +want me to know about, cut that out,--but show me at least the beginning +and the ending,--and a part of a page. You hear me?" + +"Of course I hear you,--not being deaf! And I'll show you the +letter,--if I think of it." + +"You'll think of it,--I'll see to that, myself. You ought to get one +soon, oughtn't you?" + +"No,--I haven't answered his last one yet." + +"Why, you just said you had!" + +"Oh, I meant the one before the last--" + +"You meant nothing of the sort. And, mind you, Azalea, this is a direct +command,--you _must_ show me his next letter." + +"I won't take commands! How dare you? You have no right to order me +about so. I hate you!" + +"Don't talk so, Zaly," Patty said, gently. "Cousin Bill isn't asking +anything out of the way. There's no reason you shouldn't show him your +father's letter,--in part, at least,--is there now?" + +"N--no,--but I don't want to." + +"Of course you don't," put in Bill, "and for a very good reason!" + +"What reason?" cried Azalea, her black eyes flashing. + +"You know as well as I do." + +"I don't!" + +"Very well, say no more about it now,--only remember I want to see the +next one." + +Azalea flounced out of the room, very angry, and muttering beneath her +breath. + +"What in the world, Little Billee, are you getting at?" asked Patty, as +she cuddled Fleurette into her shoulder. + +"There's something queer, Patty, something very queer about that girl!" + +"You've oft repeated that assertion, Sweet William,--just what do you +mean by it?" + +"What I say, Faire Ladye! There's something rotten in the state of +Denmark,--there is that!" + +"But why are you so anxious to see her father's letters?" + +"They're part of the queer element. Have you ever seen her get one,--or +read one from him?" + +"Not that I definitely remember; but she may easily have read them right +before me, and I not have known it." + +"But wouldn't she be likely to read a word or two,--or deliver some +polite message he might send?" + +"I should think so,--but she never has." + +"That's the queerness." + +"Oh, do tell me, dear, what you're getting at! Do you think Mr. Thorpe +is dead,--and she never told us? There'd be no sense in that!" + +"Not a bit! It's something queerer than that." + +"Do you think he's married again?" + +"Queerer than that." + +"Will-yum Farnsworth, if you don't tell your own wife what you mean, +I'll never speak to you again! There!" + +"At risk of that awful condition of things, I won't tell you just yet. +But you do this. Here's something you can do toward solving the +mystery,--and I can't. Find out for sure,--don't ask her, but see for +yourself,--if Azalea gets a letter from Horner's Corners addressed in a +big, bold Spencerian hand. I remember Uncle Thorpe's handwriting +perfectly, and it's unmistakable. I've not seen it since Azalea came." + +"Goodness, do you call it a mystery?" + +"I do, indeed. You'll find out it's a pretty startling mystery, or I +miss my guess." + +"Well, Azalea is a handful, I admit, but I think she's good at heart, +and she is devoted to my booful little Fleury-floppet! My own +Dolly-winkums,--who looks prezackly like her Daddy-winkums!" + +"Patty, you'll go to the lunatic asylum some day, if you let yourself +talk such gibberish!" + +"Listen to him, Baby mine, my flubsy-dubsy,--my pinky-poppy-petal, +listen to your dreadful Dads! Isn't he the--" + +"The what?" and Farnsworth strode across the room and took his wife and +child both into his big bear-like embrace. + +"The dearest, sweetest man in the world!" Patty said, laughing but +nearly smothered in his arms. + +"All right, you're excused," and he let them go. + +Nurse Winnie came then and took Fleurette, and the two elder Farnsworths +went downstairs together. + +They heard voices on the wistaria porch, and soon saw that Azalea was +entertaining two guests. + +They were strangers, and not very attractive looking people. + +"Shall we step out there?" Farnsworth asked. + +"No," decreed Patty; "let her alone. It's probably those people she +picked up on the train coming here. She has spoken of them to me. Don't +let's go out, or we may have to invite them to stay to dinner,--and +judging from this long distance view of them, I don't care specially to +do so." + +"No. I don't either; the man looks like a drummer and the woman like +a--" + +"A chorus girl!" said Patty, after one more peep at the stranger. + +Leaving Azalea to entertain her friends without interruption they went +out on a porch on the other side of the house. And soon Raymond Gale +sauntered over from his home next door and joined them there. + +"Some strong-arm, your Azalea guest," he said, in the course of +conversation. + +"Yes," agreed Patty, a little shortly. + +"She was over in our gym, this afternoon, and she put up as fine an +exhibition of stunts as I've seen in a long time." + +"What sort of stunts?" asked Bill. + +"All sorts, from lariat or lasso work to handsprings and ground and +lofty tumbling. That girl's been trained, I tell you!" + +"Trained in a school?" + +"No: her work is more as if self-taught,--or coached by a cowboy. She +hails from Arizona, doesn't she?" + +"Yes. Here she is now; I hear you're an athlete, Zaly." + +"Only so-so," the girl replied, half-absently. + +"Have your friends gone?" asked Patty. + +"Yes." + +"I recognised them," began young Gale: "they were--" + +Azalea turned to him quickly. "Don't you say who they were!" she cried, +emphatically. "I don't want you to! Don't you dare mention their names! +It's a secret!" + +"Oh, all right, I won't. Don't take my head off!" Ray Gale laughed +carelessly, and pretended to be afraid of the excited girl. + +"Why, why, Zaly," said Patty, "who can your friends be that you won't +tell their names? I'm surprised!" + +"Their names are--are Mr. and Mrs. Brown," said Azalea, with a defiant +look at Raymond, who merely opened his eyes wide and said nothing. + +It was quite evident that Brown was _not_ the name of the people who had +called on Azalea, and Patty could not imagine what reason there could be +for the girl to tell such a falsehood. + +"Is that the right name, Gale?" asked Bill, briefly. + +But Raymond Gale only shook his head. + +"Miss Thorpe says so," he replied, "surely she ought to know." + +The subject was dropped and not resumed until after Gale had gone home. + +Then Farnsworth asked Azalea who her friends were who had called. + +"I told you they were Mr. and Mrs. Brown," she said, glibly. "I met them +on the train coming from the West, and we got quite well acquainted." + +"But their name is _not_ Brown," Bill said, quietly, "tell me what it +is,--or, tell me _why_ you don't want to divulge it." + +"It _is_ Brown," persisted Azalea, but the way she spoke and the way her +eyes fell before Farnsworth's steady gaze, belied her words. + +"I'm sorry, but I can't believe you," he said. + +"I can't help that," she returned, pertly, and ran away to her own room. + +"What's she up to now?" said Patty. + +"Part of the queerness," Bill vouchsafed, and said no more about it. + + * * * * * + +The next day, Azalea went to her room directly after breakfast, and, +locking the door, remained there all the morning. + +At luncheon she was quiet, and absent-minded, and as soon as the meal +was over she went back to her room. + +It was nearly five o'clock, when Patty, puzzled at such actions, tapped +at Azalea's door. + +"What's the matter, dear?" she called, through the closed door, as there +was no response to her knock. + +"Nothing; let me alone!" came Azalea's impatient voice. + +"Are you ill? Don't you feel well?" + +"Let me alone. I'm all right." The tone was ungracious, and there was no +mistaking the import of her speech, so Patty went away. + +At dinner time Azalea appeared. She wore the same frock she had worn all +day, and Patty looked at her in amazement. Apparently she had been +working hard at something. Her hair was rumpled, her collar awry, and +her whole appearance untidy and unpresentable. + +"Have you been busy?" Patty said; "couldn't you get time to dress?" + +"Forgot it!" muttered Azalea. "Sorry. Shall I go back and dress?" + +Patty hesitated. It would, of course, delay dinner, which was already +announced,--and, too, in Azalea's present state of pre-occupation, she +might fall to work again, and not come to dinner at all. + +So Patty said, "No, come as you are," and she gave Azalea's hair a +touch, and pulled her collar straight. + +Farnsworth watched the "queer" girl all through dinner. Azalea had +improved somewhat in manners, though her notions of table etiquette +still left much to be desired. + +To-night she was unlike herself. She answered in monosyllables when +spoken to, and paid no attention to the conversation of the others. + +"I expect my friend Elise Farrington to-morrow," said Patty; "I'm sure +you'll like her, Azalea." + +"Will she like me?" said the girl, indifferently. + +"If she doesn't, it will be your own fault," and Patty took advantage of +the opportunity for a word of warning. "Elise is a person of strong +likes and dislikes. If you try to be real nice and courteous she will +certainly like you, and if you're rude and blunt, I don't believe she +will. Do you care, Azalea, whether she does or not?" + +"No," said Azalea, calmly, and Patty gave a sigh of despair. What was +the use of trying to help a girl who acted like that? + +Farnsworth, too, shook his head, and glanced at Patty with a +sympathetic smile, and then they talked together to the entire exclusion +of Azalea, who was so wrapped in her own thoughts that she didn't even +notice them. + +Not waiting for coffee, when the others went to the library, Azalea, +with the briefest "good-night," went up to her room, and again locked +her door. + +"What does ail her?" exclaimed Patty, as she and her husband sipped +their coffee. + +"I don't know,--but I'm going to find out. Any letter from her father +to-day?" + +"No; I looked over her mail. Oh, it does seem awful, to look +inquisitively at another's letters!" + +"It's necessary, dear, in this case. There's a big mystery about Azalea +Thorpe, and we must solve it, or there'll be trouble!" + +"I wish you'd tell me all about it." + +"I will, soon. Trust me, darling, I'd rather not say what I suspect, +until I've a little more reason for my suspicion. It's _too_ incredible! +And yet,--it _must_ be so!" + +"All right, my True Love. I can wait. Now, listen, and I'll tell you of +the marvellous achievement of your daughter to-day!" + +And Farnsworth listened with all his heart to the amazing tale of +Fleurette's intelligent observation of a red balloon. + +The next day Elise came. + +"Here I am!" she cried, as she stepped from the motor, and flew into +Patty's embrace. "Where's your eccentric cousin I've heard about? But +first, where's my godchild? I've brought her the loveliest presents! Let +me at her!" + +"All right," said Patty, laughing at her impatience, "come right along +to the nursery before you take your hat off." + +The two went to the nursery, and Patty softly opened the door. But the +room was empty. + +"That's funny," Patty said, "Winnie always has baby here at this hour. +She takes her morning nap about now. Where can they be?" + +The bassinette was disordered, as if the child had been taken from it, +and Patty looked at it in amazement. She ran around to several adjoining +rooms, and returned, with a frightened face. + +"Elise, there's no sign of Baby or Winnie anywhere! What does it mean?" + +"Goodness! _I_ don't know! Did the nurse go down to see her beau,--and +take the baby with her?" + +Just then Nurse Winnie appeared: "Here's the food, Mrs. Farnsworth," +she said, showing a bowl of steaming white liquid. "It's all ready." + +"What food?" said Patty, mystified. + +"Miss Thorpe came here fifteen minutes ago, and said you ordered me to a +make a bowl of prepared food,--that Fleurette was not getting enough +nourishment." + +"Why, I did nothing of the sort! Where is Miss Thorpe? And where is the +baby?" + +"I don't know," and Winnie looked as if she thought Patty was crazy. +"Don't you know, ma'am?" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +MISSING! + + +Elise gave one glance at Patty's white, scared face and one glance +At Nurse Winnie's red, frightened face, and then she herself began +To scream. + +"Stop that, Elise!" Patty cried, "it's bad enough to have my baby +kidnapped, without your yelling like a Comanche! Hush, I tell you!" + +But Elise wouldn't, or couldn't hush. The word "kidnapped" upset any +composure she may have had left, and she burst into hysterical sobbing. + +"Of course," she said brokenly, between sobs, "she's kidnapped! You and +Bill are so--so wealthy and grand--she's just the child the kidnappers +would pick out for ransom--and--" + +"Don't--don't, Elise," begged Patty, her voice shaking; "I don't believe +she's kidnapped at all. It's far more likely Azalea took her out for a +ride or something. She's crazy over the baby and she always wants to +have her to herself, but, she says, Winnie won't let her." + +"And indeed not!" spoke up the nurse. "Miss Thorpe,--she tosses the +child about in a way that'd fair curdle your blood! That she does!" + +"That's true," said Patty. "You see, Bill pitches baby around just as he +likes, and so Azalea thinks she may do the same." + +"Then she did do that,--and she dropped her,--and maybe killed her!" + +Elise voiced her new theory with a fresh burst of grief, and the idea +struck a chill to Patty's heart. She took no stock in the kidnapping +theory, for Winnie had left the child with Azalea, who would have fought +off a horde of marauders before she let them carry off the little one. +No, whatever had happened was doubtless Azalea's doing. But Elise's +notion of an accident to Fleurette might come somewhere near the truth. + +"Of course that's it," Elise went on, excitedly. "The idea of a girl +throwing a baby about! What did she do, Winnie? I mean did she let go +of her?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am! She often would throw Fleurette clear up in the air +and catch her as she came down." + +"She _is_ athletic," conceded Patty. "Over at the Gales' gymnasium she +does all sorts of stunts. But I don't want her doing them with my baby!" +she broke down, and cried piteously. + +"Sometimes," vouchsafed Winnie, "Miss Azalea would toss the baby into +the bassinette, instead of laying her down. She always pitched her +straight in,--and baby liked it! You see, Miss Thorpe was very gentle +with the child, and never missed her aim. But I was fair frightened to +watch her." + +"You ought not to have allowed it, Winnie," Patty said, severely. "Why +didn't you tell me, if you couldn't make Miss Thorpe stop it?" + +"Miss Thorpe told me you wanted her to do it, ma'am. She said it +was good exercise for the child, and,--you know her father does +it,--and,--begging your pardon,--Miss Thorpe is even more skilful +than Mr. Farnsworth." + +"Well,--it's his baby!" defended Patty. "Oh, Winnie, suppose an accident +did happen,--and Miss Thorpe hurt Fleurette in some dreadful way,--and--" + +"And ran away, in sheer fright!" suggested Elise. + +"No: she'd be more likely to run to the doctor's. Our doctor lives near +here. I'm going to telephone him--I'm 'most sure Azalea would do that." + +Doctor Marsh was not in, but his office boy said he had not had any call +from Azalea by telephone or in person. + +Patty was quite calm now. Her efficient self had risen to the emergency +and she was quickly considering what was best to do. + +"I'm going to telephone Bill," she said, as if thinking aloud,--"but +first, I'm going to call up the Gales, and see if Zaly could have taken +Fleurette over there. You know Azalea is utterly lawless,--it's +impossible to imagine what she will do. Oh, Elise, you've no idea what +we go through with that girl! She is a terror! And yet,--well, there is +something about her I can't help liking. For one thing, she's so fond of +Fleurette. If she has hurt her,--well, Azalea would just about kill +herself!" + +A telephone call to the Gales' produced no information as to the +whereabouts of Azalea or the baby. Betty replied that she hadn't seen +any one from Wistaria Porch that day, and was thinking of coming over to +call. + +"Don't come just now," said Patty, half-absently, and then she hung up +the receiver without further words. + +"Well, I think I'll have to call up Bill," she said, at last. "You see, +he's fearfully busy today, with a specially important matter, and he +probably won't be in his own office, anyway. And I hate to intrude on +a directors' meeting,--that is, if there's no necessity. And yet,--it +seems as if I must!" + +"Oh, do," cried Elise; "you really must, Patty! Why, Bill would reproach +you if you didn't." + +So Patty called Farnsworth's office. Bill's business consisted of varied +interests. He was a consulting engineer, he was a mining expert, and he +was still connected with government work. So, frequently, he could not +be found in his office, though he usually left word where Patty could +get in touch with him. + +But in this instance it was not so. The confidential secretary gave +Patty the address Farnsworth had left with him, but when she called that +he had already gone from there. + +With long-suffering patience, Patty called number after number, hoping +to find Farnsworth at some of the likely places she could think of. + +But number after number brought no results,--and Patty turned from the +telephone in despair. + +"Well, Elise," she said, forlornly, "you might as well go to your room, +and get your hat off. Come on, I'll go with you,--and I may think of +something else to do about Baby. For the present I seem to be at my +wits' end." + +Of course, in the meantime the nurse and the other servants had searched +the house and grounds,--but there was really no chance of finding +Fleurette that way. + +It was all too certain that Azalea had taken her away somewhere. And it +might be all right,--it might be that Azalea had merely taken the child +out for a walk. She had been known to do this,--but never before without +Patty's sanction. Of late, though, Patty had objected to it because she +feared that Azalea might not return quickly enough. Twice she had been +gone for two or three hours, and though the baby seemed all right, Patty +didn't approve of the performance. + +"That's it," she summed up, after telling Elise of this; "you see, I +haven't approved of such long absences and so Zaly just walked off. Of +course, she sent Winnie down for the food, in order to get a chance to +put on Baby's things, and depart unseen." + +"But she told the nurse _you_ ordered the food prepared." + +"Yes. I may as well own up, Elise, that Azalea is not strictly +truthful." + +"Why do you have her around? I think she's horrid!" + +"Well, you see, _I_ got her here. To be sure, she is Little Billee's +cousin,--that is, second or third cousin,--once or twice removed--" + +"I wish she was removed from here,--once, twice and all the time!" +declared Elise. "Bill had no business to inflict her on you!" + +"He didn't. He fairly begged me not to invite her here. But I insisted +on it. You see, we neither of us had any idea of what she was like. Bill +hadn't seen her since she was a baby, and she was different then!" + +"I s'pose so! Well, having found out how 'different' she is now, why +don't you send her home?" + +"Oh, I can't. And, to tell you the truth, Elise, I want to help the +girl. She's ignorant and inexperienced, but she has a sort of native +quickness and wit, and I feel sure if I could teach her for a while, +she could learn to be one of us,--and in time become a fine woman." + +"Oh, you philanthropist! And meantime she has run off with your baby!" + +"The baby carriage is gone, Mrs. Farnsworth," said Winnie, appearing +suddenly. "So I expect Miss Thorpe took baby in that." + +"Yes, probably," said Patty, despairingly. "Oh, Elise, this suspense is +driving me crazy! If I knew that Zaly had her,--and if I knew nothing +had happened, I'd feel _so_ relieved. But suppose she did break +Fleurette's little arm or leg--" + +"Or back!" put in Elise; "you must _not_ let her pitch the baby around! +It's criminal!" + +"But you don't know how deft she is. Why, she's almost a contortionist +herself. She can turn handsprings and--" + +"I don't care if she's the greatest acrobat the world ever saw! There's +_always_ chance of an accident! And with a baby, you _never_ know. +Suppose Fleurette squirmed out of her grasp, just as she--" + +"Oh, hush! Elise, you drive me distracted! It _can't_ be anything like +that!" + +"Yes, it can! I hope it isn't, but do let this be a lesson to you, +Patty! Don't ever allow that girl to see the baby again,--much less +touch her! I think you and Bill must have taken leave of your senses to +give her such freedom! Why, you don't deserve to have that heavenly +baby!" + +"That's so, Elise, I don't!" and Patty broke into a flood of tears. "My +little flower! My precious own baby! How could I ever let Azalea touch +her? But, Elise, Zaly loves her as much as we do." + +"That may be,--and of course, she wouldn't harm the child wilfully. But, +as I said, accidents will happen,--and if it's Bill's fault, why,--of +course, it's his own child,--and that's different. But Azalea has no +business to take chances with other people's children." + +"I know it, and if she only brings her back this time in safety,--I'll +never let her see Fleurette alone again!" + +All that afternoon Patty suffered agonies of suspense. Now she would cry +uncontrollably,--and again, she would sit, still and dry-eyed, waiting +for some sound of Azalea's arrival. + +But no rolling wheels of the baby coach greeted her ears, nor any little +crowing notes of glee from her baby's lips. + +Several times she tried again to reach Farnsworth by telephone,--but +always unsuccessfully. + +At last the long hours wore away, and Farnsworth came home. + +Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace. + +"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today? +I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have +flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know. Then, Rollins +told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what +it's all about." + +His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed +easier to bear, with his help near. + +"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette." + +"Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the +kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see +you! When did you arrive? This morning?" + +"No; this afternoon. But, Bill, this matter is serious. Azalea took the +baby away, on the sly." + +"That's like her! Azalea has sly ways. And more than that,--she has +queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,--very +wrong,--about the girl. Did she get a letter to-day?" + +"No; not this morning. I forgot to look this afternoon." + +"What do you mean?" asked Elise, her curiosity aroused. "Do you keep tab +on her letters, Patty?" + +"Yes; I'm ordered to by my lord and master. He thinks--" + +"Never mind, dear, drop the subject now. I've a good reason, Elise, for +watching the letters,--not mere idle curiosity. Now, Patty, for details. +What do you mean by taking the baby on the sly!" + +So Patty told him how Azalea had ordered the baby's food prepared, +saying Patty has asked her to do so. + +"H'm, h'm,--looks bad. But don't worry, little mother, I'm sure nothing +has happened to our Little Flower,--I mean nothing of an accidental +nature. Azalea is exceedingly fond of the baby, and I can easily imagine +her wanting to take her for a ride this beautiful afternoon. It's +perfectly wonderful out! There's a soft breeze and the air is +delightful--" + +"But why didn't she ask me?" cried Patty. + +"Afraid you'd say no!" and Farnsworth smiled. "You know, you've not been +overly gracious of late about Azalea taking baby out." + +"I know it, but I had my own reasons." + +"And quite right you should have. But, don't worry, I'm sure the two +wanderers will turn up all right." + +Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when +Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said, + +"No-sir-ee! Zaly is a terror, and a trial in lots of ways, but if she +had let that child fall, she would have called Patty and Winnie and the +whole household for help, and would have run for the doctor herself! She +never would have run away! Not Azalea! She's no coward,--whatever other +unpleasant traits she may possess." + +"That's so," agreed Patty; "and she truly loves the baby. No, Elise, +nothing like that happened,--I'm sure. I see it as Bill does, now. It +_is_ a heavenly day,--and Zaly felt pretty sure I wouldn't let her take +Baby out by herself, without the nurse,--and she does love to do +that,--and so she sneaked off, and made up that yarn about the food in +order to get Fleurette's hat and coat on! Oh, she's a manoeuvrer!" + +"Well, I'm glad you both feel that way about it," said Elise; "of course +you know the girl better than I do,--as I've never even seen her! but if +she's such a strong-arm, I think I'm rather afraid of her!" + +"Oh, I imagine you can hold your own against her!" laughed Patty, happy +now, since Bill's reassurance of her darling's safety. "All the same, I +wish Zaly would come home! It's after six! Come on, Elise, let's dress +for dinner, and then that will be done." + +They went to their rooms, and soon Patty was all dressed and had +returned to her post of vantage on the wistaria porch, to look for the +return of the lost ones. And at last, through the gathering dusk, she +saw a baby carriage being propelled along the roadway. + +"Here we are!" cried a voice, which Azalea tried hard to make casual, +but which showed in its quality a trace of apprehension. + +"Oh!" Patty cried, and without another word flew down the steps, and +fairly grabbed her baby. + +The child was asleep, but Patty lifted her from the pillows and gazed +into the little face. Apparently there was nothing wrong, but the +golden head cuddled down on Patty's shoulder and the baby slept on. + +"She's tired," vouchsafed Azalea, "but she's all right." + +"Where have you been?" asked Farnsworth sternly, as he came out of the +front door. + +"Just for a walk," said Azalea, trying to speak pertly, but quailing +before the accusing blue eyes fixed upon her. + +Patty said no word to the girl, but holding Fleurette close, went at +once to the nursery with her. + +"She's all right, Winnie, isn't she?" the mother asked, anxiously. + +"Yes, ma'am,--I think so,--but she's a little too droopy for mere +sleepiness." + +"Droopy! what do you mean?" + +"It may be nothing,--Mrs. Farnsworth,--it may be only that she's tired +out and very sleepy,--but she acts a mite as if she'd been--" + +"Been what? Speak out, Winnie! What do you mean?" + +"Well,--she acts to me like a baby that's had something soothing--some +drops, you know." + +"Something to make her sleep?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Oh, nonsense! Miss Thorpe couldn't give her anything like that! And why +would she? Don't you make any mistake, Winnie, Miss Thorpe adores this +baby!" + +"I know it, she does, Mrs. Farnsworth, but all the same,--look at those +eyes, now." + +Patty looked, but it seemed to her that the blue eyes drooped from +natural weariness, and assuring herself that no bones were broken or +out of place, she drew a long sigh of relief and told Winnie to put +Fleurette to bed as usual. + +The nurse shook her head sagely, but said no more of her fears. + +Patty returned to the porch where Farnsworth was still talking to +Azalea. Apparently he had scolded her sharply, for she was crying, and +that with Azalea Thorpe was a most unusual performance. She usually +resented reproof and talked back in no mild-mannered way. But now she +was subdued and even frightened of demeanour, and Patty knew that Bill +had done all that was necessary and further reproaches from her were not +needed. + +"And another thing," Farnsworth was saying, "I want to know why you have +had no letters from your father since I asked to see one,--that was two +or three weeks ago!" + +"I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning." + +"Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and +returned with the letter. + +There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and +read: + + +MY DEAR CHILD: + +I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a +nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are +staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome +without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and +get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and +his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine +child. I am well, and I hope you are, too. With much affection, from +your loving + +FATHER. + + +"Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face +to Azalea. + +"I tore it up." + +"Why?" + +"I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one." + +"Address typewritten?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +VANITY FAIR + + +The Farnsworths made no difference in their treatment of Azalea, after +her escapade. Bill had scolded her severely for taking the baby away +without leave, and sternly forbidden her ever to do so again, and the +girl had promised she would not. + +Patty had said nothing to her on the subject, feeling that she could +best keep Azalea's friendliness by ignoring the matter, and she was +trying very hard to teach the girl the amenities of social life. + +And Azalea was improving. She behaved much better at table and in the +presence of guests. Patty rejoiced at the improvement and, as she took +strict care that Azalea should have no opportunity to see Fleurette +alone, she feared no repetition of those anxious hours when the baby was +missing. + +Elise rather liked the Western girl. They became good friends and went +for long strolls together. Elise was a good walker, and Azalea was +tireless. + +One day they had gone a long distance from home, when suddenly Azalea +said, "I wish you'd stay here a few minutes, Elise, and wait for me." + +"Why, where are you going?" asked the other, in astonishment. + +"Never mind, it's a little secret,--for the present. You just sit here +on the grass and wait,--there's a duck. Here's a book you can read." + +Azalea offered Elise a small volume--it was a new humorous publication, +and one Elise had expressed a desire to read. She took it, saying, "All +right, Zaly, go ahead, but don't be too long." + +Azalea left her, and Elise soon became absorbed in the book. + +It was a full half hour before Azalea returned. + +"Where _have_ you been?" asked Elise, looking up, and then glancing at +her watch. "It's half-past four!" + +"I know it. That's not late. Come on, let's go home." + +Azalea was smiling and in an excited mood, but she looked +tired,--almost exhausted, as well. She was flushed, and her hair was +rumpled, and her breath came quickly, as if she had been through some +violent exercise. + +"What _have_ you been up to, Zaly?" Elise asked, curiously. "You look +all done up!" + +"I went for a walk by myself. Sometimes I have moods--" + +"Fiddlesticks! Don't try to make me think you had a longing for +self-communion or any foolishness of that sort! I know you, Azalea +Thorpe! You went off to meet somebody--" + +"I did not! How you talk, Elise Farrington!" + +"Yes, you did! Somebody that you don't want Patty and Bill to know +about. Oh, you don't fool me! I'm not a blind bat!" + +"Well, you're way off! How could I possibly know anybody they don't +know?" + +"You do, though. You had some people come to see you, and the +Farnsworths didn't meet them at all." + +"How do you know?" + +"Patty told me." + +"Tattle-tale! It's none of her business if I did!" + +"Now, look here! I won't stand for such talk about Patty! You stop it! +She's not only your hostess but she's the best friend you ever had or +ever will have! She's making you over,--and goodness knows you needed +it!" + +"And that's none of _your_ business! I'm as good as you are,--this +minute!" + +"I didn't say you weren't! It isn't a question of goodness. You may +be a saint on earth compared to me, but you don't know how to behave +in decent society,--or didn't, till Patty took you in hand." + +"She invited me to visit her! I didn't ask her to have me!" + +"Yes, because she wanted to be kind to her husband's people, and you +seemed to be the only one available." + +"Well, I was. And as I'm Cousin William's only relative, I have a right +to visit him as long as I please." + +"I don't deny that, Azalea," and Elise couldn't help laughing at the +defiant air of the speaker. "I'm not disputing your right to be here. +But I do deny your right to say anything whatever against Patty, who is +trying her best to do all she can for your pleasure and for your good." + +"That's so," and Azalea's manner suddenly changed. "Patty is a dear, +and I love her. And that baby! Oh!" + +"How crazy you are over that child," Elise exclaimed. "She _is_ a dear +baby, but I don't see why you idolise her so." + +"Oh, I love babies, and Fleurette is so sweet and soft and cuddly! I +love to have her all to myself,--but Patty won't let me." + +"I don't wonder! Where did you go with her that day, Azalea?" + +"Nowhere in particular. Just for a walk in the country. I mean I walked. +Baby rode in her coach." + +"But you went somewhere. Nurse Winnie insists you gave the child some +soothing syrup,--or whatever they call it." + +"What! I did nothing of the sort! Why, Elise, I wouldn't do such a +thing! I love that kiddy! I wouldn't give her a morsel to eat or drink. +I know how careful Nurse and Patty are about that! You must be crazy to +think I'd give Baby anything!" + +Azalea's honesty was unmistakable, Elise couldn't doubt she was speaking +the truth. She began to think Nurse Winnie had imagined the soothing +syrup. + +The two girls went home, and Elise said no word to any one of Azalea's +strange disappearance for a time. + +They found Patty in a state of great excitement and interest over a new +project. + +Betty Gale was there and the two heads were together over a list they +were making and they were chattering like a couple of magpies. + +"Oh, Elise," Patty cried out, "we're getting up the grandest thing! It's +going to be here,--for the benefit of the Summer Fund, and it's going to +be Vanity Fair!" + +"What? What does that mean?" + +"Just what it says! It's a big bazaar,--of course,--and we're going +to call it Vanity Fair and sell only gay, dainty, dinky little +contraptions, and have all sorts of pretty booths and fancy dances and +flower stands, and--oh, everything that Vanity Fair suggests." + +"Fine!" approved Elise. "Great name! Who thought of it? You, Betty? I'm +for it,--heart and soul! How about you, Azalea?" + +The Western girl stood silent. This was the sort of thing that was +outside her ken. Though she had been at Wistaria Porch for some weeks +now, and had become fairly conversant with the ways of Patty and her +friends, this kind of a gay project was to her an unknown field. + +"It must be beautiful,--to know about things like that,"--she said, at +last, so wistfully, that Patty put out a hand and drew Azalea to her +side. + +It was this sort of a speech that made Patty feel that she was making +headway in her efforts to improve the girl, and she rejoiced to have her +show a desire to join in the new project. + +"You can help us lots, I'm sure, Zaly," she said, kindly, "and you'll +have a chance to learn about it all. There's heaps of fun in a Fair, +especially when it's all novel to you. It's an old story to us, but _I_ +always love anything of the sort. We'll have it here, you see, and it +will be a lawn _fête_ and a house party and a general hullabaloo!" + +"We're making out the committees," said Betty, "and, you'll be here, +won't you, Elise?" + +"Well, I just guess! You can't lose _me_! I shall be back and forth, +of course, but I'll do my share of the work, and exact my share of the +fun." + +"Fine!" said Betty, a bit absently, as she was deeply absorbed in her +list of names. + +"Of course," Patty went on, partly to the others and partly as if merely +thinking aloud for her own benefit, "there will be all the regulation +things,--lemonade well, fortune-telling, society circus and everything, +but the idea is to have every one of them just a little bit different +from what it has always been before, and have it in harmony with the +idea of Vanity Fair." + +"The book?" asked Elise. + +"No, not Thackeray. I mean, just the idea of the gay atmosphere,--the +light, giddy side of life. For instance, let's have a Vanity booth and +sell all sorts of aids to beauty--" + +"Powder and paint!" exclaimed Azalea, in surprise. + +"Well, I meant more like lacy caps and stunning négligées. And yes, of +course, vanity cases and powder-puff bags and mirrors and perfumes,--oh, +all sorts of foolishnesses that are pretty." + +"I know," said Elise, nodding her head. "And we'll have an artificial +flower booth,--that's right in line. And people love to buy 'em,--I do." + +"And laces," said Patty; "and embroidered boudoir pillows, and oh,--and +baby things! Why Fleurette's nursery wardrobe looks like a Vanity Fair +itself!" + +"Hold on," cried Betty, laughing, "don't go too far. Not everybody is +interested in baby togs!" + +"I s'pose not," said Patty, smiling. "All right, cut out the Baby +booth." + +"No," spoke up Azalea, "let's have it. Everybody knows a baby to give +presents to. And the little caps and things are so pretty." + +"Good for you, Zaly," cried Patty; "we'll have it, and you and I will +run it, and Fleurette shall be the presiding genius, and sit enthroned +among the fairy wares! Oh, it will be lovely!" + +"Yes, do have it," agreed Betty. "It will be a screaming success with +Fleurette in it!" + +"And if you want such things," Azalea went on, losing her diffidence, +"I can get a lot of Indian things from home,--baskets,--you know,--and +leather, and beaded things." + +"Fine, Zaly!" and Elise smiled at her. "We do want those,--real +ones,--they always sell." + +They went on planning, all working in harmony, and each full of +suggestions, which the others approved or criticised, in frank, friendly +fashion. + +Then Janet appeared to call Azalea to the telephone, and the girl looked +up, surprised. She blushed scarlet, and hurried from the room. + +"Who could have called her?" said Elise; "she doesn't know any one you +don't know,--does she, Patty?" + +"No; but she knows lots of our friends. Somebody is probably asking her +to go somewhere." + +None of them tried to listen, but the telephone was in the next room and +Azalea's voice had a peculiar carrying quality that made it difficult +not to overhear snatches of her conversation. + +"No," she exclaimed, positively, "I can't do it! I really can't! I'm +sorry it didn't go right, but I _can't_ do it again! It's impossible!" + +A pause, and then, again, "No, I simply can't! Don't ask me--yes, of +course,--I know,--but, you see, they said,--oh, I can't tell you +now,--I'll write,--well, yes, I'll do _that_!--Oh, of course, _I'll_ be +there--but the--the other one--no, no, no!" + +These remarks were at long intervals and disconnected, but they were +clearly heard by the three in the next room, and though no one mentioned +it, each thought it a strange conversation for Azalea to take part in. + +Patty listened thoughtfully, feeling no hesitation in doing so, for she +had only Azalea's good at heart and wanted to know anything that might +help her understand the mystery that was certainly attached to the girl. + +In the first place to whom could Azalea possibly be talking in that +fashion? Moreover, her voice was troubled, and her tone was one of +nervous apprehension and anxiety. + +At last she returned to the group, and Patty said, pleasantly, "Who's +your friend, Zaly?" + +"Nobody in particular," and Azalea looked as if that were a question she +had been dreading. + +"You mean not a particular friend; but who was it?" Patty was +persistent, even at risk of rousing Azalea's wrath, for she felt +she must know. + +"I won't tell you!" Azalea cried, stormily. "It's nobody's business if +I answer a telephone call. I don't ask you who it is, every time _you_ +telephone!" + +"All right, Zaly, forgive me,--I _was_ a bit inquisitive." + +And so the matter was dropped, but that night after Azalea had gone to +her room, Patty came tapping at the door. + +It was only after repeated knocking that Azalea opened the door a little +way, and quite evidently resented the intrusion. + +"I'm just going to bed," she said, ungraciously. + +"I won't stay but a minute," and Patty insistently pushed her way in. +"Now, don't fly into a rage, dear, but you _must_ tell me who called you +up on the telephone to-day." + +"You've no right to ask!" + +"Yes, I have, and, too, there must be some reason why you are so +unwilling to tell me. Why is it?" + +Azalea hesitated. Then she said, "Oh, I've no reason to make a secret of +it. But I think you're very curious. It was somebody I met on the train +when I came East." + +"A man or a woman?" + +"A--a woman." + +"Are you telling the truth, Azalea?" and Patty's clear, compelling gaze +was direct and accusing. + +"Well--well--Patty, it's both." + +"Those people who called here one day, and you saw them on the porch?" + +"Yes." + +"What are their names?" + +"Oh,--oh, I forget." + +"Rubbish! You _don't_ forget. Be sensible, Azalea. You're making a +mystery of something. Now if it's anything wrong, I'm going to know +about it,--if it's merely a little secret of your own,--a justifiable +one,--tell me so, in a convincing way, and I'll stop questioning." + +"It _is_ a secret of my own,--and it's nobody's business but mine." + +"Is it a harmless, innocent matter?" + +"Of course it is! What do you think I am? A thief?" + +"Gracious, no! I never thought you were that!" Patty laughed. "But I do +suspect you're up to some flirtation or affair of that sort, and I have +a perfect right to inquire into the matter. Why didn't you let us meet +your friends that day they called?" + +"I didn't suppose you would care to know them. They're not your sort." + +"Are they _your_ sort? Oh, Zaly, I thought you _wanted_ to be our +'sort,'--as you call it. You don't want to have friends Bill and I +wouldn't approve of, do you?" + +"Oh,--I don't know _what_ I want! I wish you'd go 'way, and leave me +alone!" + +"I will in a minute. Tell me your friends' names." + +"I won't." + +"Then I shall ask Ray Gale. He knows them,--he recognised them the day +they were here, and you forbade him to tell me who they were." + +"Then if he knows them, isn't that enough to assure you of their +respectability?" + +"It isn't a question of respectability,--I want to know why they are +telephoning you,--not casually,--but apparently on some important +matter." + +"That's _my_ business. Oh, Patty, let me alone!" + +Azalea was clearly overwrought, and in another moment would fly into an +hysterical tantrum. But Patty made one more effort. + +"Just tell me the name," she said, gently. + +"Well--Smith. There, _now_ are you satisfied?" + +"I am not," said Patty, truthfully. "Good night, Azalea." + +She went thoughtfully away, and communicated to Bill the whole +conversation. + +"She's a queer girl," Farnsworth remarked, after he had heard all about +the afternoon telephoning. "Do you know, Patty, that letter which she +pretended came from her father,--she wrote herself." + +"What?" + +"She did; and on my own typewriter,--here in our library." + +"What _do_ you mean?" + +"Just what I say. I knew it, the moment I saw it, for the writing on my +machine is so familiar to me, I can recognise it instantly. The tail of +the y doesn't print, and there are lots of little details that make it +recognisable." + +"Are you sure, dear? I thought all typewriting was just alike." + +"Oh, no; it is as greatly differentiated, almost, as penwriting,--some +experts think more so. I mean, it can't be forged successfully, and +penwriting can. Well, anyhow, that letter Azalea showed me, as being +from her father, was written on my machine. She had no envelope, for of +course she couldn't reproduce the proper postmark on an envelope she had +herself addressed." + +"But why,--what for? I don't understand." + +"I haven't got it all straightened out yet, myself,--but I shall. +Another thing, Azalea is a poor speller, and she herself spells _very_ +with two r's. She did in a dinner acceptance she wrote and referred to +me for approval. So, when I saw that word misspelled twice in the +letter we're talking of, I _knew_ she wrote it,--I mean, it corroborated +my belief. Now, Patty, we've a peculiar case to deal with, and we must +feel our way. This telephoning business is serious. Of course, Smith is +_not_ those people's name! She told you a falsehood. We know she is +capable of that! Now to find out what their name is. It isn't too late +to call up Gale." + +Farnsworth took up the telephone and soon had Raymond Gale on the wire. +He asked him frankly for the name of the two people who were calling on +Azalea when he recognised them. + +"Miss Thorpe asked me not to tell," said Gale, "I'm sorry, old chap, but +I promised her I wouldn't." + +"But it's an important matter, Ray, and a case in which I'm sure you're +justified in breaking your promise--" + +"Can't do it! Can't break my word given to a lady." + +"But Azalea is a mere girl, and a headstrong, ignorant one, at that. She +is in our care, and it is our duty to know with whom she associates. Who +were those people?" + +"Seriously, Farnsworth, I can't tell you. Miss Thorpe asked me +definitely not to do so, and I gave her my promise. You must see,--as +man to man,--I _can't_ tell you." + +"I see your point, and I quite agree, in a general way. But, Gale, this +is a--well, a crisis. I'm investigating a mystery and I must _know_ who +those people are." + +"Ask Miss Thorpe." + +"I have, and she won't tell." + +"Then you surely can't expect me to! After I promised to keep her +secret!" + +"Why should it be a secret?" + +"Ask her." + +"Well, tell me one thing; is the name Smith?" + +"It is not." + +"What sort of people are they?" + +"Oh, people of--why, hang it, man,--I don't know what to say to you! I +refuse to betray Miss Thorpe's confidence, and so I don't know how much +I ought to tell you." + +"Are they people I would receive in my home?" + +"Scarcely! If you mean, are they your social equals, they are not!" + +"Then, I ought to know about them, and forbid Azalea their +acquaintance." + +"Oh, Miss Thorpe doesn't know them socially!" said Gale, and then he +said a quick "good-bye" and hung up his receiver. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +INQUIRIES + + +The next day Farnsworth made an occasion to see Azalea alone. + +"Come for a stroll in the rose garden," he said to her as they left the +breakfast table. + +"But aren't you in a hurry to go to town?" she objected. + +"No, I'm not. Come along, Zaly, I want to talk to you." + +Azalea looked embarrassed. She had on a trim linen street suit, and had +an air of alertness as if about to start on a trip of some sort. + +"I was--I was just going for a walk," she said, hesitatingly. + +"All right, I'll walk with you. Let's make it a long hike." + +"Oh,--I'd love to, Cousin William,--really,--but I--I've a lot to do in +my room, this morning." + +"A lot to do! What do you mean? Does Patty make you take care of your +room?" + +"Oh, not that sort of work. I've got to--to--write letters." + +"To your father?" Bill's look was significant. + +"Yes--no,--oh, a lot of letters." + +"Look here, Azalea, you come out with me for a few minutes,--I won't +keep you long." Farnsworth took her arm, and led her gently down the +verandah steps and along a garden path. + +"Now, my child," he said most kindly, "tell me why you pretended that +letter was from your father, when it was not?" + +"Oh, yes, it was--" + +"Stop, Azalea! Don't add to your list of falsehoods! You wrote that +letter yourself on my typewriter, in my library. _Why_ did you do it?" + +"How do you know?" Azalea turned an astonished face to her inquisitor. + +"I recognised the typing. How do you know how to use the machine so +well? Were you ever a stenographer?" + +"No; I don't know shorthand at all. And I didn't--" + +"Stop, I say, Azalea! I _know_ you wrote that! Now, tell me why! I +can't imagine any reason for it." + +The girl was stubbornly silent + +"Unless you tell me why you did it, I shall be compelled to think there +is some wrong reason--" + +"Oh, no, there isn't!" + +"Then,--come now, Zaly,--'fess up. Was it for a joke on me?" + +"Yes, yes, that was it!" + +"No, that _wasn't_ it, and you only grasped at my suggestion to evade +the real truth! Now, you must tell me. Out with it!" + +"Well--you see, Cousin William, you are always asking me why I don't get +letters from my father, and--as I didn't get any, I manufactured one +to--to satisfy you. That's all." + +"No, no, my girl, we haven't got the truth yet. You had more of a motive +than that. And, too, why _don't_ you get letters from your father? Is he +angry with you? Are you two at odds?" + +"Yes,--we are. He and I had a quarrel." + +"Azalea, you have a very readable face. I know when you are telling me +the truth and when you are not. Now, you are ready to grasp at anything +I suggest rather than let me know the real facts of the case. So I am +justified in thinking it's something pretty bad. What is it, child? +Don't be afraid of me. Did you run away from home?" + +"Oh, no!" Azalea looked frightened. Then she burst into tears. "Wh-what +makes you think I'm doing wrong?" she sobbed; "I'm not,--I'm oh,--I'm +all right!" Her air of bravado suddenly returned and she looked up +defiantly, brushing her tears aside. + +Farnsworth could, as he said, read her face, and he was quite ready to +meet her explanations when she was in a docile mood, but this quick +return to her pose of injured innocence roused him to fresh indignation. + +"I daresay you _are_ all right, Azalea, and therefore it will be easy +for you to answer a few questions which I must insist on having +answered. Who was it that telephoned you yesterday?" + +"Oh, that was Mr. Smith." + +"His name is _not_ Smith!" Farnsworth spoke so sharply that Azalea +fairly jumped. + +But she insisted, "Yes, it is--" + +"I _know_ it is not! It was the man who came here to see you one +day,--and whatever his name is, it is not Smith! Tell me the truth or +not, as you choose, but don't try to insist on Smith!" + +"All right, then I choose to tell you nothing, I have a perfect right to +have friends telephone me, and I think it shows an ill-bred curiosity +for you to ask their names!" + +Azalea's would-be haughty face and her reference to ill-breeding struck +Farnsworth so funny he laughed in spite of himself. + +Azalea was quick to take advantage of this. + +"Oh, Cousin William," she said, smilingly, "don't be hard on me. I'm +only a wild Western girl, I know, but I'm--I'm your cousin and I claim +your--your--" + +Azalea didn't quite know what she _was_ claiming, but as it was really a +cessation of the interview that she most desired, she turned on her heel +and walked rapidly toward the house. + +"Hold on!" cried Farnsworth, "not so fast, Zaly. Before you leave me, +listen to this. I am not at all satisfied with what you have told +me,--or, rather, what you have refused to tell me,--and I am going to +write to your father, and ask him why he doesn't write to you." + +Azalea stood still, facing him, and her face turned white. + +"Oh, no!" she cried, in a tone of dismay, "you _mustn't_ do that!" + +"But I will. There's no reason I shouldn't write to my relative. And I +must get at the mystery of this thing." + +"Don't do that, Cousin William, don't, I beg of you!" The girl was +greatly excited now. Her face was drawn with terrified apprehension and +her voice shook with fear. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth demanded, and he grasped her arm as she tried to +run away. "I'm going to have this out now, Azalea! _Why_ shan't I write +to Uncle Thorpe?" + +"Be--because he isn't--he isn't there--" + +"Is he dead?" + +"Oh, _no_! He's--he's--gone away on a--a business trip." + +"You're making up, Azalea,--I see it in your face. Tell me the truth +about him. Has he married again?" + +"No,--oh, no." + +"Well, then, where is he?" + +"He's--I don't know--" + +"You don't know where he is,--and yet you claim you had a letter from +him!" + +"You say I wrote that letter myself--" + +"And you did!" + +"Well, then, it was because you insisted on my getting a letter from +him,--and--and that's the only way I could think of." + +Azalea gave a half-smile, hoping Farnsworth would laugh, too. + +But he did not. He said, sternly, "I can't understand you, Azalea. I +don't want to misjudge you, but you must admit, yourself, that you're +making it very hard for me. Why won't you tell me everything? If Uncle +Thorpe disowned you,--cast you off,--or anything like that,--tell me; +I'll take your part,--and I'll defend you." + +"Would you, Cousin William?" Azalea's voice was wistful; "would you +defend me?" + +The serious tone disturbed Farnsworth more than her anger had done, and +he looked at her keenly. + +"Yes," he answered, "but only if you are frank and truthful with me. +Now, once again, Azalea, what is the _real_ name of the man who called +you up yesterday?" + +"Brown," said Azalea, and Farnsworth gave a gesture of impatience. + +"You're a very poor story-teller!" he exclaimed. "It is not Brown,--or +Green,--or Smith. If you had said some less common name, I might have +believed you. But your inventiveness doesn't go far enough. When people +want to deceive, it's necessary to frame their falsehoods convincingly. +If you had said Mersereau or Herncastle,--I might have swallowed it." + +Azalea stared at him. + +"Why would you have thought those names were right?" she asked. + +"Because I should have felt sure you didn't invent them. But when you +want to conceal a name, and you say Smith or Brown, it doesn't go! Also, +you _look_ as if you were fibbing. Why do you do it, Azalea? _Why_?" + +"Oh, Cousin William," the girl looked genuinely distressed, "I wish I +could tell you all,--I believe I will,--but--no,--I can't--" + +Then she shrugged her shoulders, and tossed her head, and her defiant +manner returned. + +Farnsworth gave up in despair. "Very well, Azalea," he concluded, "I +shall write to-day to Uncle Thorpe. I tell you this frankly, for _I_ do +not do things on the sly. I'm sorry you take the attitude you do, but +while I'm waiting to hear from your father, I shall continue to treat +you as a guest and a trusted friend. That is all." + +Farnsworth stood aside, and let Azalea pass. The girl went back to the +house, in deep thought. + +She did not go to her room, or write any letters. She dawdled about, +started the phonograph going, read a little in a magazine, and seemed +generally distraught. + +As she sat in the big, pleasant hall, she saw Farnsworth come in, go to +the library and sit at his desk writing. Apparently this was one of the +days when he did not go to New York. Patty came by--spoke cheerily to +Azalea as she passed her, and then went on to speak to Bill. + +The two went out of doors together. Azalea jumped at the chance, and +running into the library, glanced over the letters Farnsworth had +written. As she had surmised, there was one addressed to Samuel Thorpe, +Horner's Corners, Arizona. + +Azalea didn't touch it. She merely glanced at her wrist-watch and +hurried up to her own room. + +Sitting there at the pretty desk, she wrote two or three letters, and +sealed and addressed them. + +Then, sitting on her window-seat, she looked out over the beautiful +lawns and gardens. She saw Bill and Patty walking about, pausing here +and there. She knew they were selecting places for the booths and stands +to be used at the forthcoming Fair. + +How happy they were! And how miserable she was! She looked at them +enviously, and then again she tossed her hand, in her defiant way, and +turned from the window. + +At luncheon Azalea was very sweet and pleasant. She talked with +Farnsworth gaily, and discussed the Fair with Patty and Elise. + +"I'm going to donate some lovely things for the sale," she said. "I've +written home for some Indian baskets and Navajo blankets, and some +beadwork." + +"Good gracious, Azalea," cried Elise, "you'll outshine us all in +generosity! I'm making some lace pillows and boudoir caps, but they +won't sell as well as your gifts." + +"It's very kind of you, dear," and Patty smiled at the Western girl with +real gratitude. "I wonder what booth you'd rather serve in, Azalea," she +went on. "Of course, you may take your choice." + +"When is the Fair?" Azalea asked. + +"We're planning it for the middle of July. I think we can get ready by +that time." + +"I won't be here then," and Azalea looked thoughtful. + +"Won't be here! Of course you will! What nonsense!" and Patty's blue +eyes opened wide in astonishment. + +"I thought I might outstay my welcome," Azalea said, seeming a little +confused. + +"Nay, nay, Pauline," and Patty smiled at her, "stay as long as you like. +As long as you can be happy with us." + +But there was an uncomfortable pause, for Farnsworth didn't second +Patty's invitation or make any comment on it. + +"I'm going down to New York in the car this afternoon," said Elise. +"Want to go, Azalea?" + +"Yes,--I'd be glad to." + +"All right, be ready about three. You going, Pattibelle?" + +"No; not to-day. My lord and master is at home, and I can't give up a +precious hour of his companionship." + +"Oh, you turtle-doves! All right, then, Zaly and I will sally forth to +the great metropolis." + +Elise was spending a month with Patty, and was going later to the +mountains with her own family. They were all anxious, therefore, to get +the Fair under way, and to hold it while Elise was still there. + +So things were being pushed, and the committees were hard at work. There +were innumerable errands to the city, and nearly every day the big car +went down and returned laden with materials for the work. + +Promptly at three, Azalea was in the hall, and Elise joined her, ready +for the trip. + +"I mean to mail these in New York," said Elise, who carried a handful of +letters. + +"I will too," returned Azalea, who also had a number of them in her +hand. "Let's take these that are on the hall table,--they go quicker if +we mail them in the city." + +"All right," said Elise, carelessly, and Azalea, with a stealthy look +about, picked up the big pile of addressed mail that lay on the table. + +No one was looking and she deftly slipped out from the lot the letter +Farnsworth had written to Mr. Thorpe,--and pocketed it. + +Going out the door, she handed the rest of the letters, with her own, to +the chauffeur, to mail, and then got into the car after Elise. + +Away they went, chattering blithely about the Fair, and the enormous lot +of work yet to be done for it. + +"There are so many working with us," observed Elise, "that it seems a +big job of itself to keep them in order." + +"It all amazes me," returned Azalea. "I never saw people work as hard as +you and Patty do. And you accomplish such a lot! And yet, you never get +flustered or hurried, or--" + +"That's partly the result of long experience in these bazaar affairs, +and partly because we both have a sort of natural efficiency. That's a +much used word, Zaly, but it means a lot after all." + +"Yes, it does. What's your booth, Elise?" + +"It isn't exactly a booth. I'm going to have a log cabin,--a real one, +built just as I've planned it, and in it I'm going to sell all sorts of +old-fashioned things." + +"Antiques?" + +"Yes, of the proper sort. Old Willow china and Sheffield plate. Copper +lustre tea-sets and homespun bedspreads. And samplers! Oh, Azalea, I've +three or four stunning samplers! One is dated 1812. That ought to bring +a fine price." + +"I don't know about samplers. Of course, I know what they are,--but what +makes them valuable?" + +"Age, my dear. And authoritative dates. People make collections of old +samplers, and those who collect will spend 'most anything for a good +specimen." + +"I've one that my grandmother made,--at least, I can get it. Would you +like it?" + +"Would I? Indeed I would! But you ought to keep that, Azalea. My, what a +generous girl you are! You'd give away your head, if it weren't fastened +on! No, dear child, keep your grandmother's sampler yourself. Is it a +good one?" + +"I don't know what a 'good' one is. It has flowers on it, and little +people,--queer ones,--and a long verse of poetry and an alphabet of +letters." + +"And the date?" + +"Yes; 1836, I think it is." + +"That's fairly old. Not a collection piece,--but a good date. Is it in +good condition,--or worn?" + +"Good as new. I don't want it, Elise,--that is, I'd like to give it to +you. You've been awful good to me." + +"All right, Zaly, send for it, and we'll take a look at it, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE SAMPLER + + +Vanity Fair was all that its name implied. By good fortune, the weather +was perfect,--ideally pleasant and sunshiny, yet not too warm. Wistaria +Porch was transformed into a veritable Fairyland, and it was a +bewildering vision of flowers, flags and frivolity by day, and a blaze +of illuminated gaiety by night. + +It was to last but two days, for, Patty said, they might hope for fair +weather for that long but hardly for three days. + +It was to open at noon, and all the morning everybody was running about, +doing last minute errands or attending to belated decorations. + +Azalea had the Indian booth. It was a wigwam, in effect, but it was so +bedecked and ornamented that it is doubtful if a real Indian would have +recognised it as one. However, it was filled with real Indian wares, and +the beautiful baskets and pottery were sure to prove best sellers. +Azalea received a large consignment from some place she had sent to in +Arizona, and other people had donated appropriate gifts, until the +little tent was overflowing. + +Azalea herself, the attendant on the booth, was in the garb of an Indian +princess, a friend of Patty's having lent the costume for the occasion. +It was becoming to the girl, and she looked really handsome in the +picturesque trappings, and elaborate head-dress. + +Just before time for the Fair to be opened, Azalea went over to Elise's +booth. As she had planned, Elise had a log cabin, and in it she had +arranged a motley collection of antiques and heirlooms that were quaint +and valuable. It was the design of the Fair to sell really worthwhile +things at their full value; and as they expected many wealthy patrons, +the committees felt pretty sure of a grand success. + +"Elise," said Azalea, as she appeared at the door of the cabin, "here's +my contribution to your department. I haven't had a chance to give it to +you before." She handed out a parcel, which Elise opened eagerly. + +It proved to be a sampler,--old, but in fine condition. It was an +elaborate one, with many rows of letters, some lines of verse, and +several little pictured shapes. There was a beautiful border, and the +signature was _Isabel Cutler, 1636!_ + +"Oh!" exclaimed Elise, "what a gem! Where _did_ you get it? Why, Azalea, +this is a museum piece! 1636! It's worth hundreds of dollars!" + +"Oh, no," said Azalea, "it can't be worth all that! But I thought you'd +like an old one." + +"But I don't understand! Where did you get it?" + +"It was my grandmother's." + +"But your grandmother didn't live in 1636!" + +"N--n--no,--I s'pose not. Well,--you see, she had it from _her_ +grandmother and great-grandmother,--clear back,--you know." + +"I see," said Elise, scrutinising the sampler. "It's a marvel, Azalea. +You mustn't sell it at this Fair. It ought to go to a museum. 1636! +That's one of the earliest sampler dates! I can't see how it's lain +unknown all these years. Who had it before you did?" + +"Mother." + +"Oh, yes,--of course. Well, I'm not going to take it from you--" + +"Yes, you are, Elise. I want to give it to you. I've wanted all along +to give you something nice,--you've been so good to me--" + +"Rubbish! don't talk like that, Zaly! If you want to make Patty a +present, now,--give it to her. That would be a worth-while return for +her kindness to you." + +"Oh, I don't think so much of the old thing as you do. I don't even +think it's pretty." + +"It isn't a question of prettiness, or even of a well worked piece. It's +the date. And this is genuine,--I can see that. But I can't understand +it! Why,--I think this border wasn't used until--I must look it up in my +book. That's home in New York. But, there's one thing sure and certain! +This doesn't get put in with my bunch of wares! Mr. Greatorex may come +this afternoon. He's an expert on these things. He'll know just what +it's worth." + +"Oh, Elise," Azalea looked troubled, "don't take it so seriously. It's +just an old thing. You've others here that are far handsomer." + +"As I told you, Zaly, it's the age that counts,--not the beauty. Run +along to your own booth. I'll lay this aside until I can find out about +it. But if it's as valuable as I think it is, you mustn't give it to +Vanity Fair,--or to anybody. 1636! My!" + +Azalea looked a little crestfallen. Instead of being glad at the +unexpected value ascribed to her gift, she seemed decidedly put out +about it. She strolled round by Patty's booth. That enterprising young +matron had caused to be built for her use a little child's playhouse. It +was just large enough for half a dozen children, and would perhaps hold +nearly as many grown people. But it had a good-sized verandah and on +this were tables piled with the loveliest fairy-like gossamer garments +and comforts for tiny mites of humanity. Such exquisite blankets and +afghans and tufted silk coverlets and such dainty frocks and caps and +little coats and everything an infant could possibly use, from baskets +to bibs and from pillows to porringers. + +And dolls,--soft, cotton or woolly dolls for little babies to play with, +and soft, cuddly bears and lambs. Rattles, of course, and bath-tub toys, +and all sorts of infants' novelties. + +Patty, happy as a butterfly, hovered over her treasures. She wore the +immaculate white linen garb of a nurse, and very sweet and fair she +looked. Later, Fleurette was to grace the booth and attract all +observers by her marvellous baby charm. + +At high noon the bazaar was opened with a flourish of trumpets and a +fanfaronade by the band. Farnsworth had given the services of a first +class band as his donation, and the musicians made good. + +The scene was one of varied attractions. The place itself was lovely +with its wealth of flower gardens and shrubbery and the unique and +elaborate booths here and there among the trees made a striking picture. + +Betty was queen of the soda fountain. A really, truly soda fountain had +been procured, and it was attended by white uniformed servitors who were +trained to the work, but Betty was the presiding genius and invited her +customers to sample her beverages, with free advice as to which flavours +and combinations she thought the best. + +Raymond Gale was a general supervisor of several of the enterprises. + +He had in charge the moving-picture men who had expressed a desire to +get some scenes of the gay throngs and were willing to pay well for the +privilege. + +"You like the 'movies,'" he called out to Azalea, "come over here and +get into the game." + +"Can't," she called back. "I have to be on duty at my wigwam." + +"Oh, come along; the wigwam won't run away. At least promenade up and +down once with me." + +So Azalea came, laughingly, and the two walked grandiloquently into the +focus of the camera. + +"And there is a man making phonograph records," young Gale went on. +"Come over there, Zaly, and we'll have a joust of words, and record it +on the sands of time!" + +"What do you mean?" asked Azalea, interestedly, for she had no knowledge +of some of the performances going on. + +She went with Raymond and found a crowd waiting at the booth where the +phonograph man was doing business. His plan was to make a record for any +customer who cared to sing, recite or soliloquise for him. Mothers +gladly brought their infant prodigies to "speak pieces" and went away +proudly carrying the records that could be played in their homes for +years to come. Aspiring young singers made records of their favourite +songs. One young girl played the violin for a record. + +Taking their turn, Raymond and Azalea had what he called an impromptu +scrap. A few words of instruction were enough for Azalea's dramatic +instinct to grasp his meaning, and they had a lively tiff followed by a +sentimental "making-up" that was good enough for a vaudeville +performance, and which Azalea knew would greatly amuse Patty and Bill +when they should hear the record. + +"Oh, what fun!" Azalea cried, "I never heard of such a thing. I want to +make a lot of records. I'm going to make one of Baby!" + +She ran into the house and up to the nursery where Winnie was just +giving the child her dinner. "Goody!" cried Azalea, "now she'll be +good-natured! Let me take her, Winnie." + +Not entirely with Winnie's sanction, but in spite of her half-expressed +disapproval, Azalea took the laughing child and ran back to the +phonograph booth. + +"Let me go in ahead of you people, won't you, please?" she begged, and +the waiting line fell back to accommodate her. + +But alas for her hopes. She wanted the baby to coo and gurgle in the +delightful little way that Fleurette had in her happiest moments. + +Instead, frightened by the strangeness of the scene and the noise and +laughter of the people all about, Fleurette set up a wail of woe which +developed rapidly into a storm of screams and sobs,--indeed, it was a +first-class crying spell,--a thing which the good-natured child rarely +indulged in. + +Not willing to wait for a better-tempered moment, the man took the +record and poor little Fleurette was immortalised by a squall instead +of a sunny burst of laughter. + +But there was no help for it, and Azalea, greatly chagrined, took the +baby back to Nurse. + +"Here's your naughty little kiddy," she cried ruefully, handing +Fleurette over, but giving the child a loving caress, even as she spoke. + +"Thank you, Miss Thorpe, I'm glad to get her back so soon." + +And then Azalea ran away to her Indian booth, where she found her +assistant doing a rushing business with the Indian wares. + +Indeed, everybody seemed anxious to buy the baubles of Vanity Fair. The +cause was a worthy one, the patrons were wealthy and generous, and the +vendors were charming and wheedlesome. + +So the coin fairly flowed into their coffers and as the afternoon wore +on they began to fear they wouldn't have enough goods to sell the second +day. + +Azalea was a favourite among the young people. She looked a picture in +her Indian dress and she was in rare good humour. She tried, too, to be +gracious and gentle, and committed no _gaucheries_ and made no ignorant +errors. + +"You've simply made that girl over," Elise said to Patty, as the two +spoke of Azalea's growing popularity. + +Patty sighed. "I don't know," she said, thoughtfully. "There's something +queer about Azalea. Little Billee has said so from the first, and now I +begin to see it, too." + +"She _is_ queer," assented Elise, "but she's so much nicer than she was +at first. Ray Gale is very devoted to her." + +"I know it. I like Ray, too, but sometimes,--think,--he knows something +about her that he won't tell us." + +"For mercy's sake,--what do you mean? knows something about your own +cousin that you don't know!" + +"Oh, Zaly isn't our own cousin, you know. But--well, never mind now, +Elise. This isn't a good time to talk confidentially." + +Crowds of people were constantly arriving, and among them were many of +Patty's old friends. Many, too, of her newer acquaintances, who lived in +Arden and also in the nearby towns. + +Patty was charming and delightful to everybody, remembering that she was +in a way hostess as well as a sales-lady. + +Fleurette graced her mother's booth with her presence, later in the +afternoon, and quite redeemed her reputation for good nature, by smiling +impartially on everybody, and gurgling a welcome to all who looked at +her. + +The little garments and toys of Patty's booth were soon sold out, for +they were choice bits of needlework and found ready buyers. + +And then one enthusiastic young father wanted to buy the playhouse +itself, in which Patty had displayed her wares. + +"But I meant to keep this for my own baby!" she cried. + +"Oh, you can build another by the time that little mite needs one," the +young man replied. "And my youngster is four years old,--just ready to +inhabit a ready made home of this kind," + +So the pretty little house was sold, and plans were made to remove it +to the purchaser's estate. + +So it went. Azalea had many offers for her wigwam, if she would sell it +after the fair. She agreed to let it go to the highest bidder, and +finally received a fine price. + +Archery was one of the pretty diversions, and at this Azalea excelled. +To the surprise of all, she proved exceedingly skilful with the bow and +arrow and easily won the prize offered. But she magnanimously refused to +accept it, and returned it to be competed for over again. + +Mr. Greatorex, the expert connoisseur in the matter of antiques, arrived +at Elise's log cabin and expressed delight in its construction and +furnishing. + +The cabin was not for sale, Elise laughingly informed him, as Mr. +Farnsworth intended to keep it a permanent fixture on his own grounds. +Also, Elise went on, very few things of value were left on her +tables,--but she still had one piece on which she wished to ask his +opinion. + +From a drawer she brought out the sampler that Azalea had given her and +passed it over to Mr. Greatorex, without comment. + +He looked at it, at first casually and then more closely. + +His face expressed mystification, and suddenly he examined the date +minutely and then smiled. + +"Very clever, my dear,--very cleverly done, indeed. Did you do it?" + +"Oh, no; it is the property of a friend of mine,--it was done by an +ancestor of hers. You see it's signed and dated." + +"I see! Oh, yes, I _see_! But you mustn't try to impose on me,--my +eyesight is not yet entirely gone!" + +"What do you mean, Mr. Greatorex?" Elise was puzzled. "I'm not trying to +impose on you!" + +"I hope not, my girl, for I wouldn't want to believe such a thing of +you. But you have been imposed upon." + +"How?" + +"This sampler was worked in 1836, not 1636." + +"How do you know?" + +"Very easily. Here, you can see for yourself. You see how the figures +are made,--ordinary cross stitch. Well, as you know, an eight is worked +almost exactly the same as a six, except that it has two more stitches +on the upper right-hand side. If those two stitches are picked out of an +eight, it turns into a six! Now, I'm sure your young eyes can see that +two stitches _have_ been picked out in this instance. See the slight +mark where the canvas is the least bit drawn? And see, on the back a +fresh stitch was necessary to keep the ends from ravelling. It would +pass to a careless observer, but to one accustomed to these things the +fraud is plainly evident." + +"Oh, Mr. Greatorex," and Elise looked sorrowful, "I don't care so much +about the sampler being less valuable than I thought, as I do about +having to think the friend who gave it to me would cheat me!" + +"Perhaps she didn't. Perhaps somebody cheated her." + +"No; she told me her mother gave her this, and that she had had it from +her mother and grandmother--and so forth." + +"Then I fear your friend knew of the fraud,--though perhaps her mother +gave it to her as it is now." + +"Can you judge if the stitches were picked out recently?" + +"I should say very recently. The canvas is faded, of course, but, as you +see, the threads beneath where the missing stitches were is quite a +shade lighter. Had the picking been done years ago, the canvas would +have assumed a uniform tinge,--or nearly so." + +"Of course it would,--I can see that for myself. Oh, dear!--Well, Mr. +Greatorex, don't say anything about this, will you?" + +"Certainly not. But that's a good sampler, as it stands,--I mean as a +specimen of 1836 work." + +"Yes, I know it is. And yet, oughtn't the stitches to be put back?" + +"Probably not,--for they could not be matched exactly--" + +"But if it remains like this, everybody will think it two hundred years +older than it really is." + +Mr. Greatorex smiled. "Scarcely," he said. "You see, my dear, the +earliest known dated sampler is one of 1643 which is in the Victoria and +Albert Museum, in England. There are but six or seven known in that +century at all. It would be remarkable, therefore, to find a work of art +that would antedate all collections, and yet show the patterns and style +of work common less than a hundred years ago!" + +"Oh, I understand,--I've read up on the matter somewhat,--but I'm _so_ +sorry--oh, I _am_ so sorry!" + +Elise looked woe-begone indeed, for she realised that Azalea had, in +all probability committed the fraud herself, and with a deliberate +intention of deceiving her. + +Azalea's own ignorance of the whole matter was so great, that it was not +surprising that she thought the mere alteration of the date would make +the sampler of greater value. But what broke Elise's heart was the +knowledge of Azalea's wilful deception. + +She thanked Mr. Greatorex for his explanations and, again asking him not +to mention the matter to any one at all, she put the sampler back in the +drawer and locked it up. + +"Sold my sampler yet, Elise?" Azalea asked, when next they met. + +"Yes; I bought it in myself," Elise replied. "I wanted it, so I bought +it. I haven't paid for it yet, for I want to know what you consider a +fair price?" + +Elise looked Azalea straight in the eyes, and was not surprised to note +the rising colour in the cheeks of the Indian maiden. + +"Why--why," Azalea stammered, "you said it was worth hundreds of +dollars--you said that yourself, Elise." + +"That was before I knew of your own handiwork on the sampler." + +"What do you mean?" cried Azalea, angrily. + +"Just what I say. To the work on the sampler, you added a bit more,--or +rather, you subtracted some!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AZALEA'S CHANCE + + +"What do you mean by subtracted some?" + +"Now, Azalea, there's no use in your acting like that! You know +perfectly well you can't fool _me_! If you really want to know what I +mean, I'll tell you. I mean that you picked out two stitches from the +eight to make it look like a six. Didn't you, now?" + +"Oh, well, if you've discovered that, I may as well own up. Yes, I did." + +"And aren't you ashamed of yourself? Don't you think such a deception a +wrong and contemptible thing to do?" + +"Oh, pshaw, it was only for a joke. Can't you take a joke, Elise?" + +"It _wasn't_ only for a joke. You hoped you would make me think the +sampler two hundred years older than it really is! And you thought that +would make it much more valuable. Well, you overreached yourself! There +were no samplers made--so far as is known--in 1636. So your trick +wouldn't fool anybody!" + +"All right. There's no harm done, that I can see. My little joke fizzled +out,--that's all." + +"No, that isn't all. It has proved you are a deceitful girl! You don't +mind telling a falsehood!" + +"I didn't tell any!" + +"Yes, you did! It's an untruth to pretend something is what you know it +isn't! If I had sold that to some unsuspecting buyer, for a large price, +you wouldn't have said a word! You'd have let it go!" + +"Of course; all's fair at a Fair!" + +"Oh, don't try to be funny, Azalea; I'm really angry about this matter." + +"Huffy, eh? Well, get over it, then! I don't care! _Some_ people like +me! Don't they?" + +The last question was asked of Raymond Gale, who came walking by. + +"Sure; I do!" was the hearty reply. "Who doesn't?" + +"Elise," and Azalea pouted at the girl. + +"Fiddlesticks!" said Elise, gaily. "Never mind, Azalea, I'll take your +joke in good part." + +For Elise had suddenly decided that she didn't want to spoil Patty's +Fair by having a quarrel with her guest. So, though a good deal +perturbed by the sampler incident, she preferred to drop the subject. + +Azalea understood, and was glad to be let off so easily, though she felt +sure Elise would tell Patty all about it later. + +With Azalea, however, out of sight was out of mind, and she walked away +with young Gale in a merry mood. + +As they strolled along, a man stepped toward them, and raising his cap +in a respectful way, asked Azalea if he might have a few words with her, +alone. + +He had a business-like air, and though polite, was, quite evidently, not +a man of social position. + +Gale stared at him, and Azalea grew very red and confused. + +"I--well--not just now," she said, hesitatingly. "I'll see you some +other time." + +"No, miss, that won't do," The man was courteous, but decided,--and had +a manner that bespoke authority. + +"If I'm in the way, I'll vanish," Raymond said, laughing a little. + +"Well--if you will--" Azalea looked at him beseechingly. "I'll explain +later." + +So Gale walked off by himself and Azalea turned a troubled face to the +man. + +"Mr. Merritt," she said, "I can't have anything more to do with the +whole affair. I'm quite sure my relatives here wouldn't approve of it, +and I can't keep the matter secret any longer." + +"But you _must_ come, Miss Thorpe. By a strange coincidence you are +greatly needed. Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"She has!" Azalea's eyes sparkled, "Oh,--I don't mean I'm not sorry for +her,--I am, indeed! But--" + +"But it gives you a chance! A wonderful chance,--and if you can make +good--" + +"Oh, I can! I will! Shall I come now?" + +"No; but you must come to-morrow morning at nine, sharp. Will you?" + +"Indeed I will! I'll be there on time." + +"And tell your people about it,--don't you think you'd better?" + +"Oh," Azalea's face fell. "I don't know. Suppose they refuse to let me +go!" + +"How can they? They have no real control over you." + +"No,--but I'd hate to go against their expressed disapproval." + +"Nonsense! This is your first chance at a career. Don't muff it, now! +Why, just your skill at archery is enough to put you over! It's the very +place for you! Western doings, riding, shooting, lassoing, all sorts of +bareback, daredevil stunts--" + +"I know--I know. Yes, I'll be there to-morrow. You go, now,--here comes +my cousin." + +With a quick glance at Farnsworth, who was approaching, the man walked +swiftly away. + +"Who is he?" Bill asked, as he came up to Azalea. + +"Friend of mine," she answered, gaily. + +"What's his name?" + +"That's telling!" + +"I know it is, and I expect to be told." + +"People don't always get all they expect." + +"Don't trifle with me, Azalea; I'm not in a trifling mood. Who was that +man?" + +"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Now, now, Cousin +William, you know yourself, it's very rude to insist on prying into +other folks' secrets!" + +"Why _is_ it a secret? What possible business can a man like that have +with you,--that I can't know about?" + +"Why do you say 'a man like that'? He's all right." + +"All right is a vague term. He's not one of our sort." + +"Don't be a snob! Remember you were born and brought up in the West, +just as much as I was. And although you've now got to living high and +mighty, you needn't look down on me or my friends!" + +"You're talking rubbish, Azalea. That man is not your friend,--he was +talking to you on some business matter." + +"I'm not a business woman!" + +"You're not a woman at all! You're a young girl, and a very silly +one,--to have secret dealings with a common-looking man. Now, as your +temporary guardian, I insist you tell me all about it" + +"'Temporary guardian' is good! Who appointed you?" + +"I'm that by reason of your being a guest in my house, and too in view +of the fact that you have, apparently, nobody to look after you. Your +father has mysteriously disappeared. You've had no word from him since +you've been here! So far as I know, you have no other relatives, and +so, as your nearest of kin, I propose to look after you,--if you will +let me. Don't be foolish, Azalea, dear," Farnsworth's voice took on a +tender tone, "_don't_ be antagonistic. I want to help you, not annoy +you. Why not look on me as a friend, and let me know all you're about? +There can be _no_ reason why I shouldn't." + +"You might not approve," and Azalea looked at him uncertainly. + +"Why? Are you up to anything wrong?" + +"No," but she spoke hesitatingly, "not wrong, Cousin, but--all the same, +you might not approve." + +"Tell me, and let me see. If it isn't wrong, I'll promise not to censure +you, even if I don't entirely approve." + +Azalea's attention was attracted by the man who had lately left her. He +stood behind Farnsworth and made gestures that informed Azalea she was +not to let his presence be known. So she continued to talk to Bill, but +also kept the other man in view. + +His procedure was somewhat strange. He pretended to be holding a baby, +cuddling an imaginary child in his arms. Then he tossed the +non-existent little one up in the air, and pretended to catch it again. + +Then he nodded to Azalea. She shook her head negatively and very +vigorously. + +He nodded peremptorily and insistently. Again she shook her head, and as +she did so Farnsworth wheeled suddenly and saw the man. + +Angrily, he made a dash for him, but the stranger was agile and alert, +and ran swiftly away and out of the grounds to the street. + +Farnsworth looked at Azalea coldly. "So you were holding communication +with him, over my shoulder! This is a little too much, Azalea, and now +the crisis has been reached. Either you give me a full explanation of +your business with him, or you bring your visit here to an end. I cannot +have you in my house, if you are deceitful and insincere. I stand by my +offer; I will listen willingly to your story, and judge you most +leniently. I don't really believe you _are_ up to anything wrong. But a +secret is always mysterious and I hold that you are too young and +inexperienced to have secrets from your elders." + +"I have nothing to confess or confide, Cousin William," said Azalea, +putting on a haughty air. "I refuse to be accused of wrong-doing, when +I am not guilty of it,--and I will bring my visit here to an end at +once! I will leave to-morrow!" + +"Oh, pshaw, Zaly, don't go off so suddenly!" Farnsworth laughed lightly, +for he had said a little more than he meant to, and he realised, too, +that this was neither the time nor the place to have such a serious talk +with the girl. + +"Come along now, and have tea with us all in the tea-house," he said. +"Forget your bad, cruel cousin's scoldy ways, and as to the mysterious +man, I'll trust your word that he's all right." + +"Oh, thank you, Cousin!" Azalea fairly beamed now. "How good you are! +I'll tell you all about it,--some day!" + +So the matter rested for the moment, and the two went to join the merry +group around the tea-table. + +The Fair drew to a brilliant close. The second evening was even more gay +and festive than the first. Everything was sold out,--or, if not, it was +disposed of by auction after the time-honoured method of Fairs. + +Much money had been accumulated for the good cause, and though tired, +the workers were jubilant over the success of Vanity Fair. + +"I shall sleep late to-morrow morning," declared Patty, as, after all +the guests were gone, the house party started for bed. + +"Me, too," agreed Elise. "I'm glad you haven't anybody staying here but +us. No house guests, I mean, but just Zaly and me." + +"I'm glad, too," said Patty. "You see, I expected Father and Nan, but +they've changed their plans and will remain in California another +month." + +"They're having a gorgeous trip, aren't they?" + +"Yes, indeed, but I wish they'd ever get home! Just think, Father has +never seen Fleurette!" + +"She'll be a big girl when they do see her. She's growing like a little +weed." + +"Like a little flower, you mean! Don't you just love her name, Elise?" + +"Fleurette? Little Flower? Of course I do. The sweetest ever. Does Bill +still call you Patty Blossom?" + +"Yes, at times. Oh, he calls me 'most any old thing! He makes up new +names for both of us every day! Come along, Zaly, you're dropping from +sheer weariness. Time for little girls like you to go beddy!" + +Affectionately Patty put her arm round the girl, and led her away +upstairs. + +"Sleep well," she said, as she left Azalea in her own room. "And don't +come downstairs in the morning before ten or eleven. I'm sure I shan't. +The servants will clear everything up, and Bill will oversee it. I hate +the aftermath of a Fair,--don't you?" + +Azalea nodded agreement, and Patty kissed her good-night and went off. + +But it was only eight o'clock the next morning when Azalea crept softly +downstairs. She was neatly attired in a cloth suit, with a fresh white +shirtwaist and a pretty hat. + +She was not at all sleepy or weary-looking and she went out through the +pantry to the kitchen. + +"Please give me a cup of coffee," she said to the cook, who was just +beginning her day's work. + +She looked in amazement at Azalea, for she had had no orders over night +to serve an early breakfast. + +"I'll get you something as quick as I can," she said, good-naturedly. "I +didn't know you was going to town, Miss Thorpe." + +"Just decided," said Azalea, carelessly; "and I don't want +breakfast,--only a cup of coffee and a bit of toast. There's a good +cookie." + +Smiling at the cajolery, the cook bustled about and soon had an +appetising little repast ready. Azalea gratefully accepted the poached +egg and the marmalade in addition to what she had requested, and in a +short time had finished and prepared to depart. + +But she did not ask for one of the Farnsworth motor-cars; instead, she +walked swiftly out of the gate and down the street toward the trolley +line. + +She waited for a car and when it came she got aboard and settled down +for a long ride. + +At last she got out and a short walk brought her to her destination. +This was nothing more nor less than a great moving-picture studio. + +There were a number of people about, all very busy and intent on what +they were doing. + +Azalea seemed to be known, for two or three nodded pleasantly to her as +she went swiftly along to the office. + +There she presented herself, and was received by Mr. Bixby, the man who +had one day called on her at Wistaria Porch. + +"Well, Miss Thorpe," he said, briskly, "I suppose you heard the news. +Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"Yes, I heard that," said Azalea, with a sympathetic look. + +"And we think we want to put you in her place,--at least, for a trial." + +"I'm glad to try," Azalea said, earnestly. "I'll do my best to make +good. But I can't bring the baby again." + +"Oh, pshaw, yes you can,--just once more, anyway. But never mind that +now. We must see about your own part. You know there's danger, Miss +Thorpe?" + +"Miss Frawley braved the danger," Azalea said, quietly. + +"Yes, and Miss Frawley broke her ankle." + +"I know; and I may break mine, but I'll take the chance. I am not +afraid,--though I well know that accidents may happen. What was Miss +Frawley doing?" + +"It was in that climbing scene. You know she climbs the sheer precipice +of rock. There are hidden spikes driven into the rock for her feet, of +course, but she missed one, and fell." + +"I'll be as careful as I can, but I may miss it, too." + +"In that case, we'll have to get some one else," said Mr. Bixby, +coolly. "Are you ready for work?" + +"Oh, yes," and then Azalea was shown to the dressing-rooms. + +This was her secret. For years she had wanted to be a moving-picture +actress, and she had hoped before she left Arizona for New York that she +might get an opportunity to take up the work. She had expected to begin +with minor parts, and hoped by her skill and earnest efforts to attain +eminence. + +On the train, coming East, she had formed an acquaintance with Mr. Bixby +and his wife, who were in the business. As their studio was not far from +the Farnsworth home, Azalea had made plans with them to engage in the +work. + +She had carried out these plans, and had been over to the studios +several times, taking parts in which they needed a substitute. + +She had done so well and had shown such promise that Mr. Bixby urged her +to become a regular actress in his company. + +But Azalea was so uncertain as to how Patty and Bill would regard such a +move on her part, that she had so far kept the matter to herself. + +Then, when the star actress had met with an accident, and the management +had concluded to offer Azalea her place, it was a great chance for the +girl. + +She had come over this morning to give it a trial, entirely at sea as to +her subsequent attitude toward the Farnsworths. + +She thought she would be guided by circumstances as to whether she would +confide all to them, or whether she would continue her secrecy as to her +movements. + +Mrs. Bixby attended to her in the dressing-room. All of Miss Frawley's +costumes, it was found, could be altered to fit Azalea. + +As one in a dream, the girl stood to be fitted, while seamstresses and +modistes hovered about her. + +Then she was informed that the work that day would be only rehearsing +and the pictures would not actually be taken until her costumes were +ready. + +Submissively she did exactly as she was told, and so well did she act +the parts assigned her, that Mr. Bixby expressed hearty approval. + +Azalea was there nearly all day, and when at last she turned her face +homeward, a great dismay seized her. + +"What's the matter, child?" asked kindly Mrs. Bixby, who was saying +good-bye. + +"Oh, I don't know what to do!" Azalea was tempted to tell the +director's wife all her troubles. + +But Mrs. Bixby was a busy lady, and she said, "Not now, dearie. You +skittle home, and to-morrow maybe I can take a couple hours off to hear +your tale of woe. You know you've already told me your swagger relatives +would throw a fit if they knew what you were up to. Well, I guess it's +about fit time!" + +Azalea disliked her style of speech, but Mrs. Bixby was kind hearted, +and she had hoped to have her for a confidante. However, there was no +chance then, for Mrs. Bixby hustled her off to the trolley-car, and +Azalea went home to Wistaria Porch. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +"STAR OF THE WEST" + + +All the way home Azalea wondered how she would be received. + +Both Patty and Bill were somewhat suspicious of her and would naturally +question her as to where she had been all day. She was tempted to tell +them the whole truth and throw herself on their mercy, and but for one +thing she would have done so. This was the fact that she had previously +taken the baby, Fleurette, over to the studios and had used the child in +the pictures. + +This she felt quite sure the Farnsworths would not forgive. + +Azalea would not have done it, if it had occurred to her at first how +the parents would resent such use of their child. But Mr. Bixby had +needed a very young baby in a certain picture and Azalea, anxious to +please, had offered to bring Fleurette over. She was herself so devoted +to the little one and so careful of her, she felt no fear of any harm +coming to her. Nor did it, for the infant was good and tractable, and +did all that was required of her without any trouble. However, little +was required except for her to coo and gurgle in one scene, and to lie +quietly asleep in another. + +But there was one more short scene where Azalea had to rescue the baby +from a burning house. To be sure the flames were artificial and there +was no danger from the fire, but the baby was thrown from an upper +window, and caught by Azalea, who stood down on the ground. + +So accustomed was Fleurette to being tossed about, and so familiar to +her was the frolicking with Azalea that she made no objections and was a +most delightful addition to the picture. + +But something happened to the film, and the director was most anxious to +take the scene over again. + +Azalea, however, positively refused to take Fleurette again to the +studio. She knew how she would be censured, should it be found out, and +now Nurse Winnie and the two Farnsworths, as well as Elise, were all +watching for anything mysterious that Azalea might do. + +She felt almost as if she were living over a slumbering volcano, that +might at any moment blow her up. For Elise, she felt sure, would not +keep the sampler incident to herself, and if Farnsworth heard of it he +would be newly angry at that deception. + +So Azalea's delight at her success with the moving-picture company was +very much tempered with dismay at her position in the Farnsworth +household. + +She was almost tempted to run away from them altogether and shift for +herself. + +Indeed, she practically decided, as she rode in the trolley-car, that if +they were hard on her when she reached home, she _would_ run away. Of a +wayward disposition and without really good early training, Azalea +thought only of herself, and selfishly desired her own advancement +without thought or regard for other people. + +But, to her pleased surprise, when she entered the gate she heard gay +voices on the verandah, and knew that guests were there,--and several of +them. + +Unwilling to meet them in her street clothes, she slipped around to the +back entrance and went in at the servants' door. + +"I don't want to appear until I can dress," she explained to the cook, +and went upstairs by a back way. + +Half an hour later, a very different looking Azalea went down the front +staircase and out onto the porch. + +She wore a becoming dress of flowered organdie, with knots of bright +velvet, and her pretty hair was carefully arranged. + +Smiling and happy-looking, she met the guests and greeted them with a +graceful cordiality. + +"Where have you been?" cried Elise, but Azalea ignored the question and +quickly spoke to some one else. + +Mona and Roger Farrington were there, and Philip Van Reypen and Chick +Channing. This quartette had motored up from New York to dine, and Patty +had already persuaded them to say they would stay over night. + +"I'm crazy for a house party," she said, "haven't had one for 'most a +week! Oh, yes. I've a couple of house guests, but I mean a real party. +Let's make it a week-end, and have lots of fun!" + +The visitors were entirely willing, and after telephoning home for +additional apparel, they settled down to enjoy themselves. + +As they hadn't much more than accomplished this settling when Azalea +arrived, there was no comment made on her absence all day. + +In fact, Patty rather forgot about it, in the multitude of her +conferences with the housekeeper and the maids. + +Farnsworth said nothing in the presence of the guests, and Elise, after +her first exclamation, subsided. + +In fact, Elise was more interested in the society of Channing and Van +Reypen than in the mystery of Azalea's disappearances. + +Betty and Ray Gale had been telephoned for, and they came gladly, so +that at dinner there was quite a big party. + +"You certainly are a great little old hostess, Patty!" exclaimed Roger +Farrington, as they seated themselves at table. "I liked you heaps as a +girl, but as mistress of a fine house you are even more charming." + +"Thank you, Sir Hubert Stanley!" smiled Patty; "and I'm glad to admit +that I learned a lot about managing a house from your gifted wife. Do +you remember, Mona, how we kept house down at 'Red Chimneys'?" + +"Indeed I do!" Mona answered, "what fun we had that summer!" + +"I'll subscribe to that!" declared Farnsworth, "for it was then and +there that I met the lady who is now my wife! And,--I kissed her the +moment I saw her!" + +"Oh, Cousin William!" cried Azalea, "did you really? What _did_ she +say?" + +"Flew at me like a small cyclone of wrath! But as I had mistaken her for +my cousin Mona, she couldn't hold me very guilty." + +"Yes! A lot Patty looks like me!" said Mona, who was a dark-haired +beauty. + +"But I didn't see her face," pleaded Bill; "I just saw a girl on the +verandah of your house, Mona, and I took it for granted it was you!" + +"It's all ancient history," said Patty, laughing. "And, to tell the +truth, I'm glad it happened,--for otherwise, I mightn't have become +interested in--Mona's cousin." + +"Then I bless my mistake!" said Farnsworth, so fervently that Patty +shook her head at him. + +"Mustn't talk so before folks," she said, reprovingly. "Now, people all, +what shall we do with this lovely evening? It's moonlight, so any who +are romantically inclined can ramble about the place, and flirt in the +arbours,--while those who prefer can play bridge or--the piano. Or +just sit and chat." + +"Me for the last!" cried Mona. "I've oceans to talk about with you, +Patty. Can't we play all by ourselves for a little while?" + +"Certainly," said Patty, as she rose from the table. "Mona and I are +going to sit on the wistaria porch and gossip for half an hour. After +that, we're all going to dance,--and maybe sing." + +"Good enough programme," agreed Van Reypen. "For one half-hour, then, +each may do as he or she wishes!" + +"Yes, if you all promise to be back here in half an hour." + +"Make it an hour, Patty," laughed Elise, who had her own plans. + +"All right," said Patty, carelessly, who cared only that her guests +should enjoy themselves. + +"I want to tell you something," Mona said, as she and Patty at last were +alone on the porch. "Who _is_ Azalea?" + +"I call that asking, not telling," laughed Patty; "however, I'll reply. +She is Bill's cousin,--not first cousin, but the daughter of his +father's cousin. So you see,--a distant cousin. Why?" + +"I'll tell you why. Roger and I go to the 'movies' sometimes,--and in a +picture, the other night, we saw Azalea." + +"Saw Azalea! You mean some one who looked like her." + +"No; Azalea Thorpe herself! Roger and I both knew her at once. And it +was quite a new picture,--taken recently, I mean. Did you know she did +such things?" + +"No, and I can't think she does. It must have been only a remarkable +resemblance, Mona." + +"No, Patty. We're positive. And, too, she was doing Wild West +stunts,--riding bareback, shooting, throwing a lariat,--all those +things,--and Azalea can, you know." + +"Yes, I know; and there _is_ something queer going on. It may be that +when Azalea goes off for a day or part of a day, that's where she goes. +But I can hardly believe it. And why does she keep it so secret?" + +"I suppose she thinks you and Bill wouldn't approve." + +"And we certainly would _not_! I don't think it can be possible, Mona. +But don't say anything to anybody,--not even to Little Billee,--until I +can talk to Azalea, myself. I can do lots with her, alone, but not if +anybody else is present." + +"Where is she now?" + +"Gone for a moonlight stroll with Phil. He's decidedly taken with her." + +"Yes, I know it. He said so on the way up here. He thinks she's a fine +girl--and he admires those careless, unconventional ways of hers." + +"Well, I don't," Patty sighed. "I like Azalea for lots of things,--she's +good company and kind-hearted,--and she's devoted to Baby,--but I +_can't_ like those free and easy manners! But she's a whole lot better +than when she first came! Then she was _really_ a wild Indian! I've been +able to tone her down a little." + +"You've done wonders for her, Patty. She ought to be very grateful." + +Patty made a wry face. "No, she isn't grateful. People never are +grateful for that sort of thing. And she doesn't even _know_ she's +different! I've had to train her without her own knowledge! But she's +chameleon-like, in some ways, and she picks up a lot just from being +with mannerly people." + +"She does indeed! She's quite correct now,--in her actual doings. It's +only in some burst of enthusiasm that she oversteps the bounds of +propriety. Well, that's all. I thought I'd tell you,--for it isn't right +that you shouldn't know. And there's no mistake. There's only one Azalea +Thorpe." + +"Was her name on the programme?" + +"No; she didn't have a star part,--not even a named part. She was one of +a crowd,--cowboys, ranch girls, and a general horde of 'woollies.' Don't +accuse her of it, Patty; get around her and see what she says." + +"Goodness, Mona, give me credit for a little tact! I'll find out in the +best way. What was the name of the play?" + +"'Star of the West.' A splendid thing,--have you seen it?" + +"No; we almost never go." + +"Oh, we go a lot, we love moving pictures." + +"I'd like to see this one,--before I speak to Azalea. Is it on now?" + +"Yes, at The Campanile. Let's go down to-morrow,--just you and me. We +can be back in a couple of hours." + +"Well, I'll see. Probably I can go." + +In the meantime, Azalea and Van Reypen were talking of the same play. + +"I saw a picture play last night," Phil was saying, "with a girl in it +that looked exactly like you." + +"What was the play?" asked Azalea, interestedly. + +"'Star of the West.' It was a good play, but I was most interested in +the girl I speak of. She was really your double,--but she did things +that I don't believe you could compass,--athletic as you are." + +"I'd like to see it," said Azalea, thoughtfully. + +"Oh, go with me, will you? I'm going to stay up here over the +week-end,--and we could skip down to-morrow afternoon, and be back by +dinner time." + +"I'd love to go,--but Patty doesn't greatly approve of the 'movies.'" + +"Oh, never mind that. You've a right to go, if you choose. And you +needn't say where we're going, till we get back. Say we're going to take +in a matinée." + +"Well, I'll go," Azalea said decidedly, "for I'm crazy to see that play. +What's the girl's name?" + +"Dunno. It wasn't on the bill. But, truly, Azalea, you'll be surprised +to see how much like you she is!" + +Azalea hesitated. She knew it was taking a great risk to go with Phil, +but she was most anxious to see how she looked on the screen. + +This, she knew, was the first picture released in which she had taken a +part. It was only a small part, but she had done well, the manager said, +and that had been the reason for her further advancement. + +She had wanted to see it over at the studio, but her visits there had +been so hurried, and she had been so eager to get back, she never dared +take the time to see the pictures exhibited. + +The two returned to the house, and Patty greeted them gaily. + +"Well, wanderers, you're the last of the company to report! Where have +you been?" + +"Surveying your domain, ma'am," Phil replied; "it's most beautiful by +moonlight,--especially when viewed in company with a fair lady." + +He bowed gallantly to Azalea, who was looking her best,--a slight blush +of excitement on her cheeks at the compliment. + +"It _is_ lovely," she said; "the house, from the west lawn, is a +wonderful picture! Patty, Mr. Van Reypen has asked me to go to New York +with him to-morrow afternoon,--to a matinée. May I?" + +"Certainly, my child. And as Mona and I are going down in the early +afternoon, we'll all go together in the big car." + +Then all went to the hall for a dance. The large reception hall was +admirably adapted for this purpose, and the strains of a fine phonograph +soon set all feet in motion. + +Dancing with Raymond Gale, Azalea pirouetted gaily with some fancy +steps. + +"Good!" he cried, falling into the spirit of the thing, and they pranced +about in a mad whirl. + +"How Western she is," Elise said to Phil, with whom she was sedately +one-stepping. + +"Clever dancer," he returned, briefly, and the subject was not +continued. + +"Come for a walk," said Gale to Azalea, as the dance was over. + +"No; let's sit on the porch a minute," she preferred. + +"Come along to this end, then, for I want to say something particular," +he urged, and they found a pleasant seat, from which they could see the +moon through the leafy wistaria branches. + +"Look here, Azalea," Gale began, "I know what you're up to,--with the +Bixbys." + +"What!" Azalea's voice was full of fear. + +"Yes, and there's no reason you should be so secretive about it." + +"Oh, Raymond,--there _is_ reason! Don't tell on me, will you?" + +"Of course not,--if you forbid it. But when Farnsworth asks me, what am +I to say?" + +"What does he ask you?" + +"Who the Bixbys are. And other awkward questions. You see, I know old +Bixby,--and I knew as soon as I saw him here that day that he had drawn +you into his snares." + +"Don't put it that way--I wasn't exactly drawn in." + +"Well, you're in, all right. Why, Azalea, I saw you in a picture in New +York, night before last." + +"You did?" + +"Yes; in 'Star of the West.' Don't try to fib out of it--" + +"What!" + +"Now you needn't get mad! I know you're not entirely above a little +fibbing, now and then!" + +"I think I'll go in the house,--I don't like you." + +"Oh, Zaly, behave yourself. Be a sensible girl, and face the music! Why +don't you own it all up, and tell Farnsworth the whole story? It isn't a +criminal thing to act in the 'movies.'" + +"They think it is,--Bill and Patty. They'd never forgive me!" + +"Oh, pshaw, they would, too! Anyway, I want you to do it,--tell 'em, I +mean. Won't you, Zaly,--won't you,--for my sake?" + +Gale was sincere and earnest, and Azalea thrilled to the strong +tenderness in his voice as he urged her. + +But she hesitated to consent. + +"I can't, Ray," she said, at last. "Truly, I can't. They'd--they'd turn +me off--" + +"Oh, Azalea, what nonsense! They'd do no such thing!" + +"Yes, they would. You don't know Bill. He's good and generous and +kind,--but he hates anything like deceit,--and almost worse, he hates +the whole moving-picture racket. I don't mean the pictures themselves, +exactly,--but the idea of anybody of his being in them. And, oh, +Ray,--it isn't only myself,--but I took--I took--" + +"I know,--you took the kiddy." + +"Yes, I did. It didn't seem any harm, at first, and then, one day when I +brought her home,--she was sleepy,--unusually so, I mean, and Nurse +said she had been given soothing sirup,--and--I found out afterward she +had! Mrs. Bixby had given her some, to keep her quiet in the picture, +you know. Of course, I never dreamed of such a thing,--why, Ray, that +little girl is as dear to me,--almost,--as she is to Patty! I wouldn't +harm a hair of her blessed little curly head! And I'd never have allowed +a drop of that sirup, if I'd known it! But I just gave her to Mrs. Bixby +to hold, while I changed my costume,--Mrs. Bixby seems a good woman--" + +"Oh, come now, I don't believe it hurt the child." + +"You don't know anything about such things. I don't know much, but I +know they must never have a bit of that stuff! Anyway, Ray?--we must go +in now,--don't give my secret away until I give you permission, will +you?" + +"No; if you'll promise to think it over and try to believe what I've +told you,--that it's best to tell all." + +"All right, I'll promise that, and I may decide to tell. But I want to +wait until after to-morrow, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE PICTURE PLAY + + +By a little adroit manoeuvring Van Reypen managed things so that he and +Azalea did not go to New York in the motor with Patty and Mona, but went +down by themselves in the train. + +For Azalea was most anxious that Patty should not know she was going to +the moving pictures, and especially that she was going to see "Star of +the West." + +It had already become a popular picture and was drawing crowds. And +though Azalea's part in it was a small one, yet her work was so good +that one or two reviews had mentioned it approvingly. + +Azalea had hoped that it would be possible to let Van Reypen continue in +his mistaken impression that the girl on the screen was not herself, but +some one who looked marvellously like her. + +But the first sight of herself in the play so thrilled Azalea that she +was unable to repress an exclamation of surprised delight. + +"It _is_ you, Azalea!" whispered Phil, realising the truth. "How _did_ +you manage it? Oh, you wonderful girl!" + +Azalea looked at him in astonishment. In the dim light of the theatre +she could see his face glowing with pride and pleasure. + +She gave a little gasp. "Oh, Phil, aren't you--I mean--are you _glad_ +about it?" + +"I don't know,--Azalea,--it seems so queer--but, oh, look at that! Did +you really do that, Azalea!" + +For the girl on the screen had flung herself, bareback, on a vicious, +bucking pony, and holding on by his mane, went through the most +hairbreadth escapes, yet was not thrown. Indeed, she finally tamed the +wild creature, and dashed madly off on her errand. This was the rescue +of a baby who had been left behind, when those who should have looked +after the child were themselves fleeing from a cyclone. + +The scene was remarkably well staged, and the illusion of the cyclone +wonderfully worked out. + +The baby, left to the care of servants, was in a lightly built house +that rocked in the blasts. It threatened to collapse at any minute, and +Azalea, racing against time, in the face of the gale, spurred on her +flying steed, and reached the house just as it crashed to ruins. + +Flinging herself from the horse, she dashed into the piles of debris, +and, the gale nearly blowing her off her feet, contrived to find the +child. + +Of course, in the taking of the picture, Fleurette had been in no danger +whatever; in fact, had not been in the falling house at all, until time +for Azalea to find her in the ruins. + +But this was not apparent to the audience. To them it seemed that the +baby must have been there all the time. + +Van Reypen sat breathless, watching the screen with rapt attention. + +He thought little of the baby's danger, knowing the methods of making +pictures, but he was lost in admiration of Azalea, her fine athletic +figure, and her free, strong motions, as she battled with the winds and +triumphantly snatched the baby from harm. + +Then, the child in one arm, she flung herself again on the pony's back, +the animal prancing wildly, but tractable beneath Azalea's determined +guidance, and they were off like the wind itself to a place of safety. +The wild ride was picturesque, if frightful, and there was a burst of +applause from the spectators, as Azalea, panting, exhausted, but safe, +at last reached her goal, and leaning down from the horse, placed the +baby in the arms of its weeping, distracted mother. + +Azalea's beauty was of the sort that needs excitement or physical +exertion to bring out its best effects and as she stood beside the +quivering, spent horse, her own heart beating quickly, her own breath +coming hard, she was a picture of vivid beauty. + +Her dress was disordered, her hair hung in loosened coils, her collar +was half torn off by the wind, but the happy smile and the justifiable +pride in her success lighted up her countenance till it was fairly +radiant. + +"By cricky, you're stunning!" exclaimed Phil, under his breath, as he +grasped her hand in congratulation. + +And so, because of his praise and appreciation Azalea forgot her fears +of censure from the Farnsworths and gave herself up to the delights of +the moment. + +She would not have felt so comfortable had she heard Patty's remarks at +sight of the picture. + +Patty and Mona had come to the theatre later than Azalea, and had been +given seats on the other side of the large house. The darkness, too, +made it unlikely that they should see each other, and so Azalea remained +in blissful ignorance of Patty's presence. + + * * * * * + +"Of course, it's Azalea," Patty said to Mona, the moment the girl +appeared on the screen. "I--oh, I don't know _what_ to think about +it,--but, isn't she splendid!" + +"She is! That rig is most becoming to her, and she has such poise,--so +strong and free, yet graceful." + +"She's certainly at her best." + +"Of course, the director saw her possibilities and has brought out all +her best points. How pretty her hair is,--loose, like that." + +"Yes, she's a real beauty,--of the true breezy, Western type. But, Mona, +what _will_ Bill say? I do believe I shall feel more lenient about it +all than he will! He is conservative, you know, for all his Western +bringing up. Oh, my gracious, Mona, _what's_ she doing now?" + +"She'll kill herself with that wild horse! She _never_ can get on his +back!" + +In a state of great excitement, they watched Azalea's skilful management +of the pony and clutched each other's hands in speechless fear as she +tore through the gale to rescue her brother's child. + +And then--when at last Azalea emerged from the tumbled-down ruin of the +little old house, with a baby in her arms, Patty gave a cry of startled +fear, and then clapped her hand over her mouth, lest her dismay be too +evident to those sitting near by. + +"Mona!" she whispered, "it's Fleurette!" + +"No! I don't believe it! You can't tell,--such a _little_ baby--they all +look alike,--you're imagining, Patty--" + +"It is! it _is_! That's where they went when Azalea took Baby off for a +whole day,--and two or three times for an afternoon or a morning! Oh, I +can't _stand_ it!" + +Patty buried her face in her hands and refused to look up while Azalea +rode the galloping horse, with the child held fast in one arm. + +Mona felt it must be true. To be sure she couldn't really recognise +Fleurette's face, but she was certain that Patty's mother heart could +make no mistake, and it was small wonder that she was overcome at seeing +her child in such scenes. + +"Hush, Patty," said Mona, as Patty's sobs began to sound hysterical, +"hush,--this is only a picture, you know,--this isn't really +Fleurette,--she is safe at home--" + +"But she must have been here! Azalea _must_ have carried her, +_really_--on that terrific horse! They couldn't have got the pictures +if she hadn't!" + +"Well, it's all right, anyway. It didn't hurt the baby--" + +"Oh, hush, Mona! you don't know what I'm suffering! I guess if your baby +had been taken off and put through such awful doings, you'd know what I +feel! My baby,--my little flower baby! In that awful crashing, tumbling +down old shanty! Oh, I _can't_ stand it!" + +"Let's go out, Patty, there's no reason for us to stay longer." + +"Yes, let's," and gathering up her wraps, Patty rose to go. + +They made their way out of the dark, crowded place, and finding the +motor-car, they went straight home. + +Once there, Patty flew to the nursery, and fairly snatching the baby +from Nurse Winnie's arms, she held it close, and crooned loving little +broken songs. + +"You're all right," Mona said, laughing at her. "You've got your baby, +safe and sound,--now just sit down there and enjoy her for a while." + +This Patty gladly did, and Mona went in search of Farnsworth. + +She finally found him, down in a distant garden, where he was looking +after some planting matters. + +"Come along o' me," she said, smiling at him. + +Wonderingly Farnsworth looked up. + +"Thought you girls went to the city," he said. + +"We did,--also, we returned. Patty is in the nursery, and I want a few +minutes' talk with you." + +"O.K.," and the big man gave some parting instructions to a gardener and +then went off with Mona. She led him to a nearby arbour, and commenced +at once. + +"You and I are old friends," she said, "and so I'm going to take an +old friend's privilege and give you some advice, and also ask a few +questions. First, who is Azalea?" + +"My two or three times removed cousin." + +"Are you sure?" + +Farnsworth looked at her. "What do you mean, Mona?" + +"What I say; are you _sure_?" + +"Funny thing to ask. Well,--I am and--I'm not." + +"Now, what do _you_ mean?" + +"I'll tell you." And then he told her how queer he thought it that +Azalea had had no letters from her father since her arrival,--nor any +letters at all from Horner's Corners. + +"And she's so sly about it," he wound up; "why once she wrote a letter +to herself, and pretended it was from her father!" + +"I can't make it out," Mona mused. "If her father were dead, she'd have +no reason to conceal the fact. Nor if he had remarried. And if he has +done anything disgraceful--maybe that's it, Bill! Maybe he's in jail!" + +"I've thought of that, Mona, and, of course, it's a possibility. That +would explain her not getting letters, and her unwillingness to tell +the reason. But,--somehow, it isn't very plausible. Why shouldn't she +confide in me? I've begged her to,--and no matter what Uncle Thorpe may +have done, it's no real reflection on Azalea." + +"No; but now _I've_ something to tell you about the girl." + +Mona gave him a full account of the moving-picture play that she and +Patty had visited, and told him, too, of Patty's distress over the +pictures of Fleurette. + +Farnsworth was greatly amazed, but, like Mona, he knew Patty could not +be mistaken as to the identity of Fleurette. + +"And I just thought," Mona went on, "that I'd tell you before Patty +did,--for,--oh, well, this is my real reason,--Patty is so wrought up +and so wild over the Fleurette matter that she can't judge Azalea +fairly,--and I don't want to have injustice done to her at this stage of +the game. For, Bill, Azalea has real talent,--real dramatic genius, _I_ +think, and if there's no reason against it,--except conventional +ones,--I think she ought to be allowed to become a motion-picture +actress. She's bound to make good,--she has the right sort of a face for +the screen,--beautiful, mobile, expressive, and really, a speaking +countenance. Why, she'd make fame and fortune, I'm positive." + +"Oh, Mona! what utter rubbish! One of _our_ people in the 'movies'! +Impossible!" + +"I knew you'd say that! And I know Patty will say--oh, good Heavens, I +don't know _what_ Patty will say! But I do know this; she would have +been sensible and would have felt just as I do about it, if it hadn't +been for the Fleurette part of it. Before the baby appeared on the +screen Patty was really delighted with Azalea. She was enthusiastic +about her talent and her beauty,--really, Bill, she looked very +beautiful in the pictures." + +"Oh, Zaly is good-looking enough. But her taking our baby is--why, +there's no term suitable! Where is Azalea!" + +"I hope nowhere near, while you look like that!" and Mona laughed. "Your +expression is positively murderous!" + +"I feel almost that way! Just think, Mona, Azalea is _my_ relative! I +inflicted her on Patty, poor little Patty--" + +"Oh, come now, Bill, don't overdo it! Azalea was most daring and even +foolish, but not criminal. You know how she loves that child, and you +know she wouldn't let harm come near her." + +"But accidents might happen, for all Azalea's care and watchfulness--" + +"I know that, but an accident might happen to Winnie when she takes Baby +out in her coach!" + +"Are you standing up for Azalea?" + +"That's just what I'm doing! I'm glad you've got it through your head +at last. And I ask this of you, old friend. Whatever you do or say to +Azalea, think it well over beforehand. If you talk to Patty, as she is +feeling now you'll both be ready to tar and feather poor Zaly; and, +truly, she doesn't deserve it! Please, Bill, go slow,--and be just. Be +generous if you can,--but at any rate, be just. That's all I ask. And +you can't be just if you act on impulse,--so, go slow. Will you?" + +"Yes, Mona,--there's my hand on it We're not often over-impulsive,--Patty +and I,--but in this case we may be,--might have been,--if you hadn't +warned me. You're a good girl, Mona, and I thank you for your foresight +and real kindness," + +And so Farnsworth went in search of Patty with a resolve to try to +reason out the matter with a fair consideration of all sides of it. + +He found his wife and daughter in the nursery. + +Patty had sent Winnie off, feeling that she must hold Fleurette in her +arms for some time, in order to realise that she was safe from the +whirling winds of that awful cyclone! + +When Bill appeared, Patty began at once, and launched forth a full +description of the picture play, and of Azalea's and Fleurette's parts +in it. + +Farnsworth sat looking at her, his blue eyes full of a contented +admiration. To this simple-minded, big-hearted man, his wife and child +represented the whole world. All he had, all he owned, he valued only +for the pleasure it might mean to them. + +"Darling," he said, as she finished the tale, "what do _you_ think about +it all?" + +"Mona's been talking to you!" Patty cried, with sudden intuition. + +"What! How do you know? You clair-voyant!" + +"Of course I know," and Patty wagged a wise head at him. "First, +because you're not sufficiently surprised,--she told you all about it! +And second, because you're not furious at Azalea! Mona has talked you +around to her way of thinking,--which is, that Azalea is a genius,--and +that--" + +"That Fleurette is another! Think of being on the screen at the tender +age of six months!" + +"You're a wretch! you're a monster! you're a--a--dromedary!" + +Patty was feeling decidedly better about the whole matter. Having sat +for nearly an hour, holding and fondling her idolised child, she +realised that whatever Fleurette had gone through, she was safe +now,--and that whatever was to be done to Azalea by way of punishment, +was more Bill's affair than hers. + +"You don't care two cents for your wonder-child! Your own little +buttercup,--your daffy-downdilly baby!" she cried, in pretended +reproof, and then Farnsworth took Fleurette and tossed her about until +she squealed with glee. + +"Oh, I guess we'll keep her," he said, as he handed her back to her +mother's arms. "She's the paragon baby of the whole world, even if I +don't appreciate her." + +"Oh, you do! you _do_!" exclaimed Patty, remorseful now at having teased +him. "And now, Sweet William, what's _your_ idea of a right and proper +punishment for Cousin Azalea?" + +"That's a matter for some thought," he responded, mindful of Mona's +words. "Look here, Patty, quite aside from Fleurette's connection with +this case,--what's your opinion of Zaly as a 'movie' star?" + +"She's great, dear,--she really is. And--if she weren't our relative--" + +"_My_ relative--" + +"_Our_ relative, I should advise her to go in for the thing seriously; +but,--I may be over-conservative,--even snobbish, but I do hate to have +our cousin's portrait all over the fences and ashbarrels, and in all the +Sunday papers, and--" + +"I don't mind that publicity so much as I do the possible effects on +Azalea's life. I don't know that the career of a 'movie' star is as full +of dangerous pitfalls as the theatrical line, but--I hate to see Azalea +subjected to them,--for her own sake." + +"I'm not sure we'll have anything to say in the matter," Patty observed, +thoughtfully. + +"She may take the bit in her own teeth. After seeing her break that +bucking broncho to-day,--I don't think her as tractable and easily +influenced as I did!" + +"How's this plan, dearest? Suppose we don't tell Azalea, for the +moment, that you saw the picture to-day, and see what she'll do next." + +"All right, I'd be glad to think it over a little. We'll warn Mona not +to give it away,--and nobody else knows we went there." + +"Of course, I'll take up the matter of Fleurette with Azalea, +separately," Farnsworth went on. "But even if she's determined on her +career, I feel sure we can persuade her to leave her little assistant +out of it!" + +"I rather just guess we can!" and Patty cuddled the baby to her breast. +"Well, the crowd will gather on the porch soon. I'll make a fresh +toilette and play the serene hostess, once again." + +Fleurette was given over to Winnie, and Patty, calm and happy now, ran +off to dress. + +"You're such a darling,--Big Billee," she whispered turning back to her +husband, and she went into his embracing arms; "you always know just +what is right to do." + +"Especially when Mona coaches me beforehand," he laughed, unwilling to +deceive her in the slightest degree. + +"Pooh," said Patty, "you're so right, even Mona can't make you any +righter!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +SOME RECORDS + + + "_Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait, on y dansait, + Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait tout le rond_!" + +Patty's sweet, clear soprano notes rang out gaily as she trilled the +little song she had picked up in France. + +"What a pretty thing," cried Elise, "teach it to me, do, Patty." + +"All right, I will. But there's a record of it,--my singing,--for the +phonograph. You'll learn it better from that." + +"All right; Chick, come and find the record for me." + +The two went into the library, leaving the others on the porch. + +It was Sunday afternoon, and everybody was idle and happy. Patty was a +good hostess and did not bother her guests by over-entertaining them. + +But at Wistaria Porch there was always enough to do, if any one wanted +to do it,--and delightful lounging places, if one were indolently +inclined. + +Searching among the catalogued records, Chick easily found the one Elise +wanted. + +"What a lot of records they have of the baby's voice!" he exclaimed. + +"Yes," Elise assented, "they make them on all occasions. Patty's keeping +them for her, when she grows up. Clever idea." + +"Yes, but she'll have to build a town hall to keep them in! The child +hasn't begun to talk yet, but here are dozens--" + +"Oh, well, they'll weed them out. Some of them are awful cunning,--and +one is a first-class crying spell! They never could get but one of +Fleurette crying, she's such a good-natured kiddy. All right, +Chick,--start it off." + +They listened to the pretty little _chanson_, and repeated it until +Elise felt satisfied she had added it to her repertory. + +Just as she finished Betty Gale came flying in. + +"Skip into your togs, Elise, and come for a drive with us," she said. +"I've corralled Bill and Patty,--and Ray wants you,--and I," she looked +saucily at Channing, "I want Mr. Chick." + +"We're with you to the last ditch!" Channing replied and Elise went off +for her hat. + +"Shall I put away these records?" Chick asked looking at several they +had been using. + +"No," said Betty, carelessly, "Patty has hordes of minions who do such +things. Leave them, and get your duster on. We're off,--_pronto_!" + +"Where's Azalea?" Raymond Gale inquired, as, a few moments later, he had +his merry party in his car, and took hold of the wheel. + +"She and Van Reypen went for a long walk," Farnsworth replied. "And the +married Farringtons have gone back to town, so this is all our +party--for the moment." + +"All right; here we go, then." And the big car rolled down the driveway. + +"I hesitated about going," Patty demurred, "for it's Winnie's Sunday +out, and I had to leave baby with Janet. I've never done it before." + +"Oh, well," Betty laughed, "she'll probably sleep till you get back. +Don't babies always sleep all the afternoon?" + +"Not always, but Fleurette often does. Oh, of course, she'll be all +right" + +"And Azalea isn't there," she added, in a low tone to her husband. + +And indeed, just then, Azalea was far away from there. + +She and Phil had gone for the sort of walk they both loved,--along +woodland paths, cross-lots, now and then back on the highroad, and if +they got too far to walk back, prepared to return by train or trolley. + +The two were congenial spirits, which fact had rather surprised Van +Reypen's friends. For he was a conservative, fastidious aristocrat, and +though Azalea's rough edges had been rubbed down a bit by Patty's +training, she was still of a very different type from the Van Reypen +stock. + +But they both loved the open, and they strode along, chatting or silent +as fitted their mood. + +"What's in your mind just now, Brownie?" he asked, as Azalea looked +thoughtful. + +"Why,--a queer sort of a notion. Did you ever have a premonition,--a +sort of feeling that you ought to do something--" + +"A hunch?" + +"Yes; a presentiment that unless you do what you're told to do, there'll +be trouble--" + +"Who told you?" + +"That's just it. Nobody,--except a--oh, a mysterious force, a--just +an impulse, you know." + +"Obey it if you like. May I go, too?" + +"Well, it's this. Just before we turned that last corner a motor passed +us, you know." + +"Yes, I saw it. One of Farnsworth's,--with some of the servants in it." + +"It was. Patty gives them rides in turn. Now, Winnie the nurse was in, +and so it must be her Sunday out. And, of course, Patty is home there +with the baby,--she never leaves her if Winnie's away, but still--I feel +as if I must go home to look after that child!" + +"Is that all? Let's go, then. We can walk back as well as to go on." + +"But,--don't laugh, now,--I feel we ought to hurry. Let's take the +trolley-car,--it isn't far to the line." + +"You sure have got a hunch! But your will is my law. Wish we were near a +garage,--I'm not a bit fond of Sunday trolley riding!" + +"I'm not either,--but, Phil, you're awful good not to laugh at me." + +"Bless your soul, I've no notion of laughing at you! Your presentiment +may be the real thing,--for all I know. Anyway, if you want to go home, +you're going." + +So go they did, and, by the trolley-car route, arrived at the house in +half an hour. + +As they passed the Gales' place, on their way from the car-line to the +house, Van Reypen said, "Guess I'll stop here a minute if you don't +mind. I left my pet pipe here yesterday. Skip along home, and I'll +follow." + +Azalea went on and was surprised to find the house deserted. + +She went straight to the nursery, and found Fleurette in the care of +Janet, who was substitute nurse in Winnie's absence. + +"Everything all right, Janet?" said Azalea. + +"Yes, Miss Thorpe. Baby's had her milk, and I think she'll soon go to +sleep." + +"She doesn't look much like it now," and Azalea smiled at the gurgling, +laughing child, who was wide awake and in frolicsome mood. + +"Where's Mrs. Farnsworth?" Azalea asked. + +"She went motoring with Miss Gale. They all went,--and all the help have +gone too. I'm alone in the house with the baby." + +"Glad I came home, then. Mr. Van Reypen is here too, and I think I'll +take Fleurette down on the porch for half an hour. When she gets sleepy +I'll bring her up here." + +"Very well, Miss Thorpe. I'll be here." + +Janet busied herself about the nursery and Azalea went downstairs with +the baby in her arms. + +On the vine-shaded porch they sat, and as Van Reypen stayed chatting +with some of the Gale family, Azalea and the baby were each other's sole +companions. + +Their conversation was a little one-sided, but Azalea's remarks were +mostly eulogies and compliments and Fleurette's engaging smiles seemed +to betoken appreciation if not acknowledgment. + +A footstep approaching made Azalea look up. + +Before her stood Mr. Merritt, the assistant director of the film +company. + +"Good afternoon, Miss Thorpe," he said, politely; "I see the little one +is in a sunshiny mood." + +"Yes;" Azalea returned, but her very soul quaked with fear. Well she +knew what was in this man's mind. + +"And so, I'm going to ask you to run over to the studio just a few +minutes and give us one more chance at a good picture of that scene." + +"And I'm going to refuse," Azalea returned with spirit. "You know very +well, Mr. Merritt, that I'm not going to let you pose this child again." + +"I know you _are_,--and mighty quick, too," he retorted, in a low voice, +but tones of great determination. "I know everybody is out,--you are +practically alone in the house, and I know you're coming with +me,--willing or not! It won't hurt the baby a mite,--I've my little car +out in the road,--and if you _don't_ consent,--I'll--" + +He voiced no threat, but Azalea felt pretty sure he meant to take the +baby himself if she refused to go with them. + +She thought quickly, but no avenue of escape could she see. It would be +utterly useless to call Janet, for she was a nervous, timid girl, and +would probably run away at sight of this strange man. + +The nursery, too, was on the other side of the house, and she couldn't +make Janet hear if she tried. + +The Gale house also was on the other side of the Farnsworth house, and +so, indeed, if Azalea chose to call for help, it would do no good. +Doubtless Phil would be along shortly, but there was no telling, for +there was always a merry crowd on the Gale's piazza and he would stay +there talking for a time. + +But Merritt was impatient, and he finally broke out with; "Make up your +mind, please, and quickly. Will you bring the baby quietly, or shall I +just--take her along." + +He held out his arms to Fleurette, who, always ready to make friends +with strangers, smiled and leaned toward him. + +Azalea had wild thoughts of running away,--anywhere,--but she knew the +futility of such a plan. Merritt was a big and strong man, and though +Azalea was a swift runner, she could not get a start without his +intervening. + +She tried pleading. She appealed to his manliness, his kindness, his +generosity,--all with no success. + +"Don't talk rubbish," he said, shortly; "you know as well as I do, it +won't hurt the child. In fact, I came to get her to-day, myself, because +I knew her nurse was out,--and I saw you go off,--and later, all the +rest of the bunch. If _you_ hadn't come back,--confound you! I'd have +had that child over there by this time!" + +Azalea gasped. So her premonition had been a true one after all! Had +she not returned, Merritt would have easily overcome Janet and taken the +baby off with him. She knew they would not harm Fleurette,--indeed, +would be most careful of her. Unless, perhaps, they should give her +soothing-sirup again. Well they'd get no chance, for Azalea was +determined the baby should not be taken from her, and she most certainly +was not going herself. + +"You know what it will mean to you," Merritt threatened; "if I so advise +Bixby, he'll throw you over. How'd you like to lose your job now that +you've just begun to make good?" + +"That's nothing to do with it," Azalea said, trying to speak calmly and +not show how frightened she was. + +But Merritt discerned it. + +"All right," he said, "sorry you won't listen to reason,--but since you +won't,--guess I'll have to use force." + +He took hold of Fleurette's little arm, to lift her from Azalea's lap, +and the touch roused the girl's wrath to boiling point. + +"Don't you dare!" she cried, holding the baby tightly. "Leave,--leave at +once! or I'll call for help!" + +She rose, as if to make good her threat, though she knew there was no +help within call. + +Merritt knew it too, and he laughed at her. + +"Stop this nonsense, now," he commanded roughly. "I'm going to +accomplish what I came here for, so you may as well take it quietly. I +can take the child without a whimper from her,--and you know it! So, why +not be sensible and come along too, and look out for her yourself?" + +"You shall not take her!" Azalea looked like an angry tigress. + +"Gee! Wish I had you on the screen like that! You're some picture!" + +"Please, Mr. Merritt," Azalea tried coaxing again, "please believe +me,--I can't take Fleurette again. Her mother--why, Mr. Merritt, you +have children of your own--" + +"Sure I have! That's how I know how to treat 'em so well. If mine were +only small enough, I wouldn't need this little cutie. Well, here goes, +then!" + +This time he laid such a definite hold on the baby, that Azalea could +scarcely keep the child in her own arms. + +In her utter desperation, a new idea struck her. She would try strategy. + +"Oh, don't!" she cried, "rather than have you touch her, I'll go--I'll +take her. Let me get her cap and coat." + +"Where are they?" he asked, suspiciously. + +"Right here, in the library,--just across the hall." + +"Go on, then,--I trust you, 'cause I think you're sensible. I'd go along +and keep you in sight, but I want to keep watch if anybody comes. But +you sing, or whistle or something, so's I'll know you're right there." + +"All right," and Azalea's heart beat fast, for she had a splendid +scheme. + +Into the library she carried Fleurette, singing as she went, and once in +the room, she put the baby on a chair and flew for the record rack. + +Quickly she found the record of the baby's crying spell and put it in +place in the phonograph. + +Then, picking up Fleurette, she set the needle going and hurried from +the room. + +Merritt, hearing the cries, screams and sobs, scowled with anger at the +baby's fit of ill temper, but never dreamed that it was not really the +child crying at all. + +So Azalea had ample chance to escape by a back door from the library, +and crossing the dining-room went out on a side porch that faced the +Gale place. + +Looking carefully to see that Merritt had not followed her, and +listening a moment to learn how much longer the record,--of which she +knew every familiar sound,--would last, she ran with all the speed of +which she was capable over to the Gales'. + +Van Reypen was just taking leave, and he, as well as the others present, +looked in amazement at the flying figure coming nearer and nearer until +Azalea reached the group. + +"Take her," she said to Mrs. Gale, as she gave her the baby, "keep her +safe--_safe_!" + +And then Azalea went flying back. + +The record was finished,--and with the sudden stop of the child's crying +Merritt had started into the library to see what it meant. + +There Azalea found him, and she faced him bravely. + +"That baby is safe," she said, "where you can't get at her! And now I +will tell you what I think of _you_! You are a thief and a scoundrel! +You don't deserve to be allowed to carry on a reputable business! I +don't want any further connection with you or your company. I am proud +to be fired from such a lot of bandits as you people are!" + +So angry was she, and so unguarded as to what she was saying that she +fairly flung the words at him. + +For a moment he was stunned at her wild tirade, and then his artist +instinct was stirred,--for the picture she made was beautiful and +dramatic. She had no thought of this, for she was in earnest, and her +whole soul was up in arms at thought of the threatened abduction of +Fleurette. And, so, knowing that the child was safe with Mrs. Gale, she +let the vials of her wrath pour forth on the villain who had so aroused +it, and her voice was raised in scathing obloquy. + +"All right!" Merritt said, as she paused from sheer want of breath, +"I'll take my beating, if you'll go over to the studio with me and +repeat this scene. Let me pose you while you're in this humour,--you'll +never reach such heights again!" + +"Nor will I ever pose for you again! I'm through with you,--all of +you, and all the moving-picture business! I was warned to keep out of +it,--but I didn't know what wretches I would find in it! Go! Go at once! +and never let me see your face again!" + +It was at this moment that the Gale motor party returned. + +Patty and Bill, hearing Azalea's loud tones, rushed to the library and +found her there with Merritt. + +"Where's Baby?" Patty cried, starting for the stairs. + +"She's safe, Patty," Azalea said, stopping her. "She's all right,--she's +over to Mrs. Gale's." + +"Mrs. Gale's!" and Patty flew off like the wind, caring for nothing but +the assurance of her own eyes that Fleurette was safe. + +"Help me, Bill," said Azalea, going toward Farnsworth, "you said once, +you'd defend me." + +"I will, dear. What's this all about? Who are _you_?" He addressed +Merritt quietly, but with a fire in his blue eyes that was disturbing. + +"Merritt, of the Flicker Film Company, very much at your service," and +the man drew a card from his pocket and presented it. + +"Well, Mr. Merritt, leave at once, and never return. I don't care for +your explanations or excuses. Simply _go_." + +Merritt went. + +"Is that right, Zaly?" Bill said, as the crestfallen visitor left them. +"I didn't want any words with him,--for I might have lost my temper. I'd +rather have the story from you." + +"And I'll tell it to you,--all. But, oh, Bill, I'm so _glad_ Fleurette +is all right!" + +"She is _so_!" and Patty came dancing on, with the smilingest child in +the world. Van Reypen followed, and then the whole crowd drew together +anxious to know what the commotion was all about. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AZALEA'S STORY + + +"Yes, I'll tell you the whole story," Azalea repeated, addressing +herself to Farnsworth, but glancing now and then at the others. + +"On my way East, I met Mr. and Mrs. Bixby on the train. They were +pleasant people and Mrs. Bixby was very kind to me in many ways. Then, I +learned that they were in the moving-picture business, and as I wanted +to act myself, I cultivated their acquaintance all I could. And by the +time we reached New York Mr. Bixby had agreed to give me a trial at his +studio. He said I had the right type of face for the screen and if I +could learn to act, my Western life had fitted me for some certain parts +they were just then in need of. So I went in for it,--and I got along +all right. Then they wanted a little baby in the picture and as I was so +fond of Fleurette and loved her too much to let any harm come to her, I +thought it all right to take her over there once or twice to get the +pictures of her. But one of the films went wrong, somehow, and Mr. +Merritt was determined to take it over again. I wouldn't allow it, +because I found out how Patty felt about Baby being in it,--so I +refused. Now, I don't suppose you know how insistent the picture people +are about any scene they want. They go to any lengths to get them. I've +heard Mr. Bixby say, 'Get the picture if it kills the leading man!' And +though he doesn't mean that literally I think he would do anything short +of murder to get his picture. Well, they thought that the whole reel was +spoiled because one scene with Fleurette in it wasn't right. And they +were bound to have her over there again." + +"She shan't go,--so she shouldn't!" Patty crooned, as she held her child +closer in her sheltering arms. + +"No; and that's what I told Mr. Merritt," went on Azalea. "But he is +tricky, and I felt pretty sure he'd try underhand means to get the +baby. I've kept watch night and day, and I've always been certain that +Fleurette was either in Winnie's care or Patty's. Patty wouldn't trust +her with _me_ any more." + +Azalea spoke the last words wistfully, with a penitent look in her +brown eyes. + +"Small wonder!" cried Elise, who was listening interestedly. "After you +took that blessed child to--" + +"There, there, Elise," Farnsworth interrupted, "we _do_ trust Azalea. +Let her finish her story." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look and went on. + +"When I went away from the house to-day, Patty was at home, so, though I +knew it was Winnie's day off, I felt all right about Baby. Then,--while +we were out walking, I saw Winnie go by,--and soon after I felt a--a +sort of presentiment that I _must_ go home. I couldn't tell why,--only +I felt I must come back to the house at once. So I did,--and everything +seemed to be all right. I decided I had been foolishly nervous about +it,--and I took Fleurette down on the porch for a little while. + +"Then that man came and demanded her! I was alone, except for +Janet,--who is no good in an emergency,--and Mr. Merritt was very +determined. If I hadn't thought of the phonograph I don't know what I +should have done, for that man is quite capable of taking Baby away from +my arms by main force. But I happened to think I could fool him,--as I +couldn't combat him,--so I put on the crying record to make him think we +were still in the library,--and I scooted over to Gales' with the baby +as fast as I could run. Then I came back--" + +"Weren't you afraid of him?" asked Patty, shuddering at the thought of +Azalea at the mercy of the infuriated man. + +"No; I know him, and he isn't a brute or a ruffian. He was just +bent on getting Fleurette for that picture,--it would take only +a few minutes,--and I was just as bent that he shouldn't. + +"So, when he found I had outwitted him, he accepted the situation,--why, +he even wanted to take _my_ picture in my angry mood! He is a man who +thinks of nothing but a good pose for his pictures." + +"He seemed a decent chap," Farnsworth said, "but I was so angry, I just +fired him, for I feared otherwise I'd lose control of my own temper and +give him his just deserts!" + +"He'll never come again," observed Van Reypen, "I saw you, Bill, when +you invited him to leave! I'm no craven, but I shouldn't care to return +to any one who had looked at me like that!" + +"I _was_ a bit positive," laughed Farnsworth. "But, Azalea, I must admit +I'm rather bowled over by this idea of you in the moving pictures! It--it +isn't done much in our crowd, you know." + +"I know it,--and I'm never going to do it again! I've had enough! I +wanted to make it my career,--but," she hesitated, "that was before I +knew you--you nice people. I--I never knew _really_ nice people +before,--my Western friends are--are different. But I want to be like +you," her troubled glance took in Patty and Bill and then drifted to the +others; and her face was wistful and only lighted up as she looked at +Van Reypen. He smiled encouragingly at her, and she continued. + +"I'm quite ready to give up all connection with the Bixby people and +I'll promise never to go near them again,--even if they try to get me +to." + +"You bet you won't!" exclaimed Farnsworth. "I'm glad you've given it +up of your own accord, Zaly, for if you hadn't I'd have to forbid it, +anyway! I can't allow you to do such things." + +"And I don't want to. It wasn't as nice as I thought it would be, and +yet,--it _was_ fun!" She smiled as thoughts of her daredevil stunts +passed through her mind. + +"Tell us all about it!" cried Ray Gale. "I'm awfully interested, and +_I'm_ sorry you're going to quit! By George, Farnsworth! if you'd seen +our Azalea in that picture of the cyclone!" + +"Never mind!" Azalea interrupted him, "I'm all over that foolish idea." + +"I should hope so!" exclaimed Elise, with a withering glance. "The idea +of anybody being in such company as you must have been--" + +"Not at all," Azalea declared; "I wasn't mixed up with anybody +unpleasant at all. In fact, I talked to no one but the Bixbys and Mr. +Merritt. Mrs. Bixby was most kind and looked after me as a mother might +have done,--though I never knew a mother's care." + +The pretty face grew sad, and the whole attitude of Azalea was so +penitent and full of resolve to be more like the people she admired that +all of Patty's lingering resentment fled away. She put the baby in her +father's arms, and she flew over to Azalea and gave her an embrace of +full and free forgiveness and affection. + +"It's all right, Zaly," she said, smiling at her, "you _did_ cut up +jinks with my baby,--but when you came home to look after her,--even +when you thought I was here,--and when you put up such a great game to +rescue her from the enemy's clutches,--and succeeded,--well,--_I'm_ for +_you_!" + +Patty spoke so whole-heartedly there was no doubt of her sincerity, and +Azalea looked grateful and pleased,--yet, she looked troubled too. + +"Oh, Patty, you're too good to me," she said, "you don't know--I don't +deserve your faith and loyalty." + +"Oh, I 'spect you do," and Patty caressed the shining brown hair. + +"No,--I'm all unworthy--" + +"I suppose you mean about that sampler business," put in Elise, with an +unkind look on her face. "I think you ought to confess that,--while +you're confessing." + +Farnsworth gave a reproving glance at Elise, but he said, "Out with +it, Zaly,--let's clean off the slate while we're about it. What's the +sampler business that sticks in Elise's throat?" + +He sounded so sympathetic and helpful that Azalea spoke up bravely. + +"I did do wrong, Bill, but I didn't realise _how_ wrong when I was doing +it. I had an old sampler and it was dated 1836 and I picked out some +stitches so it looked like 1636." + +"You didn't deceive anybody!" exclaimed Elise. + +"I'm glad of it," returned Azalea, simply. "I was too ignorant to know +that there were no samplers made at that earlier date,--and to tell the +truth, I didn't think much about it,--I just did it hastily,--on a +sudden impulse,--because I wanted to give Elise something worth-while +for her booth at the fair." + +"And gave me something utterly worthless!" scoffed Elise. + +"Oh, come now, Elise," said Farnsworth, "it didn't hurt your sales any, +even if it didn't help them. Call it a joke and let it go at that." + +"But it _was_ deceitful, Cousin William," said Azalea, "and I do confess +it, and I'm sorry as I can be about it." + +Her pretty face was troubled and she looked so disturbed that Phil took +up the cudgels for her. + +"Oh, come off, all of you," he said, laughingly, "this isn't a court of +inquiry, and we're not sitting in judgment on Azalea. She has properly +admitted all her escapades, and she's been forgiven by the ones most +interested, now let's call it a day,--and talk about something else." + +"All right,--let's talk about the 'Star of the West,'" cried the +irrepressible Ray Gale. "Now the secret's out, there's no harm in +mentioning it. You _must_ see that picture, Farnsworth, and then you'll +be begging Azalea to go back to screen work!" + +"Never," said Azalea, her face shining with happiness that she was +forgiven and reinstated in general favour, "I've had my lesson. No more +films for me! From now on, I'm going to be goody-girl,--and behave like +nice ladies,--like Patty and Betty--and Elise." + +The slight hesitation before the last name made Elise bite her lip in +chagrin, for she had seen that her attack on Azalea was not approved of +by most of the audience. + +Poor Elise was of an unfortunate disposition, and envy and jealousy were +her besetting sins. She had never liked Azalea for the reason that the +Western girl, with her frank, untutored ways, often usurped Elise's +place in the limelight, and Miss Farrington greatly objected to that. + +It was with malicious purpose that Elise had brought up the subject of +the sampler, and when she found it passed over as of little moment, she +was angry at herself for having raised the question at all. + +"Don't try to be like me," she said, with an acid smile at Azalea; "if +you do, _nobody_ will like you." + +"Oh, come, now, Elise," said Farnsworth, laughing at this tempest in a +teapot, "play fair. We all like you, and we all like Azalea, whether she +models herself on you or not; so let's all love one another,--and let it +go at that!" + +"Yes," said Patty, "and now, my fellow lovers and loveresses, I must +take my small daughter in and send her to sleepy-by, and the rest of you +have just about half an hour before it's time to dress for dinner. The +two Gales may consider themselves invited,--if they will honour us." + +"Delighted," replied Betty, "though not overwhelmingly surprised at the +invitation. Howsumever, we must fly back home for some purple and fine +linen, and then we'll return anon. I'm usually returning here, anon! I +wonder what I ever did, Patty, before you came here to live as our +hospitable neighbours!" + +"There's half an hour, Azalea," said Van Reypen, "come for a toddle down +to the brook, and let's talk things over." + +The two started off, and for a few moments walked along in silence. + +Azalea was in a quiet, chastened mood,--a side of her character that +Phil had never before seen, and he noted with pleasure the gentle +sweetness of her face and the soft tones of her voice. + +"It woke me up," she said, reminiscently, "when that man tried to take +Fleurette from my arms. I would have fought him like a tiger if I hadn't +suddenly realised that the way to fix _him_ was by strategy. I just +happened to think that by means of the record I could fool him into +believing we were in the library, when really we were flying to refuge. +I knew he wouldn't come in as long as he felt sure we were there, for he +was watching out for the Farnsworths' return. So, I tried the scheme, +and it worked!" + +"Then you went bravely back to face the music!" + +"Oh, I wasn't afraid of him,--for myself. He's not at all a ruffian +sort,--and he never would have hurt the baby. Only,--he was bound to get +her!" + +"Well, he didn't succeed,--thanks to you, and I don't think he'll ever +try it again." + +"Oh, I'm sure he won't! He's afraid of Bill, all right! Any one would +be who had seen the gleam in Cousin William's eyes when he fired Mr. +Merritt!" + +Azalea laughed a little at the recollection,--then she sighed. + +"Why the sigh?" asked Van Reypen, looking at the expressive face of the +girl, as her smile faded and her sensitive mouth drooped at the corners. + +"Oh,--nothing--and everything! Don't ask questions!" She shook her +shoulders as if flinging off a troublesome thought. "I want to forget +the whole subject,--let's talk of other things." + +"All right,--let's. Let's talk of my unworthy self, for instance." + +"Why do you say your 'unworthy self'? Because you so look on yourself? +or for the sake of being contradicted? or just for nonsense?" + +The brown eyes smiled into his, and Azalea looked very roguish and +saucy as she demanded an answer. + +"Habit, I daresay. It's considered the thing for one to look upon +himself as unworthy. Of course, I'm not all to the bad!" + +"No, I suppose not. I've noticed saving graces now and then." + +"You have! What, for instance? You see, I love to talk about myself!" + +"Well, for one thing, you've been very kind to me. I was in a sorry +position to-day, and you and Cousin William backed me up so beautifully, +that I pulled through. If you hadn't I'd have collapsed and given up the +game, in sheer fright." + +"What do you mean?" + +"Yes; Patty was pretty hostile at first,--though she came round all +right, later. Elise was,--oh, well, you know Elise's attitude toward +me." + +"Don't mind her,--she's always got a chip on her shoulder!" + +"Betty was reserving decision, too; and but for the strong support of +you and Cousin William,--yes, and Ray Gale,--I shouldn't have come off +so well. But I deserved any fate. I _have_ been bad,--and though I am +sorry,--that doesn't wipe it all out." + +"It does, as far as I'm concerned. And I'm all that matters--at +least,--I wish I might be all that matters." + +"My gracious! There are lots who matter more than you! Patty and Bill, +and Fleurette and--" + +"Stop there! That's all! I'll concede those,--but no others. Don't you +dare say that Gale matters more than I do!" + +"Ray Gale? Oh, I don't know. And what do you mean by 'matters'?" + +"Counts. Makes a difference. Affects you. Means something to you." + +"Oh, hold on! I'm floundering beyond my depth! Help! help!" + +Azalea put her hands over her ears and shook her head, laughing at Van +Reypen's earnest face as he racked his brain for further explanatory +phrases. + +"I won't stop! I'm in earnest. I _want_ to matter--to mean something to +you! I want to count with you--" + +"Kipling says, 'let all men count with you, and none too much.'" + +"Well, I'd rather count too much than not at all. Oh, Azalea,--you do +understand me, don't you? Let me count, dear,--let me count for +everything in your life--" + +Azalea Thorpe couldn't believe her ears. What Van Reypen was saying +seemed as if it could have but one meaning,--yet that was impossible! +Philip Van Reypen, the high-born, aristocratic Philip, couldn't be +seriously interested in a crude, ignorant Western girl! + +"Thank you, Phil," she said, resolving to accept his words as a sign of +friendship, "you're awfully good to me, and your friendship counts. I +begin to think friendship is the one thing in life that does count. And +it is the friends I have made--lately,--here,--that have made me +see,--made me realise my own unworthiness,--and when I say that, I mean +it." + +"I won't let you mean it!" he cried, "I won't let you call yourself +unworthy. For you count with me,--Azalea, more than the whole world! +More than anything or everything in the world. Can't I count that way +with you,--can't I, Azalea?" + +The dark handsome face was very earnest, and as it drew nearer to her +own, and she looked deep in the eloquent eyes, she could no longer fail +to understand. + +"What,--what,--" she murmured, drawing back in confusion, "what do you +mean?" + +"Don't you know what I mean, Brownie? Listen, and I will tell you, then. +I love you, dear,--I love you." He held her hands in his own and gazed +into her face. "I can't tell you when it came or how,--but suddenly--I +knew it! I knew I loved you, and should always love you. Tell me,--tell +me, Azalea, that you can learn to love me." + +"Oh, don't--I can't--" + +"Not just at once, dear,--I can't hope for that. But, can't you +learn,--can't you try to learn--If I help you? Brownie,--that's all my +own name for you,--isn't it, you nutbrown maid! Brownie, darling,--you +_must_ love me. I can't bear it if you don't!" + +Azalea looked mystified,--then amazed,--and then her face lighted up +with a sudden radiant happiness,--she seemed glorified, exalted. + +Van Reypen caught her in his arms. + +"You do love me,--you witch! you beauty! Azalea, you look transfigured! +You _do_ love me,--tell me so!" + +Then her face changed. She repulsed him,--she sought to leave his +encircling clasp. + +"Don't!" she cried, "don't! It is horrible!" + +She burst into uncontrollable tears, and her whole frame shook with her +turbulent sorrow. + +"Have I been too abrupt?" asked Van Reypen, filled with dismay. "Give me +a little hope, dear, just say you'll let me tell you this some other +time, and I'll not trouble you now." + +"Oh, it isn't _that_," Azalea sobbed, "it's--oh, _no_! I _can't_ tell +you,--it's too _dreadful_! Let me go!" and she ran from him and hurried +back to the house and up to her own room. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +PHILIP'S REQUEST + + +"Give me a few minutes of your valuable time all to myself, will you, +old chap?" Phil said to Farnsworth, as the two men met in the hall just +before the dinner hour. + +"Take all you want, I've lots of it," returned the other, cheerily. +"Want to borrow a fiver?" + +"No; I'm still able to make both ends meet. But, seriously, Bill," as +the two men entered Farnsworth's den, and closed the door, "I'm hard +hit." + +"That sounds as if you were in love,--but I can't think you mean +that,--so I wisely opine you've been hit by the fall in Golconda Mining +Stock." + +"Your wise opinings are 'way off,--but your first suspicion was nearer +the mark." + +"In love? Good for you, old Phil! Of course it's Elise!" + +"Of course it isn't! Had Elise been my fate, I'd have known it long +ago." + +"Who then? Betty Gale?" + +"Wrong again. And blind, too. It's Azalea." + +Farnsworth sank limply into a chair. He pretended to be dazed almost to +insensibility, and as a matter of fact his surprise was nearly as great +as his demonstration of it. + +"Azalea!" he gasped. "Our Azalea!" + +"Exactly; don't act as if I had suggested the Queen of Sheba! I know +what a superior girl she is,--and I know I've not much to recommend +me--" + +"Oh, Phil,--oh, Van Reypen, stop! Have you lost your senses?" + +"I think _you_ have!" Phil looked decidedly annoyed. "I must say, +Farnsworth, I don't quite get you." + +"I beg your pardon, dear old chap, I--I was a bit astounded. You +see--" + +"I see that I've a right to care for the girl if I choose, and as you +are her nearest relative, that I know of, I come to you for sanction of +my suit. Aside from your rather inexplicable astonishment--have you any +real objection to me as a new cousin-in-law?" + +"No! You know I haven't!" Farnsworth held out a cordial hand which +the other grasped. "In fact, I think it's fine,--a most admirable +arrangement. What _will_ Patty say?" + +"I hope she'll be pleased. It's no secret that I adored Patty and tried +my best to cut you out,--but, not having succeeded in that, I've been +glad to be the friend of both of you, and we've had lots of good times, +all together. But,--well, I never expected to know another real +whole-hearted love,--and then along comes this splendid girl,--this +daughter of your own big, beautiful, breezy West, and before I know it, +she has taken my heart by storm!" + +"But, Phil,--you--you don't know Azalea--" + +"I know enough. If you mean her escapades with the picture people or her +innocent joke about the patchwork sampler,--I don't care about those +little things. She has a wonderful big, noble nature, that will respond +quickly to loving care and gentle advice. And,--I _think_ she cares for +me, but--" + +"Of course she cares for you! What girl wouldn't! Don't underestimate +yourself or your attractions, Phil. But I'll speak plainly; you're a big +man in lots of ways,--beside physically. You're an aristocrat,--of an +old family,--and you're very rich. Now,--Azalea--" + +"Please don't talk of my birth or wealth as assets. I offer Azalea +a heart full of love, and a constant care for her happiness and +well-being. If she does care for me, I want your permission to try +to win her. I have broached the subject--" + +"What did she say?" + +"She--oh, I don't know,--she said--well, she ran away!" + +"Surprised and a little shy, probably," Farnsworth looked thoughtful. +"I may as well tell you, Phil, oh hang it! How shall I put it? Well, +there's something queer about Azalea." + +"What do you mean,--queer?" + +"I don't know. And it may be nothing. But,--her only near relative, +so far as I know, is her father. A man I knew years ago,--a cousin of +mine,--and a decent, hard-working, plain man. Now, Zaly has not had a +single letter from him since she has been here." + +"Why? Where is he?" + +"I don't know. She won't tell. I've written to him twice,--but I've had +no reply. I'm telling you all I know." + +"Thank you for being so straightforward. Do you--do you think there's +anything dishonourable--" + +"That he's in jail? That's the idea that haunts my brain. I can't think +of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's +mysterious disinclination to talk about him. Why, Phil, she forged a +letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her +father!" + +"Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it. If she cares for me, Bill, +I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders. I'll get her to +tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done. But, in any +case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the +girl herself. My idea of birth and breeding is that it gives one an +opportunity to be tolerant and generous toward others of fewer +advantages. To me, Azalea stands alone,--her family connections, +whatever they may be, I accept gladly, for her dear sake." + +"I say, Phil, forgive me if I express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you +haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--" + +"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at +once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her +sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole +big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only +to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain +Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read +her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her +untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine +character." + +"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty +revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was +Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the +world to help and improve her--" + +"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is +nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to +myself." + +"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own." + +"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility +of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll +accept me, I've no fears for the future." + +"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so +mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from +anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!" + +"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van +Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that +I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow." + +The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in +thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see +Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over +the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil +was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why +should he, Bill, object? + +Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on +their sober faces. + +"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?" + +"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil, +for he really wanted to tell Patty himself. + +"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm +bowled over." + +"I know! Betty Gale. And I'm _so_ glad, Phil. I know you used to like +me,--and I was and am fond of you,--but you needn't think I resent your +loving another. I'm honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in +the world!" + +"Thank you, Patty, but,--wait a minute." + +"Oh, I can't! I'm so excited over it! I'm going to announce it at +dinner,--I wonder if I can't get the table re-decorated--with white +flowers! I love an announcement party--" + +"Patty,--don't,--let me tell you--" + +"Oh, I know _you'd_ hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty'll love it +and--" + +"But it _isn't_ Betty!" Van Reypen managed to get in. + +"Not Betty!" Patty stopped short and turned to face him. +"Oh,--Phil,--Elise?" + +"You've one more guess coming," he smiled. + +"Oh, who? Somebody in New York? Where is she? I'll invite her here!" + +"You needn't,--she's here already. Why, Patty, it's Azalea." + +"Azalea!" Patty's surprise was greater than Bill's had been, and she +stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze. + +"Azalea!" she said, again. + +"Yes,--and I want you to help me. When I spoke to her, this afternoon, +she--she acted--well, strange--" + +"Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as +everybody will be! Imagine Elise!" + +Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van +Reypen. + +"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that. Bill did, too. Now, it +seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill +ought to have perception enough to see them too." + +"It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and +Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!" + +"Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her +faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look +to you and Bill for sympathy and approval. And I don't want any of that +King Cophetua talk, either! Just because I happen to be born under a +family tree, and happen to have as much money as I want,--that's no +reason for implying that those are my chief attractions. I can give +Azalea more worth-while things than that! I can give her the love and +adoration that is every woman's desire and right,--I can give her loving +care and help,--I can--" + +"Oh, Phil, how splendid you are! You make me 'most wish--" But Patty's +honest blue eyes wouldn't let her say the words. "No, I don't wish +anything of the sort! You are a splendid man, and I do appreciate you, +but I have my Bill, and he's all the world to me. Now, I'm more than +glad you've found a your fate at last,--but--Azalea!" + +"Stop it, Patty! I find I've got to forbid these repeated expressions of +amazement. You _must_ get used to the idea, and you may as well begin at +once!" + +"You're right, and I will! First of all, honest and hearty +congratulations and may you both be very, _very_ happy,--as happy as we +are,--I can't ask more!" + +"Thank you, Patty, and will you say a good word for me to Azalea?" + +"Why! haven't you asked her yet?" + +"Only partly,--that is, she has only partly answered me." + +"What did she say?" + +"I don't quite know. She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me." + +"Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone +the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner?" + +"No; I think not. For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in +her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--" + +"What did she say?" + +"Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't +say 'yes'." + +"Oh, that's nothing,--she will. But I won't make the announcement till +she tells me to. There's the dinner gong,--come on." + +It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come +into the dining-room. She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was +very quiet. Her face showed a pathetic, wistful expression, but her eyes +were cast down, and now and then the corners of her scarlet mouth +trembled. + +Patty had arranged that she should sit next Van Reypen, and as Azalea +took the place, she found Ray Gale on her other hand. + +"'Smatter, Zaly?" he said, merrily, not thinking anything was really +troubling her. + +"Shell shock," said Van Reypen, to save Azalea the necessity of +replying. "She's had a hard day of it, and now she's not to be bothered +to talk, if she doesn't want to." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look, and under the influence of his gentle +kindliness, and mild raillery, she partly recovered her poise, and +became almost like her own gay self again. + +Much later in the evening, Van Reypen drew her away from the rest and +led her to a secluded corner of the great piazza, where he had her alone. + +"Now, my princess,--my beloved,--you are to tell me the answer to my +plea. Tell me, Azalea,--may I take you to myself? Will you be my very +own?" + +"I can't say yes, Phil," she replied, softly, the tears gathering in her +brown eyes. "I--oh, I thought I could tell you the truth,--but I +can't,--I _can't_! I--I love you too much!" + +"You've answered me!" cried Van Reypen, his eyes shining with gladness, +"if you love me,--nothing else matters! And you can't love me 'too +much'! I want all there is of your love,--your dear love! Is it really +mine?" + +"It's really yours, as far as it's in my power to give it,--but," +and Azalea's face grew very sad, "I can't give it to you,--out of +consideration of your rights. I can't love you, Philip, I mustn't +let myself even think of it!" + +"Don't talk nonsense, you blessed child,--you've settled it all when you +say you love me! Oh, Azalea, I'm _so_ glad, and proud and happy!" + +Azalea gave a start as his arms closed round her. "No!" she cried, "no, +dear, don't! oh, please don't!" + +"Why, darling? Why mayn't I caress my own love,--my promised wife?" + +"Oh, no,--I'm not! I can never be your wife! I'm--I'm not worthy!" + +"Hush!" and Van Reypen closed her lips with a tender kiss. "Hush, +Azalea, never use the words worthy or unworthy between us. Our love +makes us worthy of each other, whatever we may be otherwise." + +"Stop,--please stop! Every word you say makes it harder! I can't stand +it! It's too dreadful. Let me go,--oh, _please_, let me go!" + +Shuddering as with some great fear, Azalea slipped from his arms and ran +away. He heard her steps as she went upstairs, and heard a door +close,--evidently she had flown to her own room. + +Greatly perplexed, Phil went in search of Patty. + +"Help me out," he said, in a low tone. "Azalea has gone to her room, +and there is certainly something troubling her. Go to her, Patty,--find +out what it all means,--and if it is any foolishness about 'unworthiness' +or that rubbish, try to make her see that I want her just as she is. I +don't care a hang about her ancestors or her father or anything in the +whole world, but just Azalea Thorpe!" + +Patty looked at his earnest face, and honestly rejoiced that he had +found a girl he could care for like that. + +"I'll go, Phil," she said, "and I'll bring that young woman to reason! +It isn't only coyness,--that isn't Azalea's way,--but she is honestly +troubled about something." + +But though Patty knocked on Azalea's locked door several times, she +heard no response. + +"Please let me in, Zaly," she begged, "I just want to talk to you a +little." + +Still no reply, and then, after exhausting all other arguments, Patty +said, "Won't you let me in for Phil's sake? He sent me." + +That succeeded, and reluctantly Azalea unlocked the door. + +"Don't talk to me, Patty," she pleaded. "I'm in the depths of despair, +but you can't help me. Nobody can help me,--and I can't even help +myself." + +"Who made all this trouble for you?" inquired Patty, casually, her never +failing tact instructing her that Azalea would answer that better than +protestations of affection. + +"I made it myself,--but that doesn't make it any easier to bear." + +"Indeed it doesn't," Patty agreed. "But, never mind, Zaly, if you heaped +up a mound of trouble, let me help you to pull it down again." + +"No; you can't," and Azalea looked at her dully. + +"Oh, come now, let me try. Is it about your father?" + +Azalea fairly jumped. "What do you mean?" + +"Just what I said," returned Patty, calmly. "You know, dear, you've made +us think there's something queer about your father. Is he--has he done +anything wrong?" + +"No, Patty, goodness, gracious no! Mr. Thorpe is a most honoured and +honourable man!" + +"Now why does she call him Mr. Thorpe?" Patty wondered, but she only +said; + +"Oh, all right, forgive my suggestion. Why doesn't he write to you?" + +"He--he?--oh, Patty, that's the trouble." + +"Good! Now we're getting at it. How is that the trouble?" + +"Shall I tell you everything?" and poor Azalea looked doubtful as to +what to do. + +"Yes, dear," Patty said, gently, fearing even yet that an ill-advised +word would interrupt or prevent this long-deferred explanation. + +"Well, you see,--oh, Patty,--I'm a wicked, deceitful girl--" + +"Out with it," urged Patty, not greatly scared by this tragic +beginning,--for Azalea was prone to exaggerate. + +"I was home, you know, at Horner's Corners--" + +A knock on the door was a most unwelcome interruption. + +"Don't answer," Patty whispered, "it's Elise,--I heard her step." + +But Elise was not so easily rebuffed. "Let me in," she called, "I know +you're in there, Azalea,--you and Patty." + +Patty went to the door, and opened it slightly. "Go away now, Elise, +please," she said, "Azalea and I are having a little confidential chat." + +"Not so confidential that I can't be in it too, is it?" and speaking +lightly, Elise brushed past Patty and into the room. + +"Why, Azalea," she exclaimed, "what _is_ the matter? You look like a +tragedy queen!" + +For Azalea, annoyed at the intrusion, stood, hands clenched, and eyes +scowling, and she said angrily, "I don't think people ought to come into +other people's rooms, uninvited! I don't call _that_ good manners!" + +"You're not supposed to know what good manners are," said Elise, giving +her a condescending look. "And even if you think you do,--don't try to +teach _me_!" + +"Oh, Elise," said Patty, reproachfully, "_don't_ talk like that! It +reflects on you even more than on Zaly." + +"Oh, yes, stand up for her,--every one has gone mad over our 'heroine'! +I call it disgraceful to be mixed up with that movie concern, and let +me tell you, Azalea Thorpe, if you think Mr. Van Reypen is going to +overlook or forget that, you're greatly mistaken! You know, Patty,--our +Western friend here, is already aspiring toward Philip--" + +"Hush, Elise," Patty returned, "better stop before you make a goose of +yourself! Phil is aspiring to Azalea's favour, is the truer way to put +it!" + +"Oh, no, I can't believe that," laughed Elise, "Phil has too much +self-respect!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + +At breakfast next morning Azalea's place was vacant. + +"I didn't disturb her," said Patty, "for I want her to sleep late, if +she can. She is such an active young person, she gets tired,--though she +rarely admits it." + +And then Janet came in. "Mrs. Farnsworth," she said, "Miss Thorpe is not +in her room. Perhaps she has gone for one of her early morning walks. +But on her dressing-table I found these two notes." + +The maid handed Patty one of the letters and gave the other to Van +Reypen. Both were addressed in Azalea's handwriting and the two who took +them felt a sudden foreboding as to the contents. + +Nor were their fears ill-founded. With an exclamation of dismay, Patty +handed hers over to Farnsworth, who read it quickly, and looked at his +wife with a serious face. + +"Poor little Azalea," he said, "what _can_ it all mean?" + +For the note read: + +DEAR PATTY: + +I'm a wicked girl, and I can't impose on you any longer. I am going away. +Don't try to find me,--just forget me. I love you all,--but I have no +right to be among good people. + +AZALEA. + +"What's in yours, Phil?" Farnsworth asked, and Van Reypen handed it to +him without a word. + +MY DEAR MR. VAN REYPEN: + +I can't go away without leaving a word for you. But it is only to say, +please forget the girl who calls herself + +AZALEA. + +Then the notes were shown to the other two guests, Elise and Channing, +for the departure of Azalea could not be kept secret, and of course they +must immediately put forth every possible effort to find her. + +"I always thought she was queer," said Elise, "but these notes are the +queerest thing yet! Do you suppose she has eloped?" + +"Hush, Elise," said Farnsworth, sternly. "I know you don't like Azalea, +but I must ask you not to talk against her while you are under my roof. +Whatever she is, she is my kin,--and I shall start at once in search of +her, and learn the secret,--the mystery of her life. She _has_ acted +'queer,' I freely admit it, but I, for one, believe she is all right and +whatever is troubling her is not her fault or wrong-doing." + +"Good for you, old man!" cried Philip, "I'm with you in your search. +We'll find her, of course. First, we must find out where she went." + +This statement was so obvious and uttered so earnestly that Patty +laughed. + +"True, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," she said. "And just how shall we set about +it?" + +But Phil didn't laugh,--he answered her question seriously. + +"First, Patty, you must question the servants, and see if any one saw +her go. You know, she must have gone early this morning,--she couldn't +have gone off in the night." + +The result of the inquiry was that the cook, who was around early, had +seen Azalea start away from the house at about six o'clock. She had not +thought it strange at all, for Azalea often went for a long walk before +breakfast. Cook said that Azalea wore a travelling suit and carried a +fair-sized bag. + +"So far, so good," said Phil; "next, Patty, will you go and look round +her room? See what she took with her,--and see if she left any more +notes." + +"No notes," Patty said, on her return from this errand. "But she took +all her jewellery and money, a house dress and a few toilet things. +Janet and I could easily tell what was missing." + +"Now," said Farnsworth, "first, _why_ did she go, and second, _where_ +would she be likely to go?" + +"Never mind the why and wherefore," returned Phil, "but, as you say, +where would she probably go? Not over to the Gales', of course, that's +too near home. I am ready to declare that she went to the moving-picture +studios." + +"Of course she did!" agreed Elise; "I think she's in love with that +Merritt person--" + +"Nonsense, Elise," laughed Channing; "she loves that man like a cat +loves hot soap! I know better than that. But I think she may have gone +over there to see Mrs. Bixby. That woman has been kind to Azalea, and I +feel sure that's where she'd go." + +"Then that's where _I_ go," stated Van Reypen, rising from the table. "I +daresay you're right, Chick. May I take the little roadster, Bill, and +whiz over there and bring her back?" + +"Go ahead, boy, and good luck to you." + +But Farnsworth was not at all sanguine as to the bringing back of +Azalea. He knew her, in some ways, far better than Van Reypen did, +and he felt sure that when Azalea decided to go away, she would not +be easily found. + +But Van Reypen started cheerily off and went to the studios. + +There he was met by blank disappointment. Mrs. Bixby was greatly +interested in his story, and greatly concerned for Azalea's welfare, +but she declared the girl had not come there. + +Van Reypen was not quite sure she was telling him the truth, but his +deep anxiety so stirred the motherly heart of Mrs. Bixby that she +assured him earnestly that her statements were absolutely true, and +that she was as anxious to find the missing girl as her friends were. + +But she could offer no suggestion as to any way to look, and poor Philip +went back, disheartened and disappointed. + +All the morning they searched the grounds and the neighbourhood; they +ransacked Azalea's belongings in hope of some old letter or clue of some +sort. But nothing gave so much as a hint of anything that could have +happened to her, that made her go away. + +"I believe it's all your fault, Elise," said Van Reypen, angrily, for +his alarm and sorrow made him forget his usual courtesy. "You've never +liked Azalea, and you said mean things to her!" + +"Now, Phil," remonstrated Patty, "don't talk like that. Elise and Azalea +were not congenial, but Elise wouldn't do anything to make Azalea run +away, and Azalea wouldn't run, if she did!" + +This involved speech brought a laugh, but Philip went on; "I think she +would. Azalea is more sensitive than you thought her. None of you +understand her,--well, except Patty,--and her poor little heart was +broken by your criticisms and continual reproofs. Suppose she isn't +quite as well up in the airs and graces of society as you all are,--she +has other traits that make up for that--" + +"Oh, Philip, you're hopelessly in love with her!" and Elise laughed +jeeringly. + +"I am in love with her," he returned, "and I make no secret of it. But +not hopelessly, Elise. I shall find her,--I don't know how or where, but +I never will give up the quest until I succeed!" + +"Good for you," cried Patty, "that's the way to talk! I'll help,--and +though there's not any apparent way to look just now,--we'll find one." + +It was about noon when Van Reypen was called to the telephone. + +A strange but pleasant voice spoke to him, and asked him if he knew +Alice Adams. + +"No, I don't," said Phil, wonderingly. + +"She knows you, and--well, I may be doing the wrong thing, but I wish +you could come here." + +"Where, please? and why should I come? I don't know Miss Adams,--I'm +sure." + +"She is a dark-haired girl, with big, brown eyes, and a Western way of +speaking--" + +"What? Has _she_ just come to you? Does she wear a tan-coloured cloth +suit,--and a hat with coque feathers?" + +"Yes, she does! _Now_ will you come?" + +"Where? Who are you?--I mean, may I ask your name?" + +"I am Miss Grayson,--a motion-picture actress--" + +"Yes, yes,--where are you? Where shall I come?" + +"To my home in New York City." She gave him the address. "You see, Miss +Adams came here because she knows Miss Frawley,--we live together--but +Miss Frawley is out of town,--and I persuaded Miss Adams to stay with me +until her return. I can't make out the trouble, but I have learned the +address of the Farnsworths and--oh, well, I may as well tell you, Miss +Adams talked in her sleep. She arrived here utterly exhausted, and on +the verge of nervous prostration. But, it may be, some sleep will set +her nerves right, if the cause of the trouble can be removed. And,--I +know I am intruding,--but I can't help thinking that it's a lovers' +quarrel, and _you_ can set it right!" + +"You've guessed only part of it, Miss Grayson. It isn't a lovers' +quarrel,--exactly,--but I _can_ set it right! Will you promise to keep +Miss--Adams there, until I can get there?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's asleep yet,--but it's a broken slumber, and she +murmurs constantly of you,--and of her other friends." + +"Thank you a thousand times, I'll be there in an hour. Good-bye." + +"Come along, Patty," Van Reypen cried, as he hung up the receiver, "come +on, Bill! I've found her! She's assumed the name of Alice Adams,--and +she's with a sweet-voiced lady named Grayson. Come on,--I'll tell you +the rest as we go." + +They didn't break the speed laws, as their car flew down to New York, +but it was only because that would have meant delay in reaching their +goal. About mid-afternoon they arrived at Miss Grayson's apartment and +surprised Azalea by entering the room where she sat. + +"You naughty girl!" cried Patty,--but as she noted Azalea's pale face +and worried, harassed eyes, she just clasped her in her arms, with a +little crooning murmur of affection. + +"It's all right, whatever it is," she reassured, for Azalea turned big, +frightened eyes on Farnsworth. + +"You bet it's all right!" Philip cried, as he stepped eagerly forward. + +With a tired little sigh, Azalea put her hand in his. "How did you find +me?" she began, but Van Reypen said, "Never mind that, now. You just +come back home with us,--and first thank Miss Grayson prettily for her +kindness to you." + +Miss Grayson, a pretty, round-faced girl, was greatly interested in the +dramatic situation, and though she disclaimed any occasion for thanks, +yet she very much wanted to know what it was all about. + +"I already like Miss Adams too well to let her go entirely out of my +life," she said, with spirit. "I claim my right to know a little about +it." + +"It _is_ your right," said Farnsworth, "and first of all this runaway of +ours is not Miss Adams, but Miss Thorpe." + +"No," said Azalea, with an air of decision, "I'm _not_ Miss Thorpe,--and +I _am_ Alice Adams." + +"Flighty," said Farnsworth, "and no wonder. She's been under a good deal +of nervous strain lately." + +"No; I'm not flighty," persisted Azalea, who was entirely composed now, +and who spoke firmly, though she was evidently controlling herself with +an effort. + +"And I'm going to confess now," she went on. "Now and here. Miss Grayson +is so kind and dear I don't mind her knowing, and the rest of you +_must_ know. I must tell you,--I can't _live_ if I don't." + +"All right, Zaly, dear, tell us," and Patty sat beside her, and put a +caressing hand on her arm. + +"I am Alice Adams," Azalea said, "and I am not Azalea Thorpe at +all,--and I never was." + +"Oh!" said Farnsworth, beginning to see light. + +"I am a wicked girl," the pathetic little voice went on. "I lived in +Homer's Corners,--and I lived with the woman who keeps the post-office +there. I've been an orphan since I was four, and this woman brought me +up,--though it scarcely could be called that, for she only looked on me +as her assistant in the office and in her house. + +"Well, one day a letter came for Azalea Thorpe. Now, the Thorpes moved +away from Horner's Corners two years ago, and we never knew their new +address. The few letters that came for them were sent to the Dead Letter +Office. This one would have been, but for the fact that it was unsealed. + +"It had been sealed, but the envelope was all unstuck, and--I read the +letter. I own up to it,--I know it was wrong,--but I didn't know then +_how_ wrong. You see, I wasn't taught much about honour and right. It is +only since I have been with good people that I realise what an awful +thing I did. When I read it, I couldn't help thinking what a pity for +that wonderful invitation to her to make a visit in the East, to be +wasted! And the more I thought, the more I was possessed of an idea that +I might personate Azalea Thorpe and have the visit myself. Oh, if you +_knew_ how I hated the place where I lived,--how I hated the home I +had,--how I wanted to get out into the great world, and have my chance! +And, yes, I wanted to be a moving-picture actress. I was _sure_ I could +do better than the pictures I saw in that little town, and--well, the +more I thought about it,--the more it seemed an easy and plausible thing +to do. + +"I did it. I answered Patty's letter as if I were really Azalea +Thorpe,--you see, I had known her all my life, until she moved away, and +then I packed up my things and came East, resolved to pretend I _was_ +Azalea and see what happened. It didn't seem so dreadful--I thought at +first, it was just a big lark,--but now,--oh, _now_ I know how right and +honourable people look on a thing like that!" + +She cast a hopeless glance at Van Reypen, and though he smiled at her +and started toward her she shook her head and waved him back. + +"On the trip East, I met the Bixbys, and as we at once arranged for +my entrance into their studios, I was more than ever eager to put the +matter through. + +"So I came. Oh, I hate to think how I imposed on the Farnsworths! They +were _so_ kind to me, right from the start. Then they asked me questions +about my father, and I didn't know what to do or say. I tried to fool +you, Bill, with a made-up letter but I didn't succeed. And,--all the way +along, I kept feeling worse and worse,--meaner and meaner--at the life +of deceit I was leading. I made good in the pictures,--and oh, Patty, +will you _ever_ forgive me for taking Baby over there! But I knew she +was safe with me, and, like all the rest, I didn't realise how bad I +was! + +"I don't ask or expect forgiveness,--I know you couldn't grant _that_. +But lately I felt I couldn't go on any longer,--and I couldn't bring +myself to confess,--so,--I ran away." + +"And you are really Alice Adams?" asked Farnsworth, but Phil +interrupted. + +"Wait a minute, everybody. Before Azalea--or Alice,--or whoever she +is, says another word, I want to say that she is my promised wife! I +want you, dear, and whatever your name is, I want it to be changed to +Van Reypen. Tell me,--tell them all,--that you consent." + +A beautiful expression came over the girl's face. + +She turned to Philip, her soft, dark eyes shining with utter joy and a +tender smile of glad surprise curving her quivering lips. + +"Oh," she breathed, "oh, _Phil_!" + +"You _do_ consent?" he urged, "you must say yes, before you tell us any +more!" + +"May I, Patty?" and a shy, sweet face looked questioningly at the one +she was glad to consider her mentor. + +"I think so," Patty smiled back, for she knew how matters stood with +Phil, and she had faith in the true heart of the girl beside her. + +"Yes, then," she said, softly, looking at Philip,--and that was their +troth-plight. + +"Go on, dear," he said, briefly, and with a glad smile in his eyes. + +"There's little more to tell; I am Alice Adams, and my father was born +in Boston--" + +"Good gracious, Phil!" Patty cried. "Why, this child is a real Adams!" + +"Of course she is," said Farnsworth, "I knew the Adamses that lived in +Horner's Corners. You see, I was there some years myself. Why, your +mother was a sweet little woman, with a face like Dresden china." + +"Yes; I've a miniature of her. She was beautiful. I'm like my father--" + +"And _you're_ beautiful!" cried Patty, kissing her. "Oh, Zaly,--I can't +call you anything else! what a story you _have_ told us!" + +"And now, let's proceed to forget it," said Farnsworth, in his big, +genial way. "You and I'll talk it over a little when we're alone,--but +just now, I adopt you as my cousin,--I'm proud to have an Adams in my +family, even if only by adoption! Your escapade was a wild +one,--er--Alice,--but it was an _escapade_,--not a crime. And for my +part, you are fully and freely forgiven, and--here's where Patty takes +up the theme." + +"I do," said Patty; "and I add my full and free forgiveness to Little +Billee's and I invite you to come right back to Wistaria Porch and make +us a long visit,--as Alice Adams." + +"And we thank _you_, Miss Grayson," Farnsworth said, "for restoring our +lost cousin, and at the same time giving us a new one!" + +Miss Grayson laughed. "It's been a perfect show for me," she said; "I +think it's all more dramatic than any play I ever acted in." + +"Come, Alice, dear," Van Reypen said, with an air of proprietorship, +"where's your coat?" + +Shyly, Alice looked up at him. + +"Are you sure you want me?" she said. + +"Sure I want an Adams? Well, rather! I never aspired to such a renowned +name for my _fiancée_! My own family pride is humbled to the dust." + +"Nonsense!" laughed Patty, "the Van Reypen stock can hold its own!" + +And then they quickly got ready and started for home. + +Farnsworth took the wheel, and invited Patty to sit beside him. + +This left Van Reypen and Alice together in the tonneau, and neither +objected to the arrangement. + +They conversed softly as the car sped swiftly along, and Phil realised +how beautiful was the dear face beside him, now that worry and care had +been replaced by happiness and love. + +"But I don't see how you _can_ forgive me," Alice said, "I did such a +_dreadful_ thing." + +"I forgive you for two reasons," Van Reypen returned, "first, because +you didn't appreciate the real _wrong_ you were doing, and second, +because I _love_ you. Love you enough to forgive far more than that!" + +"You'll never have to forgive me for anything again, for I'm never going +to do anything you'll disapprove of. I'm among nice people forever +now,--and I'm going to learn to be like them." + +"You're one of the 'nice people' yourself, by birth, and your name is +among the best. But I doubt if I can learn to call you 'Alice.' To me, +you will always be 'Brownie',--my own Brownie girl." + +"I like that best," she said, contentedly, and smiled happily at Philip +as his hand clasped hers, and his eyes carried a message of love that +needed no spoken word to tell of its depth and sincerity. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Patty and Azalea, by Carolyn Wells + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14352 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..46702fa --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #14352 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14352) diff --git a/old/14352-8.txt b/old/14352-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ddbc04e --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14352-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7932 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Patty and Azalea, by Carolyn Wells + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Patty and Azalea + +Author: Carolyn Wells + +Release Date: December 14, 2004 [EBook #14352] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY AND AZALEA *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + PATTY AND AZALEA + + BY CAROLYN WELLS + + Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc. + + 1919 + + + + +THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH LOVING GOOD WISHES TO PRISCILLA KERLEY + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER + + I WISTARIA PORCH + II GUESTS ARRIVE + III BETTY GALE + IV A NEW RELATIVE + V THAT AWFUL AZALEA + VI TABLE MANNERS + VII MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + VIII MISSING + IX VANITY FAIR + X INQUIRIES + XI THE SAMPLER + XII AZALEA'S CHANCE + XIII "STAR OF THE WEST" + XIV AT THE PICTURE PLAY + XV SOME RECORDS + XVI AZALEA'S STORY + XVII PHILIP'S REQUEST + XVIII PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + + + +PATTY AND AZALEA + + + + +CHAPTER I + +WISTARIA PORCH + + +"Oh, Little Billee! Come quick, for goodness' sake! The baby's choking!" + +Patty was in the sun parlour, her arms full of a fluttering bundle +of lace and linen, and her blue eyes wide with dismay at her small +daughter's facial contortions. + +"Only with laughter," Bill reassured her after a quick glance at the +restless infant. "Give her to me." + +The baby nestled comfortably in his big, powerful arms, and Patty sat +back in her chair and watched them both. + +"What a pleasure," she said, complacently, "to be wife and mother to two +such fine specimens of humanity! She grows more and more like you every +day, Little Billee." + +"Well, if this yellow fuzz of a head and this pinky peach of a face +is like anybody in the world except Patty Farnsworth, I'll give up! +Why, she's the image of you,--except when she makes these grotesque +grimaces,--like a Chinese Joss." + +"Stop it! You shan't call my baby names! She's a booful-poofle! She's a +hunny-bunny! She's her mudder's pressus girly-wirly,--so she wuz!" + +"Oh, Patty, that I should live to hear you talk such lingo! I thought you +were going to be sensible." + +"How can anybody be sensible with a baby like that! Isn't she the very +wonderfullest ever! Oh, Billee, look at her angel smile!" + +"Angel smile? More like a mountebank's grin! But I'm sure she means well. +And I'll agree she is the most wonderful thing in the world." + +Bill tossed the child up and down, and chuckled at her evident +appreciation of his efforts for her amusement. + +"Be careful of my baby, if you please," and Patty eyed the performance +dubiously. "Suppose you drop my child?" + +"I hardly think I shall, ma'am. And, incidentally, I suppose she is my +child?" + +"No; a girl baby is always her mudder's own--only just her very own +mudder's own. Give her to me! Let me has my baby,--my ownty-donty baby!" + +Farnsworth obediently handed Patty her property, and put another pillow +behind her as she sat in the low willow chair. Then he seated himself +near, and adoringly watched his two treasures. + +It was mid-April and the Farnsworths had been married more than a year. +On their return from France, they had looked about for a home, and had at +last found a fortunate chance to buy at a bargain a beautiful place up in +Westchester County. It was near enough to New York for a quick trip and +yet it was almost country. + +The small settlement of Arden was largely composed of fine estates and +attractive homes. This one which they had taken was broad and extensive, +with hundreds of acres in lawns, gardens and woodland. It was called +Wistaria Porch, because of an old wistaria vine which had achieved +astounding dimensions and whose blooms in the spring and foliage later +were the admiration of the whole countryside. + +The house itself was modern and of the best Colonial design. Indeed, +it was copied in nearly every detail from the finest type of Colonial +mansion. Though really too large for such a small family, both Patty and +Bill liked spacious rooms and lots of them, so they decided to take it, +and shut off such parts as they didn't need. But no rooms were shut off, +and they revelled in a great library beside their living-room and +drawing-room. They had a cosy breakfast room beside the big dining-room +and there were a music room and a billiard room and a den and great hall +with a spreading staircase; and the second story was a maze of bedrooms, +guest rooms and bathrooms. + +It took Patty some days even to learn her way round, and she loved every +room, hall and passage. There were fascinating windows, great wide and +deep ones, and little oriels and dormers. There were unexpected turns and +nooks, and there was,--which brought joy to Patty's heart,--plenty of +closet space. + +The whole place was of noble proportions and magnificent size, but +Patty's home-making talents brought cosiness to the rooms they themselves +used and stateliness and beauty to the more formal apartments. + +"We must look ahead," she told Billee, "for I expect to spend my whole +life here. I don't want to fix a place up just as I like it, and then +scoot off and leave it and live somewhere else. And when our daughter +begins to have beaux and entertain house parties, we'll need all the +room there is." + +"You have what Mr. Lucas calls a 'leaping mind,'" Bill remarked. "But I'm +ready to confess I like room enough to swing a cat in,--even if I've no +intention of swinging poor puss." + +And so they set blithely to work to furnish their ancestral halls, as +Patty called them, claiming that an ancestral hall had to have a +beginning some time, and she was beginning hers now. + +Such fun as it was selecting rugs and hangings, furniture and ornaments, +books and pictures. + +Lots of things they had bought abroad, for Captain Bill had been +fortunate in his affairs and had had some leisure time in France and +England after the war was over to collect some art treasures. + +Also, they didn't try or want to complete the whole house at once. Part +of the fun would be in adding bits later on, and if there were no place +to put them, there would be no fun in buying things. + +Patty was a wise and careful buyer. Only worth-while things were +selected, not a miscellaneous collection of trumpery junk. So the +result to date was charming furniture and appointments, but space for +more when desired. + +Little Billee's taste, too, was excellent, and he and Patty nearly always +agreed on their choice. But it was a rule that if either disapproved, +the thing in question was not bought. Only such as both sanctioned could +come into their home. + +The house had a wide and hospitable Colonial doorway, with broad fanlight +above and columns at either side. Seats, too, flanked the porch, and the +carefully trimmed wistaria vine hung gracefully over all. Across both +ends of the house ran wide verandahs, with _porte cochère_, sun parlour, +conservatory and tea-porch breaking the monotony. + +Patty's own bedroom was an exquisite nest, done up in blue and silver, +and her boudoir, opening from it, was a dream of pink and white. Then +came the baby's quarters; the day nursery, gay with pictured walls and +the sun porch, bright and airy. + +For the all-important baby was now two months old, and entitled to +consideration as a real member of the family. + +Fleurette was her name, only selected after long thought and much +discussion. Bill had stood out for Patricia Fairfield Farnsworth, but +Patty declared no child of hers should be saddled with such a burden for +life! Then Bill declared it must be a diminutive, in some way, of the +mother's name, and as he always called Patty his Blossom Girl, the only +suggestion worth considering was something that meant Little Flower. And +as their stay in France had made the French language seem less foreign +than of yore, they finally chose Fleurette,--the Baby Blossom. + +Farnsworth was a man of affairs, and had sometimes to go to Washington or +other distant cities on business, but not often or for a long stay. And +as Patty expressed it, that was a lot better than for him to have to go +to New York every day,--as so many men of their acquaintance did. + +"I never thought I'd be as happy as this," Patty said, as, still holding +her baby, she sat rocking slowly, and gazing alternately at her husband +and her child. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth inquired, as he lighted a fresh cigar. + +"Oh, it's too much for any one mortal! Here I've the biggest husband in +the world, and the littlest baby--" + +"Oh, come now,--that's no incubator chick!" + +"No, she's fully normal size, Nurse says, but she's a tiny mite as yet," +and Patty cuddled the mite in an ecstasy of maternal joy. + +"I thought friend Nurse wouldn't let you snuggle the kiddy like that." + +"She doesn't approve,--but she's still at her lunch and when the cat's +away--" + +And then the white uniformed nurse appeared, and smiled at pretty Patty +as she took the baby from her cuddling arms. + +"Come for a ride, Patty _Maman_?" asked her husband, as they left the +little Fleurette's presence. + +"No; let's go for a walk. I want to look over the west glade, and see if +it will stand a Japanese tea-house there." + +"All right, come ahead. You've not forgotten your dinky tea-porch?" + +"No; but this is different. A tea-house is lovely, and--" + +"All right, Madame Butterfly, have one if you like. Come down this way." + +They went along a picturesque path, between two rocky ravines,--a bit +of real scenic effect that made, indeed, a fine setting for a little +structure for a pleasure house of any kind. + +"Lovely spot!" and Patty stood still and gazed about over her domain. + +"Seems to me I've heard you remark that before." + +"And will again,--so long as we both shall live! Oh, Little Billee, I'm +so glad I picked you out for my mate--" + +"_I_ picked _you_ out, you mean. Why, the first moment I saw you, I--" + +"You kissed me! Yes, you did,--you bad man! I wonder I ever spoke to you +again!" + +"But I kissed you by mistake that time. I'd no idea who you were." + +"I know it. And you've no idea who I am, now!" + +"That's true, sweetheart. For you've as many moods and personalities as a +chameleon,--and each more dear and sweet than the last." + +"Look here, my friend, haven't we been married long enough for you to +cease to feel the necessity for those pretty speeches?" + +"Tired of 'em?" + +"No; but I don't want you to think you must--" + +"Now, now, don't be Patty Simpleton! When I make forced or perfunctory +speeches, you'll know it! Don't you think so, Patty Mine?" + +"Yep. Oh, Billee, look, there's the place for the tea-house!" + +Patty pointed to a shady nook, halfway up the side of the ravine. + +"Great!" agreed Bill. "Wait a minute,--I'll sketch it in." + +He pulled an old envelope and a pencil from his pockets, and rapidly drew +the location with a few hasty strokes, and added a suggestion of an +Oriental looking building that was meant for the proposed tea-house. + +"Just right!" cried Patty; "you _are_ clever, dear! Now draw Baby and me +drinking tea there." + +A few more marks did for the tea drinkers and a queer looking figure +hurrying along the path was doubtless the father coming home. + +Patty declared herself satisfied and folded the paper and put it safely +away in her pocket. + +"We'll get at that as soon as the landscape gardener finishes the sunken +garden," she said. + +"Oh, I'm _glad_ I'm alive! I never expected to have everything I wanted +in the way of gardens! Don't you love them, too?" + +"Of course,--and yet, not as you do, Patty. I was brought up in the great +West, you know,--and sometimes I long for the big spaces." + +"Why, this is a big space, isn't it?" + +"I mean the prairies,--yes, even the desert,--the limitless expanse of--" + +"Limitless fiddlesticks! You can't have the earth!" + +"I don't want it. You're all the world to me, then why crave the earth?" + +"Nice boy! Well, as I was about to say, do you know, I think it's time +we had some guests up here, just for to see and to admire this paradise +of ours." + +"Have them, by all means. Are you settled enough?" + +"Oh, yes. And I shan't have anything much to do. Mrs. Chase is a host in +herself, and Nurse Winnie takes full charge of my child,--with Susie's +help." + +"Do you own that infant exclusively, ma'am? I notice you always say _my_ +child!" + +"As I've told you, you don't count. Why, you won't really count until +the day when some nice young man comes to ask you for the hand of +Mademoiselle Fleurette." + +"Heaven forbid the day! I'll send him packing!" + +"Indeed you won't! I want my daughter to marry and live happy ever +after,--as _I'm_ doing." + +"Are you, Patty? Are you happy?" + +As Billee asked this question a dozen times a day for the sheer joy of +watching Patty's lovely face smile an affirmative, she didn't think it +necessary to enlarge on the subject. + +"I do be," she said, succinctly, and Farnsworth believed her. + +"Now, I propose," she went on, "that we have a week-end house-party. +That's the nicest way to show off the place--" + +"Patty! Are you growing proud and ostentatious?" + +"I'm proud--very much so, of my home and my family,--but nobody ever +called me ostentatious! What _do_ you mean?" + +"Nothing. I spoke thoughtlessly. But you are puffed up with pride and +vanity,--_I_ think." + +"Who wouldn't be--with all this?" + +Patty swept an arm off toward the acres of their domain, and smiled +happily in her delight of ownership. + +"Well, anyway," she went on, "we'll ask Elise and Bumble and Phil and +Kenneth and Chick and--" + +"Don't get too many,--you'll wear yourself all out just talking to them." + +"No: a big party entertain themselves better than a few. Well, I'll fix +up the list. Anybody you want specially?" + +"No, not now. Some time we'll have Mona and Roger, of course; and some +time Daisy--" + +"Yes, when we have Adèle and Jim. Oh, won't we have lots of jolly +parties! Thank goodness we've plenty of guest rooms." + +"Are they all in order?" + +"Not quite. I have to make lace things and fiddle-de-fads for some of +them." + +"Can't you buy those?" + +"Some I do, but some I like to make. It's no trouble, and they're +prettier." + +"Let's go back around by the garage, I want to see Larry." + +They strolled around through the well-kept vegetable gardens and chicken +yards, and came to the garage. Here were the big cars and Patty's own +little runabout. Larry, the chauffeur, touched his cap with a respectful +smile at Patty, and as Farnsworth talked to the man, Patty stood looking +off across the grounds and wondering if any one in the whole world loved +a home as she did. + +Then they went on, strolling by the flower beds and formal gardens. + +"And through the land at eve they went," quoted Bill, softly. + +"And on her lover's arm she leant," Patty took up the verse. + +"And round her waist she felt it fold," continued he: + +"And far across the hills they went + To that new world which is the old. + And far across the dying day, + Beyond its utmost purple rim: + Beyond the night, across the day + The happy Princess followed him." + +"Through all the world she followed him," added Patty; "I think our +quotations are a bit inaccurate, but we have the gist of Tennyson's +ideas." + +"And the gist is--?" + +"That I'm a happy Princess," she smiled. + +"Well, you're in your element, that's certain. I never saw anybody enjoy +fixing up a house as you do!" + +"Did you ever see anybody fix up a house, anyway?" + +"I'm not sure I ever did. I had very little home life, dear." + +"Well, you're going to make up for that now. You're going to have so much +home life from now on, that you can hardly stagger under it. And I'm +going to make it!" + +"Then it will be a real true home-made home! Sometimes, Patty, I fear +that with all your tea-houses and formal gardens you'll lose the real +homey effect--" + +"Lose your grandmother! Why, in the right hands, all those faddy things +melt into one big bundle of hominess, and you feel as if you'd always had +'em. Soon you'll declare you've never lived without a Japanese tea-garden +in your back yard!" + +"I believe you! You'd make a home feeling in the Parthenon,--if you chose +to live there!" + +"Of course I should! Or in the Coliseum, or in the Taj Mahal." + +"There, there, that will do! Don't carry your vaunts further! Now come +around the house, and let's go in under the wistaria. It's a purple +glory now!" + +"So it is! What a stunning old vine it is. I did think I'd change the +name of the place, but that wistaria over that porch is too fine to be +discarded. Let's get Mr. Hepworth up here to paint it." + +"It must be painted, and soon, while it's in its prime. If Hepworth can't +come, I'll get somebody else. I want that picture." + +"And let's have some photographs of it. It's so perfect." + +"All right, I'll take those myself,--to-morrow,--it's too late now." + +"And me and Baby will sit in the middle of the composition! Won't that be +touching!" + +Patty laughed merrily, but Farnsworth said, "You bet you will! Be ready +in the morning, for I'll want a lot of poses." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +GUESTS ARRIVE + + +"I refuse to go a step further! This porch of wistaria is the most +wonderful thing I ever saw in all my life! When I heard the name of the +place, I thought it was crazy,--but of course I see now it's the only +possible name! I don't care what's inside the house,--here I am,--and +here I stay!" + +Elise Farrington threw off her motor coat, and settling herself on the +side seat of the porch, under the drooping bunches of purple bloom, +looked quite as if she meant what she said. + +Patty stepped out from the doorway and smiled at her visitor. + +"All right, Elise," she said, "you may. I'll send out your dinner, and +you can sleep here, too, if you like." + +"No, I'll come in for my board and lodging, but all the rest of the time +look for me here! I'm going to have some lavender frocks made,--dimities +and organdies, and then I'll be part of the picture." + +"Oh, do! I can't wear lavender or purple," Patty sighed. + +"Nonsense! Of course you can. You only mean you've never tried. That +bisque doll complexion of yours will stand any color. Let's both get +wisteria-coloured frocks, and--" + +Elise's plans were interrupted by the appearance of Farnsworth and two +men who had arrived for the house party. These were our old friends, +Philip Van Reypen and Chickering Channing. + +Still a devoted admirer of pretty Patty, Van Reypen had become reconciled +to his fate, and moreover had discovered his ability to take pleasure in +the society of other charming young women. + +Channing was the same old merry Chick, and he was exuberant in his praise +of the beautiful home of the Farnsworths which he now saw for the first +time. + +"Great little old place!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. "But why such +an enormousness? Are you going to keep boarders?" + +"Yes, if you'll stay," laughed Patty. "But, you see it was a bargain,--so +we snapped it up." + +"The old story," put in Bill. "Man built it,--went bankrupt,--had to sell +at sacrifice. Along came we,--bought it,--everybody happy!" + +"I am," declared Elise; "this is the sort of place I've dreamed of. +Beautiful nearby effects, and a long distance view beside. This +porch for mine,--all the time I'm here." + +"But you haven't seen the other places yet," Patty demurred. "There's a +tea-porch--" + +"Wistaria, too?" + +"Yes, of course." + +"Lead me to it!" and Elise jumped up, and made for the house. + +Then they all strolled through the wide hall and out at the back door on +to the tea-porch. This was furnished with white wicker tables and chairs, +and indeed, was prepared for immediate use, for a maid was just bringing +the cakes and crumpets as the party arrived. + +"Goody!" cried Elise, "can we have tea now, Patty? I'm famished." + +"Yes, indeed," and Patty took her place at the tea table with a matronly +air, and began to pour for her guests. + +"It's just as pretty as the other porch," Elise decided, looking +critically at the festoons of wistaria, which was on three sides of the +house. "But I'll adopt the first one. Anybody looking for me will find me +there--'most always." + +"We're always looking for you," said Channing, gallantly, as he took up +his teacup, "and it is a comfort to know where to find you. Of late +you've been inaccessible." + +"Not to you," and Elise glanced coquettishly from under her eyelashes. + +"To me, then," put in Van Reypen. "I've not seen you, Elise, since I came +back from Over There. You've grown a lot, haven't you?" + +"Taller?" + +"Mercy no! I mean mentally. You seem more--more grown up like." + +"Everybody is, since the war work. Yes, Phil, I have grown,--I hope." + +"There, there," warned Patty; "no serious talk just now, please,--and no +war talk. For the moment, I claim your attention to my new house and its +surroundings." + +"Some claim you've staked out," and Chick grinned. "I want to see it all. +And,--moreover,--I want to see the rest of the family!" + +Patty beamed. "You dear!" she cried; "do you really want to see my +daughter?" + +"_My_ daughter," Farnsworth added; "but I didn't know you chaps would +be interested in our infant prodigy. I never cared about seeing other +people's babies." + +"I do," stoutly insisted Channing. "I'm a connoisseur on kiddies. Let me +see him." + +"He isn't him," laughed Patty, "he's a she." + +"So much the better," Chick avowed. "I love girl babies. Where is she?" + +"You can't see her now, she's probably asleep. To-morrow she'll be on +exhibition. I hear a car! It must be Mona!" + +"I'll go and fetch her," said Farnsworth, springing up, and after a short +time he returned with two newcomers, Mona Farrington and her husband, +Roger. + +Then there was more greeting and exclamation and laughter, as the latest +guests admired the new home, and accepted Patty in her becoming role of +hostess. + +"To think of little Patty as the chatelaine of this palatial ménage!" +said Roger, "and actually acting as if it belonged to her!" + +"It isn't palatial," corrected Patty, "but it _does_ belong to me,--that +is, to me and my friend William. He vows I claim the baby for all my own +property,--but I'll accord him a share in the place." + +"It _all_ belongs to me," said Farnsworth, with a careless sweep of a big +arm. "The wistaria, Patty, the baby, and all!" + +"That's right," agreed Roger, "keep up your air of authority as long as +you can! I tried it,--but Mona soon usurped the position!" + +"Nonsense!" and Mona smiled at her husband. "Don't you believe him, +Patty. We go fifty-fifty on everything,--as to decisions, I mean. He +gives in to my superior judgment half the time, and I let him have his +own foolish way the other half. Follow my plan and you'll live happily, +my dear." + +"Are we your first company?" asked Elise. + +"Yes,--except Father and Nan,--and a few calls from the neighbours. This +is my first house-party. And I do want it to be a success, so I'm going +to depend on you all to help me. If I do what I ought not to do,--or +leave undone the things which I should ought to do,--check me up,--won't +you, please?" + +"We sure will," agreed Channing, "but something tells me you're going to +prove an ideal hostess." + +"She will," nodded Farnsworth, "she takes to hostessing like a duck to +water. She even asked me what sort of smokes you chaps prefer." + +"I hope you remembered," said Roger. "And when are they to be passed +around?" + +"Right now," said Patty, smiling and nodding to the maid who hovered +near. + +In truth, Patty was a born hostess, and without fuss or ostentation +always had the comfort of her guests in mind. While not overburdened +with a retinue of servants, she had enough to attend to everything +she required of them; and her own knowledge and efficiency combined +with her tact and real kindliness brought about a state of harmony +in her household that might well have been envied by an older and more +experienced matron. + +Mrs. Chase, who had the nominal position of housekeeper, found herself +strictly accountable to Patty for all she did, and as she was sensible +enough to appreciate Patty's attitude, she successfully fulfilled the +requirements of a butler or steward, and had general charge and oversight +of all the housekeeping details. + +"The way to keep house," said Patty to Mona and Elise, as she took them +away with her, leaving the men to their "smokes," "is not so much to work +yourself as to be able to make others work in the way you want them to." + +"That's just it," agreed Mona, "and that's just what I can't do! Why, my +servants rode over me so, and were so impudent and lazy, I just gave up +housekeeping and went to a hotel to live. We had to,--there was no other +way out." + +"And how Roger hates it!" said Elise, who, as Roger's sister, thought +herself privileged to comment. + +A cloud passed over Mona's face. "He does," she admitted, "but what can I +do? He hated worse the scenes we had when we were housekeeping." + +"Perhaps conditions will get better now," said Patty, hopefully, "and you +can try again, Mona, with better results." + +"Maybe; and perhaps you can teach me. You used to teach me lots of +things, Patty." + +"All right,--I'll willingly do anything I can. Now, who wants to see my +angel child? Or would you rather go to your rooms first?" + +"No, indeed," cried Elise, "let me see her right now. If she's as pretty +as the wistaria vine--oh, Patty, why don't you name her Wistaria?" + +"Gracious, what a name! No, she's Fleurette,--or so Little Billee says. +Anyway, here she is." + +Patty led them to the nursery, and from the lacy draperies of the +bassinette a smiling baby face looked up at them. + +"What a heavenly kiddy!" Elise exclaimed, "Oh, Patty, what a daffodil +head! Just a blur of yellow fuzz! And such blue eyes! She looks exactly +like you! And exactly like Bill, too. Oh, I never saw such a darling +baby. Let me take her,--mayn't I?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's no glass-case baby." + +Elise picked up the dear little bundle, and cooed and crooned in most +approved fashion. + +Apparently Fleurette understood, for she smiled and gurgled, and seemed +to look upon Elise as an old friend. + +Mona admired the baby but was more interested in the house. + +"Show me everything," she begged Patty. "I want to see it all. Where's +your linen closet?" + +"My linen closet is a room," and Patty led them thither. "You see, we +have such a lot of rooms and,--such a lot of linen,--that I took this +little bedroom for a linen press. I had a carpenter put in the shelves +and cupboards just as I wanted them,--and here's the result." + +With justifiable pride, Patty showed her linen collection. Sheets, +towels, tablecloths,--each sort in its place, each dozen held by blue +ribbon bands, that fastened with little pearl buckles. + +Other shelves held lace pieces, luncheon sets, boudoir pillow-cases, +table scarfs, and all the exquisite embroidered bits that are the delight +of the home lover. + +"Perfectly wonderful!" Elise declared; "looks just like a shop in Venice +or Nice. How do you keep them so tidy? and where did you ever get so +many?" + +"Oh, I've done quite some shopping to get our Lares and Penates together, +and Bill let me get whatever I wanted in the house furnishing line. Yes, +this linen room is my joy and my pride. See, _this_ cupboard is all +curtains. I do love to have fresh curtains as often as I want them." + +"Well, it's all like Fairyland," Mona said. "I have beautiful things, +too, but they don't look like this. They're all in a jumble on the +shelves, and everything is hodge-podge." + +"Oh, well, you're just as happy," laughed Patty. "I chance to be +naturally tidy, and I just love to potter over my things, and keep them +in place. Some time I'll show you Baby's wardrobe. Her little things are +too dear for anything. But now I'll take you to your rooms. This is +yours, Elise. I picked out this one for you, because it's lavender,--and +I know that's your favorite colour." + +"And the wistaria vine is looking in at the windows!" Elise noted, with +joy. "Oh, Patty, I won't live on the porch, either, I'll live up here." + +It _was_ a beautiful room. A deep seated bay-window, with latticed panes, +opened into a profusion of wistaria blooms, and the fragrance filled the +whole place. The furniture was of ivory enamel and the appointments were +of various harmonious shades of lavender. A _chaise-longue_ was well +supplied with lace pillows and a nearby stand and reading-lamp hinted at +the comfortable enjoyment of a tempting array of new books. + +Pansies and violets were in small bowls, and on a table stood an enormous +vase full of trailing branches of wistaria. + +"What a picture!" and Elise stood in the middle of the floor, looking +about her. "Patty, you're a wonder! I don't care if you have shoals of +servants, you fixed up this room,--I know you did." + +"Of course I did,--with Mrs. Chase to help me. She's a treasure,--she +catches on to my ways so quickly. Glad you like it, Elise, honey. Now +settle yourself here,--your bags will be up in a minute,--and I'll put +Mona in her niche." + +"I'm coming too," and Elise went with the others to the rooms designed +for Mona and Roger. + +"This is my Royal Suite," laughed Patty, as she ushered them into a +charming apartment done up in handsome English chintz. + +"It suits me," and Mona nodded approval. "You had this done by a +professional, Patty." + +"It was here when we bought the house. You see, some rooms were already +furnished, when the man decided to sell it. And of these, such as we +liked we kept as they were. This is especially fine chintz and also good +workmanship, so as it is so imposing in effect, we call it the Royal +Suite. Father and Nan adored it, and you and Roger are the next Royal +guests." + +"It's great," said Elise, "not half as pretty as mine, but more dignified +and gorgeous." + +The chintz was patterned with tropical birds and foliage and as the +hangings were many and elaborate the effect _was_ gorgeous. The bathroom +was spacious and fully equipped, and as Mona's things had arrived she +turned to instruct the maid who was already unpacking them. + +"Come back with me to my room," said Elise, as she and Patty went down +the hall. + +"Just for a minute, then, for I must go and sort out the rest of my +visitors. I am putting Philip and Chick over in the west wing, far +removed from the nursery, for I don't want them imagining they are kept +awake by the night thoughts of my child. And, I must confess, Fleurette +has a way of tuning up in the wee, small hours! However, we had the +nursery walls muffled, so I don't think you'll be disturbed. Isn't this +outlook fine, Elise?" + +"Beautiful," and Elise joined Patty at the bay-window. "This is the most +effective room I ever saw, and so comfy." + +"And here's your bath," Patty opened the door to a bathroom of +white-tiled and silver daintiness. "Now you've time for a tub and a rest +before dinner. So I'm going to leave you. Come down at eight,--or sooner, +if you like." + +Housewifely Patty ran away, happy in her new role of hostess to a house +party. + +The men still sat on the tea-porch, smoking, and talking over the +political situation. + +"Here you are again," Chick greeted her; "but where's the che-ild? I must +see that youngster to-night. I've--I've brought her a present." + +"Oh, well, come along, then," said Patty; "if you're really so anxious to +meet the young lady,--why wait?" + +The two went up to the nursery, and though a little surprised at the +unexpected call, Nurse Winnie made no objection. + +"Here's your new friend," and Patty lifted Fleurette out of her pillows +and presented her to Chick. + +"What a beauty!" he cried, as he saw the golden curls and the big blue +eyes. "And so intelligent!" + +"Of course! Did you think she'd look vacant?" + +"They often do," said Chick, sagely. "Why, my cousin's baby looks +positively idiotic at times,--but this mite,--she knows it all!" + +And Fleurette did look wise. Being in benign mood, she smiled at the big +man who held her so gently, and put out a tentative fist toward his face. + +"Born flirt," he declared, "just like her mother! Well, Patty, she's +a wonder-child,--oh, I know 'em!--and I hereby constitute myself her +godfather, without waiting to be asked." + +"Good! We accept the honour. Make a bow, Fleurette." + +"No, the honour is mine. She doesn't quite take it all in, yet,--but in +days to come, she may feel real need of a godfather and I'll be there!" + +"What do godfathers do? I never had any." + +"I'm not quite sure, myself. I'm going to get a field-book,--or First +Lessons in Godfathering, or something like that. But, anyway, I'm hers! +Oh, Patty, she's going to grow up a beauty! Did you ever see such eyes!" + +Patty laughed at Chick's enthusiasm, which was too patently genuine to be +mere polite flattery, and entirely agreed in his opinion as to the good +looks of the small Fleurette. + +"What did you bring her?" she asked, and Chick drew from his pocket a set +of small gold pins. + +"For her bibs and tuckers," he explained. "At least that's what they told +me at the shop. I don't know much about such things." + +"They're just right," Patty said, "and they're her very first +present,--outside the family. Thank you a thousand times,--you're +very thoughtful, Chick." + +"I hoped you'd like 'em," and the big, warm-hearted chap smiled with +gratification. "Dress her up in them to-morrow, will you?" + +And Patty promised she would. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +BETTY GALE + + +Seated at the head of her own dinner table that evening, Patty felt +decidedly in her element. Always of a hospitable nature, always +efficient in household matters, she played her rôle of hostess with a +sweet simplicity and a winning grace that charmed all her guests. + +Farnsworth, opposite her at the big, round table, was a quiet, dignified +and well-mannered host. He had not Patty's native ability to entertain, +but he was honestly anxious that his guests should be pleased and he did +all in his power to help along. Patty had coached him on many minor +points, for Little Billee had been brought up in simple surroundings and +unaccustomed to what he at first called Patty's frills and fal-lals. + +But she had convinced him that dainty laces and shining silver were to be +used for his daily fare and not merely as "company fixings," and being +adaptable, the good-natured man obediently fell in with her wishes. + +And now he was as deft and handy with his table appointments as Patty +herself, and quite free from self-consciousness or awkwardness. + +"You've made me all over, Patty," he would sometimes say; "now, I really +like these dinky doo-daddles better than the 'old oaken bucket' effects +on which I was brought up!" + +And then Patty would beg him to tell her more about his early days and +his wild Western life in the years before she knew him. + +It was her great regret that Bill had no parents, nor indeed any near +relatives. An only child, and early orphaned, he had lived a few years +with a cousin and then had shifted for himself. A self-made man,--as +they are styled,--he had developed fine business ability, and had also +managed to acquire a familiarity with the best in literature. Patty was +continually astonished by his ready references and his quotations from +the works of the best authors. + +Indeed, the room he took the deepest interest in furnishing in their new +home was the library. + +For the purpose he selected the largest room in the house. It had been +designed as a drawing-room or ballroom; but Farnsworth said that its +location and outlook made it an ideal library. He had an enormous window +cut, that filled almost the whole of one side of the room, and which +looked out upon a beautiful view, especially at sunset. + +Then the furnishings were chosen for comfort and ease as well as +preserving the dignified effect that should belong to a library. The book +cases were filled with the books already owned by the two and new ones +were chosen and bought by degrees as they were desired or needed. + +The reference portion was complete and the cases devoted to poetry and +essays well filled. Fiction, too, of the lasting kind, and delightful +books of travel, biography and humour. + +There were reading chairs, arranged near windows and with handy tables; +there were desks, perfectly appointed; racks of new books and magazines; +portfolios of pictures, and cosy window seats and _tête-à-têtes_. + +There were a few fine pictures, and many little intimate sketches by +worth-while pencils or brushes. And there were treasured books, valuable +intrinsically or because of their inscriptions, that Farnsworth had +collected here and there. + +Small wonder, then, that the library was the favourite room in the house +and that after dinner Patty proposed they go there for their coffee. + +"Some room!" ejaculated Chick Channing, as they sauntered in and stood +about, gazing at the wealth of books. + +"Glorious!" agreed Mona, who had a mere pretence of a library in her own +home. "I didn't know you were so literary, Patty." + +"Oh, I'm not. It's Little Billee's gigantic intellect that planned this +room, and he's the power that keeps it going. Every week he sends up a +cartload of new books--" + +"Oh, come, now, Patty,--I haven't bought a book for a fortnight!" laughed +Farnsworth. "But I've just heard of a fine old edition of Ike Walton that +I can get at--" + +"There, there, my son, don't get started on your hobby," implored +Channing. "We're ignoramuses, Mona and I, and we want to talk about +less highbrow subjects." + +"Count me on your side," said a smiling girl, whose big gray eyes took +on a look of awe at the turn the conversation had taken. "I don't know +if Ike Walton is a book or a steamboat!" + +The speaker was Beatrice Gale, a neighbour of the Farnsworths. She was +pretty and saucy looking,--a graceful sprite, with a dimpled chin, and +soft brown hair, worn in moppy bunches over her ears. She was called +Betty by her friends, and Patty and Bill had already acquired that +privilege. + +"Now, Betty," and Patty shook her head at her, "you are a college +graduate as well as a débutante,--you _must_ know old Ike!" + +"But I don't! You see, my début meant so much more to me than my +commencement, that all I ever learned at college flew out of my head +to make room for all I'm going to learn in society." + +"Have you much left to learn?" asked Elise, looking at the piquant face +that seemed to show its owner decidedly conversant with the ways of the +world,--at least, her own part in it. + +"Oh, indeed, yes! I only know how to smile and dance. I'm going to learn +flirting, coquetry and getting engaged!" + +"You're ambitious, little one," remarked Van Reypen. "Have you chosen +your instructors?" + +"I'm sure you won't need any," put in Elise, who was already jealous of +Philip's interested looks at the new girl. "I think you could pass an +efficiency examination already!" + +"You ought to know," said Betty, with such an innocent and demure look +at Elise, that it was difficult to determine whether she meant to be +impertinent or not. + +"Let me conduct the examination," said Philip; "shall it be public,--or +will you go with me into a--a classroom?" and he looked toward the small +"den" that opened from the library. + +"Oh, have it public!" exclaimed Mona. "Let us all hear it" + +"All right," and pretty Betty smiled, non-chalantly. "Go ahead, +Professor." + +"I will. You know these examinations begin by matching words. I say one +word, and you say whatever word pops into your head first." + +"That's easy enough. Proceed." + +"Arden." + +"Forest. I always thought this place ought to have been named the Forest +of Arden, because--" + +"Don't talk so much. You must say one word only. Concentrate." + +"Silence." + +"Oh, concentrate wasn't the _word_! I said that to you--" + +"I thought you were talking to me _all_ the time!" + +"I am. Now be still! Horse." + +"How can I pass my examination if I'm to be still? Wagon." + +"Aeroplane." + +"You." + +"How did you know that I was an aviator?" + +"Never mind; go on with the game." + +"All right. Beaux." + +"Flattery." + +"Chaperon." + +"Hoodwink." + +"Oh, you rascal! Mother." + +"Father." + +"Father." + +"Money." + +"Soft-boiled egg." + +"Messy." + +"American Beauties." + +"Mr. Grant,--he often sends them to me." + +"Music." + +"Dancing." + +"You pass. Now for to see if you're thoroughly grounded in the common +branches. Grammar, first. What's a noun, and give examples." + +"A noun's a name. As, candy, heart, slipper." + +"What's a compound noun?" + +"Two names,--as chicken salad,--Philip Van Reypen,--moonlight." + +"What's a mood?" + +"Something you fall into,--as a ditch,--or love." + +"What is an article?" + +"A piece of fancy work for sale at a fair." + +"What's a conjunction?" + +"Anything that joins,--as the marriage ceremony, or hooks and eyes." + +"Good. Now for arithmetic. If you are at home of an evening, and a chap +calls on you, and then I come to call, and take half your attention +from him, what is left?" + +"The chap!" + +"Right! Now, definitions. What do you mean by forever?" + +"Until to-morrow!" returned Betty, laughing. + +"Never?" + +"Not until to-morrow!" + +"How do you spell No?" + +"Y-e-s." + +"Oh, Betty," exclaimed Patty, laughing, "I didn't know you were so +witty!" + +"Good gracious! don't call me _that!_ Here, stop this examination right +now! I _won't_ be called witty. Why, don't you know-- + +"'Though you're sweet and though you're pretty, +Men won't love you if you're witty!' + +"I'm _always_ afraid of not being loved!" + +Miss Gale looked so frightened at this very idea, that they all broke +into laughter. + +"You should worry!" declared Bill. "You haven't enough wit to do any +great harm. Or, at least, if you have, you've compensating foolishness--I +mean--that is--" + +"There, there, Billee," counselled Patty, "you'd better stop,--you're +just getting in deeper with every word." + +"Oh, it's all right," and Beatrice shrugged her shoulders, "I need to +be brought up with a round turn now and then. I'm too intellectual,--I +know." + +She purposely assumed a vacant, stupid expression and folded her hands +helplessly in her lap. + +"She's a hummer," Channing remarked in an aside to Patty, as further +hilarity followed Betty's fooling. + +"I like her lots," Patty returned. "She's a frivolous little thing, but +thoroughly sweet and dear. She adores Fleurette." + +"Aha, little mother! So that's the way to your good graces, is it? I too +adore Fleurette." + +"But you're already in my good graces,--and have been for years." + +"So? Then,"--Chick's tone grew wheedlesome,--"invite me up here +often,--won't you?" + +"Now I _should_ have thought you meant because of my daughter's charms, +if your glance hadn't wandered toward Miss Gale, even as you spoke!" + +"Both, fair lady,--both. I adore Fleurette as the delightful daughter of +a delightful mother. May I not also admire the delightful neighbour?" + +"Indeed, you may. And you have a standing invitation to come up here +as often as you like. I'm going to entertain a lot this spring and +summer,--and you're a really useful house guest" + +"Thanks, indeed! How do I qualify?" + +"By your nice, kind, entertaining qualities. You're an all-round nice +man, Chick,--and I don't care who knows my opinion. And now, do you go +and make up to Elise." + +"Yes, ma'am. Between you and me, ma'am,--she's a bit miffed--not?" + +"Hush! Run along and make yourself so agreeable that she'll forget +everybody else." + +Of a truth Elise was a little disturbed. For she was of a jealous and +self-seeking disposition, and resented any attentions that were not given +to her. The advent of this bright and sparkling young girl,--probably +three or four years younger than herself, made her suddenly feel +neglected, and it displeased her. + +Mona noticed it, and smiled to herself. But Patty truly regretted it, +for she had taken a decided fancy to Beatrice Gale, and as they were +neighbours, she knew the girl would be often at Wistaria Porch. And as +she had planned to have Elise with her often, also, she saw breakers +ahead, unless the two could be reconciled. + +Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is +not easily placated. And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the +"bone of contention." + +After Patty's marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared +himself a confirmed bachelor. And though Elise would have looked with +satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred. + +Patty had hoped,--and thought,--that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen +Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen +had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde. + +This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,--it could be seen by +any onlooker,--was not at all averse to his company. + +And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming. But when +things didn't go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which +was far from attractive. + +So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a +girl,--as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,--was as iron entering her soul. + +However, she was clever enough to hide her real feelings, and she +welcomed Chick Channing with a cordial smile. + +"Let's go for a stroll round the verandahs," he proposed, and Elise +consented. + +"Want a wrap? though it's warm for April," he said, as they went out the +door. + +"No, thank you, I love the fresh air," and Elise waved her white arm +upward, and entwined it in the wistaria blossoms. "I've adopted this +porch,--I shall probably be with Patty a lot this summer. You'll come +up--now and then?" + +"Oh, yes; it's the most charming house to visit, don't you think?" + +"Great! Patty is an ideal hostess, and Bill's a dear!" + +"And the kiddy,--don't leave her out" + +"Oh, she's an angel. But a bit unfledged, as yet." + +"Of course. But such a darling! By the way, I'm her godfather." + +"Oh, are you? Then I'll be her godmother! She ought to have both." + +"Certainly. Though I think I heard that Miss Gale has the position." + +"Of course she has! That girl appropriates everything! I think she's too +fresh!" + +"You mean that for a compliment, I'm sure. Yes, she is,--she's like a +dewy daisy--" + +"Dewy daisy, nothing! She isn't so childlike as she wants to appear!" + +"There now, Elise, don't talk like that! It doesn't sound pretty,--and +goodness knows _you've_ no reason to be jealous." + +"What?" asked Elise, already mollified. + +"Why, you, with your established place in this household, and in our +set,--mustn't stoop to be--jealous--of a little schoolgirl!" + +"Oh, I'm _not_! How dare you hint it?" + +"Then don't act so. Take my advice, Lisa, and don't show even the +appearance of that sort of thing. It reacts,--you know." + +Elise did know,--she knew Chick was telling her the truth, and telling +it, too, only in the kindest spirit of real friendship. + +She bit her lip in annoyance, and said, sharply, "Don't abuse the +privilege of an old friend, Chick." + +"I don't mean to,--honest I don't, Elise. Forgive me if I've offended +you." + +"Oh, you haven't. That's all right. Have you ever met this Gale girl +before?" + +"No; but she sat next me at dinner, and she told me about herself. It +seems she has a wonderful brother--" + +"She has!" It was amazing how Elise brightened up. "Why wasn't he invited +this evening?" + +"He's away from home just now,--will return next week,--I think she said. +Get on your warpaint and feathers! See, the conquering heroine comes!" + +"Stop teasing, Chick. I do like to meet strangers, and if Patty's +neighbour is attractive--" + +"Patty's neighbour's brother,--you mean?" + +"I do! If he's attractive, it'll add to my pleasure when visiting +Patty,--won't it?" + +"It sure will,--and, may I say it? You'll add to his pleasure, I've no +doubt." + +"Very pretty, Chick. You _are_ a nice boy." + +"Thank you, ma'am. But I won't be in it, when the brother appears on the +scene, I fear! So, to make hay while the sun shines, won't you go in and +dance with me? I hear the light fantastics tripping in the hall." + +They went in and found all of the party keeping time to the gay music of +the big victrola, and they joined the swaying couples. + +As they passed Betty Gale and Van Reypen, Elise overheard her saying, +"You're awfully good to me,--and you've only just met me to-night!" + +Phil's reply was lost as they danced away, but Elise realised that it was +an eager expression of his desire that they should meet again, and soon, +and her demon of jealousy once more up-reared his ugly head. + +But she concealed it,--outwardly, at least,--and when the time came, she +was so cordial and sweet to Miss Gale that a friendship pact was sealed +between them. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A NEW RELATIVE + + +May came in with the sunshine and balmy days that are popularly supposed +to belong to that month, but which do not always materialise. + +Wistaria Porch was fairly basking in the sunshine, and the flower gardens +were already showing their early blooms. The tulip beds were a blaze of +bright glory and hyacinths and daffodils added their sweetness and +beauty. + +"Such a heavenly place!" Patty exclaimed as she and Little Billee +strolled along the garden paths in the late afternoon. "I'm glad we have +this week-end to ourselves,--I love to have guests, but once in a +while,--you know--" + +"I do know!" declared Farnsworth, "and I'd be willing to have 'em twice +in a while--" + +"Have what?" + +"Week-ends alone with you! Oh, I like company, too,--have all you want, +but now and then--just now and then, a family party looks good to me! +Where's our blessed child at the moment?" + +"She ought to be here,--it's time. Winnie usually brings her for her +afternoon visit to her proud parents. And here she comes! Here's mudder's +own Poggly-woggly Pom-pom head!" + +"What delightful names you invent! Let me have a try at it! Here's +Fodder's own Piggly-winktum! There, how's that?" + +"Perfectly horrid! Sounds like a pig!" + +"All right, let's try again. Who's the airiest, fairiest, tiny mite? +Who's the pinky-goldiest Smiley-eyes in the whole world? Here she is!" +and big Bill took the baby, from nurse's arms, and flung her high in +the air, catching her deftly on her descent, while Patty held her breath +in apprehension. She knew perfectly well Bill wouldn't let the child +fall,--and yet, accidents had occurred,--and the crowing baby might +squirm out of the watchful father's arms. + +But no accident happened and the two had their usual afternoon romp. + +Little Fleurette knew her father and adored the big, comfortable man who +held her so firmly and tossed her up so delightfully. + +"Now, it's my turn,--give her to me," said Patty, at last. Then Bill +deposited the child in her mother's arms, and the little one nestled +there contentedly. She was a good baby, and rarely cried or fretted. +Healthy and strong, she bade fair to become a fine big woman some +day, and Patty's leaping mind had already planned out her whole lifetime! + +"I think I'll send her to the Mortimer School," she said, musingly. + +"Why, that's a finishing school!" exclaimed Bill, knowing of the +fashionable establishment. + +"Yes; I mean when she's ready to be 'finished,'" said Patty, calmly. +"Before that, she'll go to Kindergarten,--and some other school, I +suppose." + +"I suppose she will; but we'll have a few years of her company here, at +home, won't we, before her schooldays begin?" + +"Yes, of course, we're having them now. But they go so fast! Oh, Little +Billee, _all_ the days fly so fast,--I can't realise we've been married +nearly two years--" + +"Nonsense! A year and nearly two months--" + +"Well, it soon _will_ be two years! I never saw the time fly so! It goes +like a Bandersnatch!" + +"Does that mean you're so happy, Patty?" + +"It means exactly that! Oh, I want to live forever! I am so happy! I +didn't know life with you and Fleurette would be so beautiful as it is!" + +"Is it, dearest? I'm so glad," and the big man looked at his dainty, +sweet little wife with his whole soul in his fine clear blue eyes. + +"Your eyes are wonderful, Billee, dear," said Patty, meeting his glance +lovingly; "did your mother have blue eyes,--or your father?" + +"Both of them did. I was thought to look more like mother, as a +kiddy,--but they were both fair haired and blue eyed." + +"You never knew your mother much, did you?" + +"No, she died when I was very small. And father, when I was about ten. +Then, as I've told you, I lived four years with Aunt Amanda--" + +"In Arizona?" + +"Yes; in a small settlement,--hardly even a village,--called Horner's +Corners." + +Patty laughed. "What a darling name! How could anybody call a place +that! Suppose it had grown to be a large city." + +"Then they would probably have changed the name. Perhaps they have +already done so,--I haven't heard from there for years." + +"Why didn't you keep up your relatives' acquaintance?" + +"Well, Aunt Amanda died, later, and her husband never cared much for me, +anyhow. So we drifted apart, and never drifted together again." + +"Wasn't your aunt your mother's sister?" + +"Oh, Lord, no! She was not really my aunt, at all. She was a cousin of my +father's and when she took me in, I called her auntie. But they only took +me because they wanted my help on the place, and I worked hard for them +four years. They gave me no affection, nor even thanks for my services, +and as I couldn't learn anything or make any sort of progress in that +God-forsaken valley, I left them and shifted for myself." + +"And made a great success of the shifting!" Patty's eyes glowed as she +looked at her big handsome husband. + +"Yes, I found you! And, incidentally that little flower of loveliness +that's going to sleep against your breast." + +"So she is! Pretty thing!" Patty gazed adoringly at the baby and then +handed her over to the nurse, who returned for her charge. + +"Tell me more about Horner's Corners," Patty resumed, as they remained +seated on the porch, after Fleurette's departure. + +"Not much to tell. It consisted of a store and post-office,--a church and +school,--and forty or fifty small houses. Uncle Thorpe's place was a mile +out from the Corners, proper, and I used to trudge back and forth every +day for the mail, and for provisions. And part of the time I went to +school. The teacher was a nice young girl, but we boys led her a dance! +How we _did_ plague her!" and Bill laughed at the recollection. + +"Any children in your aunt's family?" + +"One; a little baby girl, named Azalea." + +"What a pretty name! Where is she now?" + +"I don't know. Right there, probably. Let me see. I was ten when I went +there. But she wasn't born then. When I left, that child was about a year +old, I guess. She must be about seventeen or so, now." + +"And she's your only living relative?" + +"The only one I know anything about. Mother's people were English,--none +of them over here. No near relatives, anyhow, for she was an only child. +Dad was, too, for that matter. Little Zaly,--that's what they called +her, is about the last leaf on the tree." + +"Let's ask her to visit us, can't we? I do want to know your people; and +if she's all the people there are, I want to know her." + +"Why, child, I don't know anything about her,--I don't even know if she's +still in the land of the living." + +"Can't you write and find out?" + +"Why, I suppose so. But _why_ do you want her? She's probably an awkward, +countrified little thing--" + +"I don't care for that! She's your kin, and I'm prepared to love her for +that reason." + +"That's a dear thing for you to say, Patty mine, but you may get more +than you bargain for. Suppose you invite Azalea and Uncle Thorpe himself +comes trotting along, too!" + +"Well, I could even live through that! I don't suppose he'd bite me!" + +"But I'm quite sure he wouldn't fit into your scheme of things entire! +Oh, let sleeping dogs lie, Pattibelle. Take me for my whole family,--I'm +a host in myself." + +"You are,--my lord and master,--you sure are! But, all the same, I +must hunt up your little cousin. Of course her father can't come, if he +isn't invited. And I'd like to know the child. I might do something for +her,--be of some real help to her, I mean. Maybe she's longing to get +East and have the advantages I could give her." + +"Maybe she's longing to stay put in her native desert." + +"In that case, she can say so. I shan't compel her to come! Let me write +her, anyway, mayn't I, Little Billee?" + +"Of course you may. You may write to anybody you wish; to the Sultan of +Kasharabad, if you like." + +"Is he your relative?" + +"He may be,--for all I know. Some family trees branch widely." + +"Well, give me Azalea's address,--I'm going to open a correspondence, at +least." + +"No address, that I know of, except Miss Azalea Thorpe, Horner's Corners, +Arizona." + +"I'll write, if only for the fun of addressing a letter there. I never +heard such a funny name for a place!" + +Patty tore up two or three letters before she finally composed one that +suited her. It was not easy to know what attitude to take toward such a +complete stranger, and with no knowledge of what sort of a girl she was +writing to. But she at last sent off this: + +MY DEAR AZALEA: + +I am the wife of your cousin, William Farnsworth. Though you do not +remember him, your father will tell you about him. At any rate, as you +are of his kin, I want you to come and make us a visit--that is, if you +care to. We have a lovely home, not far from New York City, and I would +do my best to make you happy and give you a good time. You may not want +to come,--indeed, you may have moved away from your native town, and may +never even get this letter. But if you do get it, write me, at any rate, +and tell me what you think about a trip East. We both send love and hope +to hear from you soon. + +Affectionately yours, + +PATTY FARNSWORTH. + +"You see," Patty explained to Bill, as she read the letter to him, "it +may be she can't afford such a trip. But I didn't like to hint at that, +so I asked her to write me what she thinks about it. If she thinks she +can't spend so much money, then we can offer to get her ticket." + +"Very thoughtful and very delicately done, my dearest. You have the +kindest heart a little blue-eyed girl ever possessed." + +"Not entirely disinterested, though. I do want to have some of your +people under our roof,--and this is my first attempt. If it fails, I +shall look up some of your English relatives." + +"Yes, we will do that some day. I'd like to round them up +myself. Mother's tales of her childhood home,--as retold me by my +father,--sounded delightful. They had old country estates, and--" + +"And ancestral halls! Hung with old armour! Oh, Little Billee, what fun +to take Fleurette there! Portraits of her ancestors smiling down at her +from the oaken walls of the long picture gallery--" + +"Patty, Patty! how you _do_ run on! I don't know that there are any +picture galleries at all." + +"Oh, of course there are. They're bound to be there. And maybe a family +ghost! A spectre, that stalks the corridors when one of the family is +about to die--" + +"Hush! You bad child! What awful ideas!" + +"I've just been reading a story about a family spectre. I think they're +_most_ interesting." + +"Well, we'll cut out the spook show. _I've_ no liking for clanking chains +and hollow groans!" + + * * * * * + +Impatiently Patty waited for the answer to her letter, and one day it +came. + +Farnsworth was in New York on business, and so she put it away unopened +until his return. + +"Goody girl!" he cried, when she told him. "Nice of you, dear, to let us +have the first reading together." + +"Oh, I couldn't gobble it up alone,--I like everything better if I have +it with you." + +And so they sat side by side on the porch, and read the long looked for +missive. + + * * * * * + +"DEAR COUSIN PATTY;" it began. + +I was so surprised and pleased to get your letter I hardly knew what to +do. It seemed as if the dream of my life had at last come true. I've +always wanted to go East,--to see New York,--oh, I'm so excited I can +hardly write! And dear Cousin William! How kind of him to tell you about +me,--for I was a very small baby when he was here. My father has told me +all about it. When shall I start? I accept your invitation with joy. I +have saved up my money and I have enough, I think, for the ticket. How +much does it cost? But I can find out somehow. Father sends his respects +and he says I may go. I am all ready. Can't you telegraph me, so I can go +soon? + +With grateful thanks, +I am yours very sincerely, +AZALEA THORPE. + +"Well," said Bill, "what do you think of that for a letter?" + +He looked thoughtfully at Patty, as he spoke. + +"Why," she hesitated,--"I think it's a very nice letter--" + +"Wait, now,--be honest!" + +"Well, I--oh, I don't know,--but I looked for a little more--simplicity, +I guess. This sounds as if she had resorted to a 'Complete Letter-Writer' +for help." + +"Just what I thought, exactly! But I don't know as we can blame her if +she did. The poor child is doubtless unversed in polite correspondence, +and she did her best,--but she felt she needed a little more elegance of +construction and so forth, and she picked out some dressy phrases from +the book." + +"It doesn't matter, anyway," said Patty, generously, "she's glad to come, +and so I'm glad to have her. Let's telegraph at once,--shall us?" + +"Yes; but I don't like that haste of hers. It strikes me queer." + +"Queer, how? She's impatient to start,--that's all. What else could it +mean?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure. But the whole letter's queer,--if you ask me!" + +"I _do_ ask you,--and I ask you _how_ it's queer." + +"It's so,--so jumbly,--incoherent,--choppy." + +"Pooh! don't criticise the lack of style in that poor country child. I'll +teach her to write letters,--and I won't let her know I'm teaching her, +either." + +"You'll teach her lots of things,--I know,--and in that dear, gentle way +of yours, that couldn't hurt or offend anybody. Well, I'll telegraph, +then, for her to come ahead. What else shall I say?" + +"Tell her what road to take, and all directions you can think of. Though +it sounds to me, as if she thought she would have no difficulty as to +travel." + +"Sounds that way to me, too; but I suppose her father can look after such +details. Queer message from her father." + +"Not at all. You said he wasn't overfond of you, so as he sends his +respects to you, I don't think you need ask for more." + +"If she does start right off,--and I'm pretty sure she will,--she'll be +here in a week or so." + +"Of course; but I'll be ready for her. I'll give her the yellow room. +It's big and sunny and has a lovely bath and dressing-room. It's all in +order, too, I'll just make some soft lacy pillows and give it some little +personal touches and it will be all ready for her. Oh, Billee,--think +what a lot we can do for her!" + +Patty's eyes glowed with the anticipation of aiding the little country +girl, but Farnsworth was not so sanguine. + +"You're running a risk, girlie," he said. "Suppose she turns out +impossible. The fact of her being my relative doesn't quite canonise +her, you know. Perhaps she _isn't_ a saint." + +"Now, now, old calamity howler,--I don't want her to be a saint! I hope +and expect she'll be a sweet, docile nature, and her lack of culture, +if any, I shall try to remedy. Her lack of familiarity with social +customs and all that, I _know_ I can remedy. Oh, I expect a busy time +with her,--and I know I shall have to be tactful and kind,--but don't +you think I can be?" + +Farnsworth kissed the wistful, questioning face upturned to his and +assured her that she most certainly could! + +So Patty gaily set about her preparations of the pretty guest chamber. +She hoped Azalea liked yellow,--most girls did,--but if not, she could +easily be moved to the pink guest room. + +This yellow room, however, was so well adapted for a young girl. There +was a long French window that opened on the dearest little balcony, where +the wistaria clambered and made a delightful shade. There was an alcove, +where stood a Chippendale writing desk, and a revolving book rack. There +was a sewing corner, with a fully furnished work-stand; and there was a +soft puffy couch, with a pile of down pillows and a fluffy yellow afghan. +And yet there was ample room for the bed, with its dimity draperies, and +the fascinating toilet table, with its bewildering array of ivory +fittings. + +Uncertain of her guest's tastes, Patty put out few books, only a story or +two of general interest and a couple of new magazines. All such matters +could be attended to after she had sized up the newcomer. + +On the day she was expected, Patty arranged the flowers in the yellow +room herself. + +Naturally, she chose azaleas, and some of a lovely soft tint of buff +harmonised with pale pink ones. White ones too, with a bit of green +foliage, until the room was a bower of beauty. Not overdone, though. +Patty never made the mistake of too many flowers,--fond as she was +of them. + +A last affectionate survey of the room convinced her that all was exactly +as it should be, and with a happy little sigh of contentment she went +down to the porch to await the arrival of the guest, for Farnsworth had +gone to the station to meet her, and they were due now at any minute. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THAT AWFUL AZALEA + + +The car came along the driveway and stopped in front of the porch where +Patty sat. + +Farnsworth stepped out, with a cheery "Here we are!" and Patty rose to +greet the visitor. + +Up the steps toward her flew a figure which, as Patty afterward described +it, seemed like a wild Indian! A slight, wiry figure, rather tall and +very awkward, and possessed of a nervous force that expressed itself in +muscular activity. + +"Oh, how do you do?" the girl cried, explosively. "You're Cousin +Patty,--aren't you?" But even as she spoke, she stumbled on the steps, +pitched forward, falling on Patty, and but for Farnsworth's quick action +would have knocked her down. + +"Jiminy crickets! Ain't I the tangle-foot! Guess I'm getting in bad at +the very start. Hope I didn't hurt you." + +"Not at all," said Patty, recovering her poise, both mental and physical. +"You are very welcome, Azalea. Will you sit here a few minutes before we +go in the house?" + +"Sure! I'll spill myself right into this double-decker!" + +She threw herself into a long wicker lounging-seat, of the steamer-chair +type, and stretched out her feet in evident enjoyment of the relaxation. + +"Well, this is comfort, after travelling cross country for days and days! +I say, Cousin, it was awful good of you to ask me." + +"Think so?" and Patty tried to smile pleasantly. She avoided catching +Bill's eye, for the poor man was overcome with shame and consternation +that his relative should be so impossible. + +"Yep,--I do. My! this place of yours is swell. I never saw such a grand +house--close to. You're rich, ain't you, Cousin William?" + +"So, so," Farnsworth replied, gazing at the girl in a sort of horrified +fascination. "You've changed since last we met," he went on, in an +endeavour to make casual conversation. + +"Well, yes, I s'pose so. They tell me I was a squalling young one when +you were at the Corners. Was I a terror?" + +"Not then!" Bill wanted to answer, but of course he didn't. + +"Not at all," he said, pleasantly. "You were a pretty baby--" + +"But greatly changed,--hey?" + +The girl gave him a quick glance. She was not ill-looking, as to features +and colouring, but her whole effect was unattractive,--even repelling. + +She had flashing black eyes, which darted from one object to another in a +jerky, inquisitive way. Her scarlet lips parted over white, even teeth, +but her lower lip hung, and her half-open mouth gave her an air of +ignorance, often accompanied by rude staring. + +Her black hair was concealed by a coarse straw hat, untrimmed save for +some gaudy flowers embroidered on the straw with crude coloured wools. + +"How do you like my hat?" Azalea asked suddenly. "Just the shape of a +horse's hat, isn't it? But it's all the go. This dress is, too,--hope you +like it,--I do." + +The dress in question was a "sport suit" of a large-sized green and black +check. It was cheap material, and badly cut, and its ill-fitting coat +hung on Azalea's slim shoulders in baggy wrinkles. Her blouse was bright +pink Georgette, beaded with scarlet beads, and altogether, perhaps her +costume could not have been worse chosen or made up,--at least, from +Patty's point of view. + +She ignored the question about the hat, and asked the girl as to her +journey. + +"O.K.," Azalea returned. "Had a bang-up time. Made friends all along the +line. Some of 'em coming to see me. Hope you'll like 'em." + +She stretched out luxuriously in the long chair, throwing her arms above +her head, and crossing her feet, which were dressed with "gun metal" +stockings and shoes. Her hat was pushed awry, and wisps of hair fell +at either side of her face. + +"Now, perhaps you'd like to go to your room," suggested Patty, at her +wits' end what to do with such an unconventional person. + +"Nixy; I'm too comfortable here! I'll chuck my hat, and just enjoy +myself." + +Off came the hat, and was pitched on the floor. Azalea ran her fingers +through her hair, making it a little more disordered than before. It was +pretty hair,--or, rather would have been, if it were better cared for. +Dark, almost black, with a slight inclination to curl, it was bunched +into a tousled knot that was far from picturesque. + +"Oh, come," said Patty, jumping up, for she couldn't stand the girl's +uncouth actions another minute. "Come along with me, Azalea. You must +dress for dinner soon,--and some one might come to call now. We'll have +tea in your room, if you like." + +"Tea! I never drink it. I like coffee,--for breakfast,--or cocoa. But see +here, Cousin, don't you make any difference for me. I ain't company, you +know,--just let me be one of the family, won't you?" + +Many retorts flashed through Patty's mind, but she only said, "Certainly, +Azalea. We want you to be one of us." + +Farnsworth was silent. The man was really aghast. What had he brought on +poor little Patty! He didn't excuse himself with the thought that it was +Patty's doing, not his, that Azalea was there at all, but he felt +personally to blame for having such a relative and for having her there +in their home. He looked helplessly at Patty, with such despair in his +kind eyes, that she ran over and kissed him, in spite of the fact that +they were not alone. + +Azalea giggled. "That's right," she said, affably; "don't mind me! Just +go right on spoonin' even when I'm around. I don't mind. And I don't +wonder you took to her, Cousin William. She's a peach, for fair,--ain't +she?" + +"She certainly is," said Farnsworth, forcing a polite smile, but +conscious of a strong desire to choke his new-found relative. + +His utterly discouraged face roused Patty to fresh efforts at +hospitality, and taking Azalea's arm, she persuaded her to get up +from the lounging chair. + +On her feet, the girl shook herself with a careless abandon of manner, +unheeding the fact that a hairpin flew from her loosened hair, and she +dropped the handkerchief, gloves and small bag that she had had in her +lap. + +"Oh, pshaw," she said, as Bill restored them, "ain't I awful! That's +me--dropping things all the time! But I can pick them up myself--don't +you be bothering." + +She stuffed gloves and handkerchief in the bag, slinging it on +her arm. "My, what a vine!" she said, pulling down a branch of the +wistaria,--and, incidentally, breaking it off. + +"Oh, golly! Look what I done! Just like me! But you've got plenty left." +She tossed the broken branch out on the lawn, and then turned to follow +Patty, already in the doorway. + +"I'm coming!" she said, "lead the way, Cousin, I'll trail you. What a big +house! Don't you ever get lost in it?" + +"No," smiled Patty, "and you won't as soon as you're used to it. This +way, Azalea." + +"Hello! _Hello_! This my room?" The Western girl looked at the pretty +yellow room as Patty ushered her in. + +"Yes, if you like yellow,--if not--" + +"Oh, yes, I like yellow good enough. Don't make any diff to me what +colour a room is. Nice and big, ain't it? Say, do you care if I chuck +some of the lace props into the discard?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Why, these here, now, faddly-duds." And Azalea whisked off a little lace +stand-cover, swept up an armful of lace pillows, and was about to jerk +off the lace bedspread, when Patty protested. + +"Oh, wait a minute,--of course you needn't have anything you don't +want,--but Janet will take off the spread." + +"'Fraid I'll muss it up, hey?" Azalea laughed, "Well. I s'pose I _am_ a +terror! But honest to goodness I can't stand for those ticklers. They get +in my ears!" + +Patty sighed. She had grasped the situation the instant she first +laid eyes on the girl, but somehow it seemed to be developing further +difficulties all the time. + +"Now, Azalea," she began, "let me help you get your travelling dress off +and put you into your kimono, and we'll chat over a cup of tea. Oh, you +don't like tea,--will you have lemonade?" + +"Yep. Love it! Plenty of sugar, though." + +Patty gave the order to Janet, who had appeared to look after the +visitor, and turned back at the sound of Azalea's loud, strident +laughter. + +"Kimono! At six P.M. That's good. Why, Cousin, I use my kim for a +dressing gown, I ain't going to bed,--am I?" + +"No, dear. But we'll have a more cosy time, I think, if you get off your +travel things and have a refreshing bath." + +"Oh, well, I'll take off this rig,--I want to be choice of it, anyway. +You have dinner at night?" + +"Yes, we always do." + +"Well, don't make any change for me, as I said. I ain't accustomed to it, +but I can stand it, I guess. Nothing fazes _me_!" + +Azalea took off her dress and looked at the skirt with concern. + +"Some dusty," she remarked, "but it'll brush off." + +"Oh, yes; lay it on that chair. Janet will look after it." + +"Brush it, you mean?" + +"Yes; clean it and press it properly." + +"My land! does your servant do that?" + +"Certainly. And leave your street shoes out for her to attend to." + +"Oh,--I see! She's a regular outfit! Well, I never had a maid,--but I +guess I can stand one." + +Janet re-entered the room at this moment, and with an attempted air of +grandeur, Azalea flung herself into a low chair, and stuck out her foot +to have her shoe removed. + +Patty gasped. The girl changed so quickly from independence to apparent +helplessness, and yet her manner was so crude and overbearing, that it +was doubtful how the maid would take it. + +However, Janet was not only a well-trained servant, but she adored her +mistress and not for worlds would she have failed in her duty. + +Quietly and respectfully she knelt before Azalea and took off her shoes +and waited on her as she would have waited on any of Patty's more +cultured friends. + +"Yes, put on a kimono, Azalea," Patty said, this time in a decided tone, +and Azalea obeyed. + +Then the tea tray was brought and the two sat together for a time. + +Patty was up against a crisis. She had been thinking deeply ever since +Azalea's arrival, and she was still perplexed. + +Should she try _now_ to reform the girl,--improve her manners, or at +least her general attitude,--or, should she leave her to her own ways for +a time, and trust to her observation of other people to show her her own +faults? + +It was almost impossible not to correct some of Azalea's ignorant +mistakes, but still more difficult to ignore her over readiness to adapt +herself to what she thought was the proper behaviour toward servants. + +On the latter point Patty permitted herself a word when they were alone. + +"Be a little careful with Janet," she said, pleasantly. "She's a bit +peculiar as to disposition. A splendid maid, and a most capable +girl,--but she doesn't like to be ordered about too definitely. You +see, she knows her duties so well, and is so efficient, that it's really +unnecessary to give her directions." + +"Oh, pooh, she's only a servant. You oughtn't to stand for her airs. Why, +our girl at home,--she was a Tartar! But I tamed her. I've a way with +them--" + +"Please, Azalea," and Patty smiled ingratiatingly, "remember, won't you, +that this is my house and these are my servants. I have my own ways of +treating them, and I'm going to ask you to work with me,--not against +me." + +"Dunno what you mean! I've no notion of working against you, Cousin. And +don't you be high and mighty with _me_! We'll get along all right, if you +meet me half way, but--" + +Patty saw her chance. "Good, Azalea! There's my hand on that! We'll meet +each other half way, and you consider my wishes and I'll consider yours." + +The danger point was passed and Azalea smiled again. + +"I want to see the baby," she said suddenly. "I love babies." + +"To-morrow, please. She's asleep now." + +"Well, I can look at her. I won't wake her. I'll be awful careful." + +This interest in Fleurette touched Patty's mother heart, and she +consented. + +"Can I go this way?" said Azalea, looking at her kimono. + +This garment was,--not entirely to Patty's surprise,--a horror of gaily +flowered silkoline, but as they would see no one but the nurse, she +said, "Yes; come along." + +To the nursery they went and there, in her bassinette lay the baby, +asleep. She looked like a lovely little flower, indeed, and Patty gazed +with adoring eyes at the flushed little face. + +"Oh!" cried Azalea, aloud, "what an angel baby!" + +"Hush!" whispered Patty, "don't wake her!" and Nurse Winnie stood around +in a state of nervous apprehension. + +"No, I won't," Azalea said, in such a loud whisper, that it was scarce a +whisper at all,--rather a muffled shout. + +And then she poked her forefinger into the baby's roseleaf cheek. + +"Pretty!" she said, beaming at the child. + +"Oh, don't touch her!" Patty cried out. "Come away, Azalea!" for she +really didn't know what the strange girl would do next. + +"Pshaw! I didn't hurt her. If she's such a touch-me-not, she's no fun at +all! But every-body's like that with their first baby! Silly! Fussy! Just +ridiculous!" + +"I daresay," laughed Patty, determined not to show her annoyance. +"But it's time to dress for dinner,--or nearly. Come back to your +room,--and--wouldn't you like to take a fifteen minute nap? It might +refresh you." + +"It would _not_! Take a nap in broad daylight! I never heard of such a +thing! Oh, well, if I can't speak to that kid let's go back to my room. +I'll skittle into my frock and go down to that flowery, bowery piazza +again. I like that." + +"What shall you put on?" asked Patty, interestedly, as Azalea made a mad +dive into her trunk. + +"Dunno. What say? This?" She held up a mussy looking white muslin, +trimmed with coarse embroidery and some imitation lace. + +"That will do nicely," Patty said, relieved that it was at least white, +and not some of the flamboyant effects she saw still in the trunk. "Janet +will press it off for you,--it's rumpled from packing. And then you +needn't unpack, dear, Janet will do that for you." + +"Oh, I thought you told me not to call on the servant for anything!" + +"No," Patty said, discouraged, "I didn't quite say that,--here's Janet +now. Let her do your hair for you!" + +"Do my hair! Mercy gracious! I should say not! I've never had that done +for me." + +"But I'm sure you'll be pleased with the way she'd do it. Janet is an +artist at hair-dressing." + +"Nopy! nix on the barber act for little Zaly! I'll comb my own wig, thank +you!" + +With a comb, she stood before the cheval glass, and twisted up the dark +mop into a tidy but most unbecoming coil. + +"Don't you _care_ how it looks?" cried Patty, in dismay. "Really, _don't_ +you? And you've such pretty hair!" + +"Then if it's pretty hair, it doesn't need any fancy doing," and Azalea +gave a whimsical smile. "There, that's done. Now for my frock." + +Janet had whisked the white muslin away, and already had it back, pressed +and freshened. + +"Lovely!" Azalea exclaimed; "how ever did you do it so quick? Happen to +have an iron on the stove?" + +"Electric iron," said Patty, briefly. "They're always handy, you know." + +"Never saw one. No, Miss Janet,--not that way, it hooks in the back." + +At last, Azalea was attired, and looked fairly presentable in her white +frock; though having no white shoes and stockings she wore black ones. + +"I'd like white ones," she said, apologetically, "but I could only have +two pairs so I got black and the ones I wore here." + +"Quite right," said Patty, appreciatively; "I'll be glad to get you some +white ones. They'd be pretty with this frock." + +"Oh, thank you. I'd love to have 'em. Where we going now?" + +"Suppose you come to my room, while I dress," Patty suggested, thinking +an object lesson in the arts of the toilette might not be amiss. + +"O.K.," and the visitor strode along by the side of her hostess. + +They _were_ a contrast! Patty, dainty, graceful and sweet, was the very +antithesis of tall, gawky Azalea, with her countrified dress and badly +made black shoes. Her careless air, too, was unattractive,--for it was +not the nonchalance of experience, but the unselfconsciousness of sheer +ignorance of urban ways and manners. + +"My land! what a room," the country girl ejaculated, as they entered +Patty's boudoir. "How ever can you live in this fancy place! It's like +a picture!" + +"It is," agreed Patty, pleased at the comment. "But I love it. I'm afraid +I'm too fond of soft lights and pretty appointments, and delicate +fragrance." + +"Well, you've got it! My land! I'm afraid to move around! I don't want to +break anything." + +"You won't," laughed Patty. "Sit there, and we can talk while I get into +my gown. I do my own hair, too," and she shook down her mop of golden +curls, to Azalea's hearty admiration. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TABLE MANNERS + + +Patty's dining-room was beautiful. She argued that as an appreciable +percentage of one's waking hours were spent there, care and thought +should be given to its appointment. + +The colouring was soft old blue, and the furniture of mahogany. The +lights were pleasantly shaded and the sideboards and cabinets showed +attractive silver and glass in immaculate order. + +"The flowers are in your honour," said Patty, smiling, as they took their +places at the table, in the centre of which was a bowl of azaleas. + +"Ho, ho! You needn't have done that! I ain't accustomed to such grand +things." + +"Now, Azalea, flowers on the table aren't especially grand. I think I +should have them,--if I could,--if I were eating in the middle of the +Desert of Sahara." + +"I believe you would," said Bill, smiling at her; "Patty is a +flower-worshipper, Zaly. Zaly's the name your mother called you when +you were a tiny mite. Tell me about your father? Was he willing to be +left alone?" + +"Oh,--he didn't mind. What lovely silver you have, Patty." + +"Yes; they are my wedding presents." + +"Oh, tell me all about your wedding!" + +"I didn't have any. I mean, not a big reception and all that. We were +married in haste,--so we could have a chance to repent at leisure,--if +we want to." + +"And do you?" asked Azalea, with such a serious air that the other two +laughed. + +"I haven't had leisure enough for _that_ yet," Bill declared. + +"And I don't know what leisure means," Patty said. "I'm busy from morning +till night. If we ever get any leisure,--either of us,--perhaps we'll +begin on that repentance performance." + +But Patty's happy face, as she turned it toward her husband, left little +doubt as to her state of satisfaction with her life. Though, as she said, +she was always busy, it was by her own wish, and she would have been +miserable if she had had nothing to do. + +Azalea, as Bill expressed it later to Patty, was a whole show! + +The girl was ignorant of manners and customs that were second nature to +her hosts, and was even unacquainted with the uses of some of the table +furniture. + +But this they had expected, and both Patty and Bill were more than ready +to ignore and excuse any lapses of etiquette. + +However, they were not prepared for Azalea's attitude, which was that of +self-important bravado. Quite conscious of her shortcomings, the girl's +nature was such that she preferred to pretend familiarity with her +strange surroundings and she assumed an air of what she considered +elegance that was so funny that the others had difficulty to keep from +laughing outright. + +She was especially at great pains to extend her little finger when she +raised a glass or cup, having evidently observed the practice among +people she admired. This finally resulted in her dropping the glass and +spilling water all over her dinner plate. + +"Hang it all!" she cried; "ain't that _me_! Just as I get right into the +swing of your hifalutin ways, I go and upset the applecart! Pshaw! +You'll think I'm a country junk!" + +"Not at all," said Patty, kindly, "'twas an accident that might happen to +anybody. Norah will bring you a fresh plate. Don't think of it." + +"No, I won't have a fresh plate. I'm going to keep this one, to serve me +right for being so awkward." And no amount of insistence would persuade +the foolish girl to have her plate changed. + +"Nonsense, Azalea!" Farnsworth remonstrated, "you can't eat that chicken, +floating around in a sea of potato and water! Don't be a silly! Let Norah +take it." + +"No, I won't," and a stubborn look came into the black eyes. But in the +meantime, Norah had attempted to remove the plate,--carefully, not to +spill the water. + +Azalea made a clutch at it, and succeeded in overturning the whole +thing,--and the food fell, partly in her lap and partly on the pretty +tablecloth. + +"Never mind," said Patty, gaily. "Leave it all to Norah,--she'll do a +conjuring trick." + +And sure enough, the deft waitress whisked the details of the accident +out of sight, spread a large fresh napkin at Azalea's place, set another +plate for her, and was passing her the platter of chicken almost before +she realised what was going on. + +"Well, I never!" she exclaimed; "that was _some_ stunt! Say, I'm sorry, +Cousin Patty,--but I'm a little kerflummixed,--and I may as well own up +to it." + +"Oh, don't be that!" Patty laughed, carelessly. "Forget the past and +enjoy a piece of hot chicken. It's real good,--isn't it?" + +"It's great! I never tasted anything like it!" Whereupon, Azalea took +in her fingers a wing and, with both elbows on the table, proceeded to +enjoy it in her own informal way. But both little fingers were carefully +extended at right angles to the others. She glanced at them now and then, +to make sure. + +Her equanimity restored by Patty's kindliness and tact, the girl lapsed +into what was, doubtless, her customary way of eating. She displayed +undue gusto, smacked her lips at the appearance of a dainty dish and when +the dessert proved to be ice cream, she rolled her eyes ceilingward, and +patted her chest in a very ecstasy of anticipation. + +It was too much for Farnsworth. He appreciated Patty's patience and +endurance, but he knew just how she felt. And it was _his_ cousin who was +acting like a wild Indian at their pretty home table! + +"Azalea," he said,--Norah had left the dining-room,--"who brought you up? +Your mother died some years ago. With whom have you lived since?" + +"Why,--oh,--only with Papa." + +"But Uncle Thorpe,--I remember him well,--was a simple soul, but he was a +quiet, well-behaved man. Why didn't he teach you to be more restrained in +your ways,--especially at table?" + +"Restrained? Oh, you mean I eat too much! Well, I have got a big +appetite, but to-night I guess I'm specially hungry. Or else your eats +are specially good! You don't mind how much I eat, do you, Cousin Patty?" + +"Of course she doesn't," Farnsworth went on, trying to look severe but +obliged to smile at Azalea's total unconsciousness of any wrong manners +on her part. "But she does care if you behave like a 'wild and woolly,' +although she's too polite to say so!" + +"Wild and woolly nothing! I've been awful careful to crook out my +finger,--and that's the very reason why I upset the tumbler!" + +"That's true," agreed Patty, "and so, Zaly, suppose you discontinue that +habit. It isn't done this year." + +"Honest? That so? I'd be mighty glad to quit it!" + +"Do, then," put in Bill. "And while we're on the subject, you won't mind +if I go into it a little more deeply,--will you?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Well, for one thing, they don't put elbows on the table this season as +much as formerly." + +"Pooh! I know that! I didn't mean to,--but I forgot. I guess I know how +to behave,--if I don't always do it!" + +"I'm glad you do, Zaly,--and, listen, dear, you're my relative, you know, +and I'm going to ask you to try to _use_ your knowledge,--for Patty is +too polite to mention such subjects!" + +"Oh, I don't mind! Pick on me all you like,--either of you. I suppose +there are some frills I'm not onto,--but I'm quick at catchin' on,--and +I'll get there, Eli!" + +Norah returned then, and the subject was not continued. Coffee was served +in the library and the small cups excited Azalea's scorn. + +"Skimpy, I call it!" she cried. "And where's the milk?" + +"You may have cream if you wish it, Azalea," said Patty, a little tired +of smiling. "Norah will bring some." + +"Oh, let me get it," and Azalea jumped up. "I remember, Patty, you told +me not to trouble the servants too much." + +"Sit down!" Farnsworth said, in a tone that made Azalea jump. "Wait for +Norah to bring it." + +"Oho! _you_ believe in making the lazy things work, don't you! What's the +use of hiring a dog, and doing your own barking? That's right!" + +Patty struggled with her annoyance, overcame it, and making a gesture to +Bill to keep quiet, she warded off his angry explanations, and took the +situation in her own hands. + +"Here's cream, Azalea," she said, as the maid reappeared, "many people +like it in after dinner coffee, and you're very welcome to it." + +"Licking good!" was the verdict, as Azalea stirred her coffee, and drank +the tiny cupful at one draught. "The sample's fine! I'll take a regular +sized cup, please." + +"For breakfast," smiled Patty. "That's all we serve at night. Are you +fond of music, Azalea?" + +"You bet! Why, we've got some records that are just bang-up!" + +"I remember Uncle Thorpe was quite a singer," said Bill; "do you sing, +too?" + +"Not so's you'd notice it! My voice is like--" + +But the description of Azalea's singing voice was interrupted by the +entrance of two young people. Betty Gale and her brother Raymond stepped +in at the open French window, and laughingly announced themselves as +daring intruders. + +"Very welcome ones," declared Patty, jumping up to greet them, and then +Farnsworth introduced Azalea. + +"You're the real purpose of our visit," said Betty, her charming little +face alight with gay welcome. "We adore our neighbours, and they simply +worship us,--so we're quite prepared to take any friends or relatives of +either of them into our hearts and homes." + +"My!" said Azalea, unable to think of any more fitting response, and +taking Betty's outstretched hand, with her own little finger carefully +extended. + +Betty Gale's eyes opened wide for a fraction of a second, then she as +quickly accepted the situation, and said, cordially, "I'm sure we shall +be friends. And you must like my scapegrace brother, too, if only for my +sake." + +"At first," supplemented Raymond, as he stepped toward Azalea, "but as +soon as you know me better, you'll love me for myself alone,--I feel sure +of that!" + +"My!" said Azalea again. Her bravado deserted her in the presence +of these two merry visitors. They seemed so at ease, so knowing, so +carelessly polite, that Azalea felt as if they were beings from some +other sphere. The Farnsworths, she knew, made allowance for her because +she was a guest in their household, but these people seemed to expect her +to be like themselves, and she suddenly realised she couldn't be as they +were. + +A strange contradictory streak in her nature often made her assume an +accomplishment she did not possess, and now, knowing she couldn't chat in +their lively fashion, she took refuge in an attitude of bold hilarity, +and talked loud and fast. + +"I'll love you, if you make love to me good and proper," she said, with a +burst of laughter. "But I've got a beau back home, who'll go for you, if +he knows it!" + +"Oh, we'll keep it secret," returned young Gale; "I'm awfully good at +keeping secrets of that sort! Trust me. And it shall be my earnest +endeavour to cut out said beau. Meet me halfway, won't you?" + +"Yes, indeed, and then some! I'm a great little old halfway meeter, you +bet!" + +"I'm sure of it!" Gale was laughing now. "Let's go out on the verandah +and talk it over." + +"Don't trust him too implicitly, Miss Thorpe," warned Betty; "my brother +is a first-grade scalawag,--and I want you to be forewarned!" + +"There, there, Sis, I'll do my own forewarning. Come along, Miss Thorpe, +we'll sit under the spreading wistaria tree." + +The two disappeared, and there was a moment's silence, and then Patty +said, + +"Our cousin is from Arizona, and it's hard for her, at first, to adapt +herself to our more formal ways. It must be great out there,--all wide +spaces, and big, limitless distances--" + +"God's country!" said Farnsworth, who always had a love for his Western +wilds. + +"Nix!" cried Betty, "I've been there, and it's just one cactus after +another!" + +"Well, cactuses are all right,--in their place," said Patty, smiling. +"They're as much verdure as maples or redwoods." + +"Quite different kind of verdure," said Betty. "Now, Patty, I want to do +something for your cousin,--right away, I mean, to help you launch her." + +"Oh, no, Betty; you're awfully kind, but--" + +"Yes, I shall, too. I'm your nearest neighbour, and it's my right. I +suppose you'll give her a luncheon or something, first, and then I'll +follow it with a tea, or a dance, or whatever you like. There'll be lots +of things for her later on, so I want to get my bid in first. How pretty +she is." + +"You're a darling, Betty," cried Patty, enthusiastically, touched by her +friend's kindness, "but,--well, there's no use mincing matters,--I'm not +sure Azalea is quite ready to be presented to society." + +"Oh, but your cousin--" + +"Indeed she isn't!" put in Farnsworth, "I want you to understand that +she's _my_ cousin,--not Patty's. And, also my wife's quite right,--Azalea +is not ready for social functions,--of any sort. You see, Betty, we can't +blink the facts,--she's of the West, western,--in the least attractive +sense. I'm fond of my home, and unashamed of my people, but all the same, +I'm not going to have Patty embarrassed by the ignorance and awkwardness +of an untutored guest. And so here's where I set my foot down. We accept +no invitations for Azalea until we think she is in trim to make a correct +appearance in society." + +"Oh, Cousin Bill, I overheard you and I think you're just horrid!" Azalea +came running back into the room, while Raymond Gale followed, evidently +in a dilemma how to act. + +"Cousin Patty would let me go, I know, and I _want_ to go to Miss Gale's +to a party! Just because I upset a glass of water at dinner, you're mad +at me! It isn't fair! I think you're real mean!" + +The girl went up to Farnsworth and almost scowled at him as she awaited +his response. + +But he looked at her steadily,--even sternly. + +"Of course it must be as Patty says," he told her, at last, "but I will +say, Azalea, that I'm surprised at you--" + +"Why should you be surprised at me? You invited me to come and see you. +If I'm not good enough to visit you, I'll go home again. You didn't ask +me any questions,--you just said come along,--and I came. I ain't a +swell,--like these friends of yours,--but I am your cousin, and you've +got no right to scorn me!" + +"That's so, Bill," Patty said, seriously; "and here's another thing. +Betty has met Azalea now,--she knows just what she is. If she still +cares to ask her to her house, I shall approve of her going. I want to do +all I can for our cousin, and there's no better way to teach people to +swim, than to throw them into the water!" + +"Bully for you, Cousin Patty!" Azalea cried, her eyes snapping at Bill. +"I'm not so bad as I might be, and I'll do just what you tell me." + +"I'm sure you will," agreed Betty, and Farnsworth looked at her +appreciatively, feeling a deep sense of gratitude at the way she was +helping Patty out. + +"It seems hard on you, Azalea," he went on, "to talk of you like +this,--as if you were not present,--but it is so. You need,--I'm not +going to hesitate to tell you,--you need a thorough training in matters +pertaining to polite society. Unless you are willing to accept our +teachings and do your best to profit by them,--I am going to send you +back home! For much as I want to be kind and helpful to my young +cousin,--I will not even try, if it makes my wife any trouble or +embarrassment." + +"Oh, pshaw, Little Billee,--leave Azalea to me,--I can manage her." + +"You can't, Patty, without her cooperation and willingness. Will you +promise those, Azalea?" + +"Sure I will! I'm a great little old promiser,--I am!" + +"And will you keep your promises?" + +"You bet! I don't want to go home when I've just got here! And if my +learning things is my meal ticket,--then I'm ready to learn." + +Farnsworth sighed. He had had, as yet, no chance to talk to Patty alone, +since their misfit visitor had arrived. He had been firmly resolved to +send her home again,--until now, that Patty and Betty seemed willing to +take her in hand. If they were, it would be a great injustice to the +Western girl not to give her the chance to learn refinement and culture +from those two who were so well fitted to teach her. + +And, anyway,--he continued to muse,--perhaps Azalea's worst faults were +superficial. If she could be persuaded to amend her style of talk and +her _gauche_ manners, perhaps she was of a true fine nature underneath. +His Uncle,--so-called,--and his Aunt Amanda, he remembered as kindly, +good-hearted people, of fair education, though lacking in elegance. + +"Oh, don't take it so seriously," cried the vivacious Betty, as she noted +Farnsworth's thoughtful face: "leave the little girl to us for a few +weeks,--and you will be surprised at the result! You'll do just as I tell +you,--won't you, Azalea?" + +"If you tell me the same as Cousin Patty," was the reply, and the strange +girl gave Patty a look of loyalty and admiration that won her heart. + +"That's right, Zaly, dear," Patty cried, "you're my girl, first, last and +all the time! And we'll both do as Betty says,--because she knows it all! +She knows lots more than I do." + +"Indeed I do!" and the saucy Betty laughed. "Well, then, I'll arrange for +a dance for Azalea very soon. Do you dance?" + +"I don't know," replied Azalea, "I never tried." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + + +Big Bill Farnsworth came into the nursery, where Patty was playing with +the baby. It was the nurse's luncheon hour, and Patty always looked +after Fleurette then. + +"Take her, Daddy," Patty cried, holding up the soft, fragrant little +bundle of happy humanity, and Farnsworth grasped the child in his strong +careful way, and tossed her up high above his head. + +The baby laughter that followed proved Fleurette's delight in this +performance, and she mutely insisted on its repetition. + +"Azalea does that," said Patty, in a troubled tone, "she is strong and +very athletic, I know, but I can't bear to see anybody toss baby around +but you." + +"No; Azalea oughtn't to do it,--she is strong, but she isn't careful +enough. Don't allow it, Patty." + +"I do forbid it, but she comes in here when I don't know it,--or she +picks baby out of her carriage, Winnie says, and tosses her clear up and +catches her again." + +"I'll speak to her about it; why, she'll drop the child some day! She +must not do it!" + +"I wish you would speak to her," Patty sighed. "Azalea is really a +trial. I don't know what to do with her. Sometimes she is so sweet and +docile that I think I'm teaching her to be a civilised person, and then +she flies off at a tangent and she's as unruly and intractable as she +was at first." + +"How long has she been here now?" + +"Nearly a month. I've tried and Betty has tried,--and, yes, Azalea has +tried herself,--but we can't seem to--" + +"Camouflage her!" + +"That's just it! I want her to look like the background she's against +here,--and she doesn't!" + +"I should say not! Last night at dinner she threw herself back in her +chair and yawned openly--" + +"Openly! It was all of that! I saw her,--across the table through the +flowers. And, Billee,--she's queer--that's what she is,--queer!" + +"Have you noticed that, too? Yes, she _is_ queer,--here take this +Little Flower. She's nearly asleep." + +"So she is,--give her to me,--there, there, mudder's pressus,--petty +poppity,--yes, she's queer!" + +"Who? Fleurette?" + +"You know very well I don't mean Fleurette! I mean that Pride of the +West,--that stranger within our gates,--that thorn in the flesh,--that +awful Azalea!" + +"Meaning me?" and Azalea herself popped her head in at the nursery door. + +"Yes," replied Farnsworth, imperturbably, "meaning you. Come in, Azalea, +I want to speak to you. When have you heard from your father?" + +"Let me see--about a week ago, I think." + +"Will you show me the letter?" + +"Why, how inquisitive you are! What do you want to see it for?" + +"I'd like to read it. I suppose it isn't distinctly a private letter." + +"N-no, of course not. But, the truth is,--I haven't got it." + +"What did you do with it?" + +"I--I tore it up." + +"Was it unpleasant?" + +"No, but as I had answered it,--I didn't need to keep it." + +"What was in it? Tell me,--in a general way." + +"Oh,--it said--he hoped I was well,--and he--he hoped you were +well,--and--" + +"And he hoped Patty was well! and he hoped the baby was well,--yes,--and +after those polite hopes, what else did he say?" + +"Why,--why, I don't know,--I guess that was about all." + +"Oh, it was! Why didn't he tell you something about himself? What he was +doing,--or going to do?" + +"I don't know. Papa isn't very much of a letter writer." + +"Well, he used to be! It was his special forte. I've had letters from +him a dozen pages long. I don't believe he's outgrown his bent of letter +writing. Now, listen, to this, Azalea, the next letter you get from him, +I want you to show it to me, see? If there's anything in it you don't +want me to know about, cut that out,--but show me at least the beginning +and the ending,--and a part of a page. You hear me?" + +"Of course I hear you,--not being deaf! And I'll show you the +letter,--if I think of it." + +"You'll think of it,--I'll see to that, myself. You ought to get one +soon, oughtn't you?" + +"No,--I haven't answered his last one yet." + +"Why, you just said you had!" + +"Oh, I meant the one before the last--" + +"You meant nothing of the sort. And, mind you, Azalea, this is a direct +command,--you _must_ show me his next letter." + +"I won't take commands! How dare you? You have no right to order me +about so. I hate you!" + +"Don't talk so, Zaly," Patty said, gently. "Cousin Bill isn't asking +anything out of the way. There's no reason you shouldn't show him your +father's letter,--in part, at least,--is there now?" + +"N--no,--but I don't want to." + +"Of course you don't," put in Bill, "and for a very good reason!" + +"What reason?" cried Azalea, her black eyes flashing. + +"You know as well as I do." + +"I don't!" + +"Very well, say no more about it now,--only remember I want to see the +next one." + +Azalea flounced out of the room, very angry, and muttering beneath her +breath. + +"What in the world, Little Billee, are you getting at?" asked Patty, as +she cuddled Fleurette into her shoulder. + +"There's something queer, Patty, something very queer about that girl!" + +"You've oft repeated that assertion, Sweet William,--just what do you +mean by it?" + +"What I say, Faire Ladye! There's something rotten in the state of +Denmark,--there is that!" + +"But why are you so anxious to see her father's letters?" + +"They're part of the queer element. Have you ever seen her get one,--or +read one from him?" + +"Not that I definitely remember; but she may easily have read them right +before me, and I not have known it." + +"But wouldn't she be likely to read a word or two,--or deliver some +polite message he might send?" + +"I should think so,--but she never has." + +"That's the queerness." + +"Oh, do tell me, dear, what you're getting at! Do you think Mr. Thorpe +is dead,--and she never told us? There'd be no sense in that!" + +"Not a bit! It's something queerer than that." + +"Do you think he's married again?" + +"Queerer than that." + +"Will-yum Farnsworth, if you don't tell your own wife what you mean, +I'll never speak to you again! There!" + +"At risk of that awful condition of things, I won't tell you just yet. +But you do this. Here's something you can do toward solving the +mystery,--and I can't. Find out for sure,--don't ask her, but see for +yourself,--if Azalea gets a letter from Horner's Corners addressed in a +big, bold Spencerian hand. I remember Uncle Thorpe's handwriting +perfectly, and it's unmistakable. I've not seen it since Azalea came." + +"Goodness, do you call it a mystery?" + +"I do, indeed. You'll find out it's a pretty startling mystery, or I +miss my guess." + +"Well, Azalea is a handful, I admit, but I think she's good at heart, +and she is devoted to my booful little Fleury-floppet! My own +Dolly-winkums,--who looks prezackly like her Daddy-winkums!" + +"Patty, you'll go to the lunatic asylum some day, if you let yourself +talk such gibberish!" + +"Listen to him, Baby mine, my flubsy-dubsy,--my pinky-poppy-petal, +listen to your dreadful Dads! Isn't he the--" + +"The what?" and Farnsworth strode across the room and took his wife and +child both into his big bear-like embrace. + +"The dearest, sweetest man in the world!" Patty said, laughing but +nearly smothered in his arms. + +"All right, you're excused," and he let them go. + +Nurse Winnie came then and took Fleurette, and the two elder Farnsworths +went downstairs together. + +They heard voices on the wistaria porch, and soon saw that Azalea was +entertaining two guests. + +They were strangers, and not very attractive looking people. + +"Shall we step out there?" Farnsworth asked. + +"No," decreed Patty; "let her alone. It's probably those people she +picked up on the train coming here. She has spoken of them to me. Don't +let's go out, or we may have to invite them to stay to dinner,--and +judging from this long distance view of them, I don't care specially to +do so." + +"No. I don't either; the man looks like a drummer and the woman like +a--" + +"A chorus girl!" said Patty, after one more peep at the stranger. + +Leaving Azalea to entertain her friends without interruption they went +out on a porch on the other side of the house. And soon Raymond Gale +sauntered over from his home next door and joined them there. + +"Some strong-arm, your Azalea guest," he said, in the course of +conversation. + +"Yes," agreed Patty, a little shortly. + +"She was over in our gym, this afternoon, and she put up as fine an +exhibition of stunts as I've seen in a long time." + +"What sort of stunts?" asked Bill. + +"All sorts, from lariat or lasso work to handsprings and ground and +lofty tumbling. That girl's been trained, I tell you!" + +"Trained in a school?" + +"No: her work is more as if self-taught,--or coached by a cowboy. She +hails from Arizona, doesn't she?" + +"Yes. Here she is now; I hear you're an athlete, Zaly." + +"Only so-so," the girl replied, half-absently. + +"Have your friends gone?" asked Patty. + +"Yes." + +"I recognised them," began young Gale: "they were--" + +Azalea turned to him quickly. "Don't you say who they were!" she cried, +emphatically. "I don't want you to! Don't you dare mention their names! +It's a secret!" + +"Oh, all right, I won't. Don't take my head off!" Ray Gale laughed +carelessly, and pretended to be afraid of the excited girl. + +"Why, why, Zaly," said Patty, "who can your friends be that you won't +tell their names? I'm surprised!" + +"Their names are--are Mr. and Mrs. Brown," said Azalea, with a defiant +look at Raymond, who merely opened his eyes wide and said nothing. + +It was quite evident that Brown was _not_ the name of the people who had +called on Azalea, and Patty could not imagine what reason there could be +for the girl to tell such a falsehood. + +"Is that the right name, Gale?" asked Bill, briefly. + +But Raymond Gale only shook his head. + +"Miss Thorpe says so," he replied, "surely she ought to know." + +The subject was dropped and not resumed until after Gale had gone home. + +Then Farnsworth asked Azalea who her friends were who had called. + +"I told you they were Mr. and Mrs. Brown," she said, glibly. "I met them +on the train coming from the West, and we got quite well acquainted." + +"But their name is _not_ Brown," Bill said, quietly, "tell me what it +is,--or, tell me _why_ you don't want to divulge it." + +"It _is_ Brown," persisted Azalea, but the way she spoke and the way her +eyes fell before Farnsworth's steady gaze, belied her words. + +"I'm sorry, but I can't believe you," he said. + +"I can't help that," she returned, pertly, and ran away to her own room. + +"What's she up to now?" said Patty. + +"Part of the queerness," Bill vouchsafed, and said no more about it. + + * * * * * + +The next day, Azalea went to her room directly after breakfast, and, +locking the door, remained there all the morning. + +At luncheon she was quiet, and absent-minded, and as soon as the meal +was over she went back to her room. + +It was nearly five o'clock, when Patty, puzzled at such actions, tapped +at Azalea's door. + +"What's the matter, dear?" she called, through the closed door, as there +was no response to her knock. + +"Nothing; let me alone!" came Azalea's impatient voice. + +"Are you ill? Don't you feel well?" + +"Let me alone. I'm all right." The tone was ungracious, and there was no +mistaking the import of her speech, so Patty went away. + +At dinner time Azalea appeared. She wore the same frock she had worn all +day, and Patty looked at her in amazement. Apparently she had been +working hard at something. Her hair was rumpled, her collar awry, and +her whole appearance untidy and unpresentable. + +"Have you been busy?" Patty said; "couldn't you get time to dress?" + +"Forgot it!" muttered Azalea. "Sorry. Shall I go back and dress?" + +Patty hesitated. It would, of course, delay dinner, which was already +announced,--and, too, in Azalea's present state of pre-occupation, she +might fall to work again, and not come to dinner at all. + +So Patty said, "No, come as you are," and she gave Azalea's hair a +touch, and pulled her collar straight. + +Farnsworth watched the "queer" girl all through dinner. Azalea had +improved somewhat in manners, though her notions of table etiquette +still left much to be desired. + +To-night she was unlike herself. She answered in monosyllables when +spoken to, and paid no attention to the conversation of the others. + +"I expect my friend Elise Farrington to-morrow," said Patty; "I'm sure +you'll like her, Azalea." + +"Will she like me?" said the girl, indifferently. + +"If she doesn't, it will be your own fault," and Patty took advantage of +the opportunity for a word of warning. "Elise is a person of strong +likes and dislikes. If you try to be real nice and courteous she will +certainly like you, and if you're rude and blunt, I don't believe she +will. Do you care, Azalea, whether she does or not?" + +"No," said Azalea, calmly, and Patty gave a sigh of despair. What was +the use of trying to help a girl who acted like that? + +Farnsworth, too, shook his head, and glanced at Patty with a +sympathetic smile, and then they talked together to the entire exclusion +of Azalea, who was so wrapped in her own thoughts that she didn't even +notice them. + +Not waiting for coffee, when the others went to the library, Azalea, +with the briefest "good-night," went up to her room, and again locked +her door. + +"What does ail her?" exclaimed Patty, as she and her husband sipped +their coffee. + +"I don't know,--but I'm going to find out. Any letter from her father +to-day?" + +"No; I looked over her mail. Oh, it does seem awful, to look +inquisitively at another's letters!" + +"It's necessary, dear, in this case. There's a big mystery about Azalea +Thorpe, and we must solve it, or there'll be trouble!" + +"I wish you'd tell me all about it." + +"I will, soon. Trust me, darling, I'd rather not say what I suspect, +until I've a little more reason for my suspicion. It's _too_ incredible! +And yet,--it _must_ be so!" + +"All right, my True Love. I can wait. Now, listen, and I'll tell you of +the marvellous achievement of your daughter to-day!" + +And Farnsworth listened with all his heart to the amazing tale of +Fleurette's intelligent observation of a red balloon. + +The next day Elise came. + +"Here I am!" she cried, as she stepped from the motor, and flew into +Patty's embrace. "Where's your eccentric cousin I've heard about? But +first, where's my godchild? I've brought her the loveliest presents! Let +me at her!" + +"All right," said Patty, laughing at her impatience, "come right along +to the nursery before you take your hat off." + +The two went to the nursery, and Patty softly opened the door. But the +room was empty. + +"That's funny," Patty said, "Winnie always has baby here at this hour. +She takes her morning nap about now. Where can they be?" + +The bassinette was disordered, as if the child had been taken from it, +and Patty looked at it in amazement. She ran around to several adjoining +rooms, and returned, with a frightened face. + +"Elise, there's no sign of Baby or Winnie anywhere! What does it mean?" + +"Goodness! _I_ don't know! Did the nurse go down to see her beau,--and +take the baby with her?" + +Just then Nurse Winnie appeared: "Here's the food, Mrs. Farnsworth," +she said, showing a bowl of steaming white liquid. "It's all ready." + +"What food?" said Patty, mystified. + +"Miss Thorpe came here fifteen minutes ago, and said you ordered me to a +make a bowl of prepared food,--that Fleurette was not getting enough +nourishment." + +"Why, I did nothing of the sort! Where is Miss Thorpe? And where is the +baby?" + +"I don't know," and Winnie looked as if she thought Patty was crazy. +"Don't you know, ma'am?" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +MISSING! + + +Elise gave one glance at Patty's white, scared face and one glance +At Nurse Winnie's red, frightened face, and then she herself began +To scream. + +"Stop that, Elise!" Patty cried, "it's bad enough to have my baby +kidnapped, without your yelling like a Comanche! Hush, I tell you!" + +But Elise wouldn't, or couldn't hush. The word "kidnapped" upset any +composure she may have had left, and she burst into hysterical sobbing. + +"Of course," she said brokenly, between sobs, "she's kidnapped! You and +Bill are so--so wealthy and grand--she's just the child the kidnappers +would pick out for ransom--and--" + +"Don't--don't, Elise," begged Patty, her voice shaking; "I don't believe +she's kidnapped at all. It's far more likely Azalea took her out for a +ride or something. She's crazy over the baby and she always wants to +have her to herself, but, she says, Winnie won't let her." + +"And indeed not!" spoke up the nurse. "Miss Thorpe,--she tosses the +child about in a way that'd fair curdle your blood! That she does!" + +"That's true," said Patty. "You see, Bill pitches baby around just as he +likes, and so Azalea thinks she may do the same." + +"Then she did do that,--and she dropped her,--and maybe killed her!" + +Elise voiced her new theory with a fresh burst of grief, and the idea +struck a chill to Patty's heart. She took no stock in the kidnapping +theory, for Winnie had left the child with Azalea, who would have fought +off a horde of marauders before she let them carry off the little one. +No, whatever had happened was doubtless Azalea's doing. But Elise's +notion of an accident to Fleurette might come somewhere near the truth. + +"Of course that's it," Elise went on, excitedly. "The idea of a girl +throwing a baby about! What did she do, Winnie? I mean did she let go +of her?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am! She often would throw Fleurette clear up in the air +and catch her as she came down." + +"She _is_ athletic," conceded Patty. "Over at the Gales' gymnasium she +does all sorts of stunts. But I don't want her doing them with my baby!" +she broke down, and cried piteously. + +"Sometimes," vouchsafed Winnie, "Miss Azalea would toss the baby into +the bassinette, instead of laying her down. She always pitched her +straight in,--and baby liked it! You see, Miss Thorpe was very gentle +with the child, and never missed her aim. But I was fair frightened to +watch her." + +"You ought not to have allowed it, Winnie," Patty said, severely. "Why +didn't you tell me, if you couldn't make Miss Thorpe stop it?" + +"Miss Thorpe told me you wanted her to do it, ma'am. She said it +was good exercise for the child, and,--you know her father does +it,--and,--begging your pardon,--Miss Thorpe is even more skilful +than Mr. Farnsworth." + +"Well,--it's his baby!" defended Patty. "Oh, Winnie, suppose an accident +did happen,--and Miss Thorpe hurt Fleurette in some dreadful way,--and--" + +"And ran away, in sheer fright!" suggested Elise. + +"No: she'd be more likely to run to the doctor's. Our doctor lives near +here. I'm going to telephone him--I'm 'most sure Azalea would do that." + +Doctor Marsh was not in, but his office boy said he had not had any call +from Azalea by telephone or in person. + +Patty was quite calm now. Her efficient self had risen to the emergency +and she was quickly considering what was best to do. + +"I'm going to telephone Bill," she said, as if thinking aloud,--"but +first, I'm going to call up the Gales, and see if Zaly could have taken +Fleurette over there. You know Azalea is utterly lawless,--it's +impossible to imagine what she will do. Oh, Elise, you've no idea what +we go through with that girl! She is a terror! And yet,--well, there is +something about her I can't help liking. For one thing, she's so fond of +Fleurette. If she has hurt her,--well, Azalea would just about kill +herself!" + +A telephone call to the Gales' produced no information as to the +whereabouts of Azalea or the baby. Betty replied that she hadn't seen +any one from Wistaria Porch that day, and was thinking of coming over to +call. + +"Don't come just now," said Patty, half-absently, and then she hung up +the receiver without further words. + +"Well, I think I'll have to call up Bill," she said, at last. "You see, +he's fearfully busy today, with a specially important matter, and he +probably won't be in his own office, anyway. And I hate to intrude on +a directors' meeting,--that is, if there's no necessity. And yet,--it +seems as if I must!" + +"Oh, do," cried Elise; "you really must, Patty! Why, Bill would reproach +you if you didn't." + +So Patty called Farnsworth's office. Bill's business consisted of varied +interests. He was a consulting engineer, he was a mining expert, and he +was still connected with government work. So, frequently, he could not +be found in his office, though he usually left word where Patty could +get in touch with him. + +But in this instance it was not so. The confidential secretary gave +Patty the address Farnsworth had left with him, but when she called that +he had already gone from there. + +With long-suffering patience, Patty called number after number, hoping +to find Farnsworth at some of the likely places she could think of. + +But number after number brought no results,--and Patty turned from the +telephone in despair. + +"Well, Elise," she said, forlornly, "you might as well go to your room, +and get your hat off. Come on, I'll go with you,--and I may think of +something else to do about Baby. For the present I seem to be at my +wits' end." + +Of course, in the meantime the nurse and the other servants had searched +the house and grounds,--but there was really no chance of finding +Fleurette that way. + +It was all too certain that Azalea had taken her away somewhere. And it +might be all right,--it might be that Azalea had merely taken the child +out for a walk. She had been known to do this,--but never before without +Patty's sanction. Of late, though, Patty had objected to it because she +feared that Azalea might not return quickly enough. Twice she had been +gone for two or three hours, and though the baby seemed all right, Patty +didn't approve of the performance. + +"That's it," she summed up, after telling Elise of this; "you see, I +haven't approved of such long absences and so Zaly just walked off. Of +course, she sent Winnie down for the food, in order to get a chance to +put on Baby's things, and depart unseen." + +"But she told the nurse _you_ ordered the food prepared." + +"Yes. I may as well own up, Elise, that Azalea is not strictly +truthful." + +"Why do you have her around? I think she's horrid!" + +"Well, you see, _I_ got her here. To be sure, she is Little Billee's +cousin,--that is, second or third cousin,--once or twice removed--" + +"I wish she was removed from here,--once, twice and all the time!" +declared Elise. "Bill had no business to inflict her on you!" + +"He didn't. He fairly begged me not to invite her here. But I insisted +on it. You see, we neither of us had any idea of what she was like. Bill +hadn't seen her since she was a baby, and she was different then!" + +"I s'pose so! Well, having found out how 'different' she is now, why +don't you send her home?" + +"Oh, I can't. And, to tell you the truth, Elise, I want to help the +girl. She's ignorant and inexperienced, but she has a sort of native +quickness and wit, and I feel sure if I could teach her for a while, +she could learn to be one of us,--and in time become a fine woman." + +"Oh, you philanthropist! And meantime she has run off with your baby!" + +"The baby carriage is gone, Mrs. Farnsworth," said Winnie, appearing +suddenly. "So I expect Miss Thorpe took baby in that." + +"Yes, probably," said Patty, despairingly. "Oh, Elise, this suspense is +driving me crazy! If I knew that Zaly had her,--and if I knew nothing +had happened, I'd feel _so_ relieved. But suppose she did break +Fleurette's little arm or leg--" + +"Or back!" put in Elise; "you must _not_ let her pitch the baby around! +It's criminal!" + +"But you don't know how deft she is. Why, she's almost a contortionist +herself. She can turn handsprings and--" + +"I don't care if she's the greatest acrobat the world ever saw! There's +_always_ chance of an accident! And with a baby, you _never_ know. +Suppose Fleurette squirmed out of her grasp, just as she--" + +"Oh, hush! Elise, you drive me distracted! It _can't_ be anything like +that!" + +"Yes, it can! I hope it isn't, but do let this be a lesson to you, +Patty! Don't ever allow that girl to see the baby again,--much less +touch her! I think you and Bill must have taken leave of your senses to +give her such freedom! Why, you don't deserve to have that heavenly +baby!" + +"That's so, Elise, I don't!" and Patty broke into a flood of tears. "My +little flower! My precious own baby! How could I ever let Azalea touch +her? But, Elise, Zaly loves her as much as we do." + +"That may be,--and of course, she wouldn't harm the child wilfully. But, +as I said, accidents will happen,--and if it's Bill's fault, why,--of +course, it's his own child,--and that's different. But Azalea has no +business to take chances with other people's children." + +"I know it, and if she only brings her back this time in safety,--I'll +never let her see Fleurette alone again!" + +All that afternoon Patty suffered agonies of suspense. Now she would cry +uncontrollably,--and again, she would sit, still and dry-eyed, waiting +for some sound of Azalea's arrival. + +But no rolling wheels of the baby coach greeted her ears, nor any little +crowing notes of glee from her baby's lips. + +Several times she tried again to reach Farnsworth by telephone,--but +always unsuccessfully. + +At last the long hours wore away, and Farnsworth came home. + +Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace. + +"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today? +I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have +flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know. Then, Rollins +told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what +it's all about." + +His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed +easier to bear, with his help near. + +"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette." + +"Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the +kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see +you! When did you arrive? This morning?" + +"No; this afternoon. But, Bill, this matter is serious. Azalea took the +baby away, on the sly." + +"That's like her! Azalea has sly ways. And more than that,--she has +queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,--very +wrong,--about the girl. Did she get a letter to-day?" + +"No; not this morning. I forgot to look this afternoon." + +"What do you mean?" asked Elise, her curiosity aroused. "Do you keep tab +on her letters, Patty?" + +"Yes; I'm ordered to by my lord and master. He thinks--" + +"Never mind, dear, drop the subject now. I've a good reason, Elise, for +watching the letters,--not mere idle curiosity. Now, Patty, for details. +What do you mean by taking the baby on the sly!" + +So Patty told him how Azalea had ordered the baby's food prepared, +saying Patty has asked her to do so. + +"H'm, h'm,--looks bad. But don't worry, little mother, I'm sure nothing +has happened to our Little Flower,--I mean nothing of an accidental +nature. Azalea is exceedingly fond of the baby, and I can easily imagine +her wanting to take her for a ride this beautiful afternoon. It's +perfectly wonderful out! There's a soft breeze and the air is +delightful--" + +"But why didn't she ask me?" cried Patty. + +"Afraid you'd say no!" and Farnsworth smiled. "You know, you've not been +overly gracious of late about Azalea taking baby out." + +"I know it, but I had my own reasons." + +"And quite right you should have. But, don't worry, I'm sure the two +wanderers will turn up all right." + +Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when +Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said, + +"No-sir-ee! Zaly is a terror, and a trial in lots of ways, but if she +had let that child fall, she would have called Patty and Winnie and the +whole household for help, and would have run for the doctor herself! She +never would have run away! Not Azalea! She's no coward,--whatever other +unpleasant traits she may possess." + +"That's so," agreed Patty; "and she truly loves the baby. No, Elise, +nothing like that happened,--I'm sure. I see it as Bill does, now. It +_is_ a heavenly day,--and Zaly felt pretty sure I wouldn't let her take +Baby out by herself, without the nurse,--and she does love to do +that,--and so she sneaked off, and made up that yarn about the food in +order to get Fleurette's hat and coat on! Oh, she's a manoeuvrer!" + +"Well, I'm glad you both feel that way about it," said Elise; "of course +you know the girl better than I do,--as I've never even seen her! but if +she's such a strong-arm, I think I'm rather afraid of her!" + +"Oh, I imagine you can hold your own against her!" laughed Patty, happy +now, since Bill's reassurance of her darling's safety. "All the same, I +wish Zaly would come home! It's after six! Come on, Elise, let's dress +for dinner, and then that will be done." + +They went to their rooms, and soon Patty was all dressed and had +returned to her post of vantage on the wistaria porch, to look for the +return of the lost ones. And at last, through the gathering dusk, she +saw a baby carriage being propelled along the roadway. + +"Here we are!" cried a voice, which Azalea tried hard to make casual, +but which showed in its quality a trace of apprehension. + +"Oh!" Patty cried, and without another word flew down the steps, and +fairly grabbed her baby. + +The child was asleep, but Patty lifted her from the pillows and gazed +into the little face. Apparently there was nothing wrong, but the +golden head cuddled down on Patty's shoulder and the baby slept on. + +"She's tired," vouchsafed Azalea, "but she's all right." + +"Where have you been?" asked Farnsworth sternly, as he came out of the +front door. + +"Just for a walk," said Azalea, trying to speak pertly, but quailing +before the accusing blue eyes fixed upon her. + +Patty said no word to the girl, but holding Fleurette close, went at +once to the nursery with her. + +"She's all right, Winnie, isn't she?" the mother asked, anxiously. + +"Yes, ma'am,--I think so,--but she's a little too droopy for mere +sleepiness." + +"Droopy! what do you mean?" + +"It may be nothing,--Mrs. Farnsworth,--it may be only that she's tired +out and very sleepy,--but she acts a mite as if she'd been--" + +"Been what? Speak out, Winnie! What do you mean?" + +"Well,--she acts to me like a baby that's had something soothing--some +drops, you know." + +"Something to make her sleep?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Oh, nonsense! Miss Thorpe couldn't give her anything like that! And why +would she? Don't you make any mistake, Winnie, Miss Thorpe adores this +baby!" + +"I know it, she does, Mrs. Farnsworth, but all the same,--look at those +eyes, now." + +Patty looked, but it seemed to her that the blue eyes drooped from +natural weariness, and assuring herself that no bones were broken or +out of place, she drew a long sigh of relief and told Winnie to put +Fleurette to bed as usual. + +The nurse shook her head sagely, but said no more of her fears. + +Patty returned to the porch where Farnsworth was still talking to +Azalea. Apparently he had scolded her sharply, for she was crying, and +that with Azalea Thorpe was a most unusual performance. She usually +resented reproof and talked back in no mild-mannered way. But now she +was subdued and even frightened of demeanour, and Patty knew that Bill +had done all that was necessary and further reproaches from her were not +needed. + +"And another thing," Farnsworth was saying, "I want to know why you have +had no letters from your father since I asked to see one,--that was two +or three weeks ago!" + +"I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning." + +"Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and +returned with the letter. + +There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and +read: + + +MY DEAR CHILD: + +I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a +nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are +staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome +without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and +get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and +his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine +child. I am well, and I hope you are, too. With much affection, from +your loving + +FATHER. + + +"Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face +to Azalea. + +"I tore it up." + +"Why?" + +"I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one." + +"Address typewritten?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +VANITY FAIR + + +The Farnsworths made no difference in their treatment of Azalea, after +her escapade. Bill had scolded her severely for taking the baby away +without leave, and sternly forbidden her ever to do so again, and the +girl had promised she would not. + +Patty had said nothing to her on the subject, feeling that she could +best keep Azalea's friendliness by ignoring the matter, and she was +trying very hard to teach the girl the amenities of social life. + +And Azalea was improving. She behaved much better at table and in the +presence of guests. Patty rejoiced at the improvement and, as she took +strict care that Azalea should have no opportunity to see Fleurette +alone, she feared no repetition of those anxious hours when the baby was +missing. + +Elise rather liked the Western girl. They became good friends and went +for long strolls together. Elise was a good walker, and Azalea was +tireless. + +One day they had gone a long distance from home, when suddenly Azalea +said, "I wish you'd stay here a few minutes, Elise, and wait for me." + +"Why, where are you going?" asked the other, in astonishment. + +"Never mind, it's a little secret,--for the present. You just sit here +on the grass and wait,--there's a duck. Here's a book you can read." + +Azalea offered Elise a small volume--it was a new humorous publication, +and one Elise had expressed a desire to read. She took it, saying, "All +right, Zaly, go ahead, but don't be too long." + +Azalea left her, and Elise soon became absorbed in the book. + +It was a full half hour before Azalea returned. + +"Where _have_ you been?" asked Elise, looking up, and then glancing at +her watch. "It's half-past four!" + +"I know it. That's not late. Come on, let's go home." + +Azalea was smiling and in an excited mood, but she looked +tired,--almost exhausted, as well. She was flushed, and her hair was +rumpled, and her breath came quickly, as if she had been through some +violent exercise. + +"What _have_ you been up to, Zaly?" Elise asked, curiously. "You look +all done up!" + +"I went for a walk by myself. Sometimes I have moods--" + +"Fiddlesticks! Don't try to make me think you had a longing for +self-communion or any foolishness of that sort! I know you, Azalea +Thorpe! You went off to meet somebody--" + +"I did not! How you talk, Elise Farrington!" + +"Yes, you did! Somebody that you don't want Patty and Bill to know +about. Oh, you don't fool me! I'm not a blind bat!" + +"Well, you're way off! How could I possibly know anybody they don't +know?" + +"You do, though. You had some people come to see you, and the +Farnsworths didn't meet them at all." + +"How do you know?" + +"Patty told me." + +"Tattle-tale! It's none of her business if I did!" + +"Now, look here! I won't stand for such talk about Patty! You stop it! +She's not only your hostess but she's the best friend you ever had or +ever will have! She's making you over,--and goodness knows you needed +it!" + +"And that's none of _your_ business! I'm as good as you are,--this +minute!" + +"I didn't say you weren't! It isn't a question of goodness. You may +be a saint on earth compared to me, but you don't know how to behave +in decent society,--or didn't, till Patty took you in hand." + +"She invited me to visit her! I didn't ask her to have me!" + +"Yes, because she wanted to be kind to her husband's people, and you +seemed to be the only one available." + +"Well, I was. And as I'm Cousin William's only relative, I have a right +to visit him as long as I please." + +"I don't deny that, Azalea," and Elise couldn't help laughing at the +defiant air of the speaker. "I'm not disputing your right to be here. +But I do deny your right to say anything whatever against Patty, who is +trying her best to do all she can for your pleasure and for your good." + +"That's so," and Azalea's manner suddenly changed. "Patty is a dear, +and I love her. And that baby! Oh!" + +"How crazy you are over that child," Elise exclaimed. "She _is_ a dear +baby, but I don't see why you idolise her so." + +"Oh, I love babies, and Fleurette is so sweet and soft and cuddly! I +love to have her all to myself,--but Patty won't let me." + +"I don't wonder! Where did you go with her that day, Azalea?" + +"Nowhere in particular. Just for a walk in the country. I mean I walked. +Baby rode in her coach." + +"But you went somewhere. Nurse Winnie insists you gave the child some +soothing syrup,--or whatever they call it." + +"What! I did nothing of the sort! Why, Elise, I wouldn't do such a +thing! I love that kiddy! I wouldn't give her a morsel to eat or drink. +I know how careful Nurse and Patty are about that! You must be crazy to +think I'd give Baby anything!" + +Azalea's honesty was unmistakable, Elise couldn't doubt she was speaking +the truth. She began to think Nurse Winnie had imagined the soothing +syrup. + +The two girls went home, and Elise said no word to any one of Azalea's +strange disappearance for a time. + +They found Patty in a state of great excitement and interest over a new +project. + +Betty Gale was there and the two heads were together over a list they +were making and they were chattering like a couple of magpies. + +"Oh, Elise," Patty cried out, "we're getting up the grandest thing! It's +going to be here,--for the benefit of the Summer Fund, and it's going to +be Vanity Fair!" + +"What? What does that mean?" + +"Just what it says! It's a big bazaar,--of course,--and we're going +to call it Vanity Fair and sell only gay, dainty, dinky little +contraptions, and have all sorts of pretty booths and fancy dances and +flower stands, and--oh, everything that Vanity Fair suggests." + +"Fine!" approved Elise. "Great name! Who thought of it? You, Betty? I'm +for it,--heart and soul! How about you, Azalea?" + +The Western girl stood silent. This was the sort of thing that was +outside her ken. Though she had been at Wistaria Porch for some weeks +now, and had become fairly conversant with the ways of Patty and her +friends, this kind of a gay project was to her an unknown field. + +"It must be beautiful,--to know about things like that,"--she said, at +last, so wistfully, that Patty put out a hand and drew Azalea to her +side. + +It was this sort of a speech that made Patty feel that she was making +headway in her efforts to improve the girl, and she rejoiced to have her +show a desire to join in the new project. + +"You can help us lots, I'm sure, Zaly," she said, kindly, "and you'll +have a chance to learn about it all. There's heaps of fun in a Fair, +especially when it's all novel to you. It's an old story to us, but _I_ +always love anything of the sort. We'll have it here, you see, and it +will be a lawn _fête_ and a house party and a general hullabaloo!" + +"We're making out the committees," said Betty, "and, you'll be here, +won't you, Elise?" + +"Well, I just guess! You can't lose _me_! I shall be back and forth, +of course, but I'll do my share of the work, and exact my share of the +fun." + +"Fine!" said Betty, a bit absently, as she was deeply absorbed in her +list of names. + +"Of course," Patty went on, partly to the others and partly as if merely +thinking aloud for her own benefit, "there will be all the regulation +things,--lemonade well, fortune-telling, society circus and everything, +but the idea is to have every one of them just a little bit different +from what it has always been before, and have it in harmony with the +idea of Vanity Fair." + +"The book?" asked Elise. + +"No, not Thackeray. I mean, just the idea of the gay atmosphere,--the +light, giddy side of life. For instance, let's have a Vanity booth and +sell all sorts of aids to beauty--" + +"Powder and paint!" exclaimed Azalea, in surprise. + +"Well, I meant more like lacy caps and stunning négligées. And yes, of +course, vanity cases and powder-puff bags and mirrors and perfumes,--oh, +all sorts of foolishnesses that are pretty." + +"I know," said Elise, nodding her head. "And we'll have an artificial +flower booth,--that's right in line. And people love to buy 'em,--I do." + +"And laces," said Patty; "and embroidered boudoir pillows, and oh,--and +baby things! Why Fleurette's nursery wardrobe looks like a Vanity Fair +itself!" + +"Hold on," cried Betty, laughing, "don't go too far. Not everybody is +interested in baby togs!" + +"I s'pose not," said Patty, smiling. "All right, cut out the Baby +booth." + +"No," spoke up Azalea, "let's have it. Everybody knows a baby to give +presents to. And the little caps and things are so pretty." + +"Good for you, Zaly," cried Patty; "we'll have it, and you and I will +run it, and Fleurette shall be the presiding genius, and sit enthroned +among the fairy wares! Oh, it will be lovely!" + +"Yes, do have it," agreed Betty. "It will be a screaming success with +Fleurette in it!" + +"And if you want such things," Azalea went on, losing her diffidence, +"I can get a lot of Indian things from home,--baskets,--you know,--and +leather, and beaded things." + +"Fine, Zaly!" and Elise smiled at her. "We do want those,--real +ones,--they always sell." + +They went on planning, all working in harmony, and each full of +suggestions, which the others approved or criticised, in frank, friendly +fashion. + +Then Janet appeared to call Azalea to the telephone, and the girl looked +up, surprised. She blushed scarlet, and hurried from the room. + +"Who could have called her?" said Elise; "she doesn't know any one you +don't know,--does she, Patty?" + +"No; but she knows lots of our friends. Somebody is probably asking her +to go somewhere." + +None of them tried to listen, but the telephone was in the next room and +Azalea's voice had a peculiar carrying quality that made it difficult +not to overhear snatches of her conversation. + +"No," she exclaimed, positively, "I can't do it! I really can't! I'm +sorry it didn't go right, but I _can't_ do it again! It's impossible!" + +A pause, and then, again, "No, I simply can't! Don't ask me--yes, of +course,--I know,--but, you see, they said,--oh, I can't tell you +now,--I'll write,--well, yes, I'll do _that_!--Oh, of course, _I'll_ be +there--but the--the other one--no, no, no!" + +These remarks were at long intervals and disconnected, but they were +clearly heard by the three in the next room, and though no one mentioned +it, each thought it a strange conversation for Azalea to take part in. + +Patty listened thoughtfully, feeling no hesitation in doing so, for she +had only Azalea's good at heart and wanted to know anything that might +help her understand the mystery that was certainly attached to the girl. + +In the first place to whom could Azalea possibly be talking in that +fashion? Moreover, her voice was troubled, and her tone was one of +nervous apprehension and anxiety. + +At last she returned to the group, and Patty said, pleasantly, "Who's +your friend, Zaly?" + +"Nobody in particular," and Azalea looked as if that were a question she +had been dreading. + +"You mean not a particular friend; but who was it?" Patty was +persistent, even at risk of rousing Azalea's wrath, for she felt +she must know. + +"I won't tell you!" Azalea cried, stormily. "It's nobody's business if +I answer a telephone call. I don't ask you who it is, every time _you_ +telephone!" + +"All right, Zaly, forgive me,--I _was_ a bit inquisitive." + +And so the matter was dropped, but that night after Azalea had gone to +her room, Patty came tapping at the door. + +It was only after repeated knocking that Azalea opened the door a little +way, and quite evidently resented the intrusion. + +"I'm just going to bed," she said, ungraciously. + +"I won't stay but a minute," and Patty insistently pushed her way in. +"Now, don't fly into a rage, dear, but you _must_ tell me who called you +up on the telephone to-day." + +"You've no right to ask!" + +"Yes, I have, and, too, there must be some reason why you are so +unwilling to tell me. Why is it?" + +Azalea hesitated. Then she said, "Oh, I've no reason to make a secret of +it. But I think you're very curious. It was somebody I met on the train +when I came East." + +"A man or a woman?" + +"A--a woman." + +"Are you telling the truth, Azalea?" and Patty's clear, compelling gaze +was direct and accusing. + +"Well--well--Patty, it's both." + +"Those people who called here one day, and you saw them on the porch?" + +"Yes." + +"What are their names?" + +"Oh,--oh, I forget." + +"Rubbish! You _don't_ forget. Be sensible, Azalea. You're making a +mystery of something. Now if it's anything wrong, I'm going to know +about it,--if it's merely a little secret of your own,--a justifiable +one,--tell me so, in a convincing way, and I'll stop questioning." + +"It _is_ a secret of my own,--and it's nobody's business but mine." + +"Is it a harmless, innocent matter?" + +"Of course it is! What do you think I am? A thief?" + +"Gracious, no! I never thought you were that!" Patty laughed. "But I do +suspect you're up to some flirtation or affair of that sort, and I have +a perfect right to inquire into the matter. Why didn't you let us meet +your friends that day they called?" + +"I didn't suppose you would care to know them. They're not your sort." + +"Are they _your_ sort? Oh, Zaly, I thought you _wanted_ to be our +'sort,'--as you call it. You don't want to have friends Bill and I +wouldn't approve of, do you?" + +"Oh,--I don't know _what_ I want! I wish you'd go 'way, and leave me +alone!" + +"I will in a minute. Tell me your friends' names." + +"I won't." + +"Then I shall ask Ray Gale. He knows them,--he recognised them the day +they were here, and you forbade him to tell me who they were." + +"Then if he knows them, isn't that enough to assure you of their +respectability?" + +"It isn't a question of respectability,--I want to know why they are +telephoning you,--not casually,--but apparently on some important +matter." + +"That's _my_ business. Oh, Patty, let me alone!" + +Azalea was clearly overwrought, and in another moment would fly into an +hysterical tantrum. But Patty made one more effort. + +"Just tell me the name," she said, gently. + +"Well--Smith. There, _now_ are you satisfied?" + +"I am not," said Patty, truthfully. "Good night, Azalea." + +She went thoughtfully away, and communicated to Bill the whole +conversation. + +"She's a queer girl," Farnsworth remarked, after he had heard all about +the afternoon telephoning. "Do you know, Patty, that letter which she +pretended came from her father,--she wrote herself." + +"What?" + +"She did; and on my own typewriter,--here in our library." + +"What _do_ you mean?" + +"Just what I say. I knew it, the moment I saw it, for the writing on my +machine is so familiar to me, I can recognise it instantly. The tail of +the y doesn't print, and there are lots of little details that make it +recognisable." + +"Are you sure, dear? I thought all typewriting was just alike." + +"Oh, no; it is as greatly differentiated, almost, as penwriting,--some +experts think more so. I mean, it can't be forged successfully, and +penwriting can. Well, anyhow, that letter Azalea showed me, as being +from her father, was written on my machine. She had no envelope, for of +course she couldn't reproduce the proper postmark on an envelope she had +herself addressed." + +"But why,--what for? I don't understand." + +"I haven't got it all straightened out yet, myself,--but I shall. +Another thing, Azalea is a poor speller, and she herself spells _very_ +with two r's. She did in a dinner acceptance she wrote and referred to +me for approval. So, when I saw that word misspelled twice in the +letter we're talking of, I _knew_ she wrote it,--I mean, it corroborated +my belief. Now, Patty, we've a peculiar case to deal with, and we must +feel our way. This telephoning business is serious. Of course, Smith is +_not_ those people's name! She told you a falsehood. We know she is +capable of that! Now to find out what their name is. It isn't too late +to call up Gale." + +Farnsworth took up the telephone and soon had Raymond Gale on the wire. +He asked him frankly for the name of the two people who were calling on +Azalea when he recognised them. + +"Miss Thorpe asked me not to tell," said Gale, "I'm sorry, old chap, but +I promised her I wouldn't." + +"But it's an important matter, Ray, and a case in which I'm sure you're +justified in breaking your promise--" + +"Can't do it! Can't break my word given to a lady." + +"But Azalea is a mere girl, and a headstrong, ignorant one, at that. She +is in our care, and it is our duty to know with whom she associates. Who +were those people?" + +"Seriously, Farnsworth, I can't tell you. Miss Thorpe asked me +definitely not to do so, and I gave her my promise. You must see,--as +man to man,--I _can't_ tell you." + +"I see your point, and I quite agree, in a general way. But, Gale, this +is a--well, a crisis. I'm investigating a mystery and I must _know_ who +those people are." + +"Ask Miss Thorpe." + +"I have, and she won't tell." + +"Then you surely can't expect me to! After I promised to keep her +secret!" + +"Why should it be a secret?" + +"Ask her." + +"Well, tell me one thing; is the name Smith?" + +"It is not." + +"What sort of people are they?" + +"Oh, people of--why, hang it, man,--I don't know what to say to you! I +refuse to betray Miss Thorpe's confidence, and so I don't know how much +I ought to tell you." + +"Are they people I would receive in my home?" + +"Scarcely! If you mean, are they your social equals, they are not!" + +"Then, I ought to know about them, and forbid Azalea their +acquaintance." + +"Oh, Miss Thorpe doesn't know them socially!" said Gale, and then he +said a quick "good-bye" and hung up his receiver. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +INQUIRIES + + +The next day Farnsworth made an occasion to see Azalea alone. + +"Come for a stroll in the rose garden," he said to her as they left the +breakfast table. + +"But aren't you in a hurry to go to town?" she objected. + +"No, I'm not. Come along, Zaly, I want to talk to you." + +Azalea looked embarrassed. She had on a trim linen street suit, and had +an air of alertness as if about to start on a trip of some sort. + +"I was--I was just going for a walk," she said, hesitatingly. + +"All right, I'll walk with you. Let's make it a long hike." + +"Oh,--I'd love to, Cousin William,--really,--but I--I've a lot to do in +my room, this morning." + +"A lot to do! What do you mean? Does Patty make you take care of your +room?" + +"Oh, not that sort of work. I've got to--to--write letters." + +"To your father?" Bill's look was significant. + +"Yes--no,--oh, a lot of letters." + +"Look here, Azalea, you come out with me for a few minutes,--I won't +keep you long." Farnsworth took her arm, and led her gently down the +verandah steps and along a garden path. + +"Now, my child," he said most kindly, "tell me why you pretended that +letter was from your father, when it was not?" + +"Oh, yes, it was--" + +"Stop, Azalea! Don't add to your list of falsehoods! You wrote that +letter yourself on my typewriter, in my library. _Why_ did you do it?" + +"How do you know?" Azalea turned an astonished face to her inquisitor. + +"I recognised the typing. How do you know how to use the machine so +well? Were you ever a stenographer?" + +"No; I don't know shorthand at all. And I didn't--" + +"Stop, I say, Azalea! I _know_ you wrote that! Now, tell me why! I +can't imagine any reason for it." + +The girl was stubbornly silent + +"Unless you tell me why you did it, I shall be compelled to think there +is some wrong reason--" + +"Oh, no, there isn't!" + +"Then,--come now, Zaly,--'fess up. Was it for a joke on me?" + +"Yes, yes, that was it!" + +"No, that _wasn't_ it, and you only grasped at my suggestion to evade +the real truth! Now, you must tell me. Out with it!" + +"Well--you see, Cousin William, you are always asking me why I don't get +letters from my father, and--as I didn't get any, I manufactured one +to--to satisfy you. That's all." + +"No, no, my girl, we haven't got the truth yet. You had more of a motive +than that. And, too, why _don't_ you get letters from your father? Is he +angry with you? Are you two at odds?" + +"Yes,--we are. He and I had a quarrel." + +"Azalea, you have a very readable face. I know when you are telling me +the truth and when you are not. Now, you are ready to grasp at anything +I suggest rather than let me know the real facts of the case. So I am +justified in thinking it's something pretty bad. What is it, child? +Don't be afraid of me. Did you run away from home?" + +"Oh, no!" Azalea looked frightened. Then she burst into tears. "Wh-what +makes you think I'm doing wrong?" she sobbed; "I'm not,--I'm oh,--I'm +all right!" Her air of bravado suddenly returned and she looked up +defiantly, brushing her tears aside. + +Farnsworth could, as he said, read her face, and he was quite ready to +meet her explanations when she was in a docile mood, but this quick +return to her pose of injured innocence roused him to fresh indignation. + +"I daresay you _are_ all right, Azalea, and therefore it will be easy +for you to answer a few questions which I must insist on having +answered. Who was it that telephoned you yesterday?" + +"Oh, that was Mr. Smith." + +"His name is _not_ Smith!" Farnsworth spoke so sharply that Azalea +fairly jumped. + +But she insisted, "Yes, it is--" + +"I _know_ it is not! It was the man who came here to see you one +day,--and whatever his name is, it is not Smith! Tell me the truth or +not, as you choose, but don't try to insist on Smith!" + +"All right, then I choose to tell you nothing, I have a perfect right to +have friends telephone me, and I think it shows an ill-bred curiosity +for you to ask their names!" + +Azalea's would-be haughty face and her reference to ill-breeding struck +Farnsworth so funny he laughed in spite of himself. + +Azalea was quick to take advantage of this. + +"Oh, Cousin William," she said, smilingly, "don't be hard on me. I'm +only a wild Western girl, I know, but I'm--I'm your cousin and I claim +your--your--" + +Azalea didn't quite know what she _was_ claiming, but as it was really a +cessation of the interview that she most desired, she turned on her heel +and walked rapidly toward the house. + +"Hold on!" cried Farnsworth, "not so fast, Zaly. Before you leave me, +listen to this. I am not at all satisfied with what you have told +me,--or, rather, what you have refused to tell me,--and I am going to +write to your father, and ask him why he doesn't write to you." + +Azalea stood still, facing him, and her face turned white. + +"Oh, no!" she cried, in a tone of dismay, "you _mustn't_ do that!" + +"But I will. There's no reason I shouldn't write to my relative. And I +must get at the mystery of this thing." + +"Don't do that, Cousin William, don't, I beg of you!" The girl was +greatly excited now. Her face was drawn with terrified apprehension and +her voice shook with fear. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth demanded, and he grasped her arm as she tried to +run away. "I'm going to have this out now, Azalea! _Why_ shan't I write +to Uncle Thorpe?" + +"Be--because he isn't--he isn't there--" + +"Is he dead?" + +"Oh, _no_! He's--he's--gone away on a--a business trip." + +"You're making up, Azalea,--I see it in your face. Tell me the truth +about him. Has he married again?" + +"No,--oh, no." + +"Well, then, where is he?" + +"He's--I don't know--" + +"You don't know where he is,--and yet you claim you had a letter from +him!" + +"You say I wrote that letter myself--" + +"And you did!" + +"Well, then, it was because you insisted on my getting a letter from +him,--and--and that's the only way I could think of." + +Azalea gave a half-smile, hoping Farnsworth would laugh, too. + +But he did not. He said, sternly, "I can't understand you, Azalea. I +don't want to misjudge you, but you must admit, yourself, that you're +making it very hard for me. Why won't you tell me everything? If Uncle +Thorpe disowned you,--cast you off,--or anything like that,--tell me; +I'll take your part,--and I'll defend you." + +"Would you, Cousin William?" Azalea's voice was wistful; "would you +defend me?" + +The serious tone disturbed Farnsworth more than her anger had done, and +he looked at her keenly. + +"Yes," he answered, "but only if you are frank and truthful with me. +Now, once again, Azalea, what is the _real_ name of the man who called +you up yesterday?" + +"Brown," said Azalea, and Farnsworth gave a gesture of impatience. + +"You're a very poor story-teller!" he exclaimed. "It is not Brown,--or +Green,--or Smith. If you had said some less common name, I might have +believed you. But your inventiveness doesn't go far enough. When people +want to deceive, it's necessary to frame their falsehoods convincingly. +If you had said Mersereau or Herncastle,--I might have swallowed it." + +Azalea stared at him. + +"Why would you have thought those names were right?" she asked. + +"Because I should have felt sure you didn't invent them. But when you +want to conceal a name, and you say Smith or Brown, it doesn't go! Also, +you _look_ as if you were fibbing. Why do you do it, Azalea? _Why_?" + +"Oh, Cousin William," the girl looked genuinely distressed, "I wish I +could tell you all,--I believe I will,--but--no,--I can't--" + +Then she shrugged her shoulders, and tossed her head, and her defiant +manner returned. + +Farnsworth gave up in despair. "Very well, Azalea," he concluded, "I +shall write to-day to Uncle Thorpe. I tell you this frankly, for _I_ do +not do things on the sly. I'm sorry you take the attitude you do, but +while I'm waiting to hear from your father, I shall continue to treat +you as a guest and a trusted friend. That is all." + +Farnsworth stood aside, and let Azalea pass. The girl went back to the +house, in deep thought. + +She did not go to her room, or write any letters. She dawdled about, +started the phonograph going, read a little in a magazine, and seemed +generally distraught. + +As she sat in the big, pleasant hall, she saw Farnsworth come in, go to +the library and sit at his desk writing. Apparently this was one of the +days when he did not go to New York. Patty came by--spoke cheerily to +Azalea as she passed her, and then went on to speak to Bill. + +The two went out of doors together. Azalea jumped at the chance, and +running into the library, glanced over the letters Farnsworth had +written. As she had surmised, there was one addressed to Samuel Thorpe, +Horner's Corners, Arizona. + +Azalea didn't touch it. She merely glanced at her wrist-watch and +hurried up to her own room. + +Sitting there at the pretty desk, she wrote two or three letters, and +sealed and addressed them. + +Then, sitting on her window-seat, she looked out over the beautiful +lawns and gardens. She saw Bill and Patty walking about, pausing here +and there. She knew they were selecting places for the booths and stands +to be used at the forthcoming Fair. + +How happy they were! And how miserable she was! She looked at them +enviously, and then again she tossed her hand, in her defiant way, and +turned from the window. + +At luncheon Azalea was very sweet and pleasant. She talked with +Farnsworth gaily, and discussed the Fair with Patty and Elise. + +"I'm going to donate some lovely things for the sale," she said. "I've +written home for some Indian baskets and Navajo blankets, and some +beadwork." + +"Good gracious, Azalea," cried Elise, "you'll outshine us all in +generosity! I'm making some lace pillows and boudoir caps, but they +won't sell as well as your gifts." + +"It's very kind of you, dear," and Patty smiled at the Western girl with +real gratitude. "I wonder what booth you'd rather serve in, Azalea," she +went on. "Of course, you may take your choice." + +"When is the Fair?" Azalea asked. + +"We're planning it for the middle of July. I think we can get ready by +that time." + +"I won't be here then," and Azalea looked thoughtful. + +"Won't be here! Of course you will! What nonsense!" and Patty's blue +eyes opened wide in astonishment. + +"I thought I might outstay my welcome," Azalea said, seeming a little +confused. + +"Nay, nay, Pauline," and Patty smiled at her, "stay as long as you like. +As long as you can be happy with us." + +But there was an uncomfortable pause, for Farnsworth didn't second +Patty's invitation or make any comment on it. + +"I'm going down to New York in the car this afternoon," said Elise. +"Want to go, Azalea?" + +"Yes,--I'd be glad to." + +"All right, be ready about three. You going, Pattibelle?" + +"No; not to-day. My lord and master is at home, and I can't give up a +precious hour of his companionship." + +"Oh, you turtle-doves! All right, then, Zaly and I will sally forth to +the great metropolis." + +Elise was spending a month with Patty, and was going later to the +mountains with her own family. They were all anxious, therefore, to get +the Fair under way, and to hold it while Elise was still there. + +So things were being pushed, and the committees were hard at work. There +were innumerable errands to the city, and nearly every day the big car +went down and returned laden with materials for the work. + +Promptly at three, Azalea was in the hall, and Elise joined her, ready +for the trip. + +"I mean to mail these in New York," said Elise, who carried a handful of +letters. + +"I will too," returned Azalea, who also had a number of them in her +hand. "Let's take these that are on the hall table,--they go quicker if +we mail them in the city." + +"All right," said Elise, carelessly, and Azalea, with a stealthy look +about, picked up the big pile of addressed mail that lay on the table. + +No one was looking and she deftly slipped out from the lot the letter +Farnsworth had written to Mr. Thorpe,--and pocketed it. + +Going out the door, she handed the rest of the letters, with her own, to +the chauffeur, to mail, and then got into the car after Elise. + +Away they went, chattering blithely about the Fair, and the enormous lot +of work yet to be done for it. + +"There are so many working with us," observed Elise, "that it seems a +big job of itself to keep them in order." + +"It all amazes me," returned Azalea. "I never saw people work as hard as +you and Patty do. And you accomplish such a lot! And yet, you never get +flustered or hurried, or--" + +"That's partly the result of long experience in these bazaar affairs, +and partly because we both have a sort of natural efficiency. That's a +much used word, Zaly, but it means a lot after all." + +"Yes, it does. What's your booth, Elise?" + +"It isn't exactly a booth. I'm going to have a log cabin,--a real one, +built just as I've planned it, and in it I'm going to sell all sorts of +old-fashioned things." + +"Antiques?" + +"Yes, of the proper sort. Old Willow china and Sheffield plate. Copper +lustre tea-sets and homespun bedspreads. And samplers! Oh, Azalea, I've +three or four stunning samplers! One is dated 1812. That ought to bring +a fine price." + +"I don't know about samplers. Of course, I know what they are,--but what +makes them valuable?" + +"Age, my dear. And authoritative dates. People make collections of old +samplers, and those who collect will spend 'most anything for a good +specimen." + +"I've one that my grandmother made,--at least, I can get it. Would you +like it?" + +"Would I? Indeed I would! But you ought to keep that, Azalea. My, what a +generous girl you are! You'd give away your head, if it weren't fastened +on! No, dear child, keep your grandmother's sampler yourself. Is it a +good one?" + +"I don't know what a 'good' one is. It has flowers on it, and little +people,--queer ones,--and a long verse of poetry and an alphabet of +letters." + +"And the date?" + +"Yes; 1836, I think it is." + +"That's fairly old. Not a collection piece,--but a good date. Is it in +good condition,--or worn?" + +"Good as new. I don't want it, Elise,--that is, I'd like to give it to +you. You've been awful good to me." + +"All right, Zaly, send for it, and we'll take a look at it, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE SAMPLER + + +Vanity Fair was all that its name implied. By good fortune, the weather +was perfect,--ideally pleasant and sunshiny, yet not too warm. Wistaria +Porch was transformed into a veritable Fairyland, and it was a +bewildering vision of flowers, flags and frivolity by day, and a blaze +of illuminated gaiety by night. + +It was to last but two days, for, Patty said, they might hope for fair +weather for that long but hardly for three days. + +It was to open at noon, and all the morning everybody was running about, +doing last minute errands or attending to belated decorations. + +Azalea had the Indian booth. It was a wigwam, in effect, but it was so +bedecked and ornamented that it is doubtful if a real Indian would have +recognised it as one. However, it was filled with real Indian wares, and +the beautiful baskets and pottery were sure to prove best sellers. +Azalea received a large consignment from some place she had sent to in +Arizona, and other people had donated appropriate gifts, until the +little tent was overflowing. + +Azalea herself, the attendant on the booth, was in the garb of an Indian +princess, a friend of Patty's having lent the costume for the occasion. +It was becoming to the girl, and she looked really handsome in the +picturesque trappings, and elaborate head-dress. + +Just before time for the Fair to be opened, Azalea went over to Elise's +booth. As she had planned, Elise had a log cabin, and in it she had +arranged a motley collection of antiques and heirlooms that were quaint +and valuable. It was the design of the Fair to sell really worthwhile +things at their full value; and as they expected many wealthy patrons, +the committees felt pretty sure of a grand success. + +"Elise," said Azalea, as she appeared at the door of the cabin, "here's +my contribution to your department. I haven't had a chance to give it to +you before." She handed out a parcel, which Elise opened eagerly. + +It proved to be a sampler,--old, but in fine condition. It was an +elaborate one, with many rows of letters, some lines of verse, and +several little pictured shapes. There was a beautiful border, and the +signature was _Isabel Cutler, 1636!_ + +"Oh!" exclaimed Elise, "what a gem! Where _did_ you get it? Why, Azalea, +this is a museum piece! 1636! It's worth hundreds of dollars!" + +"Oh, no," said Azalea, "it can't be worth all that! But I thought you'd +like an old one." + +"But I don't understand! Where did you get it?" + +"It was my grandmother's." + +"But your grandmother didn't live in 1636!" + +"N--n--no,--I s'pose not. Well,--you see, she had it from _her_ +grandmother and great-grandmother,--clear back,--you know." + +"I see," said Elise, scrutinising the sampler. "It's a marvel, Azalea. +You mustn't sell it at this Fair. It ought to go to a museum. 1636! +That's one of the earliest sampler dates! I can't see how it's lain +unknown all these years. Who had it before you did?" + +"Mother." + +"Oh, yes,--of course. Well, I'm not going to take it from you--" + +"Yes, you are, Elise. I want to give it to you. I've wanted all along +to give you something nice,--you've been so good to me--" + +"Rubbish! don't talk like that, Zaly! If you want to make Patty a +present, now,--give it to her. That would be a worth-while return for +her kindness to you." + +"Oh, I don't think so much of the old thing as you do. I don't even +think it's pretty." + +"It isn't a question of prettiness, or even of a well worked piece. It's +the date. And this is genuine,--I can see that. But I can't understand +it! Why,--I think this border wasn't used until--I must look it up in my +book. That's home in New York. But, there's one thing sure and certain! +This doesn't get put in with my bunch of wares! Mr. Greatorex may come +this afternoon. He's an expert on these things. He'll know just what +it's worth." + +"Oh, Elise," Azalea looked troubled, "don't take it so seriously. It's +just an old thing. You've others here that are far handsomer." + +"As I told you, Zaly, it's the age that counts,--not the beauty. Run +along to your own booth. I'll lay this aside until I can find out about +it. But if it's as valuable as I think it is, you mustn't give it to +Vanity Fair,--or to anybody. 1636! My!" + +Azalea looked a little crestfallen. Instead of being glad at the +unexpected value ascribed to her gift, she seemed decidedly put out +about it. She strolled round by Patty's booth. That enterprising young +matron had caused to be built for her use a little child's playhouse. It +was just large enough for half a dozen children, and would perhaps hold +nearly as many grown people. But it had a good-sized verandah and on +this were tables piled with the loveliest fairy-like gossamer garments +and comforts for tiny mites of humanity. Such exquisite blankets and +afghans and tufted silk coverlets and such dainty frocks and caps and +little coats and everything an infant could possibly use, from baskets +to bibs and from pillows to porringers. + +And dolls,--soft, cotton or woolly dolls for little babies to play with, +and soft, cuddly bears and lambs. Rattles, of course, and bath-tub toys, +and all sorts of infants' novelties. + +Patty, happy as a butterfly, hovered over her treasures. She wore the +immaculate white linen garb of a nurse, and very sweet and fair she +looked. Later, Fleurette was to grace the booth and attract all +observers by her marvellous baby charm. + +At high noon the bazaar was opened with a flourish of trumpets and a +fanfaronade by the band. Farnsworth had given the services of a first +class band as his donation, and the musicians made good. + +The scene was one of varied attractions. The place itself was lovely +with its wealth of flower gardens and shrubbery and the unique and +elaborate booths here and there among the trees made a striking picture. + +Betty was queen of the soda fountain. A really, truly soda fountain had +been procured, and it was attended by white uniformed servitors who were +trained to the work, but Betty was the presiding genius and invited her +customers to sample her beverages, with free advice as to which flavours +and combinations she thought the best. + +Raymond Gale was a general supervisor of several of the enterprises. + +He had in charge the moving-picture men who had expressed a desire to +get some scenes of the gay throngs and were willing to pay well for the +privilege. + +"You like the 'movies,'" he called out to Azalea, "come over here and +get into the game." + +"Can't," she called back. "I have to be on duty at my wigwam." + +"Oh, come along; the wigwam won't run away. At least promenade up and +down once with me." + +So Azalea came, laughingly, and the two walked grandiloquently into the +focus of the camera. + +"And there is a man making phonograph records," young Gale went on. +"Come over there, Zaly, and we'll have a joust of words, and record it +on the sands of time!" + +"What do you mean?" asked Azalea, interestedly, for she had no knowledge +of some of the performances going on. + +She went with Raymond and found a crowd waiting at the booth where the +phonograph man was doing business. His plan was to make a record for any +customer who cared to sing, recite or soliloquise for him. Mothers +gladly brought their infant prodigies to "speak pieces" and went away +proudly carrying the records that could be played in their homes for +years to come. Aspiring young singers made records of their favourite +songs. One young girl played the violin for a record. + +Taking their turn, Raymond and Azalea had what he called an impromptu +scrap. A few words of instruction were enough for Azalea's dramatic +instinct to grasp his meaning, and they had a lively tiff followed by a +sentimental "making-up" that was good enough for a vaudeville +performance, and which Azalea knew would greatly amuse Patty and Bill +when they should hear the record. + +"Oh, what fun!" Azalea cried, "I never heard of such a thing. I want to +make a lot of records. I'm going to make one of Baby!" + +She ran into the house and up to the nursery where Winnie was just +giving the child her dinner. "Goody!" cried Azalea, "now she'll be +good-natured! Let me take her, Winnie." + +Not entirely with Winnie's sanction, but in spite of her half-expressed +disapproval, Azalea took the laughing child and ran back to the +phonograph booth. + +"Let me go in ahead of you people, won't you, please?" she begged, and +the waiting line fell back to accommodate her. + +But alas for her hopes. She wanted the baby to coo and gurgle in the +delightful little way that Fleurette had in her happiest moments. + +Instead, frightened by the strangeness of the scene and the noise and +laughter of the people all about, Fleurette set up a wail of woe which +developed rapidly into a storm of screams and sobs,--indeed, it was a +first-class crying spell,--a thing which the good-natured child rarely +indulged in. + +Not willing to wait for a better-tempered moment, the man took the +record and poor little Fleurette was immortalised by a squall instead +of a sunny burst of laughter. + +But there was no help for it, and Azalea, greatly chagrined, took the +baby back to Nurse. + +"Here's your naughty little kiddy," she cried ruefully, handing +Fleurette over, but giving the child a loving caress, even as she spoke. + +"Thank you, Miss Thorpe, I'm glad to get her back so soon." + +And then Azalea ran away to her Indian booth, where she found her +assistant doing a rushing business with the Indian wares. + +Indeed, everybody seemed anxious to buy the baubles of Vanity Fair. The +cause was a worthy one, the patrons were wealthy and generous, and the +vendors were charming and wheedlesome. + +So the coin fairly flowed into their coffers and as the afternoon wore +on they began to fear they wouldn't have enough goods to sell the second +day. + +Azalea was a favourite among the young people. She looked a picture in +her Indian dress and she was in rare good humour. She tried, too, to be +gracious and gentle, and committed no _gaucheries_ and made no ignorant +errors. + +"You've simply made that girl over," Elise said to Patty, as the two +spoke of Azalea's growing popularity. + +Patty sighed. "I don't know," she said, thoughtfully. "There's something +queer about Azalea. Little Billee has said so from the first, and now I +begin to see it, too." + +"She _is_ queer," assented Elise, "but she's so much nicer than she was +at first. Ray Gale is very devoted to her." + +"I know it. I like Ray, too, but sometimes,--think,--he knows something +about her that he won't tell us." + +"For mercy's sake,--what do you mean? knows something about your own +cousin that you don't know!" + +"Oh, Zaly isn't our own cousin, you know. But--well, never mind now, +Elise. This isn't a good time to talk confidentially." + +Crowds of people were constantly arriving, and among them were many of +Patty's old friends. Many, too, of her newer acquaintances, who lived in +Arden and also in the nearby towns. + +Patty was charming and delightful to everybody, remembering that she was +in a way hostess as well as a sales-lady. + +Fleurette graced her mother's booth with her presence, later in the +afternoon, and quite redeemed her reputation for good nature, by smiling +impartially on everybody, and gurgling a welcome to all who looked at +her. + +The little garments and toys of Patty's booth were soon sold out, for +they were choice bits of needlework and found ready buyers. + +And then one enthusiastic young father wanted to buy the playhouse +itself, in which Patty had displayed her wares. + +"But I meant to keep this for my own baby!" she cried. + +"Oh, you can build another by the time that little mite needs one," the +young man replied. "And my youngster is four years old,--just ready to +inhabit a ready made home of this kind," + +So the pretty little house was sold, and plans were made to remove it +to the purchaser's estate. + +So it went. Azalea had many offers for her wigwam, if she would sell it +after the fair. She agreed to let it go to the highest bidder, and +finally received a fine price. + +Archery was one of the pretty diversions, and at this Azalea excelled. +To the surprise of all, she proved exceedingly skilful with the bow and +arrow and easily won the prize offered. But she magnanimously refused to +accept it, and returned it to be competed for over again. + +Mr. Greatorex, the expert connoisseur in the matter of antiques, arrived +at Elise's log cabin and expressed delight in its construction and +furnishing. + +The cabin was not for sale, Elise laughingly informed him, as Mr. +Farnsworth intended to keep it a permanent fixture on his own grounds. +Also, Elise went on, very few things of value were left on her +tables,--but she still had one piece on which she wished to ask his +opinion. + +From a drawer she brought out the sampler that Azalea had given her and +passed it over to Mr. Greatorex, without comment. + +He looked at it, at first casually and then more closely. + +His face expressed mystification, and suddenly he examined the date +minutely and then smiled. + +"Very clever, my dear,--very cleverly done, indeed. Did you do it?" + +"Oh, no; it is the property of a friend of mine,--it was done by an +ancestor of hers. You see it's signed and dated." + +"I see! Oh, yes, I _see_! But you mustn't try to impose on me,--my +eyesight is not yet entirely gone!" + +"What do you mean, Mr. Greatorex?" Elise was puzzled. "I'm not trying to +impose on you!" + +"I hope not, my girl, for I wouldn't want to believe such a thing of +you. But you have been imposed upon." + +"How?" + +"This sampler was worked in 1836, not 1636." + +"How do you know?" + +"Very easily. Here, you can see for yourself. You see how the figures +are made,--ordinary cross stitch. Well, as you know, an eight is worked +almost exactly the same as a six, except that it has two more stitches +on the upper right-hand side. If those two stitches are picked out of an +eight, it turns into a six! Now, I'm sure your young eyes can see that +two stitches _have_ been picked out in this instance. See the slight +mark where the canvas is the least bit drawn? And see, on the back a +fresh stitch was necessary to keep the ends from ravelling. It would +pass to a careless observer, but to one accustomed to these things the +fraud is plainly evident." + +"Oh, Mr. Greatorex," and Elise looked sorrowful, "I don't care so much +about the sampler being less valuable than I thought, as I do about +having to think the friend who gave it to me would cheat me!" + +"Perhaps she didn't. Perhaps somebody cheated her." + +"No; she told me her mother gave her this, and that she had had it from +her mother and grandmother--and so forth." + +"Then I fear your friend knew of the fraud,--though perhaps her mother +gave it to her as it is now." + +"Can you judge if the stitches were picked out recently?" + +"I should say very recently. The canvas is faded, of course, but, as you +see, the threads beneath where the missing stitches were is quite a +shade lighter. Had the picking been done years ago, the canvas would +have assumed a uniform tinge,--or nearly so." + +"Of course it would,--I can see that for myself. Oh, dear!--Well, Mr. +Greatorex, don't say anything about this, will you?" + +"Certainly not. But that's a good sampler, as it stands,--I mean as a +specimen of 1836 work." + +"Yes, I know it is. And yet, oughtn't the stitches to be put back?" + +"Probably not,--for they could not be matched exactly--" + +"But if it remains like this, everybody will think it two hundred years +older than it really is." + +Mr. Greatorex smiled. "Scarcely," he said. "You see, my dear, the +earliest known dated sampler is one of 1643 which is in the Victoria and +Albert Museum, in England. There are but six or seven known in that +century at all. It would be remarkable, therefore, to find a work of art +that would antedate all collections, and yet show the patterns and style +of work common less than a hundred years ago!" + +"Oh, I understand,--I've read up on the matter somewhat,--but I'm _so_ +sorry--oh, I _am_ so sorry!" + +Elise looked woe-begone indeed, for she realised that Azalea had, in +all probability committed the fraud herself, and with a deliberate +intention of deceiving her. + +Azalea's own ignorance of the whole matter was so great, that it was not +surprising that she thought the mere alteration of the date would make +the sampler of greater value. But what broke Elise's heart was the +knowledge of Azalea's wilful deception. + +She thanked Mr. Greatorex for his explanations and, again asking him not +to mention the matter to any one at all, she put the sampler back in the +drawer and locked it up. + +"Sold my sampler yet, Elise?" Azalea asked, when next they met. + +"Yes; I bought it in myself," Elise replied. "I wanted it, so I bought +it. I haven't paid for it yet, for I want to know what you consider a +fair price?" + +Elise looked Azalea straight in the eyes, and was not surprised to note +the rising colour in the cheeks of the Indian maiden. + +"Why--why," Azalea stammered, "you said it was worth hundreds of +dollars--you said that yourself, Elise." + +"That was before I knew of your own handiwork on the sampler." + +"What do you mean?" cried Azalea, angrily. + +"Just what I say. To the work on the sampler, you added a bit more,--or +rather, you subtracted some!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AZALEA'S CHANCE + + +"What do you mean by subtracted some?" + +"Now, Azalea, there's no use in your acting like that! You know +perfectly well you can't fool _me_! If you really want to know what I +mean, I'll tell you. I mean that you picked out two stitches from the +eight to make it look like a six. Didn't you, now?" + +"Oh, well, if you've discovered that, I may as well own up. Yes, I did." + +"And aren't you ashamed of yourself? Don't you think such a deception a +wrong and contemptible thing to do?" + +"Oh, pshaw, it was only for a joke. Can't you take a joke, Elise?" + +"It _wasn't_ only for a joke. You hoped you would make me think the +sampler two hundred years older than it really is! And you thought that +would make it much more valuable. Well, you overreached yourself! There +were no samplers made--so far as is known--in 1636. So your trick +wouldn't fool anybody!" + +"All right. There's no harm done, that I can see. My little joke fizzled +out,--that's all." + +"No, that isn't all. It has proved you are a deceitful girl! You don't +mind telling a falsehood!" + +"I didn't tell any!" + +"Yes, you did! It's an untruth to pretend something is what you know it +isn't! If I had sold that to some unsuspecting buyer, for a large price, +you wouldn't have said a word! You'd have let it go!" + +"Of course; all's fair at a Fair!" + +"Oh, don't try to be funny, Azalea; I'm really angry about this matter." + +"Huffy, eh? Well, get over it, then! I don't care! _Some_ people like +me! Don't they?" + +The last question was asked of Raymond Gale, who came walking by. + +"Sure; I do!" was the hearty reply. "Who doesn't?" + +"Elise," and Azalea pouted at the girl. + +"Fiddlesticks!" said Elise, gaily. "Never mind, Azalea, I'll take your +joke in good part." + +For Elise had suddenly decided that she didn't want to spoil Patty's +Fair by having a quarrel with her guest. So, though a good deal +perturbed by the sampler incident, she preferred to drop the subject. + +Azalea understood, and was glad to be let off so easily, though she felt +sure Elise would tell Patty all about it later. + +With Azalea, however, out of sight was out of mind, and she walked away +with young Gale in a merry mood. + +As they strolled along, a man stepped toward them, and raising his cap +in a respectful way, asked Azalea if he might have a few words with her, +alone. + +He had a business-like air, and though polite, was, quite evidently, not +a man of social position. + +Gale stared at him, and Azalea grew very red and confused. + +"I--well--not just now," she said, hesitatingly. "I'll see you some +other time." + +"No, miss, that won't do," The man was courteous, but decided,--and had +a manner that bespoke authority. + +"If I'm in the way, I'll vanish," Raymond said, laughing a little. + +"Well--if you will--" Azalea looked at him beseechingly. "I'll explain +later." + +So Gale walked off by himself and Azalea turned a troubled face to the +man. + +"Mr. Merritt," she said, "I can't have anything more to do with the +whole affair. I'm quite sure my relatives here wouldn't approve of it, +and I can't keep the matter secret any longer." + +"But you _must_ come, Miss Thorpe. By a strange coincidence you are +greatly needed. Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"She has!" Azalea's eyes sparkled, "Oh,--I don't mean I'm not sorry for +her,--I am, indeed! But--" + +"But it gives you a chance! A wonderful chance,--and if you can make +good--" + +"Oh, I can! I will! Shall I come now?" + +"No; but you must come to-morrow morning at nine, sharp. Will you?" + +"Indeed I will! I'll be there on time." + +"And tell your people about it,--don't you think you'd better?" + +"Oh," Azalea's face fell. "I don't know. Suppose they refuse to let me +go!" + +"How can they? They have no real control over you." + +"No,--but I'd hate to go against their expressed disapproval." + +"Nonsense! This is your first chance at a career. Don't muff it, now! +Why, just your skill at archery is enough to put you over! It's the very +place for you! Western doings, riding, shooting, lassoing, all sorts of +bareback, daredevil stunts--" + +"I know--I know. Yes, I'll be there to-morrow. You go, now,--here comes +my cousin." + +With a quick glance at Farnsworth, who was approaching, the man walked +swiftly away. + +"Who is he?" Bill asked, as he came up to Azalea. + +"Friend of mine," she answered, gaily. + +"What's his name?" + +"That's telling!" + +"I know it is, and I expect to be told." + +"People don't always get all they expect." + +"Don't trifle with me, Azalea; I'm not in a trifling mood. Who was that +man?" + +"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Now, now, Cousin +William, you know yourself, it's very rude to insist on prying into +other folks' secrets!" + +"Why _is_ it a secret? What possible business can a man like that have +with you,--that I can't know about?" + +"Why do you say 'a man like that'? He's all right." + +"All right is a vague term. He's not one of our sort." + +"Don't be a snob! Remember you were born and brought up in the West, +just as much as I was. And although you've now got to living high and +mighty, you needn't look down on me or my friends!" + +"You're talking rubbish, Azalea. That man is not your friend,--he was +talking to you on some business matter." + +"I'm not a business woman!" + +"You're not a woman at all! You're a young girl, and a very silly +one,--to have secret dealings with a common-looking man. Now, as your +temporary guardian, I insist you tell me all about it" + +"'Temporary guardian' is good! Who appointed you?" + +"I'm that by reason of your being a guest in my house, and too in view +of the fact that you have, apparently, nobody to look after you. Your +father has mysteriously disappeared. You've had no word from him since +you've been here! So far as I know, you have no other relatives, and +so, as your nearest of kin, I propose to look after you,--if you will +let me. Don't be foolish, Azalea, dear," Farnsworth's voice took on a +tender tone, "_don't_ be antagonistic. I want to help you, not annoy +you. Why not look on me as a friend, and let me know all you're about? +There can be _no_ reason why I shouldn't." + +"You might not approve," and Azalea looked at him uncertainly. + +"Why? Are you up to anything wrong?" + +"No," but she spoke hesitatingly, "not wrong, Cousin, but--all the same, +you might not approve." + +"Tell me, and let me see. If it isn't wrong, I'll promise not to censure +you, even if I don't entirely approve." + +Azalea's attention was attracted by the man who had lately left her. He +stood behind Farnsworth and made gestures that informed Azalea she was +not to let his presence be known. So she continued to talk to Bill, but +also kept the other man in view. + +His procedure was somewhat strange. He pretended to be holding a baby, +cuddling an imaginary child in his arms. Then he tossed the +non-existent little one up in the air, and pretended to catch it again. + +Then he nodded to Azalea. She shook her head negatively and very +vigorously. + +He nodded peremptorily and insistently. Again she shook her head, and as +she did so Farnsworth wheeled suddenly and saw the man. + +Angrily, he made a dash for him, but the stranger was agile and alert, +and ran swiftly away and out of the grounds to the street. + +Farnsworth looked at Azalea coldly. "So you were holding communication +with him, over my shoulder! This is a little too much, Azalea, and now +the crisis has been reached. Either you give me a full explanation of +your business with him, or you bring your visit here to an end. I cannot +have you in my house, if you are deceitful and insincere. I stand by my +offer; I will listen willingly to your story, and judge you most +leniently. I don't really believe you _are_ up to anything wrong. But a +secret is always mysterious and I hold that you are too young and +inexperienced to have secrets from your elders." + +"I have nothing to confess or confide, Cousin William," said Azalea, +putting on a haughty air. "I refuse to be accused of wrong-doing, when +I am not guilty of it,--and I will bring my visit here to an end at +once! I will leave to-morrow!" + +"Oh, pshaw, Zaly, don't go off so suddenly!" Farnsworth laughed lightly, +for he had said a little more than he meant to, and he realised, too, +that this was neither the time nor the place to have such a serious talk +with the girl. + +"Come along now, and have tea with us all in the tea-house," he said. +"Forget your bad, cruel cousin's scoldy ways, and as to the mysterious +man, I'll trust your word that he's all right." + +"Oh, thank you, Cousin!" Azalea fairly beamed now. "How good you are! +I'll tell you all about it,--some day!" + +So the matter rested for the moment, and the two went to join the merry +group around the tea-table. + +The Fair drew to a brilliant close. The second evening was even more gay +and festive than the first. Everything was sold out,--or, if not, it was +disposed of by auction after the time-honoured method of Fairs. + +Much money had been accumulated for the good cause, and though tired, +the workers were jubilant over the success of Vanity Fair. + +"I shall sleep late to-morrow morning," declared Patty, as, after all +the guests were gone, the house party started for bed. + +"Me, too," agreed Elise. "I'm glad you haven't anybody staying here but +us. No house guests, I mean, but just Zaly and me." + +"I'm glad, too," said Patty. "You see, I expected Father and Nan, but +they've changed their plans and will remain in California another +month." + +"They're having a gorgeous trip, aren't they?" + +"Yes, indeed, but I wish they'd ever get home! Just think, Father has +never seen Fleurette!" + +"She'll be a big girl when they do see her. She's growing like a little +weed." + +"Like a little flower, you mean! Don't you just love her name, Elise?" + +"Fleurette? Little Flower? Of course I do. The sweetest ever. Does Bill +still call you Patty Blossom?" + +"Yes, at times. Oh, he calls me 'most any old thing! He makes up new +names for both of us every day! Come along, Zaly, you're dropping from +sheer weariness. Time for little girls like you to go beddy!" + +Affectionately Patty put her arm round the girl, and led her away +upstairs. + +"Sleep well," she said, as she left Azalea in her own room. "And don't +come downstairs in the morning before ten or eleven. I'm sure I shan't. +The servants will clear everything up, and Bill will oversee it. I hate +the aftermath of a Fair,--don't you?" + +Azalea nodded agreement, and Patty kissed her good-night and went off. + +But it was only eight o'clock the next morning when Azalea crept softly +downstairs. She was neatly attired in a cloth suit, with a fresh white +shirtwaist and a pretty hat. + +She was not at all sleepy or weary-looking and she went out through the +pantry to the kitchen. + +"Please give me a cup of coffee," she said to the cook, who was just +beginning her day's work. + +She looked in amazement at Azalea, for she had had no orders over night +to serve an early breakfast. + +"I'll get you something as quick as I can," she said, good-naturedly. "I +didn't know you was going to town, Miss Thorpe." + +"Just decided," said Azalea, carelessly; "and I don't want +breakfast,--only a cup of coffee and a bit of toast. There's a good +cookie." + +Smiling at the cajolery, the cook bustled about and soon had an +appetising little repast ready. Azalea gratefully accepted the poached +egg and the marmalade in addition to what she had requested, and in a +short time had finished and prepared to depart. + +But she did not ask for one of the Farnsworth motor-cars; instead, she +walked swiftly out of the gate and down the street toward the trolley +line. + +She waited for a car and when it came she got aboard and settled down +for a long ride. + +At last she got out and a short walk brought her to her destination. +This was nothing more nor less than a great moving-picture studio. + +There were a number of people about, all very busy and intent on what +they were doing. + +Azalea seemed to be known, for two or three nodded pleasantly to her as +she went swiftly along to the office. + +There she presented herself, and was received by Mr. Bixby, the man who +had one day called on her at Wistaria Porch. + +"Well, Miss Thorpe," he said, briskly, "I suppose you heard the news. +Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"Yes, I heard that," said Azalea, with a sympathetic look. + +"And we think we want to put you in her place,--at least, for a trial." + +"I'm glad to try," Azalea said, earnestly. "I'll do my best to make +good. But I can't bring the baby again." + +"Oh, pshaw, yes you can,--just once more, anyway. But never mind that +now. We must see about your own part. You know there's danger, Miss +Thorpe?" + +"Miss Frawley braved the danger," Azalea said, quietly. + +"Yes, and Miss Frawley broke her ankle." + +"I know; and I may break mine, but I'll take the chance. I am not +afraid,--though I well know that accidents may happen. What was Miss +Frawley doing?" + +"It was in that climbing scene. You know she climbs the sheer precipice +of rock. There are hidden spikes driven into the rock for her feet, of +course, but she missed one, and fell." + +"I'll be as careful as I can, but I may miss it, too." + +"In that case, we'll have to get some one else," said Mr. Bixby, +coolly. "Are you ready for work?" + +"Oh, yes," and then Azalea was shown to the dressing-rooms. + +This was her secret. For years she had wanted to be a moving-picture +actress, and she had hoped before she left Arizona for New York that she +might get an opportunity to take up the work. She had expected to begin +with minor parts, and hoped by her skill and earnest efforts to attain +eminence. + +On the train, coming East, she had formed an acquaintance with Mr. Bixby +and his wife, who were in the business. As their studio was not far from +the Farnsworth home, Azalea had made plans with them to engage in the +work. + +She had carried out these plans, and had been over to the studios +several times, taking parts in which they needed a substitute. + +She had done so well and had shown such promise that Mr. Bixby urged her +to become a regular actress in his company. + +But Azalea was so uncertain as to how Patty and Bill would regard such a +move on her part, that she had so far kept the matter to herself. + +Then, when the star actress had met with an accident, and the management +had concluded to offer Azalea her place, it was a great chance for the +girl. + +She had come over this morning to give it a trial, entirely at sea as to +her subsequent attitude toward the Farnsworths. + +She thought she would be guided by circumstances as to whether she would +confide all to them, or whether she would continue her secrecy as to her +movements. + +Mrs. Bixby attended to her in the dressing-room. All of Miss Frawley's +costumes, it was found, could be altered to fit Azalea. + +As one in a dream, the girl stood to be fitted, while seamstresses and +modistes hovered about her. + +Then she was informed that the work that day would be only rehearsing +and the pictures would not actually be taken until her costumes were +ready. + +Submissively she did exactly as she was told, and so well did she act +the parts assigned her, that Mr. Bixby expressed hearty approval. + +Azalea was there nearly all day, and when at last she turned her face +homeward, a great dismay seized her. + +"What's the matter, child?" asked kindly Mrs. Bixby, who was saying +good-bye. + +"Oh, I don't know what to do!" Azalea was tempted to tell the +director's wife all her troubles. + +But Mrs. Bixby was a busy lady, and she said, "Not now, dearie. You +skittle home, and to-morrow maybe I can take a couple hours off to hear +your tale of woe. You know you've already told me your swagger relatives +would throw a fit if they knew what you were up to. Well, I guess it's +about fit time!" + +Azalea disliked her style of speech, but Mrs. Bixby was kind hearted, +and she had hoped to have her for a confidante. However, there was no +chance then, for Mrs. Bixby hustled her off to the trolley-car, and +Azalea went home to Wistaria Porch. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +"STAR OF THE WEST" + + +All the way home Azalea wondered how she would be received. + +Both Patty and Bill were somewhat suspicious of her and would naturally +question her as to where she had been all day. She was tempted to tell +them the whole truth and throw herself on their mercy, and but for one +thing she would have done so. This was the fact that she had previously +taken the baby, Fleurette, over to the studios and had used the child in +the pictures. + +This she felt quite sure the Farnsworths would not forgive. + +Azalea would not have done it, if it had occurred to her at first how +the parents would resent such use of their child. But Mr. Bixby had +needed a very young baby in a certain picture and Azalea, anxious to +please, had offered to bring Fleurette over. She was herself so devoted +to the little one and so careful of her, she felt no fear of any harm +coming to her. Nor did it, for the infant was good and tractable, and +did all that was required of her without any trouble. However, little +was required except for her to coo and gurgle in one scene, and to lie +quietly asleep in another. + +But there was one more short scene where Azalea had to rescue the baby +from a burning house. To be sure the flames were artificial and there +was no danger from the fire, but the baby was thrown from an upper +window, and caught by Azalea, who stood down on the ground. + +So accustomed was Fleurette to being tossed about, and so familiar to +her was the frolicking with Azalea that she made no objections and was a +most delightful addition to the picture. + +But something happened to the film, and the director was most anxious to +take the scene over again. + +Azalea, however, positively refused to take Fleurette again to the +studio. She knew how she would be censured, should it be found out, and +now Nurse Winnie and the two Farnsworths, as well as Elise, were all +watching for anything mysterious that Azalea might do. + +She felt almost as if she were living over a slumbering volcano, that +might at any moment blow her up. For Elise, she felt sure, would not +keep the sampler incident to herself, and if Farnsworth heard of it he +would be newly angry at that deception. + +So Azalea's delight at her success with the moving-picture company was +very much tempered with dismay at her position in the Farnsworth +household. + +She was almost tempted to run away from them altogether and shift for +herself. + +Indeed, she practically decided, as she rode in the trolley-car, that if +they were hard on her when she reached home, she _would_ run away. Of a +wayward disposition and without really good early training, Azalea +thought only of herself, and selfishly desired her own advancement +without thought or regard for other people. + +But, to her pleased surprise, when she entered the gate she heard gay +voices on the verandah, and knew that guests were there,--and several of +them. + +Unwilling to meet them in her street clothes, she slipped around to the +back entrance and went in at the servants' door. + +"I don't want to appear until I can dress," she explained to the cook, +and went upstairs by a back way. + +Half an hour later, a very different looking Azalea went down the front +staircase and out onto the porch. + +She wore a becoming dress of flowered organdie, with knots of bright +velvet, and her pretty hair was carefully arranged. + +Smiling and happy-looking, she met the guests and greeted them with a +graceful cordiality. + +"Where have you been?" cried Elise, but Azalea ignored the question and +quickly spoke to some one else. + +Mona and Roger Farrington were there, and Philip Van Reypen and Chick +Channing. This quartette had motored up from New York to dine, and Patty +had already persuaded them to say they would stay over night. + +"I'm crazy for a house party," she said, "haven't had one for 'most a +week! Oh, yes. I've a couple of house guests, but I mean a real party. +Let's make it a week-end, and have lots of fun!" + +The visitors were entirely willing, and after telephoning home for +additional apparel, they settled down to enjoy themselves. + +As they hadn't much more than accomplished this settling when Azalea +arrived, there was no comment made on her absence all day. + +In fact, Patty rather forgot about it, in the multitude of her +conferences with the housekeeper and the maids. + +Farnsworth said nothing in the presence of the guests, and Elise, after +her first exclamation, subsided. + +In fact, Elise was more interested in the society of Channing and Van +Reypen than in the mystery of Azalea's disappearances. + +Betty and Ray Gale had been telephoned for, and they came gladly, so +that at dinner there was quite a big party. + +"You certainly are a great little old hostess, Patty!" exclaimed Roger +Farrington, as they seated themselves at table. "I liked you heaps as a +girl, but as mistress of a fine house you are even more charming." + +"Thank you, Sir Hubert Stanley!" smiled Patty; "and I'm glad to admit +that I learned a lot about managing a house from your gifted wife. Do +you remember, Mona, how we kept house down at 'Red Chimneys'?" + +"Indeed I do!" Mona answered, "what fun we had that summer!" + +"I'll subscribe to that!" declared Farnsworth, "for it was then and +there that I met the lady who is now my wife! And,--I kissed her the +moment I saw her!" + +"Oh, Cousin William!" cried Azalea, "did you really? What _did_ she +say?" + +"Flew at me like a small cyclone of wrath! But as I had mistaken her for +my cousin Mona, she couldn't hold me very guilty." + +"Yes! A lot Patty looks like me!" said Mona, who was a dark-haired +beauty. + +"But I didn't see her face," pleaded Bill; "I just saw a girl on the +verandah of your house, Mona, and I took it for granted it was you!" + +"It's all ancient history," said Patty, laughing. "And, to tell the +truth, I'm glad it happened,--for otherwise, I mightn't have become +interested in--Mona's cousin." + +"Then I bless my mistake!" said Farnsworth, so fervently that Patty +shook her head at him. + +"Mustn't talk so before folks," she said, reprovingly. "Now, people all, +what shall we do with this lovely evening? It's moonlight, so any who +are romantically inclined can ramble about the place, and flirt in the +arbours,--while those who prefer can play bridge or--the piano. Or +just sit and chat." + +"Me for the last!" cried Mona. "I've oceans to talk about with you, +Patty. Can't we play all by ourselves for a little while?" + +"Certainly," said Patty, as she rose from the table. "Mona and I are +going to sit on the wistaria porch and gossip for half an hour. After +that, we're all going to dance,--and maybe sing." + +"Good enough programme," agreed Van Reypen. "For one half-hour, then, +each may do as he or she wishes!" + +"Yes, if you all promise to be back here in half an hour." + +"Make it an hour, Patty," laughed Elise, who had her own plans. + +"All right," said Patty, carelessly, who cared only that her guests +should enjoy themselves. + +"I want to tell you something," Mona said, as she and Patty at last were +alone on the porch. "Who _is_ Azalea?" + +"I call that asking, not telling," laughed Patty; "however, I'll reply. +She is Bill's cousin,--not first cousin, but the daughter of his +father's cousin. So you see,--a distant cousin. Why?" + +"I'll tell you why. Roger and I go to the 'movies' sometimes,--and in a +picture, the other night, we saw Azalea." + +"Saw Azalea! You mean some one who looked like her." + +"No; Azalea Thorpe herself! Roger and I both knew her at once. And it +was quite a new picture,--taken recently, I mean. Did you know she did +such things?" + +"No, and I can't think she does. It must have been only a remarkable +resemblance, Mona." + +"No, Patty. We're positive. And, too, she was doing Wild West +stunts,--riding bareback, shooting, throwing a lariat,--all those +things,--and Azalea can, you know." + +"Yes, I know; and there _is_ something queer going on. It may be that +when Azalea goes off for a day or part of a day, that's where she goes. +But I can hardly believe it. And why does she keep it so secret?" + +"I suppose she thinks you and Bill wouldn't approve." + +"And we certainly would _not_! I don't think it can be possible, Mona. +But don't say anything to anybody,--not even to Little Billee,--until I +can talk to Azalea, myself. I can do lots with her, alone, but not if +anybody else is present." + +"Where is she now?" + +"Gone for a moonlight stroll with Phil. He's decidedly taken with her." + +"Yes, I know it. He said so on the way up here. He thinks she's a fine +girl--and he admires those careless, unconventional ways of hers." + +"Well, I don't," Patty sighed. "I like Azalea for lots of things,--she's +good company and kind-hearted,--and she's devoted to Baby,--but I +_can't_ like those free and easy manners! But she's a whole lot better +than when she first came! Then she was _really_ a wild Indian! I've been +able to tone her down a little." + +"You've done wonders for her, Patty. She ought to be very grateful." + +Patty made a wry face. "No, she isn't grateful. People never are +grateful for that sort of thing. And she doesn't even _know_ she's +different! I've had to train her without her own knowledge! But she's +chameleon-like, in some ways, and she picks up a lot just from being +with mannerly people." + +"She does indeed! She's quite correct now,--in her actual doings. It's +only in some burst of enthusiasm that she oversteps the bounds of +propriety. Well, that's all. I thought I'd tell you,--for it isn't right +that you shouldn't know. And there's no mistake. There's only one Azalea +Thorpe." + +"Was her name on the programme?" + +"No; she didn't have a star part,--not even a named part. She was one of +a crowd,--cowboys, ranch girls, and a general horde of 'woollies.' Don't +accuse her of it, Patty; get around her and see what she says." + +"Goodness, Mona, give me credit for a little tact! I'll find out in the +best way. What was the name of the play?" + +"'Star of the West.' A splendid thing,--have you seen it?" + +"No; we almost never go." + +"Oh, we go a lot, we love moving pictures." + +"I'd like to see this one,--before I speak to Azalea. Is it on now?" + +"Yes, at The Campanile. Let's go down to-morrow,--just you and me. We +can be back in a couple of hours." + +"Well, I'll see. Probably I can go." + +In the meantime, Azalea and Van Reypen were talking of the same play. + +"I saw a picture play last night," Phil was saying, "with a girl in it +that looked exactly like you." + +"What was the play?" asked Azalea, interestedly. + +"'Star of the West.' It was a good play, but I was most interested in +the girl I speak of. She was really your double,--but she did things +that I don't believe you could compass,--athletic as you are." + +"I'd like to see it," said Azalea, thoughtfully. + +"Oh, go with me, will you? I'm going to stay up here over the +week-end,--and we could skip down to-morrow afternoon, and be back by +dinner time." + +"I'd love to go,--but Patty doesn't greatly approve of the 'movies.'" + +"Oh, never mind that. You've a right to go, if you choose. And you +needn't say where we're going, till we get back. Say we're going to take +in a matinée." + +"Well, I'll go," Azalea said decidedly, "for I'm crazy to see that play. +What's the girl's name?" + +"Dunno. It wasn't on the bill. But, truly, Azalea, you'll be surprised +to see how much like you she is!" + +Azalea hesitated. She knew it was taking a great risk to go with Phil, +but she was most anxious to see how she looked on the screen. + +This, she knew, was the first picture released in which she had taken a +part. It was only a small part, but she had done well, the manager said, +and that had been the reason for her further advancement. + +She had wanted to see it over at the studio, but her visits there had +been so hurried, and she had been so eager to get back, she never dared +take the time to see the pictures exhibited. + +The two returned to the house, and Patty greeted them gaily. + +"Well, wanderers, you're the last of the company to report! Where have +you been?" + +"Surveying your domain, ma'am," Phil replied; "it's most beautiful by +moonlight,--especially when viewed in company with a fair lady." + +He bowed gallantly to Azalea, who was looking her best,--a slight blush +of excitement on her cheeks at the compliment. + +"It _is_ lovely," she said; "the house, from the west lawn, is a +wonderful picture! Patty, Mr. Van Reypen has asked me to go to New York +with him to-morrow afternoon,--to a matinée. May I?" + +"Certainly, my child. And as Mona and I are going down in the early +afternoon, we'll all go together in the big car." + +Then all went to the hall for a dance. The large reception hall was +admirably adapted for this purpose, and the strains of a fine phonograph +soon set all feet in motion. + +Dancing with Raymond Gale, Azalea pirouetted gaily with some fancy +steps. + +"Good!" he cried, falling into the spirit of the thing, and they pranced +about in a mad whirl. + +"How Western she is," Elise said to Phil, with whom she was sedately +one-stepping. + +"Clever dancer," he returned, briefly, and the subject was not +continued. + +"Come for a walk," said Gale to Azalea, as the dance was over. + +"No; let's sit on the porch a minute," she preferred. + +"Come along to this end, then, for I want to say something particular," +he urged, and they found a pleasant seat, from which they could see the +moon through the leafy wistaria branches. + +"Look here, Azalea," Gale began, "I know what you're up to,--with the +Bixbys." + +"What!" Azalea's voice was full of fear. + +"Yes, and there's no reason you should be so secretive about it." + +"Oh, Raymond,--there _is_ reason! Don't tell on me, will you?" + +"Of course not,--if you forbid it. But when Farnsworth asks me, what am +I to say?" + +"What does he ask you?" + +"Who the Bixbys are. And other awkward questions. You see, I know old +Bixby,--and I knew as soon as I saw him here that day that he had drawn +you into his snares." + +"Don't put it that way--I wasn't exactly drawn in." + +"Well, you're in, all right. Why, Azalea, I saw you in a picture in New +York, night before last." + +"You did?" + +"Yes; in 'Star of the West.' Don't try to fib out of it--" + +"What!" + +"Now you needn't get mad! I know you're not entirely above a little +fibbing, now and then!" + +"I think I'll go in the house,--I don't like you." + +"Oh, Zaly, behave yourself. Be a sensible girl, and face the music! Why +don't you own it all up, and tell Farnsworth the whole story? It isn't a +criminal thing to act in the 'movies.'" + +"They think it is,--Bill and Patty. They'd never forgive me!" + +"Oh, pshaw, they would, too! Anyway, I want you to do it,--tell 'em, I +mean. Won't you, Zaly,--won't you,--for my sake?" + +Gale was sincere and earnest, and Azalea thrilled to the strong +tenderness in his voice as he urged her. + +But she hesitated to consent. + +"I can't, Ray," she said, at last. "Truly, I can't. They'd--they'd turn +me off--" + +"Oh, Azalea, what nonsense! They'd do no such thing!" + +"Yes, they would. You don't know Bill. He's good and generous and +kind,--but he hates anything like deceit,--and almost worse, he hates +the whole moving-picture racket. I don't mean the pictures themselves, +exactly,--but the idea of anybody of his being in them. And, oh, +Ray,--it isn't only myself,--but I took--I took--" + +"I know,--you took the kiddy." + +"Yes, I did. It didn't seem any harm, at first, and then, one day when I +brought her home,--she was sleepy,--unusually so, I mean, and Nurse +said she had been given soothing sirup,--and--I found out afterward she +had! Mrs. Bixby had given her some, to keep her quiet in the picture, +you know. Of course, I never dreamed of such a thing,--why, Ray, that +little girl is as dear to me,--almost,--as she is to Patty! I wouldn't +harm a hair of her blessed little curly head! And I'd never have allowed +a drop of that sirup, if I'd known it! But I just gave her to Mrs. Bixby +to hold, while I changed my costume,--Mrs. Bixby seems a good woman--" + +"Oh, come now, I don't believe it hurt the child." + +"You don't know anything about such things. I don't know much, but I +know they must never have a bit of that stuff! Anyway, Ray?--we must go +in now,--don't give my secret away until I give you permission, will +you?" + +"No; if you'll promise to think it over and try to believe what I've +told you,--that it's best to tell all." + +"All right, I'll promise that, and I may decide to tell. But I want to +wait until after to-morrow, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE PICTURE PLAY + + +By a little adroit manoeuvring Van Reypen managed things so that he and +Azalea did not go to New York in the motor with Patty and Mona, but went +down by themselves in the train. + +For Azalea was most anxious that Patty should not know she was going to +the moving pictures, and especially that she was going to see "Star of +the West." + +It had already become a popular picture and was drawing crowds. And +though Azalea's part in it was a small one, yet her work was so good +that one or two reviews had mentioned it approvingly. + +Azalea had hoped that it would be possible to let Van Reypen continue in +his mistaken impression that the girl on the screen was not herself, but +some one who looked marvellously like her. + +But the first sight of herself in the play so thrilled Azalea that she +was unable to repress an exclamation of surprised delight. + +"It _is_ you, Azalea!" whispered Phil, realising the truth. "How _did_ +you manage it? Oh, you wonderful girl!" + +Azalea looked at him in astonishment. In the dim light of the theatre +she could see his face glowing with pride and pleasure. + +She gave a little gasp. "Oh, Phil, aren't you--I mean--are you _glad_ +about it?" + +"I don't know,--Azalea,--it seems so queer--but, oh, look at that! Did +you really do that, Azalea!" + +For the girl on the screen had flung herself, bareback, on a vicious, +bucking pony, and holding on by his mane, went through the most +hairbreadth escapes, yet was not thrown. Indeed, she finally tamed the +wild creature, and dashed madly off on her errand. This was the rescue +of a baby who had been left behind, when those who should have looked +after the child were themselves fleeing from a cyclone. + +The scene was remarkably well staged, and the illusion of the cyclone +wonderfully worked out. + +The baby, left to the care of servants, was in a lightly built house +that rocked in the blasts. It threatened to collapse at any minute, and +Azalea, racing against time, in the face of the gale, spurred on her +flying steed, and reached the house just as it crashed to ruins. + +Flinging herself from the horse, she dashed into the piles of debris, +and, the gale nearly blowing her off her feet, contrived to find the +child. + +Of course, in the taking of the picture, Fleurette had been in no danger +whatever; in fact, had not been in the falling house at all, until time +for Azalea to find her in the ruins. + +But this was not apparent to the audience. To them it seemed that the +baby must have been there all the time. + +Van Reypen sat breathless, watching the screen with rapt attention. + +He thought little of the baby's danger, knowing the methods of making +pictures, but he was lost in admiration of Azalea, her fine athletic +figure, and her free, strong motions, as she battled with the winds and +triumphantly snatched the baby from harm. + +Then, the child in one arm, she flung herself again on the pony's back, +the animal prancing wildly, but tractable beneath Azalea's determined +guidance, and they were off like the wind itself to a place of safety. +The wild ride was picturesque, if frightful, and there was a burst of +applause from the spectators, as Azalea, panting, exhausted, but safe, +at last reached her goal, and leaning down from the horse, placed the +baby in the arms of its weeping, distracted mother. + +Azalea's beauty was of the sort that needs excitement or physical +exertion to bring out its best effects and as she stood beside the +quivering, spent horse, her own heart beating quickly, her own breath +coming hard, she was a picture of vivid beauty. + +Her dress was disordered, her hair hung in loosened coils, her collar +was half torn off by the wind, but the happy smile and the justifiable +pride in her success lighted up her countenance till it was fairly +radiant. + +"By cricky, you're stunning!" exclaimed Phil, under his breath, as he +grasped her hand in congratulation. + +And so, because of his praise and appreciation Azalea forgot her fears +of censure from the Farnsworths and gave herself up to the delights of +the moment. + +She would not have felt so comfortable had she heard Patty's remarks at +sight of the picture. + +Patty and Mona had come to the theatre later than Azalea, and had been +given seats on the other side of the large house. The darkness, too, +made it unlikely that they should see each other, and so Azalea remained +in blissful ignorance of Patty's presence. + + * * * * * + +"Of course, it's Azalea," Patty said to Mona, the moment the girl +appeared on the screen. "I--oh, I don't know _what_ to think about +it,--but, isn't she splendid!" + +"She is! That rig is most becoming to her, and she has such poise,--so +strong and free, yet graceful." + +"She's certainly at her best." + +"Of course, the director saw her possibilities and has brought out all +her best points. How pretty her hair is,--loose, like that." + +"Yes, she's a real beauty,--of the true breezy, Western type. But, Mona, +what _will_ Bill say? I do believe I shall feel more lenient about it +all than he will! He is conservative, you know, for all his Western +bringing up. Oh, my gracious, Mona, _what's_ she doing now?" + +"She'll kill herself with that wild horse! She _never_ can get on his +back!" + +In a state of great excitement, they watched Azalea's skilful management +of the pony and clutched each other's hands in speechless fear as she +tore through the gale to rescue her brother's child. + +And then--when at last Azalea emerged from the tumbled-down ruin of the +little old house, with a baby in her arms, Patty gave a cry of startled +fear, and then clapped her hand over her mouth, lest her dismay be too +evident to those sitting near by. + +"Mona!" she whispered, "it's Fleurette!" + +"No! I don't believe it! You can't tell,--such a _little_ baby--they all +look alike,--you're imagining, Patty--" + +"It is! it _is_! That's where they went when Azalea took Baby off for a +whole day,--and two or three times for an afternoon or a morning! Oh, I +can't _stand_ it!" + +Patty buried her face in her hands and refused to look up while Azalea +rode the galloping horse, with the child held fast in one arm. + +Mona felt it must be true. To be sure she couldn't really recognise +Fleurette's face, but she was certain that Patty's mother heart could +make no mistake, and it was small wonder that she was overcome at seeing +her child in such scenes. + +"Hush, Patty," said Mona, as Patty's sobs began to sound hysterical, +"hush,--this is only a picture, you know,--this isn't really +Fleurette,--she is safe at home--" + +"But she must have been here! Azalea _must_ have carried her, +_really_--on that terrific horse! They couldn't have got the pictures +if she hadn't!" + +"Well, it's all right, anyway. It didn't hurt the baby--" + +"Oh, hush, Mona! you don't know what I'm suffering! I guess if your baby +had been taken off and put through such awful doings, you'd know what I +feel! My baby,--my little flower baby! In that awful crashing, tumbling +down old shanty! Oh, I _can't_ stand it!" + +"Let's go out, Patty, there's no reason for us to stay longer." + +"Yes, let's," and gathering up her wraps, Patty rose to go. + +They made their way out of the dark, crowded place, and finding the +motor-car, they went straight home. + +Once there, Patty flew to the nursery, and fairly snatching the baby +from Nurse Winnie's arms, she held it close, and crooned loving little +broken songs. + +"You're all right," Mona said, laughing at her. "You've got your baby, +safe and sound,--now just sit down there and enjoy her for a while." + +This Patty gladly did, and Mona went in search of Farnsworth. + +She finally found him, down in a distant garden, where he was looking +after some planting matters. + +"Come along o' me," she said, smiling at him. + +Wonderingly Farnsworth looked up. + +"Thought you girls went to the city," he said. + +"We did,--also, we returned. Patty is in the nursery, and I want a few +minutes' talk with you." + +"O.K.," and the big man gave some parting instructions to a gardener and +then went off with Mona. She led him to a nearby arbour, and commenced +at once. + +"You and I are old friends," she said, "and so I'm going to take an +old friend's privilege and give you some advice, and also ask a few +questions. First, who is Azalea?" + +"My two or three times removed cousin." + +"Are you sure?" + +Farnsworth looked at her. "What do you mean, Mona?" + +"What I say; are you _sure_?" + +"Funny thing to ask. Well,--I am and--I'm not." + +"Now, what do _you_ mean?" + +"I'll tell you." And then he told her how queer he thought it that +Azalea had had no letters from her father since her arrival,--nor any +letters at all from Horner's Corners. + +"And she's so sly about it," he wound up; "why once she wrote a letter +to herself, and pretended it was from her father!" + +"I can't make it out," Mona mused. "If her father were dead, she'd have +no reason to conceal the fact. Nor if he had remarried. And if he has +done anything disgraceful--maybe that's it, Bill! Maybe he's in jail!" + +"I've thought of that, Mona, and, of course, it's a possibility. That +would explain her not getting letters, and her unwillingness to tell +the reason. But,--somehow, it isn't very plausible. Why shouldn't she +confide in me? I've begged her to,--and no matter what Uncle Thorpe may +have done, it's no real reflection on Azalea." + +"No; but now _I've_ something to tell you about the girl." + +Mona gave him a full account of the moving-picture play that she and +Patty had visited, and told him, too, of Patty's distress over the +pictures of Fleurette. + +Farnsworth was greatly amazed, but, like Mona, he knew Patty could not +be mistaken as to the identity of Fleurette. + +"And I just thought," Mona went on, "that I'd tell you before Patty +did,--for,--oh, well, this is my real reason,--Patty is so wrought up +and so wild over the Fleurette matter that she can't judge Azalea +fairly,--and I don't want to have injustice done to her at this stage of +the game. For, Bill, Azalea has real talent,--real dramatic genius, _I_ +think, and if there's no reason against it,--except conventional +ones,--I think she ought to be allowed to become a motion-picture +actress. She's bound to make good,--she has the right sort of a face for +the screen,--beautiful, mobile, expressive, and really, a speaking +countenance. Why, she'd make fame and fortune, I'm positive." + +"Oh, Mona! what utter rubbish! One of _our_ people in the 'movies'! +Impossible!" + +"I knew you'd say that! And I know Patty will say--oh, good Heavens, I +don't know _what_ Patty will say! But I do know this; she would have +been sensible and would have felt just as I do about it, if it hadn't +been for the Fleurette part of it. Before the baby appeared on the +screen Patty was really delighted with Azalea. She was enthusiastic +about her talent and her beauty,--really, Bill, she looked very +beautiful in the pictures." + +"Oh, Zaly is good-looking enough. But her taking our baby is--why, +there's no term suitable! Where is Azalea!" + +"I hope nowhere near, while you look like that!" and Mona laughed. "Your +expression is positively murderous!" + +"I feel almost that way! Just think, Mona, Azalea is _my_ relative! I +inflicted her on Patty, poor little Patty--" + +"Oh, come now, Bill, don't overdo it! Azalea was most daring and even +foolish, but not criminal. You know how she loves that child, and you +know she wouldn't let harm come near her." + +"But accidents might happen, for all Azalea's care and watchfulness--" + +"I know that, but an accident might happen to Winnie when she takes Baby +out in her coach!" + +"Are you standing up for Azalea?" + +"That's just what I'm doing! I'm glad you've got it through your head +at last. And I ask this of you, old friend. Whatever you do or say to +Azalea, think it well over beforehand. If you talk to Patty, as she is +feeling now you'll both be ready to tar and feather poor Zaly; and, +truly, she doesn't deserve it! Please, Bill, go slow,--and be just. Be +generous if you can,--but at any rate, be just. That's all I ask. And +you can't be just if you act on impulse,--so, go slow. Will you?" + +"Yes, Mona,--there's my hand on it We're not often over-impulsive,--Patty +and I,--but in this case we may be,--might have been,--if you hadn't +warned me. You're a good girl, Mona, and I thank you for your foresight +and real kindness," + +And so Farnsworth went in search of Patty with a resolve to try to +reason out the matter with a fair consideration of all sides of it. + +He found his wife and daughter in the nursery. + +Patty had sent Winnie off, feeling that she must hold Fleurette in her +arms for some time, in order to realise that she was safe from the +whirling winds of that awful cyclone! + +When Bill appeared, Patty began at once, and launched forth a full +description of the picture play, and of Azalea's and Fleurette's parts +in it. + +Farnsworth sat looking at her, his blue eyes full of a contented +admiration. To this simple-minded, big-hearted man, his wife and child +represented the whole world. All he had, all he owned, he valued only +for the pleasure it might mean to them. + +"Darling," he said, as she finished the tale, "what do _you_ think about +it all?" + +"Mona's been talking to you!" Patty cried, with sudden intuition. + +"What! How do you know? You clair-voyant!" + +"Of course I know," and Patty wagged a wise head at him. "First, +because you're not sufficiently surprised,--she told you all about it! +And second, because you're not furious at Azalea! Mona has talked you +around to her way of thinking,--which is, that Azalea is a genius,--and +that--" + +"That Fleurette is another! Think of being on the screen at the tender +age of six months!" + +"You're a wretch! you're a monster! you're a--a--dromedary!" + +Patty was feeling decidedly better about the whole matter. Having sat +for nearly an hour, holding and fondling her idolised child, she +realised that whatever Fleurette had gone through, she was safe +now,--and that whatever was to be done to Azalea by way of punishment, +was more Bill's affair than hers. + +"You don't care two cents for your wonder-child! Your own little +buttercup,--your daffy-downdilly baby!" she cried, in pretended +reproof, and then Farnsworth took Fleurette and tossed her about until +she squealed with glee. + +"Oh, I guess we'll keep her," he said, as he handed her back to her +mother's arms. "She's the paragon baby of the whole world, even if I +don't appreciate her." + +"Oh, you do! you _do_!" exclaimed Patty, remorseful now at having teased +him. "And now, Sweet William, what's _your_ idea of a right and proper +punishment for Cousin Azalea?" + +"That's a matter for some thought," he responded, mindful of Mona's +words. "Look here, Patty, quite aside from Fleurette's connection with +this case,--what's your opinion of Zaly as a 'movie' star?" + +"She's great, dear,--she really is. And--if she weren't our relative--" + +"_My_ relative--" + +"_Our_ relative, I should advise her to go in for the thing seriously; +but,--I may be over-conservative,--even snobbish, but I do hate to have +our cousin's portrait all over the fences and ashbarrels, and in all the +Sunday papers, and--" + +"I don't mind that publicity so much as I do the possible effects on +Azalea's life. I don't know that the career of a 'movie' star is as full +of dangerous pitfalls as the theatrical line, but--I hate to see Azalea +subjected to them,--for her own sake." + +"I'm not sure we'll have anything to say in the matter," Patty observed, +thoughtfully. + +"She may take the bit in her own teeth. After seeing her break that +bucking broncho to-day,--I don't think her as tractable and easily +influenced as I did!" + +"How's this plan, dearest? Suppose we don't tell Azalea, for the +moment, that you saw the picture to-day, and see what she'll do next." + +"All right, I'd be glad to think it over a little. We'll warn Mona not +to give it away,--and nobody else knows we went there." + +"Of course, I'll take up the matter of Fleurette with Azalea, +separately," Farnsworth went on. "But even if she's determined on her +career, I feel sure we can persuade her to leave her little assistant +out of it!" + +"I rather just guess we can!" and Patty cuddled the baby to her breast. +"Well, the crowd will gather on the porch soon. I'll make a fresh +toilette and play the serene hostess, once again." + +Fleurette was given over to Winnie, and Patty, calm and happy now, ran +off to dress. + +"You're such a darling,--Big Billee," she whispered turning back to her +husband, and she went into his embracing arms; "you always know just +what is right to do." + +"Especially when Mona coaches me beforehand," he laughed, unwilling to +deceive her in the slightest degree. + +"Pooh," said Patty, "you're so right, even Mona can't make you any +righter!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +SOME RECORDS + + + "_Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait, on y dansait, + Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait tout le rond_!" + +Patty's sweet, clear soprano notes rang out gaily as she trilled the +little song she had picked up in France. + +"What a pretty thing," cried Elise, "teach it to me, do, Patty." + +"All right, I will. But there's a record of it,--my singing,--for the +phonograph. You'll learn it better from that." + +"All right; Chick, come and find the record for me." + +The two went into the library, leaving the others on the porch. + +It was Sunday afternoon, and everybody was idle and happy. Patty was a +good hostess and did not bother her guests by over-entertaining them. + +But at Wistaria Porch there was always enough to do, if any one wanted +to do it,--and delightful lounging places, if one were indolently +inclined. + +Searching among the catalogued records, Chick easily found the one Elise +wanted. + +"What a lot of records they have of the baby's voice!" he exclaimed. + +"Yes," Elise assented, "they make them on all occasions. Patty's keeping +them for her, when she grows up. Clever idea." + +"Yes, but she'll have to build a town hall to keep them in! The child +hasn't begun to talk yet, but here are dozens--" + +"Oh, well, they'll weed them out. Some of them are awful cunning,--and +one is a first-class crying spell! They never could get but one of +Fleurette crying, she's such a good-natured kiddy. All right, +Chick,--start it off." + +They listened to the pretty little _chanson_, and repeated it until +Elise felt satisfied she had added it to her repertory. + +Just as she finished Betty Gale came flying in. + +"Skip into your togs, Elise, and come for a drive with us," she said. +"I've corralled Bill and Patty,--and Ray wants you,--and I," she looked +saucily at Channing, "I want Mr. Chick." + +"We're with you to the last ditch!" Channing replied and Elise went off +for her hat. + +"Shall I put away these records?" Chick asked looking at several they +had been using. + +"No," said Betty, carelessly, "Patty has hordes of minions who do such +things. Leave them, and get your duster on. We're off,--_pronto_!" + +"Where's Azalea?" Raymond Gale inquired, as, a few moments later, he had +his merry party in his car, and took hold of the wheel. + +"She and Van Reypen went for a long walk," Farnsworth replied. "And the +married Farringtons have gone back to town, so this is all our +party--for the moment." + +"All right; here we go, then." And the big car rolled down the driveway. + +"I hesitated about going," Patty demurred, "for it's Winnie's Sunday +out, and I had to leave baby with Janet. I've never done it before." + +"Oh, well," Betty laughed, "she'll probably sleep till you get back. +Don't babies always sleep all the afternoon?" + +"Not always, but Fleurette often does. Oh, of course, she'll be all +right" + +"And Azalea isn't there," she added, in a low tone to her husband. + +And indeed, just then, Azalea was far away from there. + +She and Phil had gone for the sort of walk they both loved,--along +woodland paths, cross-lots, now and then back on the highroad, and if +they got too far to walk back, prepared to return by train or trolley. + +The two were congenial spirits, which fact had rather surprised Van +Reypen's friends. For he was a conservative, fastidious aristocrat, and +though Azalea's rough edges had been rubbed down a bit by Patty's +training, she was still of a very different type from the Van Reypen +stock. + +But they both loved the open, and they strode along, chatting or silent +as fitted their mood. + +"What's in your mind just now, Brownie?" he asked, as Azalea looked +thoughtful. + +"Why,--a queer sort of a notion. Did you ever have a premonition,--a +sort of feeling that you ought to do something--" + +"A hunch?" + +"Yes; a presentiment that unless you do what you're told to do, there'll +be trouble--" + +"Who told you?" + +"That's just it. Nobody,--except a--oh, a mysterious force, a--just +an impulse, you know." + +"Obey it if you like. May I go, too?" + +"Well, it's this. Just before we turned that last corner a motor passed +us, you know." + +"Yes, I saw it. One of Farnsworth's,--with some of the servants in it." + +"It was. Patty gives them rides in turn. Now, Winnie the nurse was in, +and so it must be her Sunday out. And, of course, Patty is home there +with the baby,--she never leaves her if Winnie's away, but still--I feel +as if I must go home to look after that child!" + +"Is that all? Let's go, then. We can walk back as well as to go on." + +"But,--don't laugh, now,--I feel we ought to hurry. Let's take the +trolley-car,--it isn't far to the line." + +"You sure have got a hunch! But your will is my law. Wish we were near a +garage,--I'm not a bit fond of Sunday trolley riding!" + +"I'm not either,--but, Phil, you're awful good not to laugh at me." + +"Bless your soul, I've no notion of laughing at you! Your presentiment +may be the real thing,--for all I know. Anyway, if you want to go home, +you're going." + +So go they did, and, by the trolley-car route, arrived at the house in +half an hour. + +As they passed the Gales' place, on their way from the car-line to the +house, Van Reypen said, "Guess I'll stop here a minute if you don't +mind. I left my pet pipe here yesterday. Skip along home, and I'll +follow." + +Azalea went on and was surprised to find the house deserted. + +She went straight to the nursery, and found Fleurette in the care of +Janet, who was substitute nurse in Winnie's absence. + +"Everything all right, Janet?" said Azalea. + +"Yes, Miss Thorpe. Baby's had her milk, and I think she'll soon go to +sleep." + +"She doesn't look much like it now," and Azalea smiled at the gurgling, +laughing child, who was wide awake and in frolicsome mood. + +"Where's Mrs. Farnsworth?" Azalea asked. + +"She went motoring with Miss Gale. They all went,--and all the help have +gone too. I'm alone in the house with the baby." + +"Glad I came home, then. Mr. Van Reypen is here too, and I think I'll +take Fleurette down on the porch for half an hour. When she gets sleepy +I'll bring her up here." + +"Very well, Miss Thorpe. I'll be here." + +Janet busied herself about the nursery and Azalea went downstairs with +the baby in her arms. + +On the vine-shaded porch they sat, and as Van Reypen stayed chatting +with some of the Gale family, Azalea and the baby were each other's sole +companions. + +Their conversation was a little one-sided, but Azalea's remarks were +mostly eulogies and compliments and Fleurette's engaging smiles seemed +to betoken appreciation if not acknowledgment. + +A footstep approaching made Azalea look up. + +Before her stood Mr. Merritt, the assistant director of the film +company. + +"Good afternoon, Miss Thorpe," he said, politely; "I see the little one +is in a sunshiny mood." + +"Yes;" Azalea returned, but her very soul quaked with fear. Well she +knew what was in this man's mind. + +"And so, I'm going to ask you to run over to the studio just a few +minutes and give us one more chance at a good picture of that scene." + +"And I'm going to refuse," Azalea returned with spirit. "You know very +well, Mr. Merritt, that I'm not going to let you pose this child again." + +"I know you _are_,--and mighty quick, too," he retorted, in a low voice, +but tones of great determination. "I know everybody is out,--you are +practically alone in the house, and I know you're coming with +me,--willing or not! It won't hurt the baby a mite,--I've my little car +out in the road,--and if you _don't_ consent,--I'll--" + +He voiced no threat, but Azalea felt pretty sure he meant to take the +baby himself if she refused to go with them. + +She thought quickly, but no avenue of escape could she see. It would be +utterly useless to call Janet, for she was a nervous, timid girl, and +would probably run away at sight of this strange man. + +The nursery, too, was on the other side of the house, and she couldn't +make Janet hear if she tried. + +The Gale house also was on the other side of the Farnsworth house, and +so, indeed, if Azalea chose to call for help, it would do no good. +Doubtless Phil would be along shortly, but there was no telling, for +there was always a merry crowd on the Gale's piazza and he would stay +there talking for a time. + +But Merritt was impatient, and he finally broke out with; "Make up your +mind, please, and quickly. Will you bring the baby quietly, or shall I +just--take her along." + +He held out his arms to Fleurette, who, always ready to make friends +with strangers, smiled and leaned toward him. + +Azalea had wild thoughts of running away,--anywhere,--but she knew the +futility of such a plan. Merritt was a big and strong man, and though +Azalea was a swift runner, she could not get a start without his +intervening. + +She tried pleading. She appealed to his manliness, his kindness, his +generosity,--all with no success. + +"Don't talk rubbish," he said, shortly; "you know as well as I do, it +won't hurt the child. In fact, I came to get her to-day, myself, because +I knew her nurse was out,--and I saw you go off,--and later, all the +rest of the bunch. If _you_ hadn't come back,--confound you! I'd have +had that child over there by this time!" + +Azalea gasped. So her premonition had been a true one after all! Had +she not returned, Merritt would have easily overcome Janet and taken the +baby off with him. She knew they would not harm Fleurette,--indeed, +would be most careful of her. Unless, perhaps, they should give her +soothing-sirup again. Well they'd get no chance, for Azalea was +determined the baby should not be taken from her, and she most certainly +was not going herself. + +"You know what it will mean to you," Merritt threatened; "if I so advise +Bixby, he'll throw you over. How'd you like to lose your job now that +you've just begun to make good?" + +"That's nothing to do with it," Azalea said, trying to speak calmly and +not show how frightened she was. + +But Merritt discerned it. + +"All right," he said, "sorry you won't listen to reason,--but since you +won't,--guess I'll have to use force." + +He took hold of Fleurette's little arm, to lift her from Azalea's lap, +and the touch roused the girl's wrath to boiling point. + +"Don't you dare!" she cried, holding the baby tightly. "Leave,--leave at +once! or I'll call for help!" + +She rose, as if to make good her threat, though she knew there was no +help within call. + +Merritt knew it too, and he laughed at her. + +"Stop this nonsense, now," he commanded roughly. "I'm going to +accomplish what I came here for, so you may as well take it quietly. I +can take the child without a whimper from her,--and you know it! So, why +not be sensible and come along too, and look out for her yourself?" + +"You shall not take her!" Azalea looked like an angry tigress. + +"Gee! Wish I had you on the screen like that! You're some picture!" + +"Please, Mr. Merritt," Azalea tried coaxing again, "please believe +me,--I can't take Fleurette again. Her mother--why, Mr. Merritt, you +have children of your own--" + +"Sure I have! That's how I know how to treat 'em so well. If mine were +only small enough, I wouldn't need this little cutie. Well, here goes, +then!" + +This time he laid such a definite hold on the baby, that Azalea could +scarcely keep the child in her own arms. + +In her utter desperation, a new idea struck her. She would try strategy. + +"Oh, don't!" she cried, "rather than have you touch her, I'll go--I'll +take her. Let me get her cap and coat." + +"Where are they?" he asked, suspiciously. + +"Right here, in the library,--just across the hall." + +"Go on, then,--I trust you, 'cause I think you're sensible. I'd go along +and keep you in sight, but I want to keep watch if anybody comes. But +you sing, or whistle or something, so's I'll know you're right there." + +"All right," and Azalea's heart beat fast, for she had a splendid +scheme. + +Into the library she carried Fleurette, singing as she went, and once in +the room, she put the baby on a chair and flew for the record rack. + +Quickly she found the record of the baby's crying spell and put it in +place in the phonograph. + +Then, picking up Fleurette, she set the needle going and hurried from +the room. + +Merritt, hearing the cries, screams and sobs, scowled with anger at the +baby's fit of ill temper, but never dreamed that it was not really the +child crying at all. + +So Azalea had ample chance to escape by a back door from the library, +and crossing the dining-room went out on a side porch that faced the +Gale place. + +Looking carefully to see that Merritt had not followed her, and +listening a moment to learn how much longer the record,--of which she +knew every familiar sound,--would last, she ran with all the speed of +which she was capable over to the Gales'. + +Van Reypen was just taking leave, and he, as well as the others present, +looked in amazement at the flying figure coming nearer and nearer until +Azalea reached the group. + +"Take her," she said to Mrs. Gale, as she gave her the baby, "keep her +safe--_safe_!" + +And then Azalea went flying back. + +The record was finished,--and with the sudden stop of the child's crying +Merritt had started into the library to see what it meant. + +There Azalea found him, and she faced him bravely. + +"That baby is safe," she said, "where you can't get at her! And now I +will tell you what I think of _you_! You are a thief and a scoundrel! +You don't deserve to be allowed to carry on a reputable business! I +don't want any further connection with you or your company. I am proud +to be fired from such a lot of bandits as you people are!" + +So angry was she, and so unguarded as to what she was saying that she +fairly flung the words at him. + +For a moment he was stunned at her wild tirade, and then his artist +instinct was stirred,--for the picture she made was beautiful and +dramatic. She had no thought of this, for she was in earnest, and her +whole soul was up in arms at thought of the threatened abduction of +Fleurette. And, so, knowing that the child was safe with Mrs. Gale, she +let the vials of her wrath pour forth on the villain who had so aroused +it, and her voice was raised in scathing obloquy. + +"All right!" Merritt said, as she paused from sheer want of breath, +"I'll take my beating, if you'll go over to the studio with me and +repeat this scene. Let me pose you while you're in this humour,--you'll +never reach such heights again!" + +"Nor will I ever pose for you again! I'm through with you,--all of +you, and all the moving-picture business! I was warned to keep out of +it,--but I didn't know what wretches I would find in it! Go! Go at once! +and never let me see your face again!" + +It was at this moment that the Gale motor party returned. + +Patty and Bill, hearing Azalea's loud tones, rushed to the library and +found her there with Merritt. + +"Where's Baby?" Patty cried, starting for the stairs. + +"She's safe, Patty," Azalea said, stopping her. "She's all right,--she's +over to Mrs. Gale's." + +"Mrs. Gale's!" and Patty flew off like the wind, caring for nothing but +the assurance of her own eyes that Fleurette was safe. + +"Help me, Bill," said Azalea, going toward Farnsworth, "you said once, +you'd defend me." + +"I will, dear. What's this all about? Who are _you_?" He addressed +Merritt quietly, but with a fire in his blue eyes that was disturbing. + +"Merritt, of the Flicker Film Company, very much at your service," and +the man drew a card from his pocket and presented it. + +"Well, Mr. Merritt, leave at once, and never return. I don't care for +your explanations or excuses. Simply _go_." + +Merritt went. + +"Is that right, Zaly?" Bill said, as the crestfallen visitor left them. +"I didn't want any words with him,--for I might have lost my temper. I'd +rather have the story from you." + +"And I'll tell it to you,--all. But, oh, Bill, I'm so _glad_ Fleurette +is all right!" + +"She is _so_!" and Patty came dancing on, with the smilingest child in +the world. Van Reypen followed, and then the whole crowd drew together +anxious to know what the commotion was all about. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AZALEA'S STORY + + +"Yes, I'll tell you the whole story," Azalea repeated, addressing +herself to Farnsworth, but glancing now and then at the others. + +"On my way East, I met Mr. and Mrs. Bixby on the train. They were +pleasant people and Mrs. Bixby was very kind to me in many ways. Then, I +learned that they were in the moving-picture business, and as I wanted +to act myself, I cultivated their acquaintance all I could. And by the +time we reached New York Mr. Bixby had agreed to give me a trial at his +studio. He said I had the right type of face for the screen and if I +could learn to act, my Western life had fitted me for some certain parts +they were just then in need of. So I went in for it,--and I got along +all right. Then they wanted a little baby in the picture and as I was so +fond of Fleurette and loved her too much to let any harm come to her, I +thought it all right to take her over there once or twice to get the +pictures of her. But one of the films went wrong, somehow, and Mr. +Merritt was determined to take it over again. I wouldn't allow it, +because I found out how Patty felt about Baby being in it,--so I +refused. Now, I don't suppose you know how insistent the picture people +are about any scene they want. They go to any lengths to get them. I've +heard Mr. Bixby say, 'Get the picture if it kills the leading man!' And +though he doesn't mean that literally I think he would do anything short +of murder to get his picture. Well, they thought that the whole reel was +spoiled because one scene with Fleurette in it wasn't right. And they +were bound to have her over there again." + +"She shan't go,--so she shouldn't!" Patty crooned, as she held her child +closer in her sheltering arms. + +"No; and that's what I told Mr. Merritt," went on Azalea. "But he is +tricky, and I felt pretty sure he'd try underhand means to get the +baby. I've kept watch night and day, and I've always been certain that +Fleurette was either in Winnie's care or Patty's. Patty wouldn't trust +her with _me_ any more." + +Azalea spoke the last words wistfully, with a penitent look in her +brown eyes. + +"Small wonder!" cried Elise, who was listening interestedly. "After you +took that blessed child to--" + +"There, there, Elise," Farnsworth interrupted, "we _do_ trust Azalea. +Let her finish her story." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look and went on. + +"When I went away from the house to-day, Patty was at home, so, though I +knew it was Winnie's day off, I felt all right about Baby. Then,--while +we were out walking, I saw Winnie go by,--and soon after I felt a--a +sort of presentiment that I _must_ go home. I couldn't tell why,--only +I felt I must come back to the house at once. So I did,--and everything +seemed to be all right. I decided I had been foolishly nervous about +it,--and I took Fleurette down on the porch for a little while. + +"Then that man came and demanded her! I was alone, except for +Janet,--who is no good in an emergency,--and Mr. Merritt was very +determined. If I hadn't thought of the phonograph I don't know what I +should have done, for that man is quite capable of taking Baby away from +my arms by main force. But I happened to think I could fool him,--as I +couldn't combat him,--so I put on the crying record to make him think we +were still in the library,--and I scooted over to Gales' with the baby +as fast as I could run. Then I came back--" + +"Weren't you afraid of him?" asked Patty, shuddering at the thought of +Azalea at the mercy of the infuriated man. + +"No; I know him, and he isn't a brute or a ruffian. He was just +bent on getting Fleurette for that picture,--it would take only +a few minutes,--and I was just as bent that he shouldn't. + +"So, when he found I had outwitted him, he accepted the situation,--why, +he even wanted to take _my_ picture in my angry mood! He is a man who +thinks of nothing but a good pose for his pictures." + +"He seemed a decent chap," Farnsworth said, "but I was so angry, I just +fired him, for I feared otherwise I'd lose control of my own temper and +give him his just deserts!" + +"He'll never come again," observed Van Reypen, "I saw you, Bill, when +you invited him to leave! I'm no craven, but I shouldn't care to return +to any one who had looked at me like that!" + +"I _was_ a bit positive," laughed Farnsworth. "But, Azalea, I must admit +I'm rather bowled over by this idea of you in the moving pictures! It--it +isn't done much in our crowd, you know." + +"I know it,--and I'm never going to do it again! I've had enough! I +wanted to make it my career,--but," she hesitated, "that was before I +knew you--you nice people. I--I never knew _really_ nice people +before,--my Western friends are--are different. But I want to be like +you," her troubled glance took in Patty and Bill and then drifted to the +others; and her face was wistful and only lighted up as she looked at +Van Reypen. He smiled encouragingly at her, and she continued. + +"I'm quite ready to give up all connection with the Bixby people and +I'll promise never to go near them again,--even if they try to get me +to." + +"You bet you won't!" exclaimed Farnsworth. "I'm glad you've given it +up of your own accord, Zaly, for if you hadn't I'd have to forbid it, +anyway! I can't allow you to do such things." + +"And I don't want to. It wasn't as nice as I thought it would be, and +yet,--it _was_ fun!" She smiled as thoughts of her daredevil stunts +passed through her mind. + +"Tell us all about it!" cried Ray Gale. "I'm awfully interested, and +_I'm_ sorry you're going to quit! By George, Farnsworth! if you'd seen +our Azalea in that picture of the cyclone!" + +"Never mind!" Azalea interrupted him, "I'm all over that foolish idea." + +"I should hope so!" exclaimed Elise, with a withering glance. "The idea +of anybody being in such company as you must have been--" + +"Not at all," Azalea declared; "I wasn't mixed up with anybody +unpleasant at all. In fact, I talked to no one but the Bixbys and Mr. +Merritt. Mrs. Bixby was most kind and looked after me as a mother might +have done,--though I never knew a mother's care." + +The pretty face grew sad, and the whole attitude of Azalea was so +penitent and full of resolve to be more like the people she admired that +all of Patty's lingering resentment fled away. She put the baby in her +father's arms, and she flew over to Azalea and gave her an embrace of +full and free forgiveness and affection. + +"It's all right, Zaly," she said, smiling at her, "you _did_ cut up +jinks with my baby,--but when you came home to look after her,--even +when you thought I was here,--and when you put up such a great game to +rescue her from the enemy's clutches,--and succeeded,--well,--_I'm_ for +_you_!" + +Patty spoke so whole-heartedly there was no doubt of her sincerity, and +Azalea looked grateful and pleased,--yet, she looked troubled too. + +"Oh, Patty, you're too good to me," she said, "you don't know--I don't +deserve your faith and loyalty." + +"Oh, I 'spect you do," and Patty caressed the shining brown hair. + +"No,--I'm all unworthy--" + +"I suppose you mean about that sampler business," put in Elise, with an +unkind look on her face. "I think you ought to confess that,--while +you're confessing." + +Farnsworth gave a reproving glance at Elise, but he said, "Out with +it, Zaly,--let's clean off the slate while we're about it. What's the +sampler business that sticks in Elise's throat?" + +He sounded so sympathetic and helpful that Azalea spoke up bravely. + +"I did do wrong, Bill, but I didn't realise _how_ wrong when I was doing +it. I had an old sampler and it was dated 1836 and I picked out some +stitches so it looked like 1636." + +"You didn't deceive anybody!" exclaimed Elise. + +"I'm glad of it," returned Azalea, simply. "I was too ignorant to know +that there were no samplers made at that earlier date,--and to tell the +truth, I didn't think much about it,--I just did it hastily,--on a +sudden impulse,--because I wanted to give Elise something worth-while +for her booth at the fair." + +"And gave me something utterly worthless!" scoffed Elise. + +"Oh, come now, Elise," said Farnsworth, "it didn't hurt your sales any, +even if it didn't help them. Call it a joke and let it go at that." + +"But it _was_ deceitful, Cousin William," said Azalea, "and I do confess +it, and I'm sorry as I can be about it." + +Her pretty face was troubled and she looked so disturbed that Phil took +up the cudgels for her. + +"Oh, come off, all of you," he said, laughingly, "this isn't a court of +inquiry, and we're not sitting in judgment on Azalea. She has properly +admitted all her escapades, and she's been forgiven by the ones most +interested, now let's call it a day,--and talk about something else." + +"All right,--let's talk about the 'Star of the West,'" cried the +irrepressible Ray Gale. "Now the secret's out, there's no harm in +mentioning it. You _must_ see that picture, Farnsworth, and then you'll +be begging Azalea to go back to screen work!" + +"Never," said Azalea, her face shining with happiness that she was +forgiven and reinstated in general favour, "I've had my lesson. No more +films for me! From now on, I'm going to be goody-girl,--and behave like +nice ladies,--like Patty and Betty--and Elise." + +The slight hesitation before the last name made Elise bite her lip in +chagrin, for she had seen that her attack on Azalea was not approved of +by most of the audience. + +Poor Elise was of an unfortunate disposition, and envy and jealousy were +her besetting sins. She had never liked Azalea for the reason that the +Western girl, with her frank, untutored ways, often usurped Elise's +place in the limelight, and Miss Farrington greatly objected to that. + +It was with malicious purpose that Elise had brought up the subject of +the sampler, and when she found it passed over as of little moment, she +was angry at herself for having raised the question at all. + +"Don't try to be like me," she said, with an acid smile at Azalea; "if +you do, _nobody_ will like you." + +"Oh, come, now, Elise," said Farnsworth, laughing at this tempest in a +teapot, "play fair. We all like you, and we all like Azalea, whether she +models herself on you or not; so let's all love one another,--and let it +go at that!" + +"Yes," said Patty, "and now, my fellow lovers and loveresses, I must +take my small daughter in and send her to sleepy-by, and the rest of you +have just about half an hour before it's time to dress for dinner. The +two Gales may consider themselves invited,--if they will honour us." + +"Delighted," replied Betty, "though not overwhelmingly surprised at the +invitation. Howsumever, we must fly back home for some purple and fine +linen, and then we'll return anon. I'm usually returning here, anon! I +wonder what I ever did, Patty, before you came here to live as our +hospitable neighbours!" + +"There's half an hour, Azalea," said Van Reypen, "come for a toddle down +to the brook, and let's talk things over." + +The two started off, and for a few moments walked along in silence. + +Azalea was in a quiet, chastened mood,--a side of her character that +Phil had never before seen, and he noted with pleasure the gentle +sweetness of her face and the soft tones of her voice. + +"It woke me up," she said, reminiscently, "when that man tried to take +Fleurette from my arms. I would have fought him like a tiger if I hadn't +suddenly realised that the way to fix _him_ was by strategy. I just +happened to think that by means of the record I could fool him into +believing we were in the library, when really we were flying to refuge. +I knew he wouldn't come in as long as he felt sure we were there, for he +was watching out for the Farnsworths' return. So, I tried the scheme, +and it worked!" + +"Then you went bravely back to face the music!" + +"Oh, I wasn't afraid of him,--for myself. He's not at all a ruffian +sort,--and he never would have hurt the baby. Only,--he was bound to get +her!" + +"Well, he didn't succeed,--thanks to you, and I don't think he'll ever +try it again." + +"Oh, I'm sure he won't! He's afraid of Bill, all right! Any one would +be who had seen the gleam in Cousin William's eyes when he fired Mr. +Merritt!" + +Azalea laughed a little at the recollection,--then she sighed. + +"Why the sigh?" asked Van Reypen, looking at the expressive face of the +girl, as her smile faded and her sensitive mouth drooped at the corners. + +"Oh,--nothing--and everything! Don't ask questions!" She shook her +shoulders as if flinging off a troublesome thought. "I want to forget +the whole subject,--let's talk of other things." + +"All right,--let's. Let's talk of my unworthy self, for instance." + +"Why do you say your 'unworthy self'? Because you so look on yourself? +or for the sake of being contradicted? or just for nonsense?" + +The brown eyes smiled into his, and Azalea looked very roguish and +saucy as she demanded an answer. + +"Habit, I daresay. It's considered the thing for one to look upon +himself as unworthy. Of course, I'm not all to the bad!" + +"No, I suppose not. I've noticed saving graces now and then." + +"You have! What, for instance? You see, I love to talk about myself!" + +"Well, for one thing, you've been very kind to me. I was in a sorry +position to-day, and you and Cousin William backed me up so beautifully, +that I pulled through. If you hadn't I'd have collapsed and given up the +game, in sheer fright." + +"What do you mean?" + +"Yes; Patty was pretty hostile at first,--though she came round all +right, later. Elise was,--oh, well, you know Elise's attitude toward +me." + +"Don't mind her,--she's always got a chip on her shoulder!" + +"Betty was reserving decision, too; and but for the strong support of +you and Cousin William,--yes, and Ray Gale,--I shouldn't have come off +so well. But I deserved any fate. I _have_ been bad,--and though I am +sorry,--that doesn't wipe it all out." + +"It does, as far as I'm concerned. And I'm all that matters--at +least,--I wish I might be all that matters." + +"My gracious! There are lots who matter more than you! Patty and Bill, +and Fleurette and--" + +"Stop there! That's all! I'll concede those,--but no others. Don't you +dare say that Gale matters more than I do!" + +"Ray Gale? Oh, I don't know. And what do you mean by 'matters'?" + +"Counts. Makes a difference. Affects you. Means something to you." + +"Oh, hold on! I'm floundering beyond my depth! Help! help!" + +Azalea put her hands over her ears and shook her head, laughing at Van +Reypen's earnest face as he racked his brain for further explanatory +phrases. + +"I won't stop! I'm in earnest. I _want_ to matter--to mean something to +you! I want to count with you--" + +"Kipling says, 'let all men count with you, and none too much.'" + +"Well, I'd rather count too much than not at all. Oh, Azalea,--you do +understand me, don't you? Let me count, dear,--let me count for +everything in your life--" + +Azalea Thorpe couldn't believe her ears. What Van Reypen was saying +seemed as if it could have but one meaning,--yet that was impossible! +Philip Van Reypen, the high-born, aristocratic Philip, couldn't be +seriously interested in a crude, ignorant Western girl! + +"Thank you, Phil," she said, resolving to accept his words as a sign of +friendship, "you're awfully good to me, and your friendship counts. I +begin to think friendship is the one thing in life that does count. And +it is the friends I have made--lately,--here,--that have made me +see,--made me realise my own unworthiness,--and when I say that, I mean +it." + +"I won't let you mean it!" he cried, "I won't let you call yourself +unworthy. For you count with me,--Azalea, more than the whole world! +More than anything or everything in the world. Can't I count that way +with you,--can't I, Azalea?" + +The dark handsome face was very earnest, and as it drew nearer to her +own, and she looked deep in the eloquent eyes, she could no longer fail +to understand. + +"What,--what,--" she murmured, drawing back in confusion, "what do you +mean?" + +"Don't you know what I mean, Brownie? Listen, and I will tell you, then. +I love you, dear,--I love you." He held her hands in his own and gazed +into her face. "I can't tell you when it came or how,--but suddenly--I +knew it! I knew I loved you, and should always love you. Tell me,--tell +me, Azalea, that you can learn to love me." + +"Oh, don't--I can't--" + +"Not just at once, dear,--I can't hope for that. But, can't you +learn,--can't you try to learn--If I help you? Brownie,--that's all my +own name for you,--isn't it, you nutbrown maid! Brownie, darling,--you +_must_ love me. I can't bear it if you don't!" + +Azalea looked mystified,--then amazed,--and then her face lighted up +with a sudden radiant happiness,--she seemed glorified, exalted. + +Van Reypen caught her in his arms. + +"You do love me,--you witch! you beauty! Azalea, you look transfigured! +You _do_ love me,--tell me so!" + +Then her face changed. She repulsed him,--she sought to leave his +encircling clasp. + +"Don't!" she cried, "don't! It is horrible!" + +She burst into uncontrollable tears, and her whole frame shook with her +turbulent sorrow. + +"Have I been too abrupt?" asked Van Reypen, filled with dismay. "Give me +a little hope, dear, just say you'll let me tell you this some other +time, and I'll not trouble you now." + +"Oh, it isn't _that_," Azalea sobbed, "it's--oh, _no_! I _can't_ tell +you,--it's too _dreadful_! Let me go!" and she ran from him and hurried +back to the house and up to her own room. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +PHILIP'S REQUEST + + +"Give me a few minutes of your valuable time all to myself, will you, +old chap?" Phil said to Farnsworth, as the two men met in the hall just +before the dinner hour. + +"Take all you want, I've lots of it," returned the other, cheerily. +"Want to borrow a fiver?" + +"No; I'm still able to make both ends meet. But, seriously, Bill," as +the two men entered Farnsworth's den, and closed the door, "I'm hard +hit." + +"That sounds as if you were in love,--but I can't think you mean +that,--so I wisely opine you've been hit by the fall in Golconda Mining +Stock." + +"Your wise opinings are 'way off,--but your first suspicion was nearer +the mark." + +"In love? Good for you, old Phil! Of course it's Elise!" + +"Of course it isn't! Had Elise been my fate, I'd have known it long +ago." + +"Who then? Betty Gale?" + +"Wrong again. And blind, too. It's Azalea." + +Farnsworth sank limply into a chair. He pretended to be dazed almost to +insensibility, and as a matter of fact his surprise was nearly as great +as his demonstration of it. + +"Azalea!" he gasped. "Our Azalea!" + +"Exactly; don't act as if I had suggested the Queen of Sheba! I know +what a superior girl she is,--and I know I've not much to recommend +me--" + +"Oh, Phil,--oh, Van Reypen, stop! Have you lost your senses?" + +"I think _you_ have!" Phil looked decidedly annoyed. "I must say, +Farnsworth, I don't quite get you." + +"I beg your pardon, dear old chap, I--I was a bit astounded. You +see--" + +"I see that I've a right to care for the girl if I choose, and as you +are her nearest relative, that I know of, I come to you for sanction of +my suit. Aside from your rather inexplicable astonishment--have you any +real objection to me as a new cousin-in-law?" + +"No! You know I haven't!" Farnsworth held out a cordial hand which +the other grasped. "In fact, I think it's fine,--a most admirable +arrangement. What _will_ Patty say?" + +"I hope she'll be pleased. It's no secret that I adored Patty and tried +my best to cut you out,--but, not having succeeded in that, I've been +glad to be the friend of both of you, and we've had lots of good times, +all together. But,--well, I never expected to know another real +whole-hearted love,--and then along comes this splendid girl,--this +daughter of your own big, beautiful, breezy West, and before I know it, +she has taken my heart by storm!" + +"But, Phil,--you--you don't know Azalea--" + +"I know enough. If you mean her escapades with the picture people or her +innocent joke about the patchwork sampler,--I don't care about those +little things. She has a wonderful big, noble nature, that will respond +quickly to loving care and gentle advice. And,--I _think_ she cares for +me, but--" + +"Of course she cares for you! What girl wouldn't! Don't underestimate +yourself or your attractions, Phil. But I'll speak plainly; you're a big +man in lots of ways,--beside physically. You're an aristocrat,--of an +old family,--and you're very rich. Now,--Azalea--" + +"Please don't talk of my birth or wealth as assets. I offer Azalea +a heart full of love, and a constant care for her happiness and +well-being. If she does care for me, I want your permission to try +to win her. I have broached the subject--" + +"What did she say?" + +"She--oh, I don't know,--she said--well, she ran away!" + +"Surprised and a little shy, probably," Farnsworth looked thoughtful. +"I may as well tell you, Phil, oh hang it! How shall I put it? Well, +there's something queer about Azalea." + +"What do you mean,--queer?" + +"I don't know. And it may be nothing. But,--her only near relative, +so far as I know, is her father. A man I knew years ago,--a cousin of +mine,--and a decent, hard-working, plain man. Now, Zaly has not had a +single letter from him since she has been here." + +"Why? Where is he?" + +"I don't know. She won't tell. I've written to him twice,--but I've had +no reply. I'm telling you all I know." + +"Thank you for being so straightforward. Do you--do you think there's +anything dishonourable--" + +"That he's in jail? That's the idea that haunts my brain. I can't think +of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's +mysterious disinclination to talk about him. Why, Phil, she forged a +letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her +father!" + +"Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it. If she cares for me, Bill, +I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders. I'll get her to +tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done. But, in any +case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the +girl herself. My idea of birth and breeding is that it gives one an +opportunity to be tolerant and generous toward others of fewer +advantages. To me, Azalea stands alone,--her family connections, +whatever they may be, I accept gladly, for her dear sake." + +"I say, Phil, forgive me if I express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you +haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--" + +"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at +once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her +sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole +big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only +to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain +Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read +her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her +untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine +character." + +"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty +revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was +Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the +world to help and improve her--" + +"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is +nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to +myself." + +"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own." + +"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility +of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll +accept me, I've no fears for the future." + +"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so +mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from +anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!" + +"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van +Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that +I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow." + +The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in +thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see +Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over +the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil +was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why +should he, Bill, object? + +Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on +their sober faces. + +"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?" + +"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil, +for he really wanted to tell Patty himself. + +"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm +bowled over." + +"I know! Betty Gale. And I'm _so_ glad, Phil. I know you used to like +me,--and I was and am fond of you,--but you needn't think I resent your +loving another. I'm honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in +the world!" + +"Thank you, Patty, but,--wait a minute." + +"Oh, I can't! I'm so excited over it! I'm going to announce it at +dinner,--I wonder if I can't get the table re-decorated--with white +flowers! I love an announcement party--" + +"Patty,--don't,--let me tell you--" + +"Oh, I know _you'd_ hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty'll love it +and--" + +"But it _isn't_ Betty!" Van Reypen managed to get in. + +"Not Betty!" Patty stopped short and turned to face him. +"Oh,--Phil,--Elise?" + +"You've one more guess coming," he smiled. + +"Oh, who? Somebody in New York? Where is she? I'll invite her here!" + +"You needn't,--she's here already. Why, Patty, it's Azalea." + +"Azalea!" Patty's surprise was greater than Bill's had been, and she +stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze. + +"Azalea!" she said, again. + +"Yes,--and I want you to help me. When I spoke to her, this afternoon, +she--she acted--well, strange--" + +"Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as +everybody will be! Imagine Elise!" + +Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van +Reypen. + +"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that. Bill did, too. Now, it +seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill +ought to have perception enough to see them too." + +"It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and +Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!" + +"Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her +faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look +to you and Bill for sympathy and approval. And I don't want any of that +King Cophetua talk, either! Just because I happen to be born under a +family tree, and happen to have as much money as I want,--that's no +reason for implying that those are my chief attractions. I can give +Azalea more worth-while things than that! I can give her the love and +adoration that is every woman's desire and right,--I can give her loving +care and help,--I can--" + +"Oh, Phil, how splendid you are! You make me 'most wish--" But Patty's +honest blue eyes wouldn't let her say the words. "No, I don't wish +anything of the sort! You are a splendid man, and I do appreciate you, +but I have my Bill, and he's all the world to me. Now, I'm more than +glad you've found a your fate at last,--but--Azalea!" + +"Stop it, Patty! I find I've got to forbid these repeated expressions of +amazement. You _must_ get used to the idea, and you may as well begin at +once!" + +"You're right, and I will! First of all, honest and hearty +congratulations and may you both be very, _very_ happy,--as happy as we +are,--I can't ask more!" + +"Thank you, Patty, and will you say a good word for me to Azalea?" + +"Why! haven't you asked her yet?" + +"Only partly,--that is, she has only partly answered me." + +"What did she say?" + +"I don't quite know. She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me." + +"Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone +the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner?" + +"No; I think not. For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in +her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--" + +"What did she say?" + +"Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't +say 'yes'." + +"Oh, that's nothing,--she will. But I won't make the announcement till +she tells me to. There's the dinner gong,--come on." + +It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come +into the dining-room. She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was +very quiet. Her face showed a pathetic, wistful expression, but her eyes +were cast down, and now and then the corners of her scarlet mouth +trembled. + +Patty had arranged that she should sit next Van Reypen, and as Azalea +took the place, she found Ray Gale on her other hand. + +"'Smatter, Zaly?" he said, merrily, not thinking anything was really +troubling her. + +"Shell shock," said Van Reypen, to save Azalea the necessity of +replying. "She's had a hard day of it, and now she's not to be bothered +to talk, if she doesn't want to." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look, and under the influence of his gentle +kindliness, and mild raillery, she partly recovered her poise, and +became almost like her own gay self again. + +Much later in the evening, Van Reypen drew her away from the rest and +led her to a secluded corner of the great piazza, where he had her alone. + +"Now, my princess,--my beloved,--you are to tell me the answer to my +plea. Tell me, Azalea,--may I take you to myself? Will you be my very +own?" + +"I can't say yes, Phil," she replied, softly, the tears gathering in her +brown eyes. "I--oh, I thought I could tell you the truth,--but I +can't,--I _can't_! I--I love you too much!" + +"You've answered me!" cried Van Reypen, his eyes shining with gladness, +"if you love me,--nothing else matters! And you can't love me 'too +much'! I want all there is of your love,--your dear love! Is it really +mine?" + +"It's really yours, as far as it's in my power to give it,--but," +and Azalea's face grew very sad, "I can't give it to you,--out of +consideration of your rights. I can't love you, Philip, I mustn't +let myself even think of it!" + +"Don't talk nonsense, you blessed child,--you've settled it all when you +say you love me! Oh, Azalea, I'm _so_ glad, and proud and happy!" + +Azalea gave a start as his arms closed round her. "No!" she cried, "no, +dear, don't! oh, please don't!" + +"Why, darling? Why mayn't I caress my own love,--my promised wife?" + +"Oh, no,--I'm not! I can never be your wife! I'm--I'm not worthy!" + +"Hush!" and Van Reypen closed her lips with a tender kiss. "Hush, +Azalea, never use the words worthy or unworthy between us. Our love +makes us worthy of each other, whatever we may be otherwise." + +"Stop,--please stop! Every word you say makes it harder! I can't stand +it! It's too dreadful. Let me go,--oh, _please_, let me go!" + +Shuddering as with some great fear, Azalea slipped from his arms and ran +away. He heard her steps as she went upstairs, and heard a door +close,--evidently she had flown to her own room. + +Greatly perplexed, Phil went in search of Patty. + +"Help me out," he said, in a low tone. "Azalea has gone to her room, +and there is certainly something troubling her. Go to her, Patty,--find +out what it all means,--and if it is any foolishness about 'unworthiness' +or that rubbish, try to make her see that I want her just as she is. I +don't care a hang about her ancestors or her father or anything in the +whole world, but just Azalea Thorpe!" + +Patty looked at his earnest face, and honestly rejoiced that he had +found a girl he could care for like that. + +"I'll go, Phil," she said, "and I'll bring that young woman to reason! +It isn't only coyness,--that isn't Azalea's way,--but she is honestly +troubled about something." + +But though Patty knocked on Azalea's locked door several times, she +heard no response. + +"Please let me in, Zaly," she begged, "I just want to talk to you a +little." + +Still no reply, and then, after exhausting all other arguments, Patty +said, "Won't you let me in for Phil's sake? He sent me." + +That succeeded, and reluctantly Azalea unlocked the door. + +"Don't talk to me, Patty," she pleaded. "I'm in the depths of despair, +but you can't help me. Nobody can help me,--and I can't even help +myself." + +"Who made all this trouble for you?" inquired Patty, casually, her never +failing tact instructing her that Azalea would answer that better than +protestations of affection. + +"I made it myself,--but that doesn't make it any easier to bear." + +"Indeed it doesn't," Patty agreed. "But, never mind, Zaly, if you heaped +up a mound of trouble, let me help you to pull it down again." + +"No; you can't," and Azalea looked at her dully. + +"Oh, come now, let me try. Is it about your father?" + +Azalea fairly jumped. "What do you mean?" + +"Just what I said," returned Patty, calmly. "You know, dear, you've made +us think there's something queer about your father. Is he--has he done +anything wrong?" + +"No, Patty, goodness, gracious no! Mr. Thorpe is a most honoured and +honourable man!" + +"Now why does she call him Mr. Thorpe?" Patty wondered, but she only +said; + +"Oh, all right, forgive my suggestion. Why doesn't he write to you?" + +"He--he?--oh, Patty, that's the trouble." + +"Good! Now we're getting at it. How is that the trouble?" + +"Shall I tell you everything?" and poor Azalea looked doubtful as to +what to do. + +"Yes, dear," Patty said, gently, fearing even yet that an ill-advised +word would interrupt or prevent this long-deferred explanation. + +"Well, you see,--oh, Patty,--I'm a wicked, deceitful girl--" + +"Out with it," urged Patty, not greatly scared by this tragic +beginning,--for Azalea was prone to exaggerate. + +"I was home, you know, at Horner's Corners--" + +A knock on the door was a most unwelcome interruption. + +"Don't answer," Patty whispered, "it's Elise,--I heard her step." + +But Elise was not so easily rebuffed. "Let me in," she called, "I know +you're in there, Azalea,--you and Patty." + +Patty went to the door, and opened it slightly. "Go away now, Elise, +please," she said, "Azalea and I are having a little confidential chat." + +"Not so confidential that I can't be in it too, is it?" and speaking +lightly, Elise brushed past Patty and into the room. + +"Why, Azalea," she exclaimed, "what _is_ the matter? You look like a +tragedy queen!" + +For Azalea, annoyed at the intrusion, stood, hands clenched, and eyes +scowling, and she said angrily, "I don't think people ought to come into +other people's rooms, uninvited! I don't call _that_ good manners!" + +"You're not supposed to know what good manners are," said Elise, giving +her a condescending look. "And even if you think you do,--don't try to +teach _me_!" + +"Oh, Elise," said Patty, reproachfully, "_don't_ talk like that! It +reflects on you even more than on Zaly." + +"Oh, yes, stand up for her,--every one has gone mad over our 'heroine'! +I call it disgraceful to be mixed up with that movie concern, and let +me tell you, Azalea Thorpe, if you think Mr. Van Reypen is going to +overlook or forget that, you're greatly mistaken! You know, Patty,--our +Western friend here, is already aspiring toward Philip--" + +"Hush, Elise," Patty returned, "better stop before you make a goose of +yourself! Phil is aspiring to Azalea's favour, is the truer way to put +it!" + +"Oh, no, I can't believe that," laughed Elise, "Phil has too much +self-respect!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + +At breakfast next morning Azalea's place was vacant. + +"I didn't disturb her," said Patty, "for I want her to sleep late, if +she can. She is such an active young person, she gets tired,--though she +rarely admits it." + +And then Janet came in. "Mrs. Farnsworth," she said, "Miss Thorpe is not +in her room. Perhaps she has gone for one of her early morning walks. +But on her dressing-table I found these two notes." + +The maid handed Patty one of the letters and gave the other to Van +Reypen. Both were addressed in Azalea's handwriting and the two who took +them felt a sudden foreboding as to the contents. + +Nor were their fears ill-founded. With an exclamation of dismay, Patty +handed hers over to Farnsworth, who read it quickly, and looked at his +wife with a serious face. + +"Poor little Azalea," he said, "what _can_ it all mean?" + +For the note read: + +DEAR PATTY: + +I'm a wicked girl, and I can't impose on you any longer. I am going away. +Don't try to find me,--just forget me. I love you all,--but I have no +right to be among good people. + +AZALEA. + +"What's in yours, Phil?" Farnsworth asked, and Van Reypen handed it to +him without a word. + +MY DEAR MR. VAN REYPEN: + +I can't go away without leaving a word for you. But it is only to say, +please forget the girl who calls herself + +AZALEA. + +Then the notes were shown to the other two guests, Elise and Channing, +for the departure of Azalea could not be kept secret, and of course they +must immediately put forth every possible effort to find her. + +"I always thought she was queer," said Elise, "but these notes are the +queerest thing yet! Do you suppose she has eloped?" + +"Hush, Elise," said Farnsworth, sternly. "I know you don't like Azalea, +but I must ask you not to talk against her while you are under my roof. +Whatever she is, she is my kin,--and I shall start at once in search of +her, and learn the secret,--the mystery of her life. She _has_ acted +'queer,' I freely admit it, but I, for one, believe she is all right and +whatever is troubling her is not her fault or wrong-doing." + +"Good for you, old man!" cried Philip, "I'm with you in your search. +We'll find her, of course. First, we must find out where she went." + +This statement was so obvious and uttered so earnestly that Patty +laughed. + +"True, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," she said. "And just how shall we set about +it?" + +But Phil didn't laugh,--he answered her question seriously. + +"First, Patty, you must question the servants, and see if any one saw +her go. You know, she must have gone early this morning,--she couldn't +have gone off in the night." + +The result of the inquiry was that the cook, who was around early, had +seen Azalea start away from the house at about six o'clock. She had not +thought it strange at all, for Azalea often went for a long walk before +breakfast. Cook said that Azalea wore a travelling suit and carried a +fair-sized bag. + +"So far, so good," said Phil; "next, Patty, will you go and look round +her room? See what she took with her,--and see if she left any more +notes." + +"No notes," Patty said, on her return from this errand. "But she took +all her jewellery and money, a house dress and a few toilet things. +Janet and I could easily tell what was missing." + +"Now," said Farnsworth, "first, _why_ did she go, and second, _where_ +would she be likely to go?" + +"Never mind the why and wherefore," returned Phil, "but, as you say, +where would she probably go? Not over to the Gales', of course, that's +too near home. I am ready to declare that she went to the moving-picture +studios." + +"Of course she did!" agreed Elise; "I think she's in love with that +Merritt person--" + +"Nonsense, Elise," laughed Channing; "she loves that man like a cat +loves hot soap! I know better than that. But I think she may have gone +over there to see Mrs. Bixby. That woman has been kind to Azalea, and I +feel sure that's where she'd go." + +"Then that's where _I_ go," stated Van Reypen, rising from the table. "I +daresay you're right, Chick. May I take the little roadster, Bill, and +whiz over there and bring her back?" + +"Go ahead, boy, and good luck to you." + +But Farnsworth was not at all sanguine as to the bringing back of +Azalea. He knew her, in some ways, far better than Van Reypen did, +and he felt sure that when Azalea decided to go away, she would not +be easily found. + +But Van Reypen started cheerily off and went to the studios. + +There he was met by blank disappointment. Mrs. Bixby was greatly +interested in his story, and greatly concerned for Azalea's welfare, +but she declared the girl had not come there. + +Van Reypen was not quite sure she was telling him the truth, but his +deep anxiety so stirred the motherly heart of Mrs. Bixby that she +assured him earnestly that her statements were absolutely true, and +that she was as anxious to find the missing girl as her friends were. + +But she could offer no suggestion as to any way to look, and poor Philip +went back, disheartened and disappointed. + +All the morning they searched the grounds and the neighbourhood; they +ransacked Azalea's belongings in hope of some old letter or clue of some +sort. But nothing gave so much as a hint of anything that could have +happened to her, that made her go away. + +"I believe it's all your fault, Elise," said Van Reypen, angrily, for +his alarm and sorrow made him forget his usual courtesy. "You've never +liked Azalea, and you said mean things to her!" + +"Now, Phil," remonstrated Patty, "don't talk like that. Elise and Azalea +were not congenial, but Elise wouldn't do anything to make Azalea run +away, and Azalea wouldn't run, if she did!" + +This involved speech brought a laugh, but Philip went on; "I think she +would. Azalea is more sensitive than you thought her. None of you +understand her,--well, except Patty,--and her poor little heart was +broken by your criticisms and continual reproofs. Suppose she isn't +quite as well up in the airs and graces of society as you all are,--she +has other traits that make up for that--" + +"Oh, Philip, you're hopelessly in love with her!" and Elise laughed +jeeringly. + +"I am in love with her," he returned, "and I make no secret of it. But +not hopelessly, Elise. I shall find her,--I don't know how or where, but +I never will give up the quest until I succeed!" + +"Good for you," cried Patty, "that's the way to talk! I'll help,--and +though there's not any apparent way to look just now,--we'll find one." + +It was about noon when Van Reypen was called to the telephone. + +A strange but pleasant voice spoke to him, and asked him if he knew +Alice Adams. + +"No, I don't," said Phil, wonderingly. + +"She knows you, and--well, I may be doing the wrong thing, but I wish +you could come here." + +"Where, please? and why should I come? I don't know Miss Adams,--I'm +sure." + +"She is a dark-haired girl, with big, brown eyes, and a Western way of +speaking--" + +"What? Has _she_ just come to you? Does she wear a tan-coloured cloth +suit,--and a hat with coque feathers?" + +"Yes, she does! _Now_ will you come?" + +"Where? Who are you?--I mean, may I ask your name?" + +"I am Miss Grayson,--a motion-picture actress--" + +"Yes, yes,--where are you? Where shall I come?" + +"To my home in New York City." She gave him the address. "You see, Miss +Adams came here because she knows Miss Frawley,--we live together--but +Miss Frawley is out of town,--and I persuaded Miss Adams to stay with me +until her return. I can't make out the trouble, but I have learned the +address of the Farnsworths and--oh, well, I may as well tell you, Miss +Adams talked in her sleep. She arrived here utterly exhausted, and on +the verge of nervous prostration. But, it may be, some sleep will set +her nerves right, if the cause of the trouble can be removed. And,--I +know I am intruding,--but I can't help thinking that it's a lovers' +quarrel, and _you_ can set it right!" + +"You've guessed only part of it, Miss Grayson. It isn't a lovers' +quarrel,--exactly,--but I _can_ set it right! Will you promise to keep +Miss--Adams there, until I can get there?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's asleep yet,--but it's a broken slumber, and she +murmurs constantly of you,--and of her other friends." + +"Thank you a thousand times, I'll be there in an hour. Good-bye." + +"Come along, Patty," Van Reypen cried, as he hung up the receiver, "come +on, Bill! I've found her! She's assumed the name of Alice Adams,--and +she's with a sweet-voiced lady named Grayson. Come on,--I'll tell you +the rest as we go." + +They didn't break the speed laws, as their car flew down to New York, +but it was only because that would have meant delay in reaching their +goal. About mid-afternoon they arrived at Miss Grayson's apartment and +surprised Azalea by entering the room where she sat. + +"You naughty girl!" cried Patty,--but as she noted Azalea's pale face +and worried, harassed eyes, she just clasped her in her arms, with a +little crooning murmur of affection. + +"It's all right, whatever it is," she reassured, for Azalea turned big, +frightened eyes on Farnsworth. + +"You bet it's all right!" Philip cried, as he stepped eagerly forward. + +With a tired little sigh, Azalea put her hand in his. "How did you find +me?" she began, but Van Reypen said, "Never mind that, now. You just +come back home with us,--and first thank Miss Grayson prettily for her +kindness to you." + +Miss Grayson, a pretty, round-faced girl, was greatly interested in the +dramatic situation, and though she disclaimed any occasion for thanks, +yet she very much wanted to know what it was all about. + +"I already like Miss Adams too well to let her go entirely out of my +life," she said, with spirit. "I claim my right to know a little about +it." + +"It _is_ your right," said Farnsworth, "and first of all this runaway of +ours is not Miss Adams, but Miss Thorpe." + +"No," said Azalea, with an air of decision, "I'm _not_ Miss Thorpe,--and +I _am_ Alice Adams." + +"Flighty," said Farnsworth, "and no wonder. She's been under a good deal +of nervous strain lately." + +"No; I'm not flighty," persisted Azalea, who was entirely composed now, +and who spoke firmly, though she was evidently controlling herself with +an effort. + +"And I'm going to confess now," she went on. "Now and here. Miss Grayson +is so kind and dear I don't mind her knowing, and the rest of you +_must_ know. I must tell you,--I can't _live_ if I don't." + +"All right, Zaly, dear, tell us," and Patty sat beside her, and put a +caressing hand on her arm. + +"I am Alice Adams," Azalea said, "and I am not Azalea Thorpe at +all,--and I never was." + +"Oh!" said Farnsworth, beginning to see light. + +"I am a wicked girl," the pathetic little voice went on. "I lived in +Homer's Corners,--and I lived with the woman who keeps the post-office +there. I've been an orphan since I was four, and this woman brought me +up,--though it scarcely could be called that, for she only looked on me +as her assistant in the office and in her house. + +"Well, one day a letter came for Azalea Thorpe. Now, the Thorpes moved +away from Horner's Corners two years ago, and we never knew their new +address. The few letters that came for them were sent to the Dead Letter +Office. This one would have been, but for the fact that it was unsealed. + +"It had been sealed, but the envelope was all unstuck, and--I read the +letter. I own up to it,--I know it was wrong,--but I didn't know then +_how_ wrong. You see, I wasn't taught much about honour and right. It is +only since I have been with good people that I realise what an awful +thing I did. When I read it, I couldn't help thinking what a pity for +that wonderful invitation to her to make a visit in the East, to be +wasted! And the more I thought, the more I was possessed of an idea that +I might personate Azalea Thorpe and have the visit myself. Oh, if you +_knew_ how I hated the place where I lived,--how I hated the home I +had,--how I wanted to get out into the great world, and have my chance! +And, yes, I wanted to be a moving-picture actress. I was _sure_ I could +do better than the pictures I saw in that little town, and--well, the +more I thought about it,--the more it seemed an easy and plausible thing +to do. + +"I did it. I answered Patty's letter as if I were really Azalea +Thorpe,--you see, I had known her all my life, until she moved away, and +then I packed up my things and came East, resolved to pretend I _was_ +Azalea and see what happened. It didn't seem so dreadful--I thought at +first, it was just a big lark,--but now,--oh, _now_ I know how right and +honourable people look on a thing like that!" + +She cast a hopeless glance at Van Reypen, and though he smiled at her +and started toward her she shook her head and waved him back. + +"On the trip East, I met the Bixbys, and as we at once arranged for +my entrance into their studios, I was more than ever eager to put the +matter through. + +"So I came. Oh, I hate to think how I imposed on the Farnsworths! They +were _so_ kind to me, right from the start. Then they asked me questions +about my father, and I didn't know what to do or say. I tried to fool +you, Bill, with a made-up letter but I didn't succeed. And,--all the way +along, I kept feeling worse and worse,--meaner and meaner--at the life +of deceit I was leading. I made good in the pictures,--and oh, Patty, +will you _ever_ forgive me for taking Baby over there! But I knew she +was safe with me, and, like all the rest, I didn't realise how bad I +was! + +"I don't ask or expect forgiveness,--I know you couldn't grant _that_. +But lately I felt I couldn't go on any longer,--and I couldn't bring +myself to confess,--so,--I ran away." + +"And you are really Alice Adams?" asked Farnsworth, but Phil +interrupted. + +"Wait a minute, everybody. Before Azalea--or Alice,--or whoever she +is, says another word, I want to say that she is my promised wife! I +want you, dear, and whatever your name is, I want it to be changed to +Van Reypen. Tell me,--tell them all,--that you consent." + +A beautiful expression came over the girl's face. + +She turned to Philip, her soft, dark eyes shining with utter joy and a +tender smile of glad surprise curving her quivering lips. + +"Oh," she breathed, "oh, _Phil_!" + +"You _do_ consent?" he urged, "you must say yes, before you tell us any +more!" + +"May I, Patty?" and a shy, sweet face looked questioningly at the one +she was glad to consider her mentor. + +"I think so," Patty smiled back, for she knew how matters stood with +Phil, and she had faith in the true heart of the girl beside her. + +"Yes, then," she said, softly, looking at Philip,--and that was their +troth-plight. + +"Go on, dear," he said, briefly, and with a glad smile in his eyes. + +"There's little more to tell; I am Alice Adams, and my father was born +in Boston--" + +"Good gracious, Phil!" Patty cried. "Why, this child is a real Adams!" + +"Of course she is," said Farnsworth, "I knew the Adamses that lived in +Horner's Corners. You see, I was there some years myself. Why, your +mother was a sweet little woman, with a face like Dresden china." + +"Yes; I've a miniature of her. She was beautiful. I'm like my father--" + +"And _you're_ beautiful!" cried Patty, kissing her. "Oh, Zaly,--I can't +call you anything else! what a story you _have_ told us!" + +"And now, let's proceed to forget it," said Farnsworth, in his big, +genial way. "You and I'll talk it over a little when we're alone,--but +just now, I adopt you as my cousin,--I'm proud to have an Adams in my +family, even if only by adoption! Your escapade was a wild +one,--er--Alice,--but it was an _escapade_,--not a crime. And for my +part, you are fully and freely forgiven, and--here's where Patty takes +up the theme." + +"I do," said Patty; "and I add my full and free forgiveness to Little +Billee's and I invite you to come right back to Wistaria Porch and make +us a long visit,--as Alice Adams." + +"And we thank _you_, Miss Grayson," Farnsworth said, "for restoring our +lost cousin, and at the same time giving us a new one!" + +Miss Grayson laughed. "It's been a perfect show for me," she said; "I +think it's all more dramatic than any play I ever acted in." + +"Come, Alice, dear," Van Reypen said, with an air of proprietorship, +"where's your coat?" + +Shyly, Alice looked up at him. + +"Are you sure you want me?" she said. + +"Sure I want an Adams? Well, rather! I never aspired to such a renowned +name for my _fiancée_! My own family pride is humbled to the dust." + +"Nonsense!" laughed Patty, "the Van Reypen stock can hold its own!" + +And then they quickly got ready and started for home. + +Farnsworth took the wheel, and invited Patty to sit beside him. + +This left Van Reypen and Alice together in the tonneau, and neither +objected to the arrangement. + +They conversed softly as the car sped swiftly along, and Phil realised +how beautiful was the dear face beside him, now that worry and care had +been replaced by happiness and love. + +"But I don't see how you _can_ forgive me," Alice said, "I did such a +_dreadful_ thing." + +"I forgive you for two reasons," Van Reypen returned, "first, because +you didn't appreciate the real _wrong_ you were doing, and second, +because I _love_ you. Love you enough to forgive far more than that!" + +"You'll never have to forgive me for anything again, for I'm never going +to do anything you'll disapprove of. I'm among nice people forever +now,--and I'm going to learn to be like them." + +"You're one of the 'nice people' yourself, by birth, and your name is +among the best. But I doubt if I can learn to call you 'Alice.' To me, +you will always be 'Brownie',--my own Brownie girl." + +"I like that best," she said, contentedly, and smiled happily at Philip +as his hand clasped hers, and his eyes carried a message of love that +needed no spoken word to tell of its depth and sincerity. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Patty and Azalea, by Carolyn Wells + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY AND AZALEA *** + +***** This file should be named 14352-8.txt or 14352-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/3/5/14352/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/14352-8.zip b/old/14352-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..170c7eb --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14352-8.zip diff --git a/old/14352.txt b/old/14352.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8db7c00 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14352.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7932 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Patty and Azalea, by Carolyn Wells + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Patty and Azalea + +Author: Carolyn Wells + +Release Date: December 14, 2004 [EBook #14352] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY AND AZALEA *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + PATTY AND AZALEA + + BY CAROLYN WELLS + + Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, etc. + + 1919 + + + + +THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH LOVING GOOD WISHES TO PRISCILLA KERLEY + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER + + I WISTARIA PORCH + II GUESTS ARRIVE + III BETTY GALE + IV A NEW RELATIVE + V THAT AWFUL AZALEA + VI TABLE MANNERS + VII MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + VIII MISSING + IX VANITY FAIR + X INQUIRIES + XI THE SAMPLER + XII AZALEA'S CHANCE + XIII "STAR OF THE WEST" + XIV AT THE PICTURE PLAY + XV SOME RECORDS + XVI AZALEA'S STORY + XVII PHILIP'S REQUEST + XVIII PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + + + +PATTY AND AZALEA + + + + +CHAPTER I + +WISTARIA PORCH + + +"Oh, Little Billee! Come quick, for goodness' sake! The baby's choking!" + +Patty was in the sun parlour, her arms full of a fluttering bundle +of lace and linen, and her blue eyes wide with dismay at her small +daughter's facial contortions. + +"Only with laughter," Bill reassured her after a quick glance at the +restless infant. "Give her to me." + +The baby nestled comfortably in his big, powerful arms, and Patty sat +back in her chair and watched them both. + +"What a pleasure," she said, complacently, "to be wife and mother to two +such fine specimens of humanity! She grows more and more like you every +day, Little Billee." + +"Well, if this yellow fuzz of a head and this pinky peach of a face +is like anybody in the world except Patty Farnsworth, I'll give up! +Why, she's the image of you,--except when she makes these grotesque +grimaces,--like a Chinese Joss." + +"Stop it! You shan't call my baby names! She's a booful-poofle! She's a +hunny-bunny! She's her mudder's pressus girly-wirly,--so she wuz!" + +"Oh, Patty, that I should live to hear you talk such lingo! I thought you +were going to be sensible." + +"How can anybody be sensible with a baby like that! Isn't she the very +wonderfullest ever! Oh, Billee, look at her angel smile!" + +"Angel smile? More like a mountebank's grin! But I'm sure she means well. +And I'll agree she is the most wonderful thing in the world." + +Bill tossed the child up and down, and chuckled at her evident +appreciation of his efforts for her amusement. + +"Be careful of my baby, if you please," and Patty eyed the performance +dubiously. "Suppose you drop my child?" + +"I hardly think I shall, ma'am. And, incidentally, I suppose she is my +child?" + +"No; a girl baby is always her mudder's own--only just her very own +mudder's own. Give her to me! Let me has my baby,--my ownty-donty baby!" + +Farnsworth obediently handed Patty her property, and put another pillow +behind her as she sat in the low willow chair. Then he seated himself +near, and adoringly watched his two treasures. + +It was mid-April and the Farnsworths had been married more than a year. +On their return from France, they had looked about for a home, and had at +last found a fortunate chance to buy at a bargain a beautiful place up in +Westchester County. It was near enough to New York for a quick trip and +yet it was almost country. + +The small settlement of Arden was largely composed of fine estates and +attractive homes. This one which they had taken was broad and extensive, +with hundreds of acres in lawns, gardens and woodland. It was called +Wistaria Porch, because of an old wistaria vine which had achieved +astounding dimensions and whose blooms in the spring and foliage later +were the admiration of the whole countryside. + +The house itself was modern and of the best Colonial design. Indeed, +it was copied in nearly every detail from the finest type of Colonial +mansion. Though really too large for such a small family, both Patty and +Bill liked spacious rooms and lots of them, so they decided to take it, +and shut off such parts as they didn't need. But no rooms were shut off, +and they revelled in a great library beside their living-room and +drawing-room. They had a cosy breakfast room beside the big dining-room +and there were a music room and a billiard room and a den and great hall +with a spreading staircase; and the second story was a maze of bedrooms, +guest rooms and bathrooms. + +It took Patty some days even to learn her way round, and she loved every +room, hall and passage. There were fascinating windows, great wide and +deep ones, and little oriels and dormers. There were unexpected turns and +nooks, and there was,--which brought joy to Patty's heart,--plenty of +closet space. + +The whole place was of noble proportions and magnificent size, but +Patty's home-making talents brought cosiness to the rooms they themselves +used and stateliness and beauty to the more formal apartments. + +"We must look ahead," she told Billee, "for I expect to spend my whole +life here. I don't want to fix a place up just as I like it, and then +scoot off and leave it and live somewhere else. And when our daughter +begins to have beaux and entertain house parties, we'll need all the +room there is." + +"You have what Mr. Lucas calls a 'leaping mind,'" Bill remarked. "But I'm +ready to confess I like room enough to swing a cat in,--even if I've no +intention of swinging poor puss." + +And so they set blithely to work to furnish their ancestral halls, as +Patty called them, claiming that an ancestral hall had to have a +beginning some time, and she was beginning hers now. + +Such fun as it was selecting rugs and hangings, furniture and ornaments, +books and pictures. + +Lots of things they had bought abroad, for Captain Bill had been +fortunate in his affairs and had had some leisure time in France and +England after the war was over to collect some art treasures. + +Also, they didn't try or want to complete the whole house at once. Part +of the fun would be in adding bits later on, and if there were no place +to put them, there would be no fun in buying things. + +Patty was a wise and careful buyer. Only worth-while things were +selected, not a miscellaneous collection of trumpery junk. So the +result to date was charming furniture and appointments, but space for +more when desired. + +Little Billee's taste, too, was excellent, and he and Patty nearly always +agreed on their choice. But it was a rule that if either disapproved, +the thing in question was not bought. Only such as both sanctioned could +come into their home. + +The house had a wide and hospitable Colonial doorway, with broad fanlight +above and columns at either side. Seats, too, flanked the porch, and the +carefully trimmed wistaria vine hung gracefully over all. Across both +ends of the house ran wide verandahs, with _porte cochere_, sun parlour, +conservatory and tea-porch breaking the monotony. + +Patty's own bedroom was an exquisite nest, done up in blue and silver, +and her boudoir, opening from it, was a dream of pink and white. Then +came the baby's quarters; the day nursery, gay with pictured walls and +the sun porch, bright and airy. + +For the all-important baby was now two months old, and entitled to +consideration as a real member of the family. + +Fleurette was her name, only selected after long thought and much +discussion. Bill had stood out for Patricia Fairfield Farnsworth, but +Patty declared no child of hers should be saddled with such a burden for +life! Then Bill declared it must be a diminutive, in some way, of the +mother's name, and as he always called Patty his Blossom Girl, the only +suggestion worth considering was something that meant Little Flower. And +as their stay in France had made the French language seem less foreign +than of yore, they finally chose Fleurette,--the Baby Blossom. + +Farnsworth was a man of affairs, and had sometimes to go to Washington or +other distant cities on business, but not often or for a long stay. And +as Patty expressed it, that was a lot better than for him to have to go +to New York every day,--as so many men of their acquaintance did. + +"I never thought I'd be as happy as this," Patty said, as, still holding +her baby, she sat rocking slowly, and gazing alternately at her husband +and her child. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth inquired, as he lighted a fresh cigar. + +"Oh, it's too much for any one mortal! Here I've the biggest husband in +the world, and the littlest baby--" + +"Oh, come now,--that's no incubator chick!" + +"No, she's fully normal size, Nurse says, but she's a tiny mite as yet," +and Patty cuddled the mite in an ecstasy of maternal joy. + +"I thought friend Nurse wouldn't let you snuggle the kiddy like that." + +"She doesn't approve,--but she's still at her lunch and when the cat's +away--" + +And then the white uniformed nurse appeared, and smiled at pretty Patty +as she took the baby from her cuddling arms. + +"Come for a ride, Patty _Maman_?" asked her husband, as they left the +little Fleurette's presence. + +"No; let's go for a walk. I want to look over the west glade, and see if +it will stand a Japanese tea-house there." + +"All right, come ahead. You've not forgotten your dinky tea-porch?" + +"No; but this is different. A tea-house is lovely, and--" + +"All right, Madame Butterfly, have one if you like. Come down this way." + +They went along a picturesque path, between two rocky ravines,--a bit +of real scenic effect that made, indeed, a fine setting for a little +structure for a pleasure house of any kind. + +"Lovely spot!" and Patty stood still and gazed about over her domain. + +"Seems to me I've heard you remark that before." + +"And will again,--so long as we both shall live! Oh, Little Billee, I'm +so glad I picked you out for my mate--" + +"_I_ picked _you_ out, you mean. Why, the first moment I saw you, I--" + +"You kissed me! Yes, you did,--you bad man! I wonder I ever spoke to you +again!" + +"But I kissed you by mistake that time. I'd no idea who you were." + +"I know it. And you've no idea who I am, now!" + +"That's true, sweetheart. For you've as many moods and personalities as a +chameleon,--and each more dear and sweet than the last." + +"Look here, my friend, haven't we been married long enough for you to +cease to feel the necessity for those pretty speeches?" + +"Tired of 'em?" + +"No; but I don't want you to think you must--" + +"Now, now, don't be Patty Simpleton! When I make forced or perfunctory +speeches, you'll know it! Don't you think so, Patty Mine?" + +"Yep. Oh, Billee, look, there's the place for the tea-house!" + +Patty pointed to a shady nook, halfway up the side of the ravine. + +"Great!" agreed Bill. "Wait a minute,--I'll sketch it in." + +He pulled an old envelope and a pencil from his pockets, and rapidly drew +the location with a few hasty strokes, and added a suggestion of an +Oriental looking building that was meant for the proposed tea-house. + +"Just right!" cried Patty; "you _are_ clever, dear! Now draw Baby and me +drinking tea there." + +A few more marks did for the tea drinkers and a queer looking figure +hurrying along the path was doubtless the father coming home. + +Patty declared herself satisfied and folded the paper and put it safely +away in her pocket. + +"We'll get at that as soon as the landscape gardener finishes the sunken +garden," she said. + +"Oh, I'm _glad_ I'm alive! I never expected to have everything I wanted +in the way of gardens! Don't you love them, too?" + +"Of course,--and yet, not as you do, Patty. I was brought up in the great +West, you know,--and sometimes I long for the big spaces." + +"Why, this is a big space, isn't it?" + +"I mean the prairies,--yes, even the desert,--the limitless expanse of--" + +"Limitless fiddlesticks! You can't have the earth!" + +"I don't want it. You're all the world to me, then why crave the earth?" + +"Nice boy! Well, as I was about to say, do you know, I think it's time +we had some guests up here, just for to see and to admire this paradise +of ours." + +"Have them, by all means. Are you settled enough?" + +"Oh, yes. And I shan't have anything much to do. Mrs. Chase is a host in +herself, and Nurse Winnie takes full charge of my child,--with Susie's +help." + +"Do you own that infant exclusively, ma'am? I notice you always say _my_ +child!" + +"As I've told you, you don't count. Why, you won't really count until +the day when some nice young man comes to ask you for the hand of +Mademoiselle Fleurette." + +"Heaven forbid the day! I'll send him packing!" + +"Indeed you won't! I want my daughter to marry and live happy ever +after,--as _I'm_ doing." + +"Are you, Patty? Are you happy?" + +As Billee asked this question a dozen times a day for the sheer joy of +watching Patty's lovely face smile an affirmative, she didn't think it +necessary to enlarge on the subject. + +"I do be," she said, succinctly, and Farnsworth believed her. + +"Now, I propose," she went on, "that we have a week-end house-party. +That's the nicest way to show off the place--" + +"Patty! Are you growing proud and ostentatious?" + +"I'm proud--very much so, of my home and my family,--but nobody ever +called me ostentatious! What _do_ you mean?" + +"Nothing. I spoke thoughtlessly. But you are puffed up with pride and +vanity,--_I_ think." + +"Who wouldn't be--with all this?" + +Patty swept an arm off toward the acres of their domain, and smiled +happily in her delight of ownership. + +"Well, anyway," she went on, "we'll ask Elise and Bumble and Phil and +Kenneth and Chick and--" + +"Don't get too many,--you'll wear yourself all out just talking to them." + +"No: a big party entertain themselves better than a few. Well, I'll fix +up the list. Anybody you want specially?" + +"No, not now. Some time we'll have Mona and Roger, of course; and some +time Daisy--" + +"Yes, when we have Adele and Jim. Oh, won't we have lots of jolly +parties! Thank goodness we've plenty of guest rooms." + +"Are they all in order?" + +"Not quite. I have to make lace things and fiddle-de-fads for some of +them." + +"Can't you buy those?" + +"Some I do, but some I like to make. It's no trouble, and they're +prettier." + +"Let's go back around by the garage, I want to see Larry." + +They strolled around through the well-kept vegetable gardens and chicken +yards, and came to the garage. Here were the big cars and Patty's own +little runabout. Larry, the chauffeur, touched his cap with a respectful +smile at Patty, and as Farnsworth talked to the man, Patty stood looking +off across the grounds and wondering if any one in the whole world loved +a home as she did. + +Then they went on, strolling by the flower beds and formal gardens. + +"And through the land at eve they went," quoted Bill, softly. + +"And on her lover's arm she leant," Patty took up the verse. + +"And round her waist she felt it fold," continued he: + +"And far across the hills they went + To that new world which is the old. + And far across the dying day, + Beyond its utmost purple rim: + Beyond the night, across the day + The happy Princess followed him." + +"Through all the world she followed him," added Patty; "I think our +quotations are a bit inaccurate, but we have the gist of Tennyson's +ideas." + +"And the gist is--?" + +"That I'm a happy Princess," she smiled. + +"Well, you're in your element, that's certain. I never saw anybody enjoy +fixing up a house as you do!" + +"Did you ever see anybody fix up a house, anyway?" + +"I'm not sure I ever did. I had very little home life, dear." + +"Well, you're going to make up for that now. You're going to have so much +home life from now on, that you can hardly stagger under it. And I'm +going to make it!" + +"Then it will be a real true home-made home! Sometimes, Patty, I fear +that with all your tea-houses and formal gardens you'll lose the real +homey effect--" + +"Lose your grandmother! Why, in the right hands, all those faddy things +melt into one big bundle of hominess, and you feel as if you'd always had +'em. Soon you'll declare you've never lived without a Japanese tea-garden +in your back yard!" + +"I believe you! You'd make a home feeling in the Parthenon,--if you chose +to live there!" + +"Of course I should! Or in the Coliseum, or in the Taj Mahal." + +"There, there, that will do! Don't carry your vaunts further! Now come +around the house, and let's go in under the wistaria. It's a purple +glory now!" + +"So it is! What a stunning old vine it is. I did think I'd change the +name of the place, but that wistaria over that porch is too fine to be +discarded. Let's get Mr. Hepworth up here to paint it." + +"It must be painted, and soon, while it's in its prime. If Hepworth can't +come, I'll get somebody else. I want that picture." + +"And let's have some photographs of it. It's so perfect." + +"All right, I'll take those myself,--to-morrow,--it's too late now." + +"And me and Baby will sit in the middle of the composition! Won't that be +touching!" + +Patty laughed merrily, but Farnsworth said, "You bet you will! Be ready +in the morning, for I'll want a lot of poses." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +GUESTS ARRIVE + + +"I refuse to go a step further! This porch of wistaria is the most +wonderful thing I ever saw in all my life! When I heard the name of the +place, I thought it was crazy,--but of course I see now it's the only +possible name! I don't care what's inside the house,--here I am,--and +here I stay!" + +Elise Farrington threw off her motor coat, and settling herself on the +side seat of the porch, under the drooping bunches of purple bloom, +looked quite as if she meant what she said. + +Patty stepped out from the doorway and smiled at her visitor. + +"All right, Elise," she said, "you may. I'll send out your dinner, and +you can sleep here, too, if you like." + +"No, I'll come in for my board and lodging, but all the rest of the time +look for me here! I'm going to have some lavender frocks made,--dimities +and organdies, and then I'll be part of the picture." + +"Oh, do! I can't wear lavender or purple," Patty sighed. + +"Nonsense! Of course you can. You only mean you've never tried. That +bisque doll complexion of yours will stand any color. Let's both get +wisteria-coloured frocks, and--" + +Elise's plans were interrupted by the appearance of Farnsworth and two +men who had arrived for the house party. These were our old friends, +Philip Van Reypen and Chickering Channing. + +Still a devoted admirer of pretty Patty, Van Reypen had become reconciled +to his fate, and moreover had discovered his ability to take pleasure in +the society of other charming young women. + +Channing was the same old merry Chick, and he was exuberant in his praise +of the beautiful home of the Farnsworths which he now saw for the first +time. + +"Great little old place!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. "But why such +an enormousness? Are you going to keep boarders?" + +"Yes, if you'll stay," laughed Patty. "But, you see it was a bargain,--so +we snapped it up." + +"The old story," put in Bill. "Man built it,--went bankrupt,--had to sell +at sacrifice. Along came we,--bought it,--everybody happy!" + +"I am," declared Elise; "this is the sort of place I've dreamed of. +Beautiful nearby effects, and a long distance view beside. This +porch for mine,--all the time I'm here." + +"But you haven't seen the other places yet," Patty demurred. "There's a +tea-porch--" + +"Wistaria, too?" + +"Yes, of course." + +"Lead me to it!" and Elise jumped up, and made for the house. + +Then they all strolled through the wide hall and out at the back door on +to the tea-porch. This was furnished with white wicker tables and chairs, +and indeed, was prepared for immediate use, for a maid was just bringing +the cakes and crumpets as the party arrived. + +"Goody!" cried Elise, "can we have tea now, Patty? I'm famished." + +"Yes, indeed," and Patty took her place at the tea table with a matronly +air, and began to pour for her guests. + +"It's just as pretty as the other porch," Elise decided, looking +critically at the festoons of wistaria, which was on three sides of the +house. "But I'll adopt the first one. Anybody looking for me will find me +there--'most always." + +"We're always looking for you," said Channing, gallantly, as he took up +his teacup, "and it is a comfort to know where to find you. Of late +you've been inaccessible." + +"Not to you," and Elise glanced coquettishly from under her eyelashes. + +"To me, then," put in Van Reypen. "I've not seen you, Elise, since I came +back from Over There. You've grown a lot, haven't you?" + +"Taller?" + +"Mercy no! I mean mentally. You seem more--more grown up like." + +"Everybody is, since the war work. Yes, Phil, I have grown,--I hope." + +"There, there," warned Patty; "no serious talk just now, please,--and no +war talk. For the moment, I claim your attention to my new house and its +surroundings." + +"Some claim you've staked out," and Chick grinned. "I want to see it all. +And,--moreover,--I want to see the rest of the family!" + +Patty beamed. "You dear!" she cried; "do you really want to see my +daughter?" + +"_My_ daughter," Farnsworth added; "but I didn't know you chaps would +be interested in our infant prodigy. I never cared about seeing other +people's babies." + +"I do," stoutly insisted Channing. "I'm a connoisseur on kiddies. Let me +see him." + +"He isn't him," laughed Patty, "he's a she." + +"So much the better," Chick avowed. "I love girl babies. Where is she?" + +"You can't see her now, she's probably asleep. To-morrow she'll be on +exhibition. I hear a car! It must be Mona!" + +"I'll go and fetch her," said Farnsworth, springing up, and after a short +time he returned with two newcomers, Mona Farrington and her husband, +Roger. + +Then there was more greeting and exclamation and laughter, as the latest +guests admired the new home, and accepted Patty in her becoming role of +hostess. + +"To think of little Patty as the chatelaine of this palatial menage!" +said Roger, "and actually acting as if it belonged to her!" + +"It isn't palatial," corrected Patty, "but it _does_ belong to me,--that +is, to me and my friend William. He vows I claim the baby for all my own +property,--but I'll accord him a share in the place." + +"It _all_ belongs to me," said Farnsworth, with a careless sweep of a big +arm. "The wistaria, Patty, the baby, and all!" + +"That's right," agreed Roger, "keep up your air of authority as long as +you can! I tried it,--but Mona soon usurped the position!" + +"Nonsense!" and Mona smiled at her husband. "Don't you believe him, +Patty. We go fifty-fifty on everything,--as to decisions, I mean. He +gives in to my superior judgment half the time, and I let him have his +own foolish way the other half. Follow my plan and you'll live happily, +my dear." + +"Are we your first company?" asked Elise. + +"Yes,--except Father and Nan,--and a few calls from the neighbours. This +is my first house-party. And I do want it to be a success, so I'm going +to depend on you all to help me. If I do what I ought not to do,--or +leave undone the things which I should ought to do,--check me up,--won't +you, please?" + +"We sure will," agreed Channing, "but something tells me you're going to +prove an ideal hostess." + +"She will," nodded Farnsworth, "she takes to hostessing like a duck to +water. She even asked me what sort of smokes you chaps prefer." + +"I hope you remembered," said Roger. "And when are they to be passed +around?" + +"Right now," said Patty, smiling and nodding to the maid who hovered +near. + +In truth, Patty was a born hostess, and without fuss or ostentation +always had the comfort of her guests in mind. While not overburdened +with a retinue of servants, she had enough to attend to everything +she required of them; and her own knowledge and efficiency combined +with her tact and real kindliness brought about a state of harmony +in her household that might well have been envied by an older and more +experienced matron. + +Mrs. Chase, who had the nominal position of housekeeper, found herself +strictly accountable to Patty for all she did, and as she was sensible +enough to appreciate Patty's attitude, she successfully fulfilled the +requirements of a butler or steward, and had general charge and oversight +of all the housekeeping details. + +"The way to keep house," said Patty to Mona and Elise, as she took them +away with her, leaving the men to their "smokes," "is not so much to work +yourself as to be able to make others work in the way you want them to." + +"That's just it," agreed Mona, "and that's just what I can't do! Why, my +servants rode over me so, and were so impudent and lazy, I just gave up +housekeeping and went to a hotel to live. We had to,--there was no other +way out." + +"And how Roger hates it!" said Elise, who, as Roger's sister, thought +herself privileged to comment. + +A cloud passed over Mona's face. "He does," she admitted, "but what can I +do? He hated worse the scenes we had when we were housekeeping." + +"Perhaps conditions will get better now," said Patty, hopefully, "and you +can try again, Mona, with better results." + +"Maybe; and perhaps you can teach me. You used to teach me lots of +things, Patty." + +"All right,--I'll willingly do anything I can. Now, who wants to see my +angel child? Or would you rather go to your rooms first?" + +"No, indeed," cried Elise, "let me see her right now. If she's as pretty +as the wistaria vine--oh, Patty, why don't you name her Wistaria?" + +"Gracious, what a name! No, she's Fleurette,--or so Little Billee says. +Anyway, here she is." + +Patty led them to the nursery, and from the lacy draperies of the +bassinette a smiling baby face looked up at them. + +"What a heavenly kiddy!" Elise exclaimed, "Oh, Patty, what a daffodil +head! Just a blur of yellow fuzz! And such blue eyes! She looks exactly +like you! And exactly like Bill, too. Oh, I never saw such a darling +baby. Let me take her,--mayn't I?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's no glass-case baby." + +Elise picked up the dear little bundle, and cooed and crooned in most +approved fashion. + +Apparently Fleurette understood, for she smiled and gurgled, and seemed +to look upon Elise as an old friend. + +Mona admired the baby but was more interested in the house. + +"Show me everything," she begged Patty. "I want to see it all. Where's +your linen closet?" + +"My linen closet is a room," and Patty led them thither. "You see, we +have such a lot of rooms and,--such a lot of linen,--that I took this +little bedroom for a linen press. I had a carpenter put in the shelves +and cupboards just as I wanted them,--and here's the result." + +With justifiable pride, Patty showed her linen collection. Sheets, +towels, tablecloths,--each sort in its place, each dozen held by blue +ribbon bands, that fastened with little pearl buckles. + +Other shelves held lace pieces, luncheon sets, boudoir pillow-cases, +table scarfs, and all the exquisite embroidered bits that are the delight +of the home lover. + +"Perfectly wonderful!" Elise declared; "looks just like a shop in Venice +or Nice. How do you keep them so tidy? and where did you ever get so +many?" + +"Oh, I've done quite some shopping to get our Lares and Penates together, +and Bill let me get whatever I wanted in the house furnishing line. Yes, +this linen room is my joy and my pride. See, _this_ cupboard is all +curtains. I do love to have fresh curtains as often as I want them." + +"Well, it's all like Fairyland," Mona said. "I have beautiful things, +too, but they don't look like this. They're all in a jumble on the +shelves, and everything is hodge-podge." + +"Oh, well, you're just as happy," laughed Patty. "I chance to be +naturally tidy, and I just love to potter over my things, and keep them +in place. Some time I'll show you Baby's wardrobe. Her little things are +too dear for anything. But now I'll take you to your rooms. This is +yours, Elise. I picked out this one for you, because it's lavender,--and +I know that's your favorite colour." + +"And the wistaria vine is looking in at the windows!" Elise noted, with +joy. "Oh, Patty, I won't live on the porch, either, I'll live up here." + +It _was_ a beautiful room. A deep seated bay-window, with latticed panes, +opened into a profusion of wistaria blooms, and the fragrance filled the +whole place. The furniture was of ivory enamel and the appointments were +of various harmonious shades of lavender. A _chaise-longue_ was well +supplied with lace pillows and a nearby stand and reading-lamp hinted at +the comfortable enjoyment of a tempting array of new books. + +Pansies and violets were in small bowls, and on a table stood an enormous +vase full of trailing branches of wistaria. + +"What a picture!" and Elise stood in the middle of the floor, looking +about her. "Patty, you're a wonder! I don't care if you have shoals of +servants, you fixed up this room,--I know you did." + +"Of course I did,--with Mrs. Chase to help me. She's a treasure,--she +catches on to my ways so quickly. Glad you like it, Elise, honey. Now +settle yourself here,--your bags will be up in a minute,--and I'll put +Mona in her niche." + +"I'm coming too," and Elise went with the others to the rooms designed +for Mona and Roger. + +"This is my Royal Suite," laughed Patty, as she ushered them into a +charming apartment done up in handsome English chintz. + +"It suits me," and Mona nodded approval. "You had this done by a +professional, Patty." + +"It was here when we bought the house. You see, some rooms were already +furnished, when the man decided to sell it. And of these, such as we +liked we kept as they were. This is especially fine chintz and also good +workmanship, so as it is so imposing in effect, we call it the Royal +Suite. Father and Nan adored it, and you and Roger are the next Royal +guests." + +"It's great," said Elise, "not half as pretty as mine, but more dignified +and gorgeous." + +The chintz was patterned with tropical birds and foliage and as the +hangings were many and elaborate the effect _was_ gorgeous. The bathroom +was spacious and fully equipped, and as Mona's things had arrived she +turned to instruct the maid who was already unpacking them. + +"Come back with me to my room," said Elise, as she and Patty went down +the hall. + +"Just for a minute, then, for I must go and sort out the rest of my +visitors. I am putting Philip and Chick over in the west wing, far +removed from the nursery, for I don't want them imagining they are kept +awake by the night thoughts of my child. And, I must confess, Fleurette +has a way of tuning up in the wee, small hours! However, we had the +nursery walls muffled, so I don't think you'll be disturbed. Isn't this +outlook fine, Elise?" + +"Beautiful," and Elise joined Patty at the bay-window. "This is the most +effective room I ever saw, and so comfy." + +"And here's your bath," Patty opened the door to a bathroom of +white-tiled and silver daintiness. "Now you've time for a tub and a rest +before dinner. So I'm going to leave you. Come down at eight,--or sooner, +if you like." + +Housewifely Patty ran away, happy in her new role of hostess to a house +party. + +The men still sat on the tea-porch, smoking, and talking over the +political situation. + +"Here you are again," Chick greeted her; "but where's the che-ild? I must +see that youngster to-night. I've--I've brought her a present." + +"Oh, well, come along, then," said Patty; "if you're really so anxious to +meet the young lady,--why wait?" + +The two went up to the nursery, and though a little surprised at the +unexpected call, Nurse Winnie made no objection. + +"Here's your new friend," and Patty lifted Fleurette out of her pillows +and presented her to Chick. + +"What a beauty!" he cried, as he saw the golden curls and the big blue +eyes. "And so intelligent!" + +"Of course! Did you think she'd look vacant?" + +"They often do," said Chick, sagely. "Why, my cousin's baby looks +positively idiotic at times,--but this mite,--she knows it all!" + +And Fleurette did look wise. Being in benign mood, she smiled at the big +man who held her so gently, and put out a tentative fist toward his face. + +"Born flirt," he declared, "just like her mother! Well, Patty, she's +a wonder-child,--oh, I know 'em!--and I hereby constitute myself her +godfather, without waiting to be asked." + +"Good! We accept the honour. Make a bow, Fleurette." + +"No, the honour is mine. She doesn't quite take it all in, yet,--but in +days to come, she may feel real need of a godfather and I'll be there!" + +"What do godfathers do? I never had any." + +"I'm not quite sure, myself. I'm going to get a field-book,--or First +Lessons in Godfathering, or something like that. But, anyway, I'm hers! +Oh, Patty, she's going to grow up a beauty! Did you ever see such eyes!" + +Patty laughed at Chick's enthusiasm, which was too patently genuine to be +mere polite flattery, and entirely agreed in his opinion as to the good +looks of the small Fleurette. + +"What did you bring her?" she asked, and Chick drew from his pocket a set +of small gold pins. + +"For her bibs and tuckers," he explained. "At least that's what they told +me at the shop. I don't know much about such things." + +"They're just right," Patty said, "and they're her very first +present,--outside the family. Thank you a thousand times,--you're +very thoughtful, Chick." + +"I hoped you'd like 'em," and the big, warm-hearted chap smiled with +gratification. "Dress her up in them to-morrow, will you?" + +And Patty promised she would. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +BETTY GALE + + +Seated at the head of her own dinner table that evening, Patty felt +decidedly in her element. Always of a hospitable nature, always +efficient in household matters, she played her role of hostess with a +sweet simplicity and a winning grace that charmed all her guests. + +Farnsworth, opposite her at the big, round table, was a quiet, dignified +and well-mannered host. He had not Patty's native ability to entertain, +but he was honestly anxious that his guests should be pleased and he did +all in his power to help along. Patty had coached him on many minor +points, for Little Billee had been brought up in simple surroundings and +unaccustomed to what he at first called Patty's frills and fal-lals. + +But she had convinced him that dainty laces and shining silver were to be +used for his daily fare and not merely as "company fixings," and being +adaptable, the good-natured man obediently fell in with her wishes. + +And now he was as deft and handy with his table appointments as Patty +herself, and quite free from self-consciousness or awkwardness. + +"You've made me all over, Patty," he would sometimes say; "now, I really +like these dinky doo-daddles better than the 'old oaken bucket' effects +on which I was brought up!" + +And then Patty would beg him to tell her more about his early days and +his wild Western life in the years before she knew him. + +It was her great regret that Bill had no parents, nor indeed any near +relatives. An only child, and early orphaned, he had lived a few years +with a cousin and then had shifted for himself. A self-made man,--as +they are styled,--he had developed fine business ability, and had also +managed to acquire a familiarity with the best in literature. Patty was +continually astonished by his ready references and his quotations from +the works of the best authors. + +Indeed, the room he took the deepest interest in furnishing in their new +home was the library. + +For the purpose he selected the largest room in the house. It had been +designed as a drawing-room or ballroom; but Farnsworth said that its +location and outlook made it an ideal library. He had an enormous window +cut, that filled almost the whole of one side of the room, and which +looked out upon a beautiful view, especially at sunset. + +Then the furnishings were chosen for comfort and ease as well as +preserving the dignified effect that should belong to a library. The book +cases were filled with the books already owned by the two and new ones +were chosen and bought by degrees as they were desired or needed. + +The reference portion was complete and the cases devoted to poetry and +essays well filled. Fiction, too, of the lasting kind, and delightful +books of travel, biography and humour. + +There were reading chairs, arranged near windows and with handy tables; +there were desks, perfectly appointed; racks of new books and magazines; +portfolios of pictures, and cosy window seats and _tete-a-tetes_. + +There were a few fine pictures, and many little intimate sketches by +worth-while pencils or brushes. And there were treasured books, valuable +intrinsically or because of their inscriptions, that Farnsworth had +collected here and there. + +Small wonder, then, that the library was the favourite room in the house +and that after dinner Patty proposed they go there for their coffee. + +"Some room!" ejaculated Chick Channing, as they sauntered in and stood +about, gazing at the wealth of books. + +"Glorious!" agreed Mona, who had a mere pretence of a library in her own +home. "I didn't know you were so literary, Patty." + +"Oh, I'm not. It's Little Billee's gigantic intellect that planned this +room, and he's the power that keeps it going. Every week he sends up a +cartload of new books--" + +"Oh, come, now, Patty,--I haven't bought a book for a fortnight!" laughed +Farnsworth. "But I've just heard of a fine old edition of Ike Walton that +I can get at--" + +"There, there, my son, don't get started on your hobby," implored +Channing. "We're ignoramuses, Mona and I, and we want to talk about +less highbrow subjects." + +"Count me on your side," said a smiling girl, whose big gray eyes took +on a look of awe at the turn the conversation had taken. "I don't know +if Ike Walton is a book or a steamboat!" + +The speaker was Beatrice Gale, a neighbour of the Farnsworths. She was +pretty and saucy looking,--a graceful sprite, with a dimpled chin, and +soft brown hair, worn in moppy bunches over her ears. She was called +Betty by her friends, and Patty and Bill had already acquired that +privilege. + +"Now, Betty," and Patty shook her head at her, "you are a college +graduate as well as a debutante,--you _must_ know old Ike!" + +"But I don't! You see, my debut meant so much more to me than my +commencement, that all I ever learned at college flew out of my head +to make room for all I'm going to learn in society." + +"Have you much left to learn?" asked Elise, looking at the piquant face +that seemed to show its owner decidedly conversant with the ways of the +world,--at least, her own part in it. + +"Oh, indeed, yes! I only know how to smile and dance. I'm going to learn +flirting, coquetry and getting engaged!" + +"You're ambitious, little one," remarked Van Reypen. "Have you chosen +your instructors?" + +"I'm sure you won't need any," put in Elise, who was already jealous of +Philip's interested looks at the new girl. "I think you could pass an +efficiency examination already!" + +"You ought to know," said Betty, with such an innocent and demure look +at Elise, that it was difficult to determine whether she meant to be +impertinent or not. + +"Let me conduct the examination," said Philip; "shall it be public,--or +will you go with me into a--a classroom?" and he looked toward the small +"den" that opened from the library. + +"Oh, have it public!" exclaimed Mona. "Let us all hear it" + +"All right," and pretty Betty smiled, non-chalantly. "Go ahead, +Professor." + +"I will. You know these examinations begin by matching words. I say one +word, and you say whatever word pops into your head first." + +"That's easy enough. Proceed." + +"Arden." + +"Forest. I always thought this place ought to have been named the Forest +of Arden, because--" + +"Don't talk so much. You must say one word only. Concentrate." + +"Silence." + +"Oh, concentrate wasn't the _word_! I said that to you--" + +"I thought you were talking to me _all_ the time!" + +"I am. Now be still! Horse." + +"How can I pass my examination if I'm to be still? Wagon." + +"Aeroplane." + +"You." + +"How did you know that I was an aviator?" + +"Never mind; go on with the game." + +"All right. Beaux." + +"Flattery." + +"Chaperon." + +"Hoodwink." + +"Oh, you rascal! Mother." + +"Father." + +"Father." + +"Money." + +"Soft-boiled egg." + +"Messy." + +"American Beauties." + +"Mr. Grant,--he often sends them to me." + +"Music." + +"Dancing." + +"You pass. Now for to see if you're thoroughly grounded in the common +branches. Grammar, first. What's a noun, and give examples." + +"A noun's a name. As, candy, heart, slipper." + +"What's a compound noun?" + +"Two names,--as chicken salad,--Philip Van Reypen,--moonlight." + +"What's a mood?" + +"Something you fall into,--as a ditch,--or love." + +"What is an article?" + +"A piece of fancy work for sale at a fair." + +"What's a conjunction?" + +"Anything that joins,--as the marriage ceremony, or hooks and eyes." + +"Good. Now for arithmetic. If you are at home of an evening, and a chap +calls on you, and then I come to call, and take half your attention +from him, what is left?" + +"The chap!" + +"Right! Now, definitions. What do you mean by forever?" + +"Until to-morrow!" returned Betty, laughing. + +"Never?" + +"Not until to-morrow!" + +"How do you spell No?" + +"Y-e-s." + +"Oh, Betty," exclaimed Patty, laughing, "I didn't know you were so +witty!" + +"Good gracious! don't call me _that!_ Here, stop this examination right +now! I _won't_ be called witty. Why, don't you know-- + +"'Though you're sweet and though you're pretty, +Men won't love you if you're witty!' + +"I'm _always_ afraid of not being loved!" + +Miss Gale looked so frightened at this very idea, that they all broke +into laughter. + +"You should worry!" declared Bill. "You haven't enough wit to do any +great harm. Or, at least, if you have, you've compensating foolishness--I +mean--that is--" + +"There, there, Billee," counselled Patty, "you'd better stop,--you're +just getting in deeper with every word." + +"Oh, it's all right," and Beatrice shrugged her shoulders, "I need to +be brought up with a round turn now and then. I'm too intellectual,--I +know." + +She purposely assumed a vacant, stupid expression and folded her hands +helplessly in her lap. + +"She's a hummer," Channing remarked in an aside to Patty, as further +hilarity followed Betty's fooling. + +"I like her lots," Patty returned. "She's a frivolous little thing, but +thoroughly sweet and dear. She adores Fleurette." + +"Aha, little mother! So that's the way to your good graces, is it? I too +adore Fleurette." + +"But you're already in my good graces,--and have been for years." + +"So? Then,"--Chick's tone grew wheedlesome,--"invite me up here +often,--won't you?" + +"Now I _should_ have thought you meant because of my daughter's charms, +if your glance hadn't wandered toward Miss Gale, even as you spoke!" + +"Both, fair lady,--both. I adore Fleurette as the delightful daughter of +a delightful mother. May I not also admire the delightful neighbour?" + +"Indeed, you may. And you have a standing invitation to come up here +as often as you like. I'm going to entertain a lot this spring and +summer,--and you're a really useful house guest" + +"Thanks, indeed! How do I qualify?" + +"By your nice, kind, entertaining qualities. You're an all-round nice +man, Chick,--and I don't care who knows my opinion. And now, do you go +and make up to Elise." + +"Yes, ma'am. Between you and me, ma'am,--she's a bit miffed--not?" + +"Hush! Run along and make yourself so agreeable that she'll forget +everybody else." + +Of a truth Elise was a little disturbed. For she was of a jealous and +self-seeking disposition, and resented any attentions that were not given +to her. The advent of this bright and sparkling young girl,--probably +three or four years younger than herself, made her suddenly feel +neglected, and it displeased her. + +Mona noticed it, and smiled to herself. But Patty truly regretted it, +for she had taken a decided fancy to Beatrice Gale, and as they were +neighbours, she knew the girl would be often at Wistaria Porch. And as +she had planned to have Elise with her often, also, she saw breakers +ahead, unless the two could be reconciled. + +Patty was a born peacemaker, but she also knew that a jealous nature is +not easily placated. And she foresaw that Philip Van Reypen would be the +"bone of contention." + +After Patty's marriage, Philip, a disappointed suitor, had declared +himself a confirmed bachelor. And though Elise would have looked with +satisfaction on his change of heart, it had not yet occurred. + +Patty had hoped,--and thought,--that Philip would marry her cousin, Helen +Barlow; but neither of the parties had seen it in that light, and Helen +had since married her long persistent wooer, Chester Wilde. + +This left Van Reypen entirely unattached, and Elise,--it could be seen by +any onlooker,--was not at all averse to his company. + +And Van Reypen liked her, for Elise was pretty and charming. But when +things didn't go as she wished them to, she had a habit of sulking which +was far from attractive. + +So, the very apparent interest that Philip showed in this new chit of a +girl,--as Elise dubbed Betty to herself,--was as iron entering her soul. + +However, she was clever enough to hide her real feelings, and she +welcomed Chick Channing with a cordial smile. + +"Let's go for a stroll round the verandahs," he proposed, and Elise +consented. + +"Want a wrap? though it's warm for April," he said, as they went out the +door. + +"No, thank you, I love the fresh air," and Elise waved her white arm +upward, and entwined it in the wistaria blossoms. "I've adopted this +porch,--I shall probably be with Patty a lot this summer. You'll come +up--now and then?" + +"Oh, yes; it's the most charming house to visit, don't you think?" + +"Great! Patty is an ideal hostess, and Bill's a dear!" + +"And the kiddy,--don't leave her out" + +"Oh, she's an angel. But a bit unfledged, as yet." + +"Of course. But such a darling! By the way, I'm her godfather." + +"Oh, are you? Then I'll be her godmother! She ought to have both." + +"Certainly. Though I think I heard that Miss Gale has the position." + +"Of course she has! That girl appropriates everything! I think she's too +fresh!" + +"You mean that for a compliment, I'm sure. Yes, she is,--she's like a +dewy daisy--" + +"Dewy daisy, nothing! She isn't so childlike as she wants to appear!" + +"There now, Elise, don't talk like that! It doesn't sound pretty,--and +goodness knows _you've_ no reason to be jealous." + +"What?" asked Elise, already mollified. + +"Why, you, with your established place in this household, and in our +set,--mustn't stoop to be--jealous--of a little schoolgirl!" + +"Oh, I'm _not_! How dare you hint it?" + +"Then don't act so. Take my advice, Lisa, and don't show even the +appearance of that sort of thing. It reacts,--you know." + +Elise did know,--she knew Chick was telling her the truth, and telling +it, too, only in the kindest spirit of real friendship. + +She bit her lip in annoyance, and said, sharply, "Don't abuse the +privilege of an old friend, Chick." + +"I don't mean to,--honest I don't, Elise. Forgive me if I've offended +you." + +"Oh, you haven't. That's all right. Have you ever met this Gale girl +before?" + +"No; but she sat next me at dinner, and she told me about herself. It +seems she has a wonderful brother--" + +"She has!" It was amazing how Elise brightened up. "Why wasn't he invited +this evening?" + +"He's away from home just now,--will return next week,--I think she said. +Get on your warpaint and feathers! See, the conquering heroine comes!" + +"Stop teasing, Chick. I do like to meet strangers, and if Patty's +neighbour is attractive--" + +"Patty's neighbour's brother,--you mean?" + +"I do! If he's attractive, it'll add to my pleasure when visiting +Patty,--won't it?" + +"It sure will,--and, may I say it? You'll add to his pleasure, I've no +doubt." + +"Very pretty, Chick. You _are_ a nice boy." + +"Thank you, ma'am. But I won't be in it, when the brother appears on the +scene, I fear! So, to make hay while the sun shines, won't you go in and +dance with me? I hear the light fantastics tripping in the hall." + +They went in and found all of the party keeping time to the gay music of +the big victrola, and they joined the swaying couples. + +As they passed Betty Gale and Van Reypen, Elise overheard her saying, +"You're awfully good to me,--and you've only just met me to-night!" + +Phil's reply was lost as they danced away, but Elise realised that it was +an eager expression of his desire that they should meet again, and soon, +and her demon of jealousy once more up-reared his ugly head. + +But she concealed it,--outwardly, at least,--and when the time came, she +was so cordial and sweet to Miss Gale that a friendship pact was sealed +between them. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A NEW RELATIVE + + +May came in with the sunshine and balmy days that are popularly supposed +to belong to that month, but which do not always materialise. + +Wistaria Porch was fairly basking in the sunshine, and the flower gardens +were already showing their early blooms. The tulip beds were a blaze of +bright glory and hyacinths and daffodils added their sweetness and +beauty. + +"Such a heavenly place!" Patty exclaimed as she and Little Billee +strolled along the garden paths in the late afternoon. "I'm glad we have +this week-end to ourselves,--I love to have guests, but once in a +while,--you know--" + +"I do know!" declared Farnsworth, "and I'd be willing to have 'em twice +in a while--" + +"Have what?" + +"Week-ends alone with you! Oh, I like company, too,--have all you want, +but now and then--just now and then, a family party looks good to me! +Where's our blessed child at the moment?" + +"She ought to be here,--it's time. Winnie usually brings her for her +afternoon visit to her proud parents. And here she comes! Here's mudder's +own Poggly-woggly Pom-pom head!" + +"What delightful names you invent! Let me have a try at it! Here's +Fodder's own Piggly-winktum! There, how's that?" + +"Perfectly horrid! Sounds like a pig!" + +"All right, let's try again. Who's the airiest, fairiest, tiny mite? +Who's the pinky-goldiest Smiley-eyes in the whole world? Here she is!" +and big Bill took the baby, from nurse's arms, and flung her high in +the air, catching her deftly on her descent, while Patty held her breath +in apprehension. She knew perfectly well Bill wouldn't let the child +fall,--and yet, accidents had occurred,--and the crowing baby might +squirm out of the watchful father's arms. + +But no accident happened and the two had their usual afternoon romp. + +Little Fleurette knew her father and adored the big, comfortable man who +held her so firmly and tossed her up so delightfully. + +"Now, it's my turn,--give her to me," said Patty, at last. Then Bill +deposited the child in her mother's arms, and the little one nestled +there contentedly. She was a good baby, and rarely cried or fretted. +Healthy and strong, she bade fair to become a fine big woman some +day, and Patty's leaping mind had already planned out her whole lifetime! + +"I think I'll send her to the Mortimer School," she said, musingly. + +"Why, that's a finishing school!" exclaimed Bill, knowing of the +fashionable establishment. + +"Yes; I mean when she's ready to be 'finished,'" said Patty, calmly. +"Before that, she'll go to Kindergarten,--and some other school, I +suppose." + +"I suppose she will; but we'll have a few years of her company here, at +home, won't we, before her schooldays begin?" + +"Yes, of course, we're having them now. But they go so fast! Oh, Little +Billee, _all_ the days fly so fast,--I can't realise we've been married +nearly two years--" + +"Nonsense! A year and nearly two months--" + +"Well, it soon _will_ be two years! I never saw the time fly so! It goes +like a Bandersnatch!" + +"Does that mean you're so happy, Patty?" + +"It means exactly that! Oh, I want to live forever! I am so happy! I +didn't know life with you and Fleurette would be so beautiful as it is!" + +"Is it, dearest? I'm so glad," and the big man looked at his dainty, +sweet little wife with his whole soul in his fine clear blue eyes. + +"Your eyes are wonderful, Billee, dear," said Patty, meeting his glance +lovingly; "did your mother have blue eyes,--or your father?" + +"Both of them did. I was thought to look more like mother, as a +kiddy,--but they were both fair haired and blue eyed." + +"You never knew your mother much, did you?" + +"No, she died when I was very small. And father, when I was about ten. +Then, as I've told you, I lived four years with Aunt Amanda--" + +"In Arizona?" + +"Yes; in a small settlement,--hardly even a village,--called Horner's +Corners." + +Patty laughed. "What a darling name! How could anybody call a place +that! Suppose it had grown to be a large city." + +"Then they would probably have changed the name. Perhaps they have +already done so,--I haven't heard from there for years." + +"Why didn't you keep up your relatives' acquaintance?" + +"Well, Aunt Amanda died, later, and her husband never cared much for me, +anyhow. So we drifted apart, and never drifted together again." + +"Wasn't your aunt your mother's sister?" + +"Oh, Lord, no! She was not really my aunt, at all. She was a cousin of my +father's and when she took me in, I called her auntie. But they only took +me because they wanted my help on the place, and I worked hard for them +four years. They gave me no affection, nor even thanks for my services, +and as I couldn't learn anything or make any sort of progress in that +God-forsaken valley, I left them and shifted for myself." + +"And made a great success of the shifting!" Patty's eyes glowed as she +looked at her big handsome husband. + +"Yes, I found you! And, incidentally that little flower of loveliness +that's going to sleep against your breast." + +"So she is! Pretty thing!" Patty gazed adoringly at the baby and then +handed her over to the nurse, who returned for her charge. + +"Tell me more about Horner's Corners," Patty resumed, as they remained +seated on the porch, after Fleurette's departure. + +"Not much to tell. It consisted of a store and post-office,--a church and +school,--and forty or fifty small houses. Uncle Thorpe's place was a mile +out from the Corners, proper, and I used to trudge back and forth every +day for the mail, and for provisions. And part of the time I went to +school. The teacher was a nice young girl, but we boys led her a dance! +How we _did_ plague her!" and Bill laughed at the recollection. + +"Any children in your aunt's family?" + +"One; a little baby girl, named Azalea." + +"What a pretty name! Where is she now?" + +"I don't know. Right there, probably. Let me see. I was ten when I went +there. But she wasn't born then. When I left, that child was about a year +old, I guess. She must be about seventeen or so, now." + +"And she's your only living relative?" + +"The only one I know anything about. Mother's people were English,--none +of them over here. No near relatives, anyhow, for she was an only child. +Dad was, too, for that matter. Little Zaly,--that's what they called +her, is about the last leaf on the tree." + +"Let's ask her to visit us, can't we? I do want to know your people; and +if she's all the people there are, I want to know her." + +"Why, child, I don't know anything about her,--I don't even know if she's +still in the land of the living." + +"Can't you write and find out?" + +"Why, I suppose so. But _why_ do you want her? She's probably an awkward, +countrified little thing--" + +"I don't care for that! She's your kin, and I'm prepared to love her for +that reason." + +"That's a dear thing for you to say, Patty mine, but you may get more +than you bargain for. Suppose you invite Azalea and Uncle Thorpe himself +comes trotting along, too!" + +"Well, I could even live through that! I don't suppose he'd bite me!" + +"But I'm quite sure he wouldn't fit into your scheme of things entire! +Oh, let sleeping dogs lie, Pattibelle. Take me for my whole family,--I'm +a host in myself." + +"You are,--my lord and master,--you sure are! But, all the same, I +must hunt up your little cousin. Of course her father can't come, if he +isn't invited. And I'd like to know the child. I might do something for +her,--be of some real help to her, I mean. Maybe she's longing to get +East and have the advantages I could give her." + +"Maybe she's longing to stay put in her native desert." + +"In that case, she can say so. I shan't compel her to come! Let me write +her, anyway, mayn't I, Little Billee?" + +"Of course you may. You may write to anybody you wish; to the Sultan of +Kasharabad, if you like." + +"Is he your relative?" + +"He may be,--for all I know. Some family trees branch widely." + +"Well, give me Azalea's address,--I'm going to open a correspondence, at +least." + +"No address, that I know of, except Miss Azalea Thorpe, Horner's Corners, +Arizona." + +"I'll write, if only for the fun of addressing a letter there. I never +heard such a funny name for a place!" + +Patty tore up two or three letters before she finally composed one that +suited her. It was not easy to know what attitude to take toward such a +complete stranger, and with no knowledge of what sort of a girl she was +writing to. But she at last sent off this: + +MY DEAR AZALEA: + +I am the wife of your cousin, William Farnsworth. Though you do not +remember him, your father will tell you about him. At any rate, as you +are of his kin, I want you to come and make us a visit--that is, if you +care to. We have a lovely home, not far from New York City, and I would +do my best to make you happy and give you a good time. You may not want +to come,--indeed, you may have moved away from your native town, and may +never even get this letter. But if you do get it, write me, at any rate, +and tell me what you think about a trip East. We both send love and hope +to hear from you soon. + +Affectionately yours, + +PATTY FARNSWORTH. + +"You see," Patty explained to Bill, as she read the letter to him, "it +may be she can't afford such a trip. But I didn't like to hint at that, +so I asked her to write me what she thinks about it. If she thinks she +can't spend so much money, then we can offer to get her ticket." + +"Very thoughtful and very delicately done, my dearest. You have the +kindest heart a little blue-eyed girl ever possessed." + +"Not entirely disinterested, though. I do want to have some of your +people under our roof,--and this is my first attempt. If it fails, I +shall look up some of your English relatives." + +"Yes, we will do that some day. I'd like to round them up +myself. Mother's tales of her childhood home,--as retold me by my +father,--sounded delightful. They had old country estates, and--" + +"And ancestral halls! Hung with old armour! Oh, Little Billee, what fun +to take Fleurette there! Portraits of her ancestors smiling down at her +from the oaken walls of the long picture gallery--" + +"Patty, Patty! how you _do_ run on! I don't know that there are any +picture galleries at all." + +"Oh, of course there are. They're bound to be there. And maybe a family +ghost! A spectre, that stalks the corridors when one of the family is +about to die--" + +"Hush! You bad child! What awful ideas!" + +"I've just been reading a story about a family spectre. I think they're +_most_ interesting." + +"Well, we'll cut out the spook show. _I've_ no liking for clanking chains +and hollow groans!" + + * * * * * + +Impatiently Patty waited for the answer to her letter, and one day it +came. + +Farnsworth was in New York on business, and so she put it away unopened +until his return. + +"Goody girl!" he cried, when she told him. "Nice of you, dear, to let us +have the first reading together." + +"Oh, I couldn't gobble it up alone,--I like everything better if I have +it with you." + +And so they sat side by side on the porch, and read the long looked for +missive. + + * * * * * + +"DEAR COUSIN PATTY;" it began. + +I was so surprised and pleased to get your letter I hardly knew what to +do. It seemed as if the dream of my life had at last come true. I've +always wanted to go East,--to see New York,--oh, I'm so excited I can +hardly write! And dear Cousin William! How kind of him to tell you about +me,--for I was a very small baby when he was here. My father has told me +all about it. When shall I start? I accept your invitation with joy. I +have saved up my money and I have enough, I think, for the ticket. How +much does it cost? But I can find out somehow. Father sends his respects +and he says I may go. I am all ready. Can't you telegraph me, so I can go +soon? + +With grateful thanks, +I am yours very sincerely, +AZALEA THORPE. + +"Well," said Bill, "what do you think of that for a letter?" + +He looked thoughtfully at Patty, as he spoke. + +"Why," she hesitated,--"I think it's a very nice letter--" + +"Wait, now,--be honest!" + +"Well, I--oh, I don't know,--but I looked for a little more--simplicity, +I guess. This sounds as if she had resorted to a 'Complete Letter-Writer' +for help." + +"Just what I thought, exactly! But I don't know as we can blame her if +she did. The poor child is doubtless unversed in polite correspondence, +and she did her best,--but she felt she needed a little more elegance of +construction and so forth, and she picked out some dressy phrases from +the book." + +"It doesn't matter, anyway," said Patty, generously, "she's glad to come, +and so I'm glad to have her. Let's telegraph at once,--shall us?" + +"Yes; but I don't like that haste of hers. It strikes me queer." + +"Queer, how? She's impatient to start,--that's all. What else could it +mean?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure. But the whole letter's queer,--if you ask me!" + +"I _do_ ask you,--and I ask you _how_ it's queer." + +"It's so,--so jumbly,--incoherent,--choppy." + +"Pooh! don't criticise the lack of style in that poor country child. I'll +teach her to write letters,--and I won't let her know I'm teaching her, +either." + +"You'll teach her lots of things,--I know,--and in that dear, gentle way +of yours, that couldn't hurt or offend anybody. Well, I'll telegraph, +then, for her to come ahead. What else shall I say?" + +"Tell her what road to take, and all directions you can think of. Though +it sounds to me, as if she thought she would have no difficulty as to +travel." + +"Sounds that way to me, too; but I suppose her father can look after such +details. Queer message from her father." + +"Not at all. You said he wasn't overfond of you, so as he sends his +respects to you, I don't think you need ask for more." + +"If she does start right off,--and I'm pretty sure she will,--she'll be +here in a week or so." + +"Of course; but I'll be ready for her. I'll give her the yellow room. +It's big and sunny and has a lovely bath and dressing-room. It's all in +order, too, I'll just make some soft lacy pillows and give it some little +personal touches and it will be all ready for her. Oh, Billee,--think +what a lot we can do for her!" + +Patty's eyes glowed with the anticipation of aiding the little country +girl, but Farnsworth was not so sanguine. + +"You're running a risk, girlie," he said. "Suppose she turns out +impossible. The fact of her being my relative doesn't quite canonise +her, you know. Perhaps she _isn't_ a saint." + +"Now, now, old calamity howler,--I don't want her to be a saint! I hope +and expect she'll be a sweet, docile nature, and her lack of culture, +if any, I shall try to remedy. Her lack of familiarity with social +customs and all that, I _know_ I can remedy. Oh, I expect a busy time +with her,--and I know I shall have to be tactful and kind,--but don't +you think I can be?" + +Farnsworth kissed the wistful, questioning face upturned to his and +assured her that she most certainly could! + +So Patty gaily set about her preparations of the pretty guest chamber. +She hoped Azalea liked yellow,--most girls did,--but if not, she could +easily be moved to the pink guest room. + +This yellow room, however, was so well adapted for a young girl. There +was a long French window that opened on the dearest little balcony, where +the wistaria clambered and made a delightful shade. There was an alcove, +where stood a Chippendale writing desk, and a revolving book rack. There +was a sewing corner, with a fully furnished work-stand; and there was a +soft puffy couch, with a pile of down pillows and a fluffy yellow afghan. +And yet there was ample room for the bed, with its dimity draperies, and +the fascinating toilet table, with its bewildering array of ivory +fittings. + +Uncertain of her guest's tastes, Patty put out few books, only a story or +two of general interest and a couple of new magazines. All such matters +could be attended to after she had sized up the newcomer. + +On the day she was expected, Patty arranged the flowers in the yellow +room herself. + +Naturally, she chose azaleas, and some of a lovely soft tint of buff +harmonised with pale pink ones. White ones too, with a bit of green +foliage, until the room was a bower of beauty. Not overdone, though. +Patty never made the mistake of too many flowers,--fond as she was +of them. + +A last affectionate survey of the room convinced her that all was exactly +as it should be, and with a happy little sigh of contentment she went +down to the porch to await the arrival of the guest, for Farnsworth had +gone to the station to meet her, and they were due now at any minute. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THAT AWFUL AZALEA + + +The car came along the driveway and stopped in front of the porch where +Patty sat. + +Farnsworth stepped out, with a cheery "Here we are!" and Patty rose to +greet the visitor. + +Up the steps toward her flew a figure which, as Patty afterward described +it, seemed like a wild Indian! A slight, wiry figure, rather tall and +very awkward, and possessed of a nervous force that expressed itself in +muscular activity. + +"Oh, how do you do?" the girl cried, explosively. "You're Cousin +Patty,--aren't you?" But even as she spoke, she stumbled on the steps, +pitched forward, falling on Patty, and but for Farnsworth's quick action +would have knocked her down. + +"Jiminy crickets! Ain't I the tangle-foot! Guess I'm getting in bad at +the very start. Hope I didn't hurt you." + +"Not at all," said Patty, recovering her poise, both mental and physical. +"You are very welcome, Azalea. Will you sit here a few minutes before we +go in the house?" + +"Sure! I'll spill myself right into this double-decker!" + +She threw herself into a long wicker lounging-seat, of the steamer-chair +type, and stretched out her feet in evident enjoyment of the relaxation. + +"Well, this is comfort, after travelling cross country for days and days! +I say, Cousin, it was awful good of you to ask me." + +"Think so?" and Patty tried to smile pleasantly. She avoided catching +Bill's eye, for the poor man was overcome with shame and consternation +that his relative should be so impossible. + +"Yep,--I do. My! this place of yours is swell. I never saw such a grand +house--close to. You're rich, ain't you, Cousin William?" + +"So, so," Farnsworth replied, gazing at the girl in a sort of horrified +fascination. "You've changed since last we met," he went on, in an +endeavour to make casual conversation. + +"Well, yes, I s'pose so. They tell me I was a squalling young one when +you were at the Corners. Was I a terror?" + +"Not then!" Bill wanted to answer, but of course he didn't. + +"Not at all," he said, pleasantly. "You were a pretty baby--" + +"But greatly changed,--hey?" + +The girl gave him a quick glance. She was not ill-looking, as to features +and colouring, but her whole effect was unattractive,--even repelling. + +She had flashing black eyes, which darted from one object to another in a +jerky, inquisitive way. Her scarlet lips parted over white, even teeth, +but her lower lip hung, and her half-open mouth gave her an air of +ignorance, often accompanied by rude staring. + +Her black hair was concealed by a coarse straw hat, untrimmed save for +some gaudy flowers embroidered on the straw with crude coloured wools. + +"How do you like my hat?" Azalea asked suddenly. "Just the shape of a +horse's hat, isn't it? But it's all the go. This dress is, too,--hope you +like it,--I do." + +The dress in question was a "sport suit" of a large-sized green and black +check. It was cheap material, and badly cut, and its ill-fitting coat +hung on Azalea's slim shoulders in baggy wrinkles. Her blouse was bright +pink Georgette, beaded with scarlet beads, and altogether, perhaps her +costume could not have been worse chosen or made up,--at least, from +Patty's point of view. + +She ignored the question about the hat, and asked the girl as to her +journey. + +"O.K.," Azalea returned. "Had a bang-up time. Made friends all along the +line. Some of 'em coming to see me. Hope you'll like 'em." + +She stretched out luxuriously in the long chair, throwing her arms above +her head, and crossing her feet, which were dressed with "gun metal" +stockings and shoes. Her hat was pushed awry, and wisps of hair fell +at either side of her face. + +"Now, perhaps you'd like to go to your room," suggested Patty, at her +wits' end what to do with such an unconventional person. + +"Nixy; I'm too comfortable here! I'll chuck my hat, and just enjoy +myself." + +Off came the hat, and was pitched on the floor. Azalea ran her fingers +through her hair, making it a little more disordered than before. It was +pretty hair,--or, rather would have been, if it were better cared for. +Dark, almost black, with a slight inclination to curl, it was bunched +into a tousled knot that was far from picturesque. + +"Oh, come," said Patty, jumping up, for she couldn't stand the girl's +uncouth actions another minute. "Come along with me, Azalea. You must +dress for dinner soon,--and some one might come to call now. We'll have +tea in your room, if you like." + +"Tea! I never drink it. I like coffee,--for breakfast,--or cocoa. But see +here, Cousin, don't you make any difference for me. I ain't company, you +know,--just let me be one of the family, won't you?" + +Many retorts flashed through Patty's mind, but she only said, "Certainly, +Azalea. We want you to be one of us." + +Farnsworth was silent. The man was really aghast. What had he brought on +poor little Patty! He didn't excuse himself with the thought that it was +Patty's doing, not his, that Azalea was there at all, but he felt +personally to blame for having such a relative and for having her there +in their home. He looked helplessly at Patty, with such despair in his +kind eyes, that she ran over and kissed him, in spite of the fact that +they were not alone. + +Azalea giggled. "That's right," she said, affably; "don't mind me! Just +go right on spoonin' even when I'm around. I don't mind. And I don't +wonder you took to her, Cousin William. She's a peach, for fair,--ain't +she?" + +"She certainly is," said Farnsworth, forcing a polite smile, but +conscious of a strong desire to choke his new-found relative. + +His utterly discouraged face roused Patty to fresh efforts at +hospitality, and taking Azalea's arm, she persuaded her to get up +from the lounging chair. + +On her feet, the girl shook herself with a careless abandon of manner, +unheeding the fact that a hairpin flew from her loosened hair, and she +dropped the handkerchief, gloves and small bag that she had had in her +lap. + +"Oh, pshaw," she said, as Bill restored them, "ain't I awful! That's +me--dropping things all the time! But I can pick them up myself--don't +you be bothering." + +She stuffed gloves and handkerchief in the bag, slinging it on +her arm. "My, what a vine!" she said, pulling down a branch of the +wistaria,--and, incidentally, breaking it off. + +"Oh, golly! Look what I done! Just like me! But you've got plenty left." +She tossed the broken branch out on the lawn, and then turned to follow +Patty, already in the doorway. + +"I'm coming!" she said, "lead the way, Cousin, I'll trail you. What a big +house! Don't you ever get lost in it?" + +"No," smiled Patty, "and you won't as soon as you're used to it. This +way, Azalea." + +"Hello! _Hello_! This my room?" The Western girl looked at the pretty +yellow room as Patty ushered her in. + +"Yes, if you like yellow,--if not--" + +"Oh, yes, I like yellow good enough. Don't make any diff to me what +colour a room is. Nice and big, ain't it? Say, do you care if I chuck +some of the lace props into the discard?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Why, these here, now, faddly-duds." And Azalea whisked off a little lace +stand-cover, swept up an armful of lace pillows, and was about to jerk +off the lace bedspread, when Patty protested. + +"Oh, wait a minute,--of course you needn't have anything you don't +want,--but Janet will take off the spread." + +"'Fraid I'll muss it up, hey?" Azalea laughed, "Well. I s'pose I _am_ a +terror! But honest to goodness I can't stand for those ticklers. They get +in my ears!" + +Patty sighed. She had grasped the situation the instant she first +laid eyes on the girl, but somehow it seemed to be developing further +difficulties all the time. + +"Now, Azalea," she began, "let me help you get your travelling dress off +and put you into your kimono, and we'll chat over a cup of tea. Oh, you +don't like tea,--will you have lemonade?" + +"Yep. Love it! Plenty of sugar, though." + +Patty gave the order to Janet, who had appeared to look after the +visitor, and turned back at the sound of Azalea's loud, strident +laughter. + +"Kimono! At six P.M. That's good. Why, Cousin, I use my kim for a +dressing gown, I ain't going to bed,--am I?" + +"No, dear. But we'll have a more cosy time, I think, if you get off your +travel things and have a refreshing bath." + +"Oh, well, I'll take off this rig,--I want to be choice of it, anyway. +You have dinner at night?" + +"Yes, we always do." + +"Well, don't make any change for me, as I said. I ain't accustomed to it, +but I can stand it, I guess. Nothing fazes _me_!" + +Azalea took off her dress and looked at the skirt with concern. + +"Some dusty," she remarked, "but it'll brush off." + +"Oh, yes; lay it on that chair. Janet will look after it." + +"Brush it, you mean?" + +"Yes; clean it and press it properly." + +"My land! does your servant do that?" + +"Certainly. And leave your street shoes out for her to attend to." + +"Oh,--I see! She's a regular outfit! Well, I never had a maid,--but I +guess I can stand one." + +Janet re-entered the room at this moment, and with an attempted air of +grandeur, Azalea flung herself into a low chair, and stuck out her foot +to have her shoe removed. + +Patty gasped. The girl changed so quickly from independence to apparent +helplessness, and yet her manner was so crude and overbearing, that it +was doubtful how the maid would take it. + +However, Janet was not only a well-trained servant, but she adored her +mistress and not for worlds would she have failed in her duty. + +Quietly and respectfully she knelt before Azalea and took off her shoes +and waited on her as she would have waited on any of Patty's more +cultured friends. + +"Yes, put on a kimono, Azalea," Patty said, this time in a decided tone, +and Azalea obeyed. + +Then the tea tray was brought and the two sat together for a time. + +Patty was up against a crisis. She had been thinking deeply ever since +Azalea's arrival, and she was still perplexed. + +Should she try _now_ to reform the girl,--improve her manners, or at +least her general attitude,--or, should she leave her to her own ways for +a time, and trust to her observation of other people to show her her own +faults? + +It was almost impossible not to correct some of Azalea's ignorant +mistakes, but still more difficult to ignore her over readiness to adapt +herself to what she thought was the proper behaviour toward servants. + +On the latter point Patty permitted herself a word when they were alone. + +"Be a little careful with Janet," she said, pleasantly. "She's a bit +peculiar as to disposition. A splendid maid, and a most capable +girl,--but she doesn't like to be ordered about too definitely. You +see, she knows her duties so well, and is so efficient, that it's really +unnecessary to give her directions." + +"Oh, pooh, she's only a servant. You oughtn't to stand for her airs. Why, +our girl at home,--she was a Tartar! But I tamed her. I've a way with +them--" + +"Please, Azalea," and Patty smiled ingratiatingly, "remember, won't you, +that this is my house and these are my servants. I have my own ways of +treating them, and I'm going to ask you to work with me,--not against +me." + +"Dunno what you mean! I've no notion of working against you, Cousin. And +don't you be high and mighty with _me_! We'll get along all right, if you +meet me half way, but--" + +Patty saw her chance. "Good, Azalea! There's my hand on that! We'll meet +each other half way, and you consider my wishes and I'll consider yours." + +The danger point was passed and Azalea smiled again. + +"I want to see the baby," she said suddenly. "I love babies." + +"To-morrow, please. She's asleep now." + +"Well, I can look at her. I won't wake her. I'll be awful careful." + +This interest in Fleurette touched Patty's mother heart, and she +consented. + +"Can I go this way?" said Azalea, looking at her kimono. + +This garment was,--not entirely to Patty's surprise,--a horror of gaily +flowered silkoline, but as they would see no one but the nurse, she +said, "Yes; come along." + +To the nursery they went and there, in her bassinette lay the baby, +asleep. She looked like a lovely little flower, indeed, and Patty gazed +with adoring eyes at the flushed little face. + +"Oh!" cried Azalea, aloud, "what an angel baby!" + +"Hush!" whispered Patty, "don't wake her!" and Nurse Winnie stood around +in a state of nervous apprehension. + +"No, I won't," Azalea said, in such a loud whisper, that it was scarce a +whisper at all,--rather a muffled shout. + +And then she poked her forefinger into the baby's roseleaf cheek. + +"Pretty!" she said, beaming at the child. + +"Oh, don't touch her!" Patty cried out. "Come away, Azalea!" for she +really didn't know what the strange girl would do next. + +"Pshaw! I didn't hurt her. If she's such a touch-me-not, she's no fun at +all! But every-body's like that with their first baby! Silly! Fussy! Just +ridiculous!" + +"I daresay," laughed Patty, determined not to show her annoyance. +"But it's time to dress for dinner,--or nearly. Come back to your +room,--and--wouldn't you like to take a fifteen minute nap? It might +refresh you." + +"It would _not_! Take a nap in broad daylight! I never heard of such a +thing! Oh, well, if I can't speak to that kid let's go back to my room. +I'll skittle into my frock and go down to that flowery, bowery piazza +again. I like that." + +"What shall you put on?" asked Patty, interestedly, as Azalea made a mad +dive into her trunk. + +"Dunno. What say? This?" She held up a mussy looking white muslin, +trimmed with coarse embroidery and some imitation lace. + +"That will do nicely," Patty said, relieved that it was at least white, +and not some of the flamboyant effects she saw still in the trunk. "Janet +will press it off for you,--it's rumpled from packing. And then you +needn't unpack, dear, Janet will do that for you." + +"Oh, I thought you told me not to call on the servant for anything!" + +"No," Patty said, discouraged, "I didn't quite say that,--here's Janet +now. Let her do your hair for you!" + +"Do my hair! Mercy gracious! I should say not! I've never had that done +for me." + +"But I'm sure you'll be pleased with the way she'd do it. Janet is an +artist at hair-dressing." + +"Nopy! nix on the barber act for little Zaly! I'll comb my own wig, thank +you!" + +With a comb, she stood before the cheval glass, and twisted up the dark +mop into a tidy but most unbecoming coil. + +"Don't you _care_ how it looks?" cried Patty, in dismay. "Really, _don't_ +you? And you've such pretty hair!" + +"Then if it's pretty hair, it doesn't need any fancy doing," and Azalea +gave a whimsical smile. "There, that's done. Now for my frock." + +Janet had whisked the white muslin away, and already had it back, pressed +and freshened. + +"Lovely!" Azalea exclaimed; "how ever did you do it so quick? Happen to +have an iron on the stove?" + +"Electric iron," said Patty, briefly. "They're always handy, you know." + +"Never saw one. No, Miss Janet,--not that way, it hooks in the back." + +At last, Azalea was attired, and looked fairly presentable in her white +frock; though having no white shoes and stockings she wore black ones. + +"I'd like white ones," she said, apologetically, "but I could only have +two pairs so I got black and the ones I wore here." + +"Quite right," said Patty, appreciatively; "I'll be glad to get you some +white ones. They'd be pretty with this frock." + +"Oh, thank you. I'd love to have 'em. Where we going now?" + +"Suppose you come to my room, while I dress," Patty suggested, thinking +an object lesson in the arts of the toilette might not be amiss. + +"O.K.," and the visitor strode along by the side of her hostess. + +They _were_ a contrast! Patty, dainty, graceful and sweet, was the very +antithesis of tall, gawky Azalea, with her countrified dress and badly +made black shoes. Her careless air, too, was unattractive,--for it was +not the nonchalance of experience, but the unselfconsciousness of sheer +ignorance of urban ways and manners. + +"My land! what a room," the country girl ejaculated, as they entered +Patty's boudoir. "How ever can you live in this fancy place! It's like +a picture!" + +"It is," agreed Patty, pleased at the comment. "But I love it. I'm afraid +I'm too fond of soft lights and pretty appointments, and delicate +fragrance." + +"Well, you've got it! My land! I'm afraid to move around! I don't want to +break anything." + +"You won't," laughed Patty. "Sit there, and we can talk while I get into +my gown. I do my own hair, too," and she shook down her mop of golden +curls, to Azalea's hearty admiration. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TABLE MANNERS + + +Patty's dining-room was beautiful. She argued that as an appreciable +percentage of one's waking hours were spent there, care and thought +should be given to its appointment. + +The colouring was soft old blue, and the furniture of mahogany. The +lights were pleasantly shaded and the sideboards and cabinets showed +attractive silver and glass in immaculate order. + +"The flowers are in your honour," said Patty, smiling, as they took their +places at the table, in the centre of which was a bowl of azaleas. + +"Ho, ho! You needn't have done that! I ain't accustomed to such grand +things." + +"Now, Azalea, flowers on the table aren't especially grand. I think I +should have them,--if I could,--if I were eating in the middle of the +Desert of Sahara." + +"I believe you would," said Bill, smiling at her; "Patty is a +flower-worshipper, Zaly. Zaly's the name your mother called you when +you were a tiny mite. Tell me about your father? Was he willing to be +left alone?" + +"Oh,--he didn't mind. What lovely silver you have, Patty." + +"Yes; they are my wedding presents." + +"Oh, tell me all about your wedding!" + +"I didn't have any. I mean, not a big reception and all that. We were +married in haste,--so we could have a chance to repent at leisure,--if +we want to." + +"And do you?" asked Azalea, with such a serious air that the other two +laughed. + +"I haven't had leisure enough for _that_ yet," Bill declared. + +"And I don't know what leisure means," Patty said. "I'm busy from morning +till night. If we ever get any leisure,--either of us,--perhaps we'll +begin on that repentance performance." + +But Patty's happy face, as she turned it toward her husband, left little +doubt as to her state of satisfaction with her life. Though, as she said, +she was always busy, it was by her own wish, and she would have been +miserable if she had had nothing to do. + +Azalea, as Bill expressed it later to Patty, was a whole show! + +The girl was ignorant of manners and customs that were second nature to +her hosts, and was even unacquainted with the uses of some of the table +furniture. + +But this they had expected, and both Patty and Bill were more than ready +to ignore and excuse any lapses of etiquette. + +However, they were not prepared for Azalea's attitude, which was that of +self-important bravado. Quite conscious of her shortcomings, the girl's +nature was such that she preferred to pretend familiarity with her +strange surroundings and she assumed an air of what she considered +elegance that was so funny that the others had difficulty to keep from +laughing outright. + +She was especially at great pains to extend her little finger when she +raised a glass or cup, having evidently observed the practice among +people she admired. This finally resulted in her dropping the glass and +spilling water all over her dinner plate. + +"Hang it all!" she cried; "ain't that _me_! Just as I get right into the +swing of your hifalutin ways, I go and upset the applecart! Pshaw! +You'll think I'm a country junk!" + +"Not at all," said Patty, kindly, "'twas an accident that might happen to +anybody. Norah will bring you a fresh plate. Don't think of it." + +"No, I won't have a fresh plate. I'm going to keep this one, to serve me +right for being so awkward." And no amount of insistence would persuade +the foolish girl to have her plate changed. + +"Nonsense, Azalea!" Farnsworth remonstrated, "you can't eat that chicken, +floating around in a sea of potato and water! Don't be a silly! Let Norah +take it." + +"No, I won't," and a stubborn look came into the black eyes. But in the +meantime, Norah had attempted to remove the plate,--carefully, not to +spill the water. + +Azalea made a clutch at it, and succeeded in overturning the whole +thing,--and the food fell, partly in her lap and partly on the pretty +tablecloth. + +"Never mind," said Patty, gaily. "Leave it all to Norah,--she'll do a +conjuring trick." + +And sure enough, the deft waitress whisked the details of the accident +out of sight, spread a large fresh napkin at Azalea's place, set another +plate for her, and was passing her the platter of chicken almost before +she realised what was going on. + +"Well, I never!" she exclaimed; "that was _some_ stunt! Say, I'm sorry, +Cousin Patty,--but I'm a little kerflummixed,--and I may as well own up +to it." + +"Oh, don't be that!" Patty laughed, carelessly. "Forget the past and +enjoy a piece of hot chicken. It's real good,--isn't it?" + +"It's great! I never tasted anything like it!" Whereupon, Azalea took +in her fingers a wing and, with both elbows on the table, proceeded to +enjoy it in her own informal way. But both little fingers were carefully +extended at right angles to the others. She glanced at them now and then, +to make sure. + +Her equanimity restored by Patty's kindliness and tact, the girl lapsed +into what was, doubtless, her customary way of eating. She displayed +undue gusto, smacked her lips at the appearance of a dainty dish and when +the dessert proved to be ice cream, she rolled her eyes ceilingward, and +patted her chest in a very ecstasy of anticipation. + +It was too much for Farnsworth. He appreciated Patty's patience and +endurance, but he knew just how she felt. And it was _his_ cousin who was +acting like a wild Indian at their pretty home table! + +"Azalea," he said,--Norah had left the dining-room,--"who brought you up? +Your mother died some years ago. With whom have you lived since?" + +"Why,--oh,--only with Papa." + +"But Uncle Thorpe,--I remember him well,--was a simple soul, but he was a +quiet, well-behaved man. Why didn't he teach you to be more restrained in +your ways,--especially at table?" + +"Restrained? Oh, you mean I eat too much! Well, I have got a big +appetite, but to-night I guess I'm specially hungry. Or else your eats +are specially good! You don't mind how much I eat, do you, Cousin Patty?" + +"Of course she doesn't," Farnsworth went on, trying to look severe but +obliged to smile at Azalea's total unconsciousness of any wrong manners +on her part. "But she does care if you behave like a 'wild and woolly,' +although she's too polite to say so!" + +"Wild and woolly nothing! I've been awful careful to crook out my +finger,--and that's the very reason why I upset the tumbler!" + +"That's true," agreed Patty, "and so, Zaly, suppose you discontinue that +habit. It isn't done this year." + +"Honest? That so? I'd be mighty glad to quit it!" + +"Do, then," put in Bill. "And while we're on the subject, you won't mind +if I go into it a little more deeply,--will you?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Well, for one thing, they don't put elbows on the table this season as +much as formerly." + +"Pooh! I know that! I didn't mean to,--but I forgot. I guess I know how +to behave,--if I don't always do it!" + +"I'm glad you do, Zaly,--and, listen, dear, you're my relative, you know, +and I'm going to ask you to try to _use_ your knowledge,--for Patty is +too polite to mention such subjects!" + +"Oh, I don't mind! Pick on me all you like,--either of you. I suppose +there are some frills I'm not onto,--but I'm quick at catchin' on,--and +I'll get there, Eli!" + +Norah returned then, and the subject was not continued. Coffee was served +in the library and the small cups excited Azalea's scorn. + +"Skimpy, I call it!" she cried. "And where's the milk?" + +"You may have cream if you wish it, Azalea," said Patty, a little tired +of smiling. "Norah will bring some." + +"Oh, let me get it," and Azalea jumped up. "I remember, Patty, you told +me not to trouble the servants too much." + +"Sit down!" Farnsworth said, in a tone that made Azalea jump. "Wait for +Norah to bring it." + +"Oho! _you_ believe in making the lazy things work, don't you! What's the +use of hiring a dog, and doing your own barking? That's right!" + +Patty struggled with her annoyance, overcame it, and making a gesture to +Bill to keep quiet, she warded off his angry explanations, and took the +situation in her own hands. + +"Here's cream, Azalea," she said, as the maid reappeared, "many people +like it in after dinner coffee, and you're very welcome to it." + +"Licking good!" was the verdict, as Azalea stirred her coffee, and drank +the tiny cupful at one draught. "The sample's fine! I'll take a regular +sized cup, please." + +"For breakfast," smiled Patty. "That's all we serve at night. Are you +fond of music, Azalea?" + +"You bet! Why, we've got some records that are just bang-up!" + +"I remember Uncle Thorpe was quite a singer," said Bill; "do you sing, +too?" + +"Not so's you'd notice it! My voice is like--" + +But the description of Azalea's singing voice was interrupted by the +entrance of two young people. Betty Gale and her brother Raymond stepped +in at the open French window, and laughingly announced themselves as +daring intruders. + +"Very welcome ones," declared Patty, jumping up to greet them, and then +Farnsworth introduced Azalea. + +"You're the real purpose of our visit," said Betty, her charming little +face alight with gay welcome. "We adore our neighbours, and they simply +worship us,--so we're quite prepared to take any friends or relatives of +either of them into our hearts and homes." + +"My!" said Azalea, unable to think of any more fitting response, and +taking Betty's outstretched hand, with her own little finger carefully +extended. + +Betty Gale's eyes opened wide for a fraction of a second, then she as +quickly accepted the situation, and said, cordially, "I'm sure we shall +be friends. And you must like my scapegrace brother, too, if only for my +sake." + +"At first," supplemented Raymond, as he stepped toward Azalea, "but as +soon as you know me better, you'll love me for myself alone,--I feel sure +of that!" + +"My!" said Azalea again. Her bravado deserted her in the presence +of these two merry visitors. They seemed so at ease, so knowing, so +carelessly polite, that Azalea felt as if they were beings from some +other sphere. The Farnsworths, she knew, made allowance for her because +she was a guest in their household, but these people seemed to expect her +to be like themselves, and she suddenly realised she couldn't be as they +were. + +A strange contradictory streak in her nature often made her assume an +accomplishment she did not possess, and now, knowing she couldn't chat in +their lively fashion, she took refuge in an attitude of bold hilarity, +and talked loud and fast. + +"I'll love you, if you make love to me good and proper," she said, with a +burst of laughter. "But I've got a beau back home, who'll go for you, if +he knows it!" + +"Oh, we'll keep it secret," returned young Gale; "I'm awfully good at +keeping secrets of that sort! Trust me. And it shall be my earnest +endeavour to cut out said beau. Meet me halfway, won't you?" + +"Yes, indeed, and then some! I'm a great little old halfway meeter, you +bet!" + +"I'm sure of it!" Gale was laughing now. "Let's go out on the verandah +and talk it over." + +"Don't trust him too implicitly, Miss Thorpe," warned Betty; "my brother +is a first-grade scalawag,--and I want you to be forewarned!" + +"There, there, Sis, I'll do my own forewarning. Come along, Miss Thorpe, +we'll sit under the spreading wistaria tree." + +The two disappeared, and there was a moment's silence, and then Patty +said, + +"Our cousin is from Arizona, and it's hard for her, at first, to adapt +herself to our more formal ways. It must be great out there,--all wide +spaces, and big, limitless distances--" + +"God's country!" said Farnsworth, who always had a love for his Western +wilds. + +"Nix!" cried Betty, "I've been there, and it's just one cactus after +another!" + +"Well, cactuses are all right,--in their place," said Patty, smiling. +"They're as much verdure as maples or redwoods." + +"Quite different kind of verdure," said Betty. "Now, Patty, I want to do +something for your cousin,--right away, I mean, to help you launch her." + +"Oh, no, Betty; you're awfully kind, but--" + +"Yes, I shall, too. I'm your nearest neighbour, and it's my right. I +suppose you'll give her a luncheon or something, first, and then I'll +follow it with a tea, or a dance, or whatever you like. There'll be lots +of things for her later on, so I want to get my bid in first. How pretty +she is." + +"You're a darling, Betty," cried Patty, enthusiastically, touched by her +friend's kindness, "but,--well, there's no use mincing matters,--I'm not +sure Azalea is quite ready to be presented to society." + +"Oh, but your cousin--" + +"Indeed she isn't!" put in Farnsworth, "I want you to understand that +she's _my_ cousin,--not Patty's. And, also my wife's quite right,--Azalea +is not ready for social functions,--of any sort. You see, Betty, we can't +blink the facts,--she's of the West, western,--in the least attractive +sense. I'm fond of my home, and unashamed of my people, but all the same, +I'm not going to have Patty embarrassed by the ignorance and awkwardness +of an untutored guest. And so here's where I set my foot down. We accept +no invitations for Azalea until we think she is in trim to make a correct +appearance in society." + +"Oh, Cousin Bill, I overheard you and I think you're just horrid!" Azalea +came running back into the room, while Raymond Gale followed, evidently +in a dilemma how to act. + +"Cousin Patty would let me go, I know, and I _want_ to go to Miss Gale's +to a party! Just because I upset a glass of water at dinner, you're mad +at me! It isn't fair! I think you're real mean!" + +The girl went up to Farnsworth and almost scowled at him as she awaited +his response. + +But he looked at her steadily,--even sternly. + +"Of course it must be as Patty says," he told her, at last, "but I will +say, Azalea, that I'm surprised at you--" + +"Why should you be surprised at me? You invited me to come and see you. +If I'm not good enough to visit you, I'll go home again. You didn't ask +me any questions,--you just said come along,--and I came. I ain't a +swell,--like these friends of yours,--but I am your cousin, and you've +got no right to scorn me!" + +"That's so, Bill," Patty said, seriously; "and here's another thing. +Betty has met Azalea now,--she knows just what she is. If she still +cares to ask her to her house, I shall approve of her going. I want to do +all I can for our cousin, and there's no better way to teach people to +swim, than to throw them into the water!" + +"Bully for you, Cousin Patty!" Azalea cried, her eyes snapping at Bill. +"I'm not so bad as I might be, and I'll do just what you tell me." + +"I'm sure you will," agreed Betty, and Farnsworth looked at her +appreciatively, feeling a deep sense of gratitude at the way she was +helping Patty out. + +"It seems hard on you, Azalea," he went on, "to talk of you like +this,--as if you were not present,--but it is so. You need,--I'm not +going to hesitate to tell you,--you need a thorough training in matters +pertaining to polite society. Unless you are willing to accept our +teachings and do your best to profit by them,--I am going to send you +back home! For much as I want to be kind and helpful to my young +cousin,--I will not even try, if it makes my wife any trouble or +embarrassment." + +"Oh, pshaw, Little Billee,--leave Azalea to me,--I can manage her." + +"You can't, Patty, without her cooperation and willingness. Will you +promise those, Azalea?" + +"Sure I will! I'm a great little old promiser,--I am!" + +"And will you keep your promises?" + +"You bet! I don't want to go home when I've just got here! And if my +learning things is my meal ticket,--then I'm ready to learn." + +Farnsworth sighed. He had had, as yet, no chance to talk to Patty alone, +since their misfit visitor had arrived. He had been firmly resolved to +send her home again,--until now, that Patty and Betty seemed willing to +take her in hand. If they were, it would be a great injustice to the +Western girl not to give her the chance to learn refinement and culture +from those two who were so well fitted to teach her. + +And, anyway,--he continued to muse,--perhaps Azalea's worst faults were +superficial. If she could be persuaded to amend her style of talk and +her _gauche_ manners, perhaps she was of a true fine nature underneath. +His Uncle,--so-called,--and his Aunt Amanda, he remembered as kindly, +good-hearted people, of fair education, though lacking in elegance. + +"Oh, don't take it so seriously," cried the vivacious Betty, as she noted +Farnsworth's thoughtful face: "leave the little girl to us for a few +weeks,--and you will be surprised at the result! You'll do just as I tell +you,--won't you, Azalea?" + +"If you tell me the same as Cousin Patty," was the reply, and the strange +girl gave Patty a look of loyalty and admiration that won her heart. + +"That's right, Zaly, dear," Patty cried, "you're my girl, first, last and +all the time! And we'll both do as Betty says,--because she knows it all! +She knows lots more than I do." + +"Indeed I do!" and the saucy Betty laughed. "Well, then, I'll arrange for +a dance for Azalea very soon. Do you dance?" + +"I don't know," replied Azalea, "I never tried." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +MYSTERIOUS CALLERS + + +Big Bill Farnsworth came into the nursery, where Patty was playing with +the baby. It was the nurse's luncheon hour, and Patty always looked +after Fleurette then. + +"Take her, Daddy," Patty cried, holding up the soft, fragrant little +bundle of happy humanity, and Farnsworth grasped the child in his strong +careful way, and tossed her up high above his head. + +The baby laughter that followed proved Fleurette's delight in this +performance, and she mutely insisted on its repetition. + +"Azalea does that," said Patty, in a troubled tone, "she is strong and +very athletic, I know, but I can't bear to see anybody toss baby around +but you." + +"No; Azalea oughtn't to do it,--she is strong, but she isn't careful +enough. Don't allow it, Patty." + +"I do forbid it, but she comes in here when I don't know it,--or she +picks baby out of her carriage, Winnie says, and tosses her clear up and +catches her again." + +"I'll speak to her about it; why, she'll drop the child some day! She +must not do it!" + +"I wish you would speak to her," Patty sighed. "Azalea is really a +trial. I don't know what to do with her. Sometimes she is so sweet and +docile that I think I'm teaching her to be a civilised person, and then +she flies off at a tangent and she's as unruly and intractable as she +was at first." + +"How long has she been here now?" + +"Nearly a month. I've tried and Betty has tried,--and, yes, Azalea has +tried herself,--but we can't seem to--" + +"Camouflage her!" + +"That's just it! I want her to look like the background she's against +here,--and she doesn't!" + +"I should say not! Last night at dinner she threw herself back in her +chair and yawned openly--" + +"Openly! It was all of that! I saw her,--across the table through the +flowers. And, Billee,--she's queer--that's what she is,--queer!" + +"Have you noticed that, too? Yes, she _is_ queer,--here take this +Little Flower. She's nearly asleep." + +"So she is,--give her to me,--there, there, mudder's pressus,--petty +poppity,--yes, she's queer!" + +"Who? Fleurette?" + +"You know very well I don't mean Fleurette! I mean that Pride of the +West,--that stranger within our gates,--that thorn in the flesh,--that +awful Azalea!" + +"Meaning me?" and Azalea herself popped her head in at the nursery door. + +"Yes," replied Farnsworth, imperturbably, "meaning you. Come in, Azalea, +I want to speak to you. When have you heard from your father?" + +"Let me see--about a week ago, I think." + +"Will you show me the letter?" + +"Why, how inquisitive you are! What do you want to see it for?" + +"I'd like to read it. I suppose it isn't distinctly a private letter." + +"N-no, of course not. But, the truth is,--I haven't got it." + +"What did you do with it?" + +"I--I tore it up." + +"Was it unpleasant?" + +"No, but as I had answered it,--I didn't need to keep it." + +"What was in it? Tell me,--in a general way." + +"Oh,--it said--he hoped I was well,--and he--he hoped you were +well,--and--" + +"And he hoped Patty was well! and he hoped the baby was well,--yes,--and +after those polite hopes, what else did he say?" + +"Why,--why, I don't know,--I guess that was about all." + +"Oh, it was! Why didn't he tell you something about himself? What he was +doing,--or going to do?" + +"I don't know. Papa isn't very much of a letter writer." + +"Well, he used to be! It was his special forte. I've had letters from +him a dozen pages long. I don't believe he's outgrown his bent of letter +writing. Now, listen, to this, Azalea, the next letter you get from him, +I want you to show it to me, see? If there's anything in it you don't +want me to know about, cut that out,--but show me at least the beginning +and the ending,--and a part of a page. You hear me?" + +"Of course I hear you,--not being deaf! And I'll show you the +letter,--if I think of it." + +"You'll think of it,--I'll see to that, myself. You ought to get one +soon, oughtn't you?" + +"No,--I haven't answered his last one yet." + +"Why, you just said you had!" + +"Oh, I meant the one before the last--" + +"You meant nothing of the sort. And, mind you, Azalea, this is a direct +command,--you _must_ show me his next letter." + +"I won't take commands! How dare you? You have no right to order me +about so. I hate you!" + +"Don't talk so, Zaly," Patty said, gently. "Cousin Bill isn't asking +anything out of the way. There's no reason you shouldn't show him your +father's letter,--in part, at least,--is there now?" + +"N--no,--but I don't want to." + +"Of course you don't," put in Bill, "and for a very good reason!" + +"What reason?" cried Azalea, her black eyes flashing. + +"You know as well as I do." + +"I don't!" + +"Very well, say no more about it now,--only remember I want to see the +next one." + +Azalea flounced out of the room, very angry, and muttering beneath her +breath. + +"What in the world, Little Billee, are you getting at?" asked Patty, as +she cuddled Fleurette into her shoulder. + +"There's something queer, Patty, something very queer about that girl!" + +"You've oft repeated that assertion, Sweet William,--just what do you +mean by it?" + +"What I say, Faire Ladye! There's something rotten in the state of +Denmark,--there is that!" + +"But why are you so anxious to see her father's letters?" + +"They're part of the queer element. Have you ever seen her get one,--or +read one from him?" + +"Not that I definitely remember; but she may easily have read them right +before me, and I not have known it." + +"But wouldn't she be likely to read a word or two,--or deliver some +polite message he might send?" + +"I should think so,--but she never has." + +"That's the queerness." + +"Oh, do tell me, dear, what you're getting at! Do you think Mr. Thorpe +is dead,--and she never told us? There'd be no sense in that!" + +"Not a bit! It's something queerer than that." + +"Do you think he's married again?" + +"Queerer than that." + +"Will-yum Farnsworth, if you don't tell your own wife what you mean, +I'll never speak to you again! There!" + +"At risk of that awful condition of things, I won't tell you just yet. +But you do this. Here's something you can do toward solving the +mystery,--and I can't. Find out for sure,--don't ask her, but see for +yourself,--if Azalea gets a letter from Horner's Corners addressed in a +big, bold Spencerian hand. I remember Uncle Thorpe's handwriting +perfectly, and it's unmistakable. I've not seen it since Azalea came." + +"Goodness, do you call it a mystery?" + +"I do, indeed. You'll find out it's a pretty startling mystery, or I +miss my guess." + +"Well, Azalea is a handful, I admit, but I think she's good at heart, +and she is devoted to my booful little Fleury-floppet! My own +Dolly-winkums,--who looks prezackly like her Daddy-winkums!" + +"Patty, you'll go to the lunatic asylum some day, if you let yourself +talk such gibberish!" + +"Listen to him, Baby mine, my flubsy-dubsy,--my pinky-poppy-petal, +listen to your dreadful Dads! Isn't he the--" + +"The what?" and Farnsworth strode across the room and took his wife and +child both into his big bear-like embrace. + +"The dearest, sweetest man in the world!" Patty said, laughing but +nearly smothered in his arms. + +"All right, you're excused," and he let them go. + +Nurse Winnie came then and took Fleurette, and the two elder Farnsworths +went downstairs together. + +They heard voices on the wistaria porch, and soon saw that Azalea was +entertaining two guests. + +They were strangers, and not very attractive looking people. + +"Shall we step out there?" Farnsworth asked. + +"No," decreed Patty; "let her alone. It's probably those people she +picked up on the train coming here. She has spoken of them to me. Don't +let's go out, or we may have to invite them to stay to dinner,--and +judging from this long distance view of them, I don't care specially to +do so." + +"No. I don't either; the man looks like a drummer and the woman like +a--" + +"A chorus girl!" said Patty, after one more peep at the stranger. + +Leaving Azalea to entertain her friends without interruption they went +out on a porch on the other side of the house. And soon Raymond Gale +sauntered over from his home next door and joined them there. + +"Some strong-arm, your Azalea guest," he said, in the course of +conversation. + +"Yes," agreed Patty, a little shortly. + +"She was over in our gym, this afternoon, and she put up as fine an +exhibition of stunts as I've seen in a long time." + +"What sort of stunts?" asked Bill. + +"All sorts, from lariat or lasso work to handsprings and ground and +lofty tumbling. That girl's been trained, I tell you!" + +"Trained in a school?" + +"No: her work is more as if self-taught,--or coached by a cowboy. She +hails from Arizona, doesn't she?" + +"Yes. Here she is now; I hear you're an athlete, Zaly." + +"Only so-so," the girl replied, half-absently. + +"Have your friends gone?" asked Patty. + +"Yes." + +"I recognised them," began young Gale: "they were--" + +Azalea turned to him quickly. "Don't you say who they were!" she cried, +emphatically. "I don't want you to! Don't you dare mention their names! +It's a secret!" + +"Oh, all right, I won't. Don't take my head off!" Ray Gale laughed +carelessly, and pretended to be afraid of the excited girl. + +"Why, why, Zaly," said Patty, "who can your friends be that you won't +tell their names? I'm surprised!" + +"Their names are--are Mr. and Mrs. Brown," said Azalea, with a defiant +look at Raymond, who merely opened his eyes wide and said nothing. + +It was quite evident that Brown was _not_ the name of the people who had +called on Azalea, and Patty could not imagine what reason there could be +for the girl to tell such a falsehood. + +"Is that the right name, Gale?" asked Bill, briefly. + +But Raymond Gale only shook his head. + +"Miss Thorpe says so," he replied, "surely she ought to know." + +The subject was dropped and not resumed until after Gale had gone home. + +Then Farnsworth asked Azalea who her friends were who had called. + +"I told you they were Mr. and Mrs. Brown," she said, glibly. "I met them +on the train coming from the West, and we got quite well acquainted." + +"But their name is _not_ Brown," Bill said, quietly, "tell me what it +is,--or, tell me _why_ you don't want to divulge it." + +"It _is_ Brown," persisted Azalea, but the way she spoke and the way her +eyes fell before Farnsworth's steady gaze, belied her words. + +"I'm sorry, but I can't believe you," he said. + +"I can't help that," she returned, pertly, and ran away to her own room. + +"What's she up to now?" said Patty. + +"Part of the queerness," Bill vouchsafed, and said no more about it. + + * * * * * + +The next day, Azalea went to her room directly after breakfast, and, +locking the door, remained there all the morning. + +At luncheon she was quiet, and absent-minded, and as soon as the meal +was over she went back to her room. + +It was nearly five o'clock, when Patty, puzzled at such actions, tapped +at Azalea's door. + +"What's the matter, dear?" she called, through the closed door, as there +was no response to her knock. + +"Nothing; let me alone!" came Azalea's impatient voice. + +"Are you ill? Don't you feel well?" + +"Let me alone. I'm all right." The tone was ungracious, and there was no +mistaking the import of her speech, so Patty went away. + +At dinner time Azalea appeared. She wore the same frock she had worn all +day, and Patty looked at her in amazement. Apparently she had been +working hard at something. Her hair was rumpled, her collar awry, and +her whole appearance untidy and unpresentable. + +"Have you been busy?" Patty said; "couldn't you get time to dress?" + +"Forgot it!" muttered Azalea. "Sorry. Shall I go back and dress?" + +Patty hesitated. It would, of course, delay dinner, which was already +announced,--and, too, in Azalea's present state of pre-occupation, she +might fall to work again, and not come to dinner at all. + +So Patty said, "No, come as you are," and she gave Azalea's hair a +touch, and pulled her collar straight. + +Farnsworth watched the "queer" girl all through dinner. Azalea had +improved somewhat in manners, though her notions of table etiquette +still left much to be desired. + +To-night she was unlike herself. She answered in monosyllables when +spoken to, and paid no attention to the conversation of the others. + +"I expect my friend Elise Farrington to-morrow," said Patty; "I'm sure +you'll like her, Azalea." + +"Will she like me?" said the girl, indifferently. + +"If she doesn't, it will be your own fault," and Patty took advantage of +the opportunity for a word of warning. "Elise is a person of strong +likes and dislikes. If you try to be real nice and courteous she will +certainly like you, and if you're rude and blunt, I don't believe she +will. Do you care, Azalea, whether she does or not?" + +"No," said Azalea, calmly, and Patty gave a sigh of despair. What was +the use of trying to help a girl who acted like that? + +Farnsworth, too, shook his head, and glanced at Patty with a +sympathetic smile, and then they talked together to the entire exclusion +of Azalea, who was so wrapped in her own thoughts that she didn't even +notice them. + +Not waiting for coffee, when the others went to the library, Azalea, +with the briefest "good-night," went up to her room, and again locked +her door. + +"What does ail her?" exclaimed Patty, as she and her husband sipped +their coffee. + +"I don't know,--but I'm going to find out. Any letter from her father +to-day?" + +"No; I looked over her mail. Oh, it does seem awful, to look +inquisitively at another's letters!" + +"It's necessary, dear, in this case. There's a big mystery about Azalea +Thorpe, and we must solve it, or there'll be trouble!" + +"I wish you'd tell me all about it." + +"I will, soon. Trust me, darling, I'd rather not say what I suspect, +until I've a little more reason for my suspicion. It's _too_ incredible! +And yet,--it _must_ be so!" + +"All right, my True Love. I can wait. Now, listen, and I'll tell you of +the marvellous achievement of your daughter to-day!" + +And Farnsworth listened with all his heart to the amazing tale of +Fleurette's intelligent observation of a red balloon. + +The next day Elise came. + +"Here I am!" she cried, as she stepped from the motor, and flew into +Patty's embrace. "Where's your eccentric cousin I've heard about? But +first, where's my godchild? I've brought her the loveliest presents! Let +me at her!" + +"All right," said Patty, laughing at her impatience, "come right along +to the nursery before you take your hat off." + +The two went to the nursery, and Patty softly opened the door. But the +room was empty. + +"That's funny," Patty said, "Winnie always has baby here at this hour. +She takes her morning nap about now. Where can they be?" + +The bassinette was disordered, as if the child had been taken from it, +and Patty looked at it in amazement. She ran around to several adjoining +rooms, and returned, with a frightened face. + +"Elise, there's no sign of Baby or Winnie anywhere! What does it mean?" + +"Goodness! _I_ don't know! Did the nurse go down to see her beau,--and +take the baby with her?" + +Just then Nurse Winnie appeared: "Here's the food, Mrs. Farnsworth," +she said, showing a bowl of steaming white liquid. "It's all ready." + +"What food?" said Patty, mystified. + +"Miss Thorpe came here fifteen minutes ago, and said you ordered me to a +make a bowl of prepared food,--that Fleurette was not getting enough +nourishment." + +"Why, I did nothing of the sort! Where is Miss Thorpe? And where is the +baby?" + +"I don't know," and Winnie looked as if she thought Patty was crazy. +"Don't you know, ma'am?" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +MISSING! + + +Elise gave one glance at Patty's white, scared face and one glance +At Nurse Winnie's red, frightened face, and then she herself began +To scream. + +"Stop that, Elise!" Patty cried, "it's bad enough to have my baby +kidnapped, without your yelling like a Comanche! Hush, I tell you!" + +But Elise wouldn't, or couldn't hush. The word "kidnapped" upset any +composure she may have had left, and she burst into hysterical sobbing. + +"Of course," she said brokenly, between sobs, "she's kidnapped! You and +Bill are so--so wealthy and grand--she's just the child the kidnappers +would pick out for ransom--and--" + +"Don't--don't, Elise," begged Patty, her voice shaking; "I don't believe +she's kidnapped at all. It's far more likely Azalea took her out for a +ride or something. She's crazy over the baby and she always wants to +have her to herself, but, she says, Winnie won't let her." + +"And indeed not!" spoke up the nurse. "Miss Thorpe,--she tosses the +child about in a way that'd fair curdle your blood! That she does!" + +"That's true," said Patty. "You see, Bill pitches baby around just as he +likes, and so Azalea thinks she may do the same." + +"Then she did do that,--and she dropped her,--and maybe killed her!" + +Elise voiced her new theory with a fresh burst of grief, and the idea +struck a chill to Patty's heart. She took no stock in the kidnapping +theory, for Winnie had left the child with Azalea, who would have fought +off a horde of marauders before she let them carry off the little one. +No, whatever had happened was doubtless Azalea's doing. But Elise's +notion of an accident to Fleurette might come somewhere near the truth. + +"Of course that's it," Elise went on, excitedly. "The idea of a girl +throwing a baby about! What did she do, Winnie? I mean did she let go +of her?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am! She often would throw Fleurette clear up in the air +and catch her as she came down." + +"She _is_ athletic," conceded Patty. "Over at the Gales' gymnasium she +does all sorts of stunts. But I don't want her doing them with my baby!" +she broke down, and cried piteously. + +"Sometimes," vouchsafed Winnie, "Miss Azalea would toss the baby into +the bassinette, instead of laying her down. She always pitched her +straight in,--and baby liked it! You see, Miss Thorpe was very gentle +with the child, and never missed her aim. But I was fair frightened to +watch her." + +"You ought not to have allowed it, Winnie," Patty said, severely. "Why +didn't you tell me, if you couldn't make Miss Thorpe stop it?" + +"Miss Thorpe told me you wanted her to do it, ma'am. She said it +was good exercise for the child, and,--you know her father does +it,--and,--begging your pardon,--Miss Thorpe is even more skilful +than Mr. Farnsworth." + +"Well,--it's his baby!" defended Patty. "Oh, Winnie, suppose an accident +did happen,--and Miss Thorpe hurt Fleurette in some dreadful way,--and--" + +"And ran away, in sheer fright!" suggested Elise. + +"No: she'd be more likely to run to the doctor's. Our doctor lives near +here. I'm going to telephone him--I'm 'most sure Azalea would do that." + +Doctor Marsh was not in, but his office boy said he had not had any call +from Azalea by telephone or in person. + +Patty was quite calm now. Her efficient self had risen to the emergency +and she was quickly considering what was best to do. + +"I'm going to telephone Bill," she said, as if thinking aloud,--"but +first, I'm going to call up the Gales, and see if Zaly could have taken +Fleurette over there. You know Azalea is utterly lawless,--it's +impossible to imagine what she will do. Oh, Elise, you've no idea what +we go through with that girl! She is a terror! And yet,--well, there is +something about her I can't help liking. For one thing, she's so fond of +Fleurette. If she has hurt her,--well, Azalea would just about kill +herself!" + +A telephone call to the Gales' produced no information as to the +whereabouts of Azalea or the baby. Betty replied that she hadn't seen +any one from Wistaria Porch that day, and was thinking of coming over to +call. + +"Don't come just now," said Patty, half-absently, and then she hung up +the receiver without further words. + +"Well, I think I'll have to call up Bill," she said, at last. "You see, +he's fearfully busy today, with a specially important matter, and he +probably won't be in his own office, anyway. And I hate to intrude on +a directors' meeting,--that is, if there's no necessity. And yet,--it +seems as if I must!" + +"Oh, do," cried Elise; "you really must, Patty! Why, Bill would reproach +you if you didn't." + +So Patty called Farnsworth's office. Bill's business consisted of varied +interests. He was a consulting engineer, he was a mining expert, and he +was still connected with government work. So, frequently, he could not +be found in his office, though he usually left word where Patty could +get in touch with him. + +But in this instance it was not so. The confidential secretary gave +Patty the address Farnsworth had left with him, but when she called that +he had already gone from there. + +With long-suffering patience, Patty called number after number, hoping +to find Farnsworth at some of the likely places she could think of. + +But number after number brought no results,--and Patty turned from the +telephone in despair. + +"Well, Elise," she said, forlornly, "you might as well go to your room, +and get your hat off. Come on, I'll go with you,--and I may think of +something else to do about Baby. For the present I seem to be at my +wits' end." + +Of course, in the meantime the nurse and the other servants had searched +the house and grounds,--but there was really no chance of finding +Fleurette that way. + +It was all too certain that Azalea had taken her away somewhere. And it +might be all right,--it might be that Azalea had merely taken the child +out for a walk. She had been known to do this,--but never before without +Patty's sanction. Of late, though, Patty had objected to it because she +feared that Azalea might not return quickly enough. Twice she had been +gone for two or three hours, and though the baby seemed all right, Patty +didn't approve of the performance. + +"That's it," she summed up, after telling Elise of this; "you see, I +haven't approved of such long absences and so Zaly just walked off. Of +course, she sent Winnie down for the food, in order to get a chance to +put on Baby's things, and depart unseen." + +"But she told the nurse _you_ ordered the food prepared." + +"Yes. I may as well own up, Elise, that Azalea is not strictly +truthful." + +"Why do you have her around? I think she's horrid!" + +"Well, you see, _I_ got her here. To be sure, she is Little Billee's +cousin,--that is, second or third cousin,--once or twice removed--" + +"I wish she was removed from here,--once, twice and all the time!" +declared Elise. "Bill had no business to inflict her on you!" + +"He didn't. He fairly begged me not to invite her here. But I insisted +on it. You see, we neither of us had any idea of what she was like. Bill +hadn't seen her since she was a baby, and she was different then!" + +"I s'pose so! Well, having found out how 'different' she is now, why +don't you send her home?" + +"Oh, I can't. And, to tell you the truth, Elise, I want to help the +girl. She's ignorant and inexperienced, but she has a sort of native +quickness and wit, and I feel sure if I could teach her for a while, +she could learn to be one of us,--and in time become a fine woman." + +"Oh, you philanthropist! And meantime she has run off with your baby!" + +"The baby carriage is gone, Mrs. Farnsworth," said Winnie, appearing +suddenly. "So I expect Miss Thorpe took baby in that." + +"Yes, probably," said Patty, despairingly. "Oh, Elise, this suspense is +driving me crazy! If I knew that Zaly had her,--and if I knew nothing +had happened, I'd feel _so_ relieved. But suppose she did break +Fleurette's little arm or leg--" + +"Or back!" put in Elise; "you must _not_ let her pitch the baby around! +It's criminal!" + +"But you don't know how deft she is. Why, she's almost a contortionist +herself. She can turn handsprings and--" + +"I don't care if she's the greatest acrobat the world ever saw! There's +_always_ chance of an accident! And with a baby, you _never_ know. +Suppose Fleurette squirmed out of her grasp, just as she--" + +"Oh, hush! Elise, you drive me distracted! It _can't_ be anything like +that!" + +"Yes, it can! I hope it isn't, but do let this be a lesson to you, +Patty! Don't ever allow that girl to see the baby again,--much less +touch her! I think you and Bill must have taken leave of your senses to +give her such freedom! Why, you don't deserve to have that heavenly +baby!" + +"That's so, Elise, I don't!" and Patty broke into a flood of tears. "My +little flower! My precious own baby! How could I ever let Azalea touch +her? But, Elise, Zaly loves her as much as we do." + +"That may be,--and of course, she wouldn't harm the child wilfully. But, +as I said, accidents will happen,--and if it's Bill's fault, why,--of +course, it's his own child,--and that's different. But Azalea has no +business to take chances with other people's children." + +"I know it, and if she only brings her back this time in safety,--I'll +never let her see Fleurette alone again!" + +All that afternoon Patty suffered agonies of suspense. Now she would cry +uncontrollably,--and again, she would sit, still and dry-eyed, waiting +for some sound of Azalea's arrival. + +But no rolling wheels of the baby coach greeted her ears, nor any little +crowing notes of glee from her baby's lips. + +Several times she tried again to reach Farnsworth by telephone,--but +always unsuccessfully. + +At last the long hours wore away, and Farnsworth came home. + +Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace. + +"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today? +I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have +flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know. Then, Rollins +told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what +it's all about." + +His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed +easier to bear, with his help near. + +"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette." + +"Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the +kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see +you! When did you arrive? This morning?" + +"No; this afternoon. But, Bill, this matter is serious. Azalea took the +baby away, on the sly." + +"That's like her! Azalea has sly ways. And more than that,--she has +queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,--very +wrong,--about the girl. Did she get a letter to-day?" + +"No; not this morning. I forgot to look this afternoon." + +"What do you mean?" asked Elise, her curiosity aroused. "Do you keep tab +on her letters, Patty?" + +"Yes; I'm ordered to by my lord and master. He thinks--" + +"Never mind, dear, drop the subject now. I've a good reason, Elise, for +watching the letters,--not mere idle curiosity. Now, Patty, for details. +What do you mean by taking the baby on the sly!" + +So Patty told him how Azalea had ordered the baby's food prepared, +saying Patty has asked her to do so. + +"H'm, h'm,--looks bad. But don't worry, little mother, I'm sure nothing +has happened to our Little Flower,--I mean nothing of an accidental +nature. Azalea is exceedingly fond of the baby, and I can easily imagine +her wanting to take her for a ride this beautiful afternoon. It's +perfectly wonderful out! There's a soft breeze and the air is +delightful--" + +"But why didn't she ask me?" cried Patty. + +"Afraid you'd say no!" and Farnsworth smiled. "You know, you've not been +overly gracious of late about Azalea taking baby out." + +"I know it, but I had my own reasons." + +"And quite right you should have. But, don't worry, I'm sure the two +wanderers will turn up all right." + +Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when +Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said, + +"No-sir-ee! Zaly is a terror, and a trial in lots of ways, but if she +had let that child fall, she would have called Patty and Winnie and the +whole household for help, and would have run for the doctor herself! She +never would have run away! Not Azalea! She's no coward,--whatever other +unpleasant traits she may possess." + +"That's so," agreed Patty; "and she truly loves the baby. No, Elise, +nothing like that happened,--I'm sure. I see it as Bill does, now. It +_is_ a heavenly day,--and Zaly felt pretty sure I wouldn't let her take +Baby out by herself, without the nurse,--and she does love to do +that,--and so she sneaked off, and made up that yarn about the food in +order to get Fleurette's hat and coat on! Oh, she's a manoeuvrer!" + +"Well, I'm glad you both feel that way about it," said Elise; "of course +you know the girl better than I do,--as I've never even seen her! but if +she's such a strong-arm, I think I'm rather afraid of her!" + +"Oh, I imagine you can hold your own against her!" laughed Patty, happy +now, since Bill's reassurance of her darling's safety. "All the same, I +wish Zaly would come home! It's after six! Come on, Elise, let's dress +for dinner, and then that will be done." + +They went to their rooms, and soon Patty was all dressed and had +returned to her post of vantage on the wistaria porch, to look for the +return of the lost ones. And at last, through the gathering dusk, she +saw a baby carriage being propelled along the roadway. + +"Here we are!" cried a voice, which Azalea tried hard to make casual, +but which showed in its quality a trace of apprehension. + +"Oh!" Patty cried, and without another word flew down the steps, and +fairly grabbed her baby. + +The child was asleep, but Patty lifted her from the pillows and gazed +into the little face. Apparently there was nothing wrong, but the +golden head cuddled down on Patty's shoulder and the baby slept on. + +"She's tired," vouchsafed Azalea, "but she's all right." + +"Where have you been?" asked Farnsworth sternly, as he came out of the +front door. + +"Just for a walk," said Azalea, trying to speak pertly, but quailing +before the accusing blue eyes fixed upon her. + +Patty said no word to the girl, but holding Fleurette close, went at +once to the nursery with her. + +"She's all right, Winnie, isn't she?" the mother asked, anxiously. + +"Yes, ma'am,--I think so,--but she's a little too droopy for mere +sleepiness." + +"Droopy! what do you mean?" + +"It may be nothing,--Mrs. Farnsworth,--it may be only that she's tired +out and very sleepy,--but she acts a mite as if she'd been--" + +"Been what? Speak out, Winnie! What do you mean?" + +"Well,--she acts to me like a baby that's had something soothing--some +drops, you know." + +"Something to make her sleep?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Oh, nonsense! Miss Thorpe couldn't give her anything like that! And why +would she? Don't you make any mistake, Winnie, Miss Thorpe adores this +baby!" + +"I know it, she does, Mrs. Farnsworth, but all the same,--look at those +eyes, now." + +Patty looked, but it seemed to her that the blue eyes drooped from +natural weariness, and assuring herself that no bones were broken or +out of place, she drew a long sigh of relief and told Winnie to put +Fleurette to bed as usual. + +The nurse shook her head sagely, but said no more of her fears. + +Patty returned to the porch where Farnsworth was still talking to +Azalea. Apparently he had scolded her sharply, for she was crying, and +that with Azalea Thorpe was a most unusual performance. She usually +resented reproof and talked back in no mild-mannered way. But now she +was subdued and even frightened of demeanour, and Patty knew that Bill +had done all that was necessary and further reproaches from her were not +needed. + +"And another thing," Farnsworth was saying, "I want to know why you have +had no letters from your father since I asked to see one,--that was two +or three weeks ago!" + +"I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning." + +"Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and +returned with the letter. + +There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and +read: + + +MY DEAR CHILD: + +I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a +nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are +staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome +without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and +get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and +his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine +child. I am well, and I hope you are, too. With much affection, from +your loving + +FATHER. + + +"Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face +to Azalea. + +"I tore it up." + +"Why?" + +"I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one." + +"Address typewritten?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +VANITY FAIR + + +The Farnsworths made no difference in their treatment of Azalea, after +her escapade. Bill had scolded her severely for taking the baby away +without leave, and sternly forbidden her ever to do so again, and the +girl had promised she would not. + +Patty had said nothing to her on the subject, feeling that she could +best keep Azalea's friendliness by ignoring the matter, and she was +trying very hard to teach the girl the amenities of social life. + +And Azalea was improving. She behaved much better at table and in the +presence of guests. Patty rejoiced at the improvement and, as she took +strict care that Azalea should have no opportunity to see Fleurette +alone, she feared no repetition of those anxious hours when the baby was +missing. + +Elise rather liked the Western girl. They became good friends and went +for long strolls together. Elise was a good walker, and Azalea was +tireless. + +One day they had gone a long distance from home, when suddenly Azalea +said, "I wish you'd stay here a few minutes, Elise, and wait for me." + +"Why, where are you going?" asked the other, in astonishment. + +"Never mind, it's a little secret,--for the present. You just sit here +on the grass and wait,--there's a duck. Here's a book you can read." + +Azalea offered Elise a small volume--it was a new humorous publication, +and one Elise had expressed a desire to read. She took it, saying, "All +right, Zaly, go ahead, but don't be too long." + +Azalea left her, and Elise soon became absorbed in the book. + +It was a full half hour before Azalea returned. + +"Where _have_ you been?" asked Elise, looking up, and then glancing at +her watch. "It's half-past four!" + +"I know it. That's not late. Come on, let's go home." + +Azalea was smiling and in an excited mood, but she looked +tired,--almost exhausted, as well. She was flushed, and her hair was +rumpled, and her breath came quickly, as if she had been through some +violent exercise. + +"What _have_ you been up to, Zaly?" Elise asked, curiously. "You look +all done up!" + +"I went for a walk by myself. Sometimes I have moods--" + +"Fiddlesticks! Don't try to make me think you had a longing for +self-communion or any foolishness of that sort! I know you, Azalea +Thorpe! You went off to meet somebody--" + +"I did not! How you talk, Elise Farrington!" + +"Yes, you did! Somebody that you don't want Patty and Bill to know +about. Oh, you don't fool me! I'm not a blind bat!" + +"Well, you're way off! How could I possibly know anybody they don't +know?" + +"You do, though. You had some people come to see you, and the +Farnsworths didn't meet them at all." + +"How do you know?" + +"Patty told me." + +"Tattle-tale! It's none of her business if I did!" + +"Now, look here! I won't stand for such talk about Patty! You stop it! +She's not only your hostess but she's the best friend you ever had or +ever will have! She's making you over,--and goodness knows you needed +it!" + +"And that's none of _your_ business! I'm as good as you are,--this +minute!" + +"I didn't say you weren't! It isn't a question of goodness. You may +be a saint on earth compared to me, but you don't know how to behave +in decent society,--or didn't, till Patty took you in hand." + +"She invited me to visit her! I didn't ask her to have me!" + +"Yes, because she wanted to be kind to her husband's people, and you +seemed to be the only one available." + +"Well, I was. And as I'm Cousin William's only relative, I have a right +to visit him as long as I please." + +"I don't deny that, Azalea," and Elise couldn't help laughing at the +defiant air of the speaker. "I'm not disputing your right to be here. +But I do deny your right to say anything whatever against Patty, who is +trying her best to do all she can for your pleasure and for your good." + +"That's so," and Azalea's manner suddenly changed. "Patty is a dear, +and I love her. And that baby! Oh!" + +"How crazy you are over that child," Elise exclaimed. "She _is_ a dear +baby, but I don't see why you idolise her so." + +"Oh, I love babies, and Fleurette is so sweet and soft and cuddly! I +love to have her all to myself,--but Patty won't let me." + +"I don't wonder! Where did you go with her that day, Azalea?" + +"Nowhere in particular. Just for a walk in the country. I mean I walked. +Baby rode in her coach." + +"But you went somewhere. Nurse Winnie insists you gave the child some +soothing syrup,--or whatever they call it." + +"What! I did nothing of the sort! Why, Elise, I wouldn't do such a +thing! I love that kiddy! I wouldn't give her a morsel to eat or drink. +I know how careful Nurse and Patty are about that! You must be crazy to +think I'd give Baby anything!" + +Azalea's honesty was unmistakable, Elise couldn't doubt she was speaking +the truth. She began to think Nurse Winnie had imagined the soothing +syrup. + +The two girls went home, and Elise said no word to any one of Azalea's +strange disappearance for a time. + +They found Patty in a state of great excitement and interest over a new +project. + +Betty Gale was there and the two heads were together over a list they +were making and they were chattering like a couple of magpies. + +"Oh, Elise," Patty cried out, "we're getting up the grandest thing! It's +going to be here,--for the benefit of the Summer Fund, and it's going to +be Vanity Fair!" + +"What? What does that mean?" + +"Just what it says! It's a big bazaar,--of course,--and we're going +to call it Vanity Fair and sell only gay, dainty, dinky little +contraptions, and have all sorts of pretty booths and fancy dances and +flower stands, and--oh, everything that Vanity Fair suggests." + +"Fine!" approved Elise. "Great name! Who thought of it? You, Betty? I'm +for it,--heart and soul! How about you, Azalea?" + +The Western girl stood silent. This was the sort of thing that was +outside her ken. Though she had been at Wistaria Porch for some weeks +now, and had become fairly conversant with the ways of Patty and her +friends, this kind of a gay project was to her an unknown field. + +"It must be beautiful,--to know about things like that,"--she said, at +last, so wistfully, that Patty put out a hand and drew Azalea to her +side. + +It was this sort of a speech that made Patty feel that she was making +headway in her efforts to improve the girl, and she rejoiced to have her +show a desire to join in the new project. + +"You can help us lots, I'm sure, Zaly," she said, kindly, "and you'll +have a chance to learn about it all. There's heaps of fun in a Fair, +especially when it's all novel to you. It's an old story to us, but _I_ +always love anything of the sort. We'll have it here, you see, and it +will be a lawn _fete_ and a house party and a general hullabaloo!" + +"We're making out the committees," said Betty, "and, you'll be here, +won't you, Elise?" + +"Well, I just guess! You can't lose _me_! I shall be back and forth, +of course, but I'll do my share of the work, and exact my share of the +fun." + +"Fine!" said Betty, a bit absently, as she was deeply absorbed in her +list of names. + +"Of course," Patty went on, partly to the others and partly as if merely +thinking aloud for her own benefit, "there will be all the regulation +things,--lemonade well, fortune-telling, society circus and everything, +but the idea is to have every one of them just a little bit different +from what it has always been before, and have it in harmony with the +idea of Vanity Fair." + +"The book?" asked Elise. + +"No, not Thackeray. I mean, just the idea of the gay atmosphere,--the +light, giddy side of life. For instance, let's have a Vanity booth and +sell all sorts of aids to beauty--" + +"Powder and paint!" exclaimed Azalea, in surprise. + +"Well, I meant more like lacy caps and stunning negligees. And yes, of +course, vanity cases and powder-puff bags and mirrors and perfumes,--oh, +all sorts of foolishnesses that are pretty." + +"I know," said Elise, nodding her head. "And we'll have an artificial +flower booth,--that's right in line. And people love to buy 'em,--I do." + +"And laces," said Patty; "and embroidered boudoir pillows, and oh,--and +baby things! Why Fleurette's nursery wardrobe looks like a Vanity Fair +itself!" + +"Hold on," cried Betty, laughing, "don't go too far. Not everybody is +interested in baby togs!" + +"I s'pose not," said Patty, smiling. "All right, cut out the Baby +booth." + +"No," spoke up Azalea, "let's have it. Everybody knows a baby to give +presents to. And the little caps and things are so pretty." + +"Good for you, Zaly," cried Patty; "we'll have it, and you and I will +run it, and Fleurette shall be the presiding genius, and sit enthroned +among the fairy wares! Oh, it will be lovely!" + +"Yes, do have it," agreed Betty. "It will be a screaming success with +Fleurette in it!" + +"And if you want such things," Azalea went on, losing her diffidence, +"I can get a lot of Indian things from home,--baskets,--you know,--and +leather, and beaded things." + +"Fine, Zaly!" and Elise smiled at her. "We do want those,--real +ones,--they always sell." + +They went on planning, all working in harmony, and each full of +suggestions, which the others approved or criticised, in frank, friendly +fashion. + +Then Janet appeared to call Azalea to the telephone, and the girl looked +up, surprised. She blushed scarlet, and hurried from the room. + +"Who could have called her?" said Elise; "she doesn't know any one you +don't know,--does she, Patty?" + +"No; but she knows lots of our friends. Somebody is probably asking her +to go somewhere." + +None of them tried to listen, but the telephone was in the next room and +Azalea's voice had a peculiar carrying quality that made it difficult +not to overhear snatches of her conversation. + +"No," she exclaimed, positively, "I can't do it! I really can't! I'm +sorry it didn't go right, but I _can't_ do it again! It's impossible!" + +A pause, and then, again, "No, I simply can't! Don't ask me--yes, of +course,--I know,--but, you see, they said,--oh, I can't tell you +now,--I'll write,--well, yes, I'll do _that_!--Oh, of course, _I'll_ be +there--but the--the other one--no, no, no!" + +These remarks were at long intervals and disconnected, but they were +clearly heard by the three in the next room, and though no one mentioned +it, each thought it a strange conversation for Azalea to take part in. + +Patty listened thoughtfully, feeling no hesitation in doing so, for she +had only Azalea's good at heart and wanted to know anything that might +help her understand the mystery that was certainly attached to the girl. + +In the first place to whom could Azalea possibly be talking in that +fashion? Moreover, her voice was troubled, and her tone was one of +nervous apprehension and anxiety. + +At last she returned to the group, and Patty said, pleasantly, "Who's +your friend, Zaly?" + +"Nobody in particular," and Azalea looked as if that were a question she +had been dreading. + +"You mean not a particular friend; but who was it?" Patty was +persistent, even at risk of rousing Azalea's wrath, for she felt +she must know. + +"I won't tell you!" Azalea cried, stormily. "It's nobody's business if +I answer a telephone call. I don't ask you who it is, every time _you_ +telephone!" + +"All right, Zaly, forgive me,--I _was_ a bit inquisitive." + +And so the matter was dropped, but that night after Azalea had gone to +her room, Patty came tapping at the door. + +It was only after repeated knocking that Azalea opened the door a little +way, and quite evidently resented the intrusion. + +"I'm just going to bed," she said, ungraciously. + +"I won't stay but a minute," and Patty insistently pushed her way in. +"Now, don't fly into a rage, dear, but you _must_ tell me who called you +up on the telephone to-day." + +"You've no right to ask!" + +"Yes, I have, and, too, there must be some reason why you are so +unwilling to tell me. Why is it?" + +Azalea hesitated. Then she said, "Oh, I've no reason to make a secret of +it. But I think you're very curious. It was somebody I met on the train +when I came East." + +"A man or a woman?" + +"A--a woman." + +"Are you telling the truth, Azalea?" and Patty's clear, compelling gaze +was direct and accusing. + +"Well--well--Patty, it's both." + +"Those people who called here one day, and you saw them on the porch?" + +"Yes." + +"What are their names?" + +"Oh,--oh, I forget." + +"Rubbish! You _don't_ forget. Be sensible, Azalea. You're making a +mystery of something. Now if it's anything wrong, I'm going to know +about it,--if it's merely a little secret of your own,--a justifiable +one,--tell me so, in a convincing way, and I'll stop questioning." + +"It _is_ a secret of my own,--and it's nobody's business but mine." + +"Is it a harmless, innocent matter?" + +"Of course it is! What do you think I am? A thief?" + +"Gracious, no! I never thought you were that!" Patty laughed. "But I do +suspect you're up to some flirtation or affair of that sort, and I have +a perfect right to inquire into the matter. Why didn't you let us meet +your friends that day they called?" + +"I didn't suppose you would care to know them. They're not your sort." + +"Are they _your_ sort? Oh, Zaly, I thought you _wanted_ to be our +'sort,'--as you call it. You don't want to have friends Bill and I +wouldn't approve of, do you?" + +"Oh,--I don't know _what_ I want! I wish you'd go 'way, and leave me +alone!" + +"I will in a minute. Tell me your friends' names." + +"I won't." + +"Then I shall ask Ray Gale. He knows them,--he recognised them the day +they were here, and you forbade him to tell me who they were." + +"Then if he knows them, isn't that enough to assure you of their +respectability?" + +"It isn't a question of respectability,--I want to know why they are +telephoning you,--not casually,--but apparently on some important +matter." + +"That's _my_ business. Oh, Patty, let me alone!" + +Azalea was clearly overwrought, and in another moment would fly into an +hysterical tantrum. But Patty made one more effort. + +"Just tell me the name," she said, gently. + +"Well--Smith. There, _now_ are you satisfied?" + +"I am not," said Patty, truthfully. "Good night, Azalea." + +She went thoughtfully away, and communicated to Bill the whole +conversation. + +"She's a queer girl," Farnsworth remarked, after he had heard all about +the afternoon telephoning. "Do you know, Patty, that letter which she +pretended came from her father,--she wrote herself." + +"What?" + +"She did; and on my own typewriter,--here in our library." + +"What _do_ you mean?" + +"Just what I say. I knew it, the moment I saw it, for the writing on my +machine is so familiar to me, I can recognise it instantly. The tail of +the y doesn't print, and there are lots of little details that make it +recognisable." + +"Are you sure, dear? I thought all typewriting was just alike." + +"Oh, no; it is as greatly differentiated, almost, as penwriting,--some +experts think more so. I mean, it can't be forged successfully, and +penwriting can. Well, anyhow, that letter Azalea showed me, as being +from her father, was written on my machine. She had no envelope, for of +course she couldn't reproduce the proper postmark on an envelope she had +herself addressed." + +"But why,--what for? I don't understand." + +"I haven't got it all straightened out yet, myself,--but I shall. +Another thing, Azalea is a poor speller, and she herself spells _very_ +with two r's. She did in a dinner acceptance she wrote and referred to +me for approval. So, when I saw that word misspelled twice in the +letter we're talking of, I _knew_ she wrote it,--I mean, it corroborated +my belief. Now, Patty, we've a peculiar case to deal with, and we must +feel our way. This telephoning business is serious. Of course, Smith is +_not_ those people's name! She told you a falsehood. We know she is +capable of that! Now to find out what their name is. It isn't too late +to call up Gale." + +Farnsworth took up the telephone and soon had Raymond Gale on the wire. +He asked him frankly for the name of the two people who were calling on +Azalea when he recognised them. + +"Miss Thorpe asked me not to tell," said Gale, "I'm sorry, old chap, but +I promised her I wouldn't." + +"But it's an important matter, Ray, and a case in which I'm sure you're +justified in breaking your promise--" + +"Can't do it! Can't break my word given to a lady." + +"But Azalea is a mere girl, and a headstrong, ignorant one, at that. She +is in our care, and it is our duty to know with whom she associates. Who +were those people?" + +"Seriously, Farnsworth, I can't tell you. Miss Thorpe asked me +definitely not to do so, and I gave her my promise. You must see,--as +man to man,--I _can't_ tell you." + +"I see your point, and I quite agree, in a general way. But, Gale, this +is a--well, a crisis. I'm investigating a mystery and I must _know_ who +those people are." + +"Ask Miss Thorpe." + +"I have, and she won't tell." + +"Then you surely can't expect me to! After I promised to keep her +secret!" + +"Why should it be a secret?" + +"Ask her." + +"Well, tell me one thing; is the name Smith?" + +"It is not." + +"What sort of people are they?" + +"Oh, people of--why, hang it, man,--I don't know what to say to you! I +refuse to betray Miss Thorpe's confidence, and so I don't know how much +I ought to tell you." + +"Are they people I would receive in my home?" + +"Scarcely! If you mean, are they your social equals, they are not!" + +"Then, I ought to know about them, and forbid Azalea their +acquaintance." + +"Oh, Miss Thorpe doesn't know them socially!" said Gale, and then he +said a quick "good-bye" and hung up his receiver. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +INQUIRIES + + +The next day Farnsworth made an occasion to see Azalea alone. + +"Come for a stroll in the rose garden," he said to her as they left the +breakfast table. + +"But aren't you in a hurry to go to town?" she objected. + +"No, I'm not. Come along, Zaly, I want to talk to you." + +Azalea looked embarrassed. She had on a trim linen street suit, and had +an air of alertness as if about to start on a trip of some sort. + +"I was--I was just going for a walk," she said, hesitatingly. + +"All right, I'll walk with you. Let's make it a long hike." + +"Oh,--I'd love to, Cousin William,--really,--but I--I've a lot to do in +my room, this morning." + +"A lot to do! What do you mean? Does Patty make you take care of your +room?" + +"Oh, not that sort of work. I've got to--to--write letters." + +"To your father?" Bill's look was significant. + +"Yes--no,--oh, a lot of letters." + +"Look here, Azalea, you come out with me for a few minutes,--I won't +keep you long." Farnsworth took her arm, and led her gently down the +verandah steps and along a garden path. + +"Now, my child," he said most kindly, "tell me why you pretended that +letter was from your father, when it was not?" + +"Oh, yes, it was--" + +"Stop, Azalea! Don't add to your list of falsehoods! You wrote that +letter yourself on my typewriter, in my library. _Why_ did you do it?" + +"How do you know?" Azalea turned an astonished face to her inquisitor. + +"I recognised the typing. How do you know how to use the machine so +well? Were you ever a stenographer?" + +"No; I don't know shorthand at all. And I didn't--" + +"Stop, I say, Azalea! I _know_ you wrote that! Now, tell me why! I +can't imagine any reason for it." + +The girl was stubbornly silent + +"Unless you tell me why you did it, I shall be compelled to think there +is some wrong reason--" + +"Oh, no, there isn't!" + +"Then,--come now, Zaly,--'fess up. Was it for a joke on me?" + +"Yes, yes, that was it!" + +"No, that _wasn't_ it, and you only grasped at my suggestion to evade +the real truth! Now, you must tell me. Out with it!" + +"Well--you see, Cousin William, you are always asking me why I don't get +letters from my father, and--as I didn't get any, I manufactured one +to--to satisfy you. That's all." + +"No, no, my girl, we haven't got the truth yet. You had more of a motive +than that. And, too, why _don't_ you get letters from your father? Is he +angry with you? Are you two at odds?" + +"Yes,--we are. He and I had a quarrel." + +"Azalea, you have a very readable face. I know when you are telling me +the truth and when you are not. Now, you are ready to grasp at anything +I suggest rather than let me know the real facts of the case. So I am +justified in thinking it's something pretty bad. What is it, child? +Don't be afraid of me. Did you run away from home?" + +"Oh, no!" Azalea looked frightened. Then she burst into tears. "Wh-what +makes you think I'm doing wrong?" she sobbed; "I'm not,--I'm oh,--I'm +all right!" Her air of bravado suddenly returned and she looked up +defiantly, brushing her tears aside. + +Farnsworth could, as he said, read her face, and he was quite ready to +meet her explanations when she was in a docile mood, but this quick +return to her pose of injured innocence roused him to fresh indignation. + +"I daresay you _are_ all right, Azalea, and therefore it will be easy +for you to answer a few questions which I must insist on having +answered. Who was it that telephoned you yesterday?" + +"Oh, that was Mr. Smith." + +"His name is _not_ Smith!" Farnsworth spoke so sharply that Azalea +fairly jumped. + +But she insisted, "Yes, it is--" + +"I _know_ it is not! It was the man who came here to see you one +day,--and whatever his name is, it is not Smith! Tell me the truth or +not, as you choose, but don't try to insist on Smith!" + +"All right, then I choose to tell you nothing, I have a perfect right to +have friends telephone me, and I think it shows an ill-bred curiosity +for you to ask their names!" + +Azalea's would-be haughty face and her reference to ill-breeding struck +Farnsworth so funny he laughed in spite of himself. + +Azalea was quick to take advantage of this. + +"Oh, Cousin William," she said, smilingly, "don't be hard on me. I'm +only a wild Western girl, I know, but I'm--I'm your cousin and I claim +your--your--" + +Azalea didn't quite know what she _was_ claiming, but as it was really a +cessation of the interview that she most desired, she turned on her heel +and walked rapidly toward the house. + +"Hold on!" cried Farnsworth, "not so fast, Zaly. Before you leave me, +listen to this. I am not at all satisfied with what you have told +me,--or, rather, what you have refused to tell me,--and I am going to +write to your father, and ask him why he doesn't write to you." + +Azalea stood still, facing him, and her face turned white. + +"Oh, no!" she cried, in a tone of dismay, "you _mustn't_ do that!" + +"But I will. There's no reason I shouldn't write to my relative. And I +must get at the mystery of this thing." + +"Don't do that, Cousin William, don't, I beg of you!" The girl was +greatly excited now. Her face was drawn with terrified apprehension and +her voice shook with fear. + +"Why not?" Farnsworth demanded, and he grasped her arm as she tried to +run away. "I'm going to have this out now, Azalea! _Why_ shan't I write +to Uncle Thorpe?" + +"Be--because he isn't--he isn't there--" + +"Is he dead?" + +"Oh, _no_! He's--he's--gone away on a--a business trip." + +"You're making up, Azalea,--I see it in your face. Tell me the truth +about him. Has he married again?" + +"No,--oh, no." + +"Well, then, where is he?" + +"He's--I don't know--" + +"You don't know where he is,--and yet you claim you had a letter from +him!" + +"You say I wrote that letter myself--" + +"And you did!" + +"Well, then, it was because you insisted on my getting a letter from +him,--and--and that's the only way I could think of." + +Azalea gave a half-smile, hoping Farnsworth would laugh, too. + +But he did not. He said, sternly, "I can't understand you, Azalea. I +don't want to misjudge you, but you must admit, yourself, that you're +making it very hard for me. Why won't you tell me everything? If Uncle +Thorpe disowned you,--cast you off,--or anything like that,--tell me; +I'll take your part,--and I'll defend you." + +"Would you, Cousin William?" Azalea's voice was wistful; "would you +defend me?" + +The serious tone disturbed Farnsworth more than her anger had done, and +he looked at her keenly. + +"Yes," he answered, "but only if you are frank and truthful with me. +Now, once again, Azalea, what is the _real_ name of the man who called +you up yesterday?" + +"Brown," said Azalea, and Farnsworth gave a gesture of impatience. + +"You're a very poor story-teller!" he exclaimed. "It is not Brown,--or +Green,--or Smith. If you had said some less common name, I might have +believed you. But your inventiveness doesn't go far enough. When people +want to deceive, it's necessary to frame their falsehoods convincingly. +If you had said Mersereau or Herncastle,--I might have swallowed it." + +Azalea stared at him. + +"Why would you have thought those names were right?" she asked. + +"Because I should have felt sure you didn't invent them. But when you +want to conceal a name, and you say Smith or Brown, it doesn't go! Also, +you _look_ as if you were fibbing. Why do you do it, Azalea? _Why_?" + +"Oh, Cousin William," the girl looked genuinely distressed, "I wish I +could tell you all,--I believe I will,--but--no,--I can't--" + +Then she shrugged her shoulders, and tossed her head, and her defiant +manner returned. + +Farnsworth gave up in despair. "Very well, Azalea," he concluded, "I +shall write to-day to Uncle Thorpe. I tell you this frankly, for _I_ do +not do things on the sly. I'm sorry you take the attitude you do, but +while I'm waiting to hear from your father, I shall continue to treat +you as a guest and a trusted friend. That is all." + +Farnsworth stood aside, and let Azalea pass. The girl went back to the +house, in deep thought. + +She did not go to her room, or write any letters. She dawdled about, +started the phonograph going, read a little in a magazine, and seemed +generally distraught. + +As she sat in the big, pleasant hall, she saw Farnsworth come in, go to +the library and sit at his desk writing. Apparently this was one of the +days when he did not go to New York. Patty came by--spoke cheerily to +Azalea as she passed her, and then went on to speak to Bill. + +The two went out of doors together. Azalea jumped at the chance, and +running into the library, glanced over the letters Farnsworth had +written. As she had surmised, there was one addressed to Samuel Thorpe, +Horner's Corners, Arizona. + +Azalea didn't touch it. She merely glanced at her wrist-watch and +hurried up to her own room. + +Sitting there at the pretty desk, she wrote two or three letters, and +sealed and addressed them. + +Then, sitting on her window-seat, she looked out over the beautiful +lawns and gardens. She saw Bill and Patty walking about, pausing here +and there. She knew they were selecting places for the booths and stands +to be used at the forthcoming Fair. + +How happy they were! And how miserable she was! She looked at them +enviously, and then again she tossed her hand, in her defiant way, and +turned from the window. + +At luncheon Azalea was very sweet and pleasant. She talked with +Farnsworth gaily, and discussed the Fair with Patty and Elise. + +"I'm going to donate some lovely things for the sale," she said. "I've +written home for some Indian baskets and Navajo blankets, and some +beadwork." + +"Good gracious, Azalea," cried Elise, "you'll outshine us all in +generosity! I'm making some lace pillows and boudoir caps, but they +won't sell as well as your gifts." + +"It's very kind of you, dear," and Patty smiled at the Western girl with +real gratitude. "I wonder what booth you'd rather serve in, Azalea," she +went on. "Of course, you may take your choice." + +"When is the Fair?" Azalea asked. + +"We're planning it for the middle of July. I think we can get ready by +that time." + +"I won't be here then," and Azalea looked thoughtful. + +"Won't be here! Of course you will! What nonsense!" and Patty's blue +eyes opened wide in astonishment. + +"I thought I might outstay my welcome," Azalea said, seeming a little +confused. + +"Nay, nay, Pauline," and Patty smiled at her, "stay as long as you like. +As long as you can be happy with us." + +But there was an uncomfortable pause, for Farnsworth didn't second +Patty's invitation or make any comment on it. + +"I'm going down to New York in the car this afternoon," said Elise. +"Want to go, Azalea?" + +"Yes,--I'd be glad to." + +"All right, be ready about three. You going, Pattibelle?" + +"No; not to-day. My lord and master is at home, and I can't give up a +precious hour of his companionship." + +"Oh, you turtle-doves! All right, then, Zaly and I will sally forth to +the great metropolis." + +Elise was spending a month with Patty, and was going later to the +mountains with her own family. They were all anxious, therefore, to get +the Fair under way, and to hold it while Elise was still there. + +So things were being pushed, and the committees were hard at work. There +were innumerable errands to the city, and nearly every day the big car +went down and returned laden with materials for the work. + +Promptly at three, Azalea was in the hall, and Elise joined her, ready +for the trip. + +"I mean to mail these in New York," said Elise, who carried a handful of +letters. + +"I will too," returned Azalea, who also had a number of them in her +hand. "Let's take these that are on the hall table,--they go quicker if +we mail them in the city." + +"All right," said Elise, carelessly, and Azalea, with a stealthy look +about, picked up the big pile of addressed mail that lay on the table. + +No one was looking and she deftly slipped out from the lot the letter +Farnsworth had written to Mr. Thorpe,--and pocketed it. + +Going out the door, she handed the rest of the letters, with her own, to +the chauffeur, to mail, and then got into the car after Elise. + +Away they went, chattering blithely about the Fair, and the enormous lot +of work yet to be done for it. + +"There are so many working with us," observed Elise, "that it seems a +big job of itself to keep them in order." + +"It all amazes me," returned Azalea. "I never saw people work as hard as +you and Patty do. And you accomplish such a lot! And yet, you never get +flustered or hurried, or--" + +"That's partly the result of long experience in these bazaar affairs, +and partly because we both have a sort of natural efficiency. That's a +much used word, Zaly, but it means a lot after all." + +"Yes, it does. What's your booth, Elise?" + +"It isn't exactly a booth. I'm going to have a log cabin,--a real one, +built just as I've planned it, and in it I'm going to sell all sorts of +old-fashioned things." + +"Antiques?" + +"Yes, of the proper sort. Old Willow china and Sheffield plate. Copper +lustre tea-sets and homespun bedspreads. And samplers! Oh, Azalea, I've +three or four stunning samplers! One is dated 1812. That ought to bring +a fine price." + +"I don't know about samplers. Of course, I know what they are,--but what +makes them valuable?" + +"Age, my dear. And authoritative dates. People make collections of old +samplers, and those who collect will spend 'most anything for a good +specimen." + +"I've one that my grandmother made,--at least, I can get it. Would you +like it?" + +"Would I? Indeed I would! But you ought to keep that, Azalea. My, what a +generous girl you are! You'd give away your head, if it weren't fastened +on! No, dear child, keep your grandmother's sampler yourself. Is it a +good one?" + +"I don't know what a 'good' one is. It has flowers on it, and little +people,--queer ones,--and a long verse of poetry and an alphabet of +letters." + +"And the date?" + +"Yes; 1836, I think it is." + +"That's fairly old. Not a collection piece,--but a good date. Is it in +good condition,--or worn?" + +"Good as new. I don't want it, Elise,--that is, I'd like to give it to +you. You've been awful good to me." + +"All right, Zaly, send for it, and we'll take a look at it, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE SAMPLER + + +Vanity Fair was all that its name implied. By good fortune, the weather +was perfect,--ideally pleasant and sunshiny, yet not too warm. Wistaria +Porch was transformed into a veritable Fairyland, and it was a +bewildering vision of flowers, flags and frivolity by day, and a blaze +of illuminated gaiety by night. + +It was to last but two days, for, Patty said, they might hope for fair +weather for that long but hardly for three days. + +It was to open at noon, and all the morning everybody was running about, +doing last minute errands or attending to belated decorations. + +Azalea had the Indian booth. It was a wigwam, in effect, but it was so +bedecked and ornamented that it is doubtful if a real Indian would have +recognised it as one. However, it was filled with real Indian wares, and +the beautiful baskets and pottery were sure to prove best sellers. +Azalea received a large consignment from some place she had sent to in +Arizona, and other people had donated appropriate gifts, until the +little tent was overflowing. + +Azalea herself, the attendant on the booth, was in the garb of an Indian +princess, a friend of Patty's having lent the costume for the occasion. +It was becoming to the girl, and she looked really handsome in the +picturesque trappings, and elaborate head-dress. + +Just before time for the Fair to be opened, Azalea went over to Elise's +booth. As she had planned, Elise had a log cabin, and in it she had +arranged a motley collection of antiques and heirlooms that were quaint +and valuable. It was the design of the Fair to sell really worthwhile +things at their full value; and as they expected many wealthy patrons, +the committees felt pretty sure of a grand success. + +"Elise," said Azalea, as she appeared at the door of the cabin, "here's +my contribution to your department. I haven't had a chance to give it to +you before." She handed out a parcel, which Elise opened eagerly. + +It proved to be a sampler,--old, but in fine condition. It was an +elaborate one, with many rows of letters, some lines of verse, and +several little pictured shapes. There was a beautiful border, and the +signature was _Isabel Cutler, 1636!_ + +"Oh!" exclaimed Elise, "what a gem! Where _did_ you get it? Why, Azalea, +this is a museum piece! 1636! It's worth hundreds of dollars!" + +"Oh, no," said Azalea, "it can't be worth all that! But I thought you'd +like an old one." + +"But I don't understand! Where did you get it?" + +"It was my grandmother's." + +"But your grandmother didn't live in 1636!" + +"N--n--no,--I s'pose not. Well,--you see, she had it from _her_ +grandmother and great-grandmother,--clear back,--you know." + +"I see," said Elise, scrutinising the sampler. "It's a marvel, Azalea. +You mustn't sell it at this Fair. It ought to go to a museum. 1636! +That's one of the earliest sampler dates! I can't see how it's lain +unknown all these years. Who had it before you did?" + +"Mother." + +"Oh, yes,--of course. Well, I'm not going to take it from you--" + +"Yes, you are, Elise. I want to give it to you. I've wanted all along +to give you something nice,--you've been so good to me--" + +"Rubbish! don't talk like that, Zaly! If you want to make Patty a +present, now,--give it to her. That would be a worth-while return for +her kindness to you." + +"Oh, I don't think so much of the old thing as you do. I don't even +think it's pretty." + +"It isn't a question of prettiness, or even of a well worked piece. It's +the date. And this is genuine,--I can see that. But I can't understand +it! Why,--I think this border wasn't used until--I must look it up in my +book. That's home in New York. But, there's one thing sure and certain! +This doesn't get put in with my bunch of wares! Mr. Greatorex may come +this afternoon. He's an expert on these things. He'll know just what +it's worth." + +"Oh, Elise," Azalea looked troubled, "don't take it so seriously. It's +just an old thing. You've others here that are far handsomer." + +"As I told you, Zaly, it's the age that counts,--not the beauty. Run +along to your own booth. I'll lay this aside until I can find out about +it. But if it's as valuable as I think it is, you mustn't give it to +Vanity Fair,--or to anybody. 1636! My!" + +Azalea looked a little crestfallen. Instead of being glad at the +unexpected value ascribed to her gift, she seemed decidedly put out +about it. She strolled round by Patty's booth. That enterprising young +matron had caused to be built for her use a little child's playhouse. It +was just large enough for half a dozen children, and would perhaps hold +nearly as many grown people. But it had a good-sized verandah and on +this were tables piled with the loveliest fairy-like gossamer garments +and comforts for tiny mites of humanity. Such exquisite blankets and +afghans and tufted silk coverlets and such dainty frocks and caps and +little coats and everything an infant could possibly use, from baskets +to bibs and from pillows to porringers. + +And dolls,--soft, cotton or woolly dolls for little babies to play with, +and soft, cuddly bears and lambs. Rattles, of course, and bath-tub toys, +and all sorts of infants' novelties. + +Patty, happy as a butterfly, hovered over her treasures. She wore the +immaculate white linen garb of a nurse, and very sweet and fair she +looked. Later, Fleurette was to grace the booth and attract all +observers by her marvellous baby charm. + +At high noon the bazaar was opened with a flourish of trumpets and a +fanfaronade by the band. Farnsworth had given the services of a first +class band as his donation, and the musicians made good. + +The scene was one of varied attractions. The place itself was lovely +with its wealth of flower gardens and shrubbery and the unique and +elaborate booths here and there among the trees made a striking picture. + +Betty was queen of the soda fountain. A really, truly soda fountain had +been procured, and it was attended by white uniformed servitors who were +trained to the work, but Betty was the presiding genius and invited her +customers to sample her beverages, with free advice as to which flavours +and combinations she thought the best. + +Raymond Gale was a general supervisor of several of the enterprises. + +He had in charge the moving-picture men who had expressed a desire to +get some scenes of the gay throngs and were willing to pay well for the +privilege. + +"You like the 'movies,'" he called out to Azalea, "come over here and +get into the game." + +"Can't," she called back. "I have to be on duty at my wigwam." + +"Oh, come along; the wigwam won't run away. At least promenade up and +down once with me." + +So Azalea came, laughingly, and the two walked grandiloquently into the +focus of the camera. + +"And there is a man making phonograph records," young Gale went on. +"Come over there, Zaly, and we'll have a joust of words, and record it +on the sands of time!" + +"What do you mean?" asked Azalea, interestedly, for she had no knowledge +of some of the performances going on. + +She went with Raymond and found a crowd waiting at the booth where the +phonograph man was doing business. His plan was to make a record for any +customer who cared to sing, recite or soliloquise for him. Mothers +gladly brought their infant prodigies to "speak pieces" and went away +proudly carrying the records that could be played in their homes for +years to come. Aspiring young singers made records of their favourite +songs. One young girl played the violin for a record. + +Taking their turn, Raymond and Azalea had what he called an impromptu +scrap. A few words of instruction were enough for Azalea's dramatic +instinct to grasp his meaning, and they had a lively tiff followed by a +sentimental "making-up" that was good enough for a vaudeville +performance, and which Azalea knew would greatly amuse Patty and Bill +when they should hear the record. + +"Oh, what fun!" Azalea cried, "I never heard of such a thing. I want to +make a lot of records. I'm going to make one of Baby!" + +She ran into the house and up to the nursery where Winnie was just +giving the child her dinner. "Goody!" cried Azalea, "now she'll be +good-natured! Let me take her, Winnie." + +Not entirely with Winnie's sanction, but in spite of her half-expressed +disapproval, Azalea took the laughing child and ran back to the +phonograph booth. + +"Let me go in ahead of you people, won't you, please?" she begged, and +the waiting line fell back to accommodate her. + +But alas for her hopes. She wanted the baby to coo and gurgle in the +delightful little way that Fleurette had in her happiest moments. + +Instead, frightened by the strangeness of the scene and the noise and +laughter of the people all about, Fleurette set up a wail of woe which +developed rapidly into a storm of screams and sobs,--indeed, it was a +first-class crying spell,--a thing which the good-natured child rarely +indulged in. + +Not willing to wait for a better-tempered moment, the man took the +record and poor little Fleurette was immortalised by a squall instead +of a sunny burst of laughter. + +But there was no help for it, and Azalea, greatly chagrined, took the +baby back to Nurse. + +"Here's your naughty little kiddy," she cried ruefully, handing +Fleurette over, but giving the child a loving caress, even as she spoke. + +"Thank you, Miss Thorpe, I'm glad to get her back so soon." + +And then Azalea ran away to her Indian booth, where she found her +assistant doing a rushing business with the Indian wares. + +Indeed, everybody seemed anxious to buy the baubles of Vanity Fair. The +cause was a worthy one, the patrons were wealthy and generous, and the +vendors were charming and wheedlesome. + +So the coin fairly flowed into their coffers and as the afternoon wore +on they began to fear they wouldn't have enough goods to sell the second +day. + +Azalea was a favourite among the young people. She looked a picture in +her Indian dress and she was in rare good humour. She tried, too, to be +gracious and gentle, and committed no _gaucheries_ and made no ignorant +errors. + +"You've simply made that girl over," Elise said to Patty, as the two +spoke of Azalea's growing popularity. + +Patty sighed. "I don't know," she said, thoughtfully. "There's something +queer about Azalea. Little Billee has said so from the first, and now I +begin to see it, too." + +"She _is_ queer," assented Elise, "but she's so much nicer than she was +at first. Ray Gale is very devoted to her." + +"I know it. I like Ray, too, but sometimes,--think,--he knows something +about her that he won't tell us." + +"For mercy's sake,--what do you mean? knows something about your own +cousin that you don't know!" + +"Oh, Zaly isn't our own cousin, you know. But--well, never mind now, +Elise. This isn't a good time to talk confidentially." + +Crowds of people were constantly arriving, and among them were many of +Patty's old friends. Many, too, of her newer acquaintances, who lived in +Arden and also in the nearby towns. + +Patty was charming and delightful to everybody, remembering that she was +in a way hostess as well as a sales-lady. + +Fleurette graced her mother's booth with her presence, later in the +afternoon, and quite redeemed her reputation for good nature, by smiling +impartially on everybody, and gurgling a welcome to all who looked at +her. + +The little garments and toys of Patty's booth were soon sold out, for +they were choice bits of needlework and found ready buyers. + +And then one enthusiastic young father wanted to buy the playhouse +itself, in which Patty had displayed her wares. + +"But I meant to keep this for my own baby!" she cried. + +"Oh, you can build another by the time that little mite needs one," the +young man replied. "And my youngster is four years old,--just ready to +inhabit a ready made home of this kind," + +So the pretty little house was sold, and plans were made to remove it +to the purchaser's estate. + +So it went. Azalea had many offers for her wigwam, if she would sell it +after the fair. She agreed to let it go to the highest bidder, and +finally received a fine price. + +Archery was one of the pretty diversions, and at this Azalea excelled. +To the surprise of all, she proved exceedingly skilful with the bow and +arrow and easily won the prize offered. But she magnanimously refused to +accept it, and returned it to be competed for over again. + +Mr. Greatorex, the expert connoisseur in the matter of antiques, arrived +at Elise's log cabin and expressed delight in its construction and +furnishing. + +The cabin was not for sale, Elise laughingly informed him, as Mr. +Farnsworth intended to keep it a permanent fixture on his own grounds. +Also, Elise went on, very few things of value were left on her +tables,--but she still had one piece on which she wished to ask his +opinion. + +From a drawer she brought out the sampler that Azalea had given her and +passed it over to Mr. Greatorex, without comment. + +He looked at it, at first casually and then more closely. + +His face expressed mystification, and suddenly he examined the date +minutely and then smiled. + +"Very clever, my dear,--very cleverly done, indeed. Did you do it?" + +"Oh, no; it is the property of a friend of mine,--it was done by an +ancestor of hers. You see it's signed and dated." + +"I see! Oh, yes, I _see_! But you mustn't try to impose on me,--my +eyesight is not yet entirely gone!" + +"What do you mean, Mr. Greatorex?" Elise was puzzled. "I'm not trying to +impose on you!" + +"I hope not, my girl, for I wouldn't want to believe such a thing of +you. But you have been imposed upon." + +"How?" + +"This sampler was worked in 1836, not 1636." + +"How do you know?" + +"Very easily. Here, you can see for yourself. You see how the figures +are made,--ordinary cross stitch. Well, as you know, an eight is worked +almost exactly the same as a six, except that it has two more stitches +on the upper right-hand side. If those two stitches are picked out of an +eight, it turns into a six! Now, I'm sure your young eyes can see that +two stitches _have_ been picked out in this instance. See the slight +mark where the canvas is the least bit drawn? And see, on the back a +fresh stitch was necessary to keep the ends from ravelling. It would +pass to a careless observer, but to one accustomed to these things the +fraud is plainly evident." + +"Oh, Mr. Greatorex," and Elise looked sorrowful, "I don't care so much +about the sampler being less valuable than I thought, as I do about +having to think the friend who gave it to me would cheat me!" + +"Perhaps she didn't. Perhaps somebody cheated her." + +"No; she told me her mother gave her this, and that she had had it from +her mother and grandmother--and so forth." + +"Then I fear your friend knew of the fraud,--though perhaps her mother +gave it to her as it is now." + +"Can you judge if the stitches were picked out recently?" + +"I should say very recently. The canvas is faded, of course, but, as you +see, the threads beneath where the missing stitches were is quite a +shade lighter. Had the picking been done years ago, the canvas would +have assumed a uniform tinge,--or nearly so." + +"Of course it would,--I can see that for myself. Oh, dear!--Well, Mr. +Greatorex, don't say anything about this, will you?" + +"Certainly not. But that's a good sampler, as it stands,--I mean as a +specimen of 1836 work." + +"Yes, I know it is. And yet, oughtn't the stitches to be put back?" + +"Probably not,--for they could not be matched exactly--" + +"But if it remains like this, everybody will think it two hundred years +older than it really is." + +Mr. Greatorex smiled. "Scarcely," he said. "You see, my dear, the +earliest known dated sampler is one of 1643 which is in the Victoria and +Albert Museum, in England. There are but six or seven known in that +century at all. It would be remarkable, therefore, to find a work of art +that would antedate all collections, and yet show the patterns and style +of work common less than a hundred years ago!" + +"Oh, I understand,--I've read up on the matter somewhat,--but I'm _so_ +sorry--oh, I _am_ so sorry!" + +Elise looked woe-begone indeed, for she realised that Azalea had, in +all probability committed the fraud herself, and with a deliberate +intention of deceiving her. + +Azalea's own ignorance of the whole matter was so great, that it was not +surprising that she thought the mere alteration of the date would make +the sampler of greater value. But what broke Elise's heart was the +knowledge of Azalea's wilful deception. + +She thanked Mr. Greatorex for his explanations and, again asking him not +to mention the matter to any one at all, she put the sampler back in the +drawer and locked it up. + +"Sold my sampler yet, Elise?" Azalea asked, when next they met. + +"Yes; I bought it in myself," Elise replied. "I wanted it, so I bought +it. I haven't paid for it yet, for I want to know what you consider a +fair price?" + +Elise looked Azalea straight in the eyes, and was not surprised to note +the rising colour in the cheeks of the Indian maiden. + +"Why--why," Azalea stammered, "you said it was worth hundreds of +dollars--you said that yourself, Elise." + +"That was before I knew of your own handiwork on the sampler." + +"What do you mean?" cried Azalea, angrily. + +"Just what I say. To the work on the sampler, you added a bit more,--or +rather, you subtracted some!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AZALEA'S CHANCE + + +"What do you mean by subtracted some?" + +"Now, Azalea, there's no use in your acting like that! You know +perfectly well you can't fool _me_! If you really want to know what I +mean, I'll tell you. I mean that you picked out two stitches from the +eight to make it look like a six. Didn't you, now?" + +"Oh, well, if you've discovered that, I may as well own up. Yes, I did." + +"And aren't you ashamed of yourself? Don't you think such a deception a +wrong and contemptible thing to do?" + +"Oh, pshaw, it was only for a joke. Can't you take a joke, Elise?" + +"It _wasn't_ only for a joke. You hoped you would make me think the +sampler two hundred years older than it really is! And you thought that +would make it much more valuable. Well, you overreached yourself! There +were no samplers made--so far as is known--in 1636. So your trick +wouldn't fool anybody!" + +"All right. There's no harm done, that I can see. My little joke fizzled +out,--that's all." + +"No, that isn't all. It has proved you are a deceitful girl! You don't +mind telling a falsehood!" + +"I didn't tell any!" + +"Yes, you did! It's an untruth to pretend something is what you know it +isn't! If I had sold that to some unsuspecting buyer, for a large price, +you wouldn't have said a word! You'd have let it go!" + +"Of course; all's fair at a Fair!" + +"Oh, don't try to be funny, Azalea; I'm really angry about this matter." + +"Huffy, eh? Well, get over it, then! I don't care! _Some_ people like +me! Don't they?" + +The last question was asked of Raymond Gale, who came walking by. + +"Sure; I do!" was the hearty reply. "Who doesn't?" + +"Elise," and Azalea pouted at the girl. + +"Fiddlesticks!" said Elise, gaily. "Never mind, Azalea, I'll take your +joke in good part." + +For Elise had suddenly decided that she didn't want to spoil Patty's +Fair by having a quarrel with her guest. So, though a good deal +perturbed by the sampler incident, she preferred to drop the subject. + +Azalea understood, and was glad to be let off so easily, though she felt +sure Elise would tell Patty all about it later. + +With Azalea, however, out of sight was out of mind, and she walked away +with young Gale in a merry mood. + +As they strolled along, a man stepped toward them, and raising his cap +in a respectful way, asked Azalea if he might have a few words with her, +alone. + +He had a business-like air, and though polite, was, quite evidently, not +a man of social position. + +Gale stared at him, and Azalea grew very red and confused. + +"I--well--not just now," she said, hesitatingly. "I'll see you some +other time." + +"No, miss, that won't do," The man was courteous, but decided,--and had +a manner that bespoke authority. + +"If I'm in the way, I'll vanish," Raymond said, laughing a little. + +"Well--if you will--" Azalea looked at him beseechingly. "I'll explain +later." + +So Gale walked off by himself and Azalea turned a troubled face to the +man. + +"Mr. Merritt," she said, "I can't have anything more to do with the +whole affair. I'm quite sure my relatives here wouldn't approve of it, +and I can't keep the matter secret any longer." + +"But you _must_ come, Miss Thorpe. By a strange coincidence you are +greatly needed. Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"She has!" Azalea's eyes sparkled, "Oh,--I don't mean I'm not sorry for +her,--I am, indeed! But--" + +"But it gives you a chance! A wonderful chance,--and if you can make +good--" + +"Oh, I can! I will! Shall I come now?" + +"No; but you must come to-morrow morning at nine, sharp. Will you?" + +"Indeed I will! I'll be there on time." + +"And tell your people about it,--don't you think you'd better?" + +"Oh," Azalea's face fell. "I don't know. Suppose they refuse to let me +go!" + +"How can they? They have no real control over you." + +"No,--but I'd hate to go against their expressed disapproval." + +"Nonsense! This is your first chance at a career. Don't muff it, now! +Why, just your skill at archery is enough to put you over! It's the very +place for you! Western doings, riding, shooting, lassoing, all sorts of +bareback, daredevil stunts--" + +"I know--I know. Yes, I'll be there to-morrow. You go, now,--here comes +my cousin." + +With a quick glance at Farnsworth, who was approaching, the man walked +swiftly away. + +"Who is he?" Bill asked, as he came up to Azalea. + +"Friend of mine," she answered, gaily. + +"What's his name?" + +"That's telling!" + +"I know it is, and I expect to be told." + +"People don't always get all they expect." + +"Don't trifle with me, Azalea; I'm not in a trifling mood. Who was that +man?" + +"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Now, now, Cousin +William, you know yourself, it's very rude to insist on prying into +other folks' secrets!" + +"Why _is_ it a secret? What possible business can a man like that have +with you,--that I can't know about?" + +"Why do you say 'a man like that'? He's all right." + +"All right is a vague term. He's not one of our sort." + +"Don't be a snob! Remember you were born and brought up in the West, +just as much as I was. And although you've now got to living high and +mighty, you needn't look down on me or my friends!" + +"You're talking rubbish, Azalea. That man is not your friend,--he was +talking to you on some business matter." + +"I'm not a business woman!" + +"You're not a woman at all! You're a young girl, and a very silly +one,--to have secret dealings with a common-looking man. Now, as your +temporary guardian, I insist you tell me all about it" + +"'Temporary guardian' is good! Who appointed you?" + +"I'm that by reason of your being a guest in my house, and too in view +of the fact that you have, apparently, nobody to look after you. Your +father has mysteriously disappeared. You've had no word from him since +you've been here! So far as I know, you have no other relatives, and +so, as your nearest of kin, I propose to look after you,--if you will +let me. Don't be foolish, Azalea, dear," Farnsworth's voice took on a +tender tone, "_don't_ be antagonistic. I want to help you, not annoy +you. Why not look on me as a friend, and let me know all you're about? +There can be _no_ reason why I shouldn't." + +"You might not approve," and Azalea looked at him uncertainly. + +"Why? Are you up to anything wrong?" + +"No," but she spoke hesitatingly, "not wrong, Cousin, but--all the same, +you might not approve." + +"Tell me, and let me see. If it isn't wrong, I'll promise not to censure +you, even if I don't entirely approve." + +Azalea's attention was attracted by the man who had lately left her. He +stood behind Farnsworth and made gestures that informed Azalea she was +not to let his presence be known. So she continued to talk to Bill, but +also kept the other man in view. + +His procedure was somewhat strange. He pretended to be holding a baby, +cuddling an imaginary child in his arms. Then he tossed the +non-existent little one up in the air, and pretended to catch it again. + +Then he nodded to Azalea. She shook her head negatively and very +vigorously. + +He nodded peremptorily and insistently. Again she shook her head, and as +she did so Farnsworth wheeled suddenly and saw the man. + +Angrily, he made a dash for him, but the stranger was agile and alert, +and ran swiftly away and out of the grounds to the street. + +Farnsworth looked at Azalea coldly. "So you were holding communication +with him, over my shoulder! This is a little too much, Azalea, and now +the crisis has been reached. Either you give me a full explanation of +your business with him, or you bring your visit here to an end. I cannot +have you in my house, if you are deceitful and insincere. I stand by my +offer; I will listen willingly to your story, and judge you most +leniently. I don't really believe you _are_ up to anything wrong. But a +secret is always mysterious and I hold that you are too young and +inexperienced to have secrets from your elders." + +"I have nothing to confess or confide, Cousin William," said Azalea, +putting on a haughty air. "I refuse to be accused of wrong-doing, when +I am not guilty of it,--and I will bring my visit here to an end at +once! I will leave to-morrow!" + +"Oh, pshaw, Zaly, don't go off so suddenly!" Farnsworth laughed lightly, +for he had said a little more than he meant to, and he realised, too, +that this was neither the time nor the place to have such a serious talk +with the girl. + +"Come along now, and have tea with us all in the tea-house," he said. +"Forget your bad, cruel cousin's scoldy ways, and as to the mysterious +man, I'll trust your word that he's all right." + +"Oh, thank you, Cousin!" Azalea fairly beamed now. "How good you are! +I'll tell you all about it,--some day!" + +So the matter rested for the moment, and the two went to join the merry +group around the tea-table. + +The Fair drew to a brilliant close. The second evening was even more gay +and festive than the first. Everything was sold out,--or, if not, it was +disposed of by auction after the time-honoured method of Fairs. + +Much money had been accumulated for the good cause, and though tired, +the workers were jubilant over the success of Vanity Fair. + +"I shall sleep late to-morrow morning," declared Patty, as, after all +the guests were gone, the house party started for bed. + +"Me, too," agreed Elise. "I'm glad you haven't anybody staying here but +us. No house guests, I mean, but just Zaly and me." + +"I'm glad, too," said Patty. "You see, I expected Father and Nan, but +they've changed their plans and will remain in California another +month." + +"They're having a gorgeous trip, aren't they?" + +"Yes, indeed, but I wish they'd ever get home! Just think, Father has +never seen Fleurette!" + +"She'll be a big girl when they do see her. She's growing like a little +weed." + +"Like a little flower, you mean! Don't you just love her name, Elise?" + +"Fleurette? Little Flower? Of course I do. The sweetest ever. Does Bill +still call you Patty Blossom?" + +"Yes, at times. Oh, he calls me 'most any old thing! He makes up new +names for both of us every day! Come along, Zaly, you're dropping from +sheer weariness. Time for little girls like you to go beddy!" + +Affectionately Patty put her arm round the girl, and led her away +upstairs. + +"Sleep well," she said, as she left Azalea in her own room. "And don't +come downstairs in the morning before ten or eleven. I'm sure I shan't. +The servants will clear everything up, and Bill will oversee it. I hate +the aftermath of a Fair,--don't you?" + +Azalea nodded agreement, and Patty kissed her good-night and went off. + +But it was only eight o'clock the next morning when Azalea crept softly +downstairs. She was neatly attired in a cloth suit, with a fresh white +shirtwaist and a pretty hat. + +She was not at all sleepy or weary-looking and she went out through the +pantry to the kitchen. + +"Please give me a cup of coffee," she said to the cook, who was just +beginning her day's work. + +She looked in amazement at Azalea, for she had had no orders over night +to serve an early breakfast. + +"I'll get you something as quick as I can," she said, good-naturedly. "I +didn't know you was going to town, Miss Thorpe." + +"Just decided," said Azalea, carelessly; "and I don't want +breakfast,--only a cup of coffee and a bit of toast. There's a good +cookie." + +Smiling at the cajolery, the cook bustled about and soon had an +appetising little repast ready. Azalea gratefully accepted the poached +egg and the marmalade in addition to what she had requested, and in a +short time had finished and prepared to depart. + +But she did not ask for one of the Farnsworth motor-cars; instead, she +walked swiftly out of the gate and down the street toward the trolley +line. + +She waited for a car and when it came she got aboard and settled down +for a long ride. + +At last she got out and a short walk brought her to her destination. +This was nothing more nor less than a great moving-picture studio. + +There were a number of people about, all very busy and intent on what +they were doing. + +Azalea seemed to be known, for two or three nodded pleasantly to her as +she went swiftly along to the office. + +There she presented herself, and was received by Mr. Bixby, the man who +had one day called on her at Wistaria Porch. + +"Well, Miss Thorpe," he said, briskly, "I suppose you heard the news. +Miss Frawley has broken her ankle--" + +"Yes, I heard that," said Azalea, with a sympathetic look. + +"And we think we want to put you in her place,--at least, for a trial." + +"I'm glad to try," Azalea said, earnestly. "I'll do my best to make +good. But I can't bring the baby again." + +"Oh, pshaw, yes you can,--just once more, anyway. But never mind that +now. We must see about your own part. You know there's danger, Miss +Thorpe?" + +"Miss Frawley braved the danger," Azalea said, quietly. + +"Yes, and Miss Frawley broke her ankle." + +"I know; and I may break mine, but I'll take the chance. I am not +afraid,--though I well know that accidents may happen. What was Miss +Frawley doing?" + +"It was in that climbing scene. You know she climbs the sheer precipice +of rock. There are hidden spikes driven into the rock for her feet, of +course, but she missed one, and fell." + +"I'll be as careful as I can, but I may miss it, too." + +"In that case, we'll have to get some one else," said Mr. Bixby, +coolly. "Are you ready for work?" + +"Oh, yes," and then Azalea was shown to the dressing-rooms. + +This was her secret. For years she had wanted to be a moving-picture +actress, and she had hoped before she left Arizona for New York that she +might get an opportunity to take up the work. She had expected to begin +with minor parts, and hoped by her skill and earnest efforts to attain +eminence. + +On the train, coming East, she had formed an acquaintance with Mr. Bixby +and his wife, who were in the business. As their studio was not far from +the Farnsworth home, Azalea had made plans with them to engage in the +work. + +She had carried out these plans, and had been over to the studios +several times, taking parts in which they needed a substitute. + +She had done so well and had shown such promise that Mr. Bixby urged her +to become a regular actress in his company. + +But Azalea was so uncertain as to how Patty and Bill would regard such a +move on her part, that she had so far kept the matter to herself. + +Then, when the star actress had met with an accident, and the management +had concluded to offer Azalea her place, it was a great chance for the +girl. + +She had come over this morning to give it a trial, entirely at sea as to +her subsequent attitude toward the Farnsworths. + +She thought she would be guided by circumstances as to whether she would +confide all to them, or whether she would continue her secrecy as to her +movements. + +Mrs. Bixby attended to her in the dressing-room. All of Miss Frawley's +costumes, it was found, could be altered to fit Azalea. + +As one in a dream, the girl stood to be fitted, while seamstresses and +modistes hovered about her. + +Then she was informed that the work that day would be only rehearsing +and the pictures would not actually be taken until her costumes were +ready. + +Submissively she did exactly as she was told, and so well did she act +the parts assigned her, that Mr. Bixby expressed hearty approval. + +Azalea was there nearly all day, and when at last she turned her face +homeward, a great dismay seized her. + +"What's the matter, child?" asked kindly Mrs. Bixby, who was saying +good-bye. + +"Oh, I don't know what to do!" Azalea was tempted to tell the +director's wife all her troubles. + +But Mrs. Bixby was a busy lady, and she said, "Not now, dearie. You +skittle home, and to-morrow maybe I can take a couple hours off to hear +your tale of woe. You know you've already told me your swagger relatives +would throw a fit if they knew what you were up to. Well, I guess it's +about fit time!" + +Azalea disliked her style of speech, but Mrs. Bixby was kind hearted, +and she had hoped to have her for a confidante. However, there was no +chance then, for Mrs. Bixby hustled her off to the trolley-car, and +Azalea went home to Wistaria Porch. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +"STAR OF THE WEST" + + +All the way home Azalea wondered how she would be received. + +Both Patty and Bill were somewhat suspicious of her and would naturally +question her as to where she had been all day. She was tempted to tell +them the whole truth and throw herself on their mercy, and but for one +thing she would have done so. This was the fact that she had previously +taken the baby, Fleurette, over to the studios and had used the child in +the pictures. + +This she felt quite sure the Farnsworths would not forgive. + +Azalea would not have done it, if it had occurred to her at first how +the parents would resent such use of their child. But Mr. Bixby had +needed a very young baby in a certain picture and Azalea, anxious to +please, had offered to bring Fleurette over. She was herself so devoted +to the little one and so careful of her, she felt no fear of any harm +coming to her. Nor did it, for the infant was good and tractable, and +did all that was required of her without any trouble. However, little +was required except for her to coo and gurgle in one scene, and to lie +quietly asleep in another. + +But there was one more short scene where Azalea had to rescue the baby +from a burning house. To be sure the flames were artificial and there +was no danger from the fire, but the baby was thrown from an upper +window, and caught by Azalea, who stood down on the ground. + +So accustomed was Fleurette to being tossed about, and so familiar to +her was the frolicking with Azalea that she made no objections and was a +most delightful addition to the picture. + +But something happened to the film, and the director was most anxious to +take the scene over again. + +Azalea, however, positively refused to take Fleurette again to the +studio. She knew how she would be censured, should it be found out, and +now Nurse Winnie and the two Farnsworths, as well as Elise, were all +watching for anything mysterious that Azalea might do. + +She felt almost as if she were living over a slumbering volcano, that +might at any moment blow her up. For Elise, she felt sure, would not +keep the sampler incident to herself, and if Farnsworth heard of it he +would be newly angry at that deception. + +So Azalea's delight at her success with the moving-picture company was +very much tempered with dismay at her position in the Farnsworth +household. + +She was almost tempted to run away from them altogether and shift for +herself. + +Indeed, she practically decided, as she rode in the trolley-car, that if +they were hard on her when she reached home, she _would_ run away. Of a +wayward disposition and without really good early training, Azalea +thought only of herself, and selfishly desired her own advancement +without thought or regard for other people. + +But, to her pleased surprise, when she entered the gate she heard gay +voices on the verandah, and knew that guests were there,--and several of +them. + +Unwilling to meet them in her street clothes, she slipped around to the +back entrance and went in at the servants' door. + +"I don't want to appear until I can dress," she explained to the cook, +and went upstairs by a back way. + +Half an hour later, a very different looking Azalea went down the front +staircase and out onto the porch. + +She wore a becoming dress of flowered organdie, with knots of bright +velvet, and her pretty hair was carefully arranged. + +Smiling and happy-looking, she met the guests and greeted them with a +graceful cordiality. + +"Where have you been?" cried Elise, but Azalea ignored the question and +quickly spoke to some one else. + +Mona and Roger Farrington were there, and Philip Van Reypen and Chick +Channing. This quartette had motored up from New York to dine, and Patty +had already persuaded them to say they would stay over night. + +"I'm crazy for a house party," she said, "haven't had one for 'most a +week! Oh, yes. I've a couple of house guests, but I mean a real party. +Let's make it a week-end, and have lots of fun!" + +The visitors were entirely willing, and after telephoning home for +additional apparel, they settled down to enjoy themselves. + +As they hadn't much more than accomplished this settling when Azalea +arrived, there was no comment made on her absence all day. + +In fact, Patty rather forgot about it, in the multitude of her +conferences with the housekeeper and the maids. + +Farnsworth said nothing in the presence of the guests, and Elise, after +her first exclamation, subsided. + +In fact, Elise was more interested in the society of Channing and Van +Reypen than in the mystery of Azalea's disappearances. + +Betty and Ray Gale had been telephoned for, and they came gladly, so +that at dinner there was quite a big party. + +"You certainly are a great little old hostess, Patty!" exclaimed Roger +Farrington, as they seated themselves at table. "I liked you heaps as a +girl, but as mistress of a fine house you are even more charming." + +"Thank you, Sir Hubert Stanley!" smiled Patty; "and I'm glad to admit +that I learned a lot about managing a house from your gifted wife. Do +you remember, Mona, how we kept house down at 'Red Chimneys'?" + +"Indeed I do!" Mona answered, "what fun we had that summer!" + +"I'll subscribe to that!" declared Farnsworth, "for it was then and +there that I met the lady who is now my wife! And,--I kissed her the +moment I saw her!" + +"Oh, Cousin William!" cried Azalea, "did you really? What _did_ she +say?" + +"Flew at me like a small cyclone of wrath! But as I had mistaken her for +my cousin Mona, she couldn't hold me very guilty." + +"Yes! A lot Patty looks like me!" said Mona, who was a dark-haired +beauty. + +"But I didn't see her face," pleaded Bill; "I just saw a girl on the +verandah of your house, Mona, and I took it for granted it was you!" + +"It's all ancient history," said Patty, laughing. "And, to tell the +truth, I'm glad it happened,--for otherwise, I mightn't have become +interested in--Mona's cousin." + +"Then I bless my mistake!" said Farnsworth, so fervently that Patty +shook her head at him. + +"Mustn't talk so before folks," she said, reprovingly. "Now, people all, +what shall we do with this lovely evening? It's moonlight, so any who +are romantically inclined can ramble about the place, and flirt in the +arbours,--while those who prefer can play bridge or--the piano. Or +just sit and chat." + +"Me for the last!" cried Mona. "I've oceans to talk about with you, +Patty. Can't we play all by ourselves for a little while?" + +"Certainly," said Patty, as she rose from the table. "Mona and I are +going to sit on the wistaria porch and gossip for half an hour. After +that, we're all going to dance,--and maybe sing." + +"Good enough programme," agreed Van Reypen. "For one half-hour, then, +each may do as he or she wishes!" + +"Yes, if you all promise to be back here in half an hour." + +"Make it an hour, Patty," laughed Elise, who had her own plans. + +"All right," said Patty, carelessly, who cared only that her guests +should enjoy themselves. + +"I want to tell you something," Mona said, as she and Patty at last were +alone on the porch. "Who _is_ Azalea?" + +"I call that asking, not telling," laughed Patty; "however, I'll reply. +She is Bill's cousin,--not first cousin, but the daughter of his +father's cousin. So you see,--a distant cousin. Why?" + +"I'll tell you why. Roger and I go to the 'movies' sometimes,--and in a +picture, the other night, we saw Azalea." + +"Saw Azalea! You mean some one who looked like her." + +"No; Azalea Thorpe herself! Roger and I both knew her at once. And it +was quite a new picture,--taken recently, I mean. Did you know she did +such things?" + +"No, and I can't think she does. It must have been only a remarkable +resemblance, Mona." + +"No, Patty. We're positive. And, too, she was doing Wild West +stunts,--riding bareback, shooting, throwing a lariat,--all those +things,--and Azalea can, you know." + +"Yes, I know; and there _is_ something queer going on. It may be that +when Azalea goes off for a day or part of a day, that's where she goes. +But I can hardly believe it. And why does she keep it so secret?" + +"I suppose she thinks you and Bill wouldn't approve." + +"And we certainly would _not_! I don't think it can be possible, Mona. +But don't say anything to anybody,--not even to Little Billee,--until I +can talk to Azalea, myself. I can do lots with her, alone, but not if +anybody else is present." + +"Where is she now?" + +"Gone for a moonlight stroll with Phil. He's decidedly taken with her." + +"Yes, I know it. He said so on the way up here. He thinks she's a fine +girl--and he admires those careless, unconventional ways of hers." + +"Well, I don't," Patty sighed. "I like Azalea for lots of things,--she's +good company and kind-hearted,--and she's devoted to Baby,--but I +_can't_ like those free and easy manners! But she's a whole lot better +than when she first came! Then she was _really_ a wild Indian! I've been +able to tone her down a little." + +"You've done wonders for her, Patty. She ought to be very grateful." + +Patty made a wry face. "No, she isn't grateful. People never are +grateful for that sort of thing. And she doesn't even _know_ she's +different! I've had to train her without her own knowledge! But she's +chameleon-like, in some ways, and she picks up a lot just from being +with mannerly people." + +"She does indeed! She's quite correct now,--in her actual doings. It's +only in some burst of enthusiasm that she oversteps the bounds of +propriety. Well, that's all. I thought I'd tell you,--for it isn't right +that you shouldn't know. And there's no mistake. There's only one Azalea +Thorpe." + +"Was her name on the programme?" + +"No; she didn't have a star part,--not even a named part. She was one of +a crowd,--cowboys, ranch girls, and a general horde of 'woollies.' Don't +accuse her of it, Patty; get around her and see what she says." + +"Goodness, Mona, give me credit for a little tact! I'll find out in the +best way. What was the name of the play?" + +"'Star of the West.' A splendid thing,--have you seen it?" + +"No; we almost never go." + +"Oh, we go a lot, we love moving pictures." + +"I'd like to see this one,--before I speak to Azalea. Is it on now?" + +"Yes, at The Campanile. Let's go down to-morrow,--just you and me. We +can be back in a couple of hours." + +"Well, I'll see. Probably I can go." + +In the meantime, Azalea and Van Reypen were talking of the same play. + +"I saw a picture play last night," Phil was saying, "with a girl in it +that looked exactly like you." + +"What was the play?" asked Azalea, interestedly. + +"'Star of the West.' It was a good play, but I was most interested in +the girl I speak of. She was really your double,--but she did things +that I don't believe you could compass,--athletic as you are." + +"I'd like to see it," said Azalea, thoughtfully. + +"Oh, go with me, will you? I'm going to stay up here over the +week-end,--and we could skip down to-morrow afternoon, and be back by +dinner time." + +"I'd love to go,--but Patty doesn't greatly approve of the 'movies.'" + +"Oh, never mind that. You've a right to go, if you choose. And you +needn't say where we're going, till we get back. Say we're going to take +in a matinee." + +"Well, I'll go," Azalea said decidedly, "for I'm crazy to see that play. +What's the girl's name?" + +"Dunno. It wasn't on the bill. But, truly, Azalea, you'll be surprised +to see how much like you she is!" + +Azalea hesitated. She knew it was taking a great risk to go with Phil, +but she was most anxious to see how she looked on the screen. + +This, she knew, was the first picture released in which she had taken a +part. It was only a small part, but she had done well, the manager said, +and that had been the reason for her further advancement. + +She had wanted to see it over at the studio, but her visits there had +been so hurried, and she had been so eager to get back, she never dared +take the time to see the pictures exhibited. + +The two returned to the house, and Patty greeted them gaily. + +"Well, wanderers, you're the last of the company to report! Where have +you been?" + +"Surveying your domain, ma'am," Phil replied; "it's most beautiful by +moonlight,--especially when viewed in company with a fair lady." + +He bowed gallantly to Azalea, who was looking her best,--a slight blush +of excitement on her cheeks at the compliment. + +"It _is_ lovely," she said; "the house, from the west lawn, is a +wonderful picture! Patty, Mr. Van Reypen has asked me to go to New York +with him to-morrow afternoon,--to a matinee. May I?" + +"Certainly, my child. And as Mona and I are going down in the early +afternoon, we'll all go together in the big car." + +Then all went to the hall for a dance. The large reception hall was +admirably adapted for this purpose, and the strains of a fine phonograph +soon set all feet in motion. + +Dancing with Raymond Gale, Azalea pirouetted gaily with some fancy +steps. + +"Good!" he cried, falling into the spirit of the thing, and they pranced +about in a mad whirl. + +"How Western she is," Elise said to Phil, with whom she was sedately +one-stepping. + +"Clever dancer," he returned, briefly, and the subject was not +continued. + +"Come for a walk," said Gale to Azalea, as the dance was over. + +"No; let's sit on the porch a minute," she preferred. + +"Come along to this end, then, for I want to say something particular," +he urged, and they found a pleasant seat, from which they could see the +moon through the leafy wistaria branches. + +"Look here, Azalea," Gale began, "I know what you're up to,--with the +Bixbys." + +"What!" Azalea's voice was full of fear. + +"Yes, and there's no reason you should be so secretive about it." + +"Oh, Raymond,--there _is_ reason! Don't tell on me, will you?" + +"Of course not,--if you forbid it. But when Farnsworth asks me, what am +I to say?" + +"What does he ask you?" + +"Who the Bixbys are. And other awkward questions. You see, I know old +Bixby,--and I knew as soon as I saw him here that day that he had drawn +you into his snares." + +"Don't put it that way--I wasn't exactly drawn in." + +"Well, you're in, all right. Why, Azalea, I saw you in a picture in New +York, night before last." + +"You did?" + +"Yes; in 'Star of the West.' Don't try to fib out of it--" + +"What!" + +"Now you needn't get mad! I know you're not entirely above a little +fibbing, now and then!" + +"I think I'll go in the house,--I don't like you." + +"Oh, Zaly, behave yourself. Be a sensible girl, and face the music! Why +don't you own it all up, and tell Farnsworth the whole story? It isn't a +criminal thing to act in the 'movies.'" + +"They think it is,--Bill and Patty. They'd never forgive me!" + +"Oh, pshaw, they would, too! Anyway, I want you to do it,--tell 'em, I +mean. Won't you, Zaly,--won't you,--for my sake?" + +Gale was sincere and earnest, and Azalea thrilled to the strong +tenderness in his voice as he urged her. + +But she hesitated to consent. + +"I can't, Ray," she said, at last. "Truly, I can't. They'd--they'd turn +me off--" + +"Oh, Azalea, what nonsense! They'd do no such thing!" + +"Yes, they would. You don't know Bill. He's good and generous and +kind,--but he hates anything like deceit,--and almost worse, he hates +the whole moving-picture racket. I don't mean the pictures themselves, +exactly,--but the idea of anybody of his being in them. And, oh, +Ray,--it isn't only myself,--but I took--I took--" + +"I know,--you took the kiddy." + +"Yes, I did. It didn't seem any harm, at first, and then, one day when I +brought her home,--she was sleepy,--unusually so, I mean, and Nurse +said she had been given soothing sirup,--and--I found out afterward she +had! Mrs. Bixby had given her some, to keep her quiet in the picture, +you know. Of course, I never dreamed of such a thing,--why, Ray, that +little girl is as dear to me,--almost,--as she is to Patty! I wouldn't +harm a hair of her blessed little curly head! And I'd never have allowed +a drop of that sirup, if I'd known it! But I just gave her to Mrs. Bixby +to hold, while I changed my costume,--Mrs. Bixby seems a good woman--" + +"Oh, come now, I don't believe it hurt the child." + +"You don't know anything about such things. I don't know much, but I +know they must never have a bit of that stuff! Anyway, Ray?--we must go +in now,--don't give my secret away until I give you permission, will +you?" + +"No; if you'll promise to think it over and try to believe what I've +told you,--that it's best to tell all." + +"All right, I'll promise that, and I may decide to tell. But I want to +wait until after to-morrow, anyway." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE PICTURE PLAY + + +By a little adroit manoeuvring Van Reypen managed things so that he and +Azalea did not go to New York in the motor with Patty and Mona, but went +down by themselves in the train. + +For Azalea was most anxious that Patty should not know she was going to +the moving pictures, and especially that she was going to see "Star of +the West." + +It had already become a popular picture and was drawing crowds. And +though Azalea's part in it was a small one, yet her work was so good +that one or two reviews had mentioned it approvingly. + +Azalea had hoped that it would be possible to let Van Reypen continue in +his mistaken impression that the girl on the screen was not herself, but +some one who looked marvellously like her. + +But the first sight of herself in the play so thrilled Azalea that she +was unable to repress an exclamation of surprised delight. + +"It _is_ you, Azalea!" whispered Phil, realising the truth. "How _did_ +you manage it? Oh, you wonderful girl!" + +Azalea looked at him in astonishment. In the dim light of the theatre +she could see his face glowing with pride and pleasure. + +She gave a little gasp. "Oh, Phil, aren't you--I mean--are you _glad_ +about it?" + +"I don't know,--Azalea,--it seems so queer--but, oh, look at that! Did +you really do that, Azalea!" + +For the girl on the screen had flung herself, bareback, on a vicious, +bucking pony, and holding on by his mane, went through the most +hairbreadth escapes, yet was not thrown. Indeed, she finally tamed the +wild creature, and dashed madly off on her errand. This was the rescue +of a baby who had been left behind, when those who should have looked +after the child were themselves fleeing from a cyclone. + +The scene was remarkably well staged, and the illusion of the cyclone +wonderfully worked out. + +The baby, left to the care of servants, was in a lightly built house +that rocked in the blasts. It threatened to collapse at any minute, and +Azalea, racing against time, in the face of the gale, spurred on her +flying steed, and reached the house just as it crashed to ruins. + +Flinging herself from the horse, she dashed into the piles of debris, +and, the gale nearly blowing her off her feet, contrived to find the +child. + +Of course, in the taking of the picture, Fleurette had been in no danger +whatever; in fact, had not been in the falling house at all, until time +for Azalea to find her in the ruins. + +But this was not apparent to the audience. To them it seemed that the +baby must have been there all the time. + +Van Reypen sat breathless, watching the screen with rapt attention. + +He thought little of the baby's danger, knowing the methods of making +pictures, but he was lost in admiration of Azalea, her fine athletic +figure, and her free, strong motions, as she battled with the winds and +triumphantly snatched the baby from harm. + +Then, the child in one arm, she flung herself again on the pony's back, +the animal prancing wildly, but tractable beneath Azalea's determined +guidance, and they were off like the wind itself to a place of safety. +The wild ride was picturesque, if frightful, and there was a burst of +applause from the spectators, as Azalea, panting, exhausted, but safe, +at last reached her goal, and leaning down from the horse, placed the +baby in the arms of its weeping, distracted mother. + +Azalea's beauty was of the sort that needs excitement or physical +exertion to bring out its best effects and as she stood beside the +quivering, spent horse, her own heart beating quickly, her own breath +coming hard, she was a picture of vivid beauty. + +Her dress was disordered, her hair hung in loosened coils, her collar +was half torn off by the wind, but the happy smile and the justifiable +pride in her success lighted up her countenance till it was fairly +radiant. + +"By cricky, you're stunning!" exclaimed Phil, under his breath, as he +grasped her hand in congratulation. + +And so, because of his praise and appreciation Azalea forgot her fears +of censure from the Farnsworths and gave herself up to the delights of +the moment. + +She would not have felt so comfortable had she heard Patty's remarks at +sight of the picture. + +Patty and Mona had come to the theatre later than Azalea, and had been +given seats on the other side of the large house. The darkness, too, +made it unlikely that they should see each other, and so Azalea remained +in blissful ignorance of Patty's presence. + + * * * * * + +"Of course, it's Azalea," Patty said to Mona, the moment the girl +appeared on the screen. "I--oh, I don't know _what_ to think about +it,--but, isn't she splendid!" + +"She is! That rig is most becoming to her, and she has such poise,--so +strong and free, yet graceful." + +"She's certainly at her best." + +"Of course, the director saw her possibilities and has brought out all +her best points. How pretty her hair is,--loose, like that." + +"Yes, she's a real beauty,--of the true breezy, Western type. But, Mona, +what _will_ Bill say? I do believe I shall feel more lenient about it +all than he will! He is conservative, you know, for all his Western +bringing up. Oh, my gracious, Mona, _what's_ she doing now?" + +"She'll kill herself with that wild horse! She _never_ can get on his +back!" + +In a state of great excitement, they watched Azalea's skilful management +of the pony and clutched each other's hands in speechless fear as she +tore through the gale to rescue her brother's child. + +And then--when at last Azalea emerged from the tumbled-down ruin of the +little old house, with a baby in her arms, Patty gave a cry of startled +fear, and then clapped her hand over her mouth, lest her dismay be too +evident to those sitting near by. + +"Mona!" she whispered, "it's Fleurette!" + +"No! I don't believe it! You can't tell,--such a _little_ baby--they all +look alike,--you're imagining, Patty--" + +"It is! it _is_! That's where they went when Azalea took Baby off for a +whole day,--and two or three times for an afternoon or a morning! Oh, I +can't _stand_ it!" + +Patty buried her face in her hands and refused to look up while Azalea +rode the galloping horse, with the child held fast in one arm. + +Mona felt it must be true. To be sure she couldn't really recognise +Fleurette's face, but she was certain that Patty's mother heart could +make no mistake, and it was small wonder that she was overcome at seeing +her child in such scenes. + +"Hush, Patty," said Mona, as Patty's sobs began to sound hysterical, +"hush,--this is only a picture, you know,--this isn't really +Fleurette,--she is safe at home--" + +"But she must have been here! Azalea _must_ have carried her, +_really_--on that terrific horse! They couldn't have got the pictures +if she hadn't!" + +"Well, it's all right, anyway. It didn't hurt the baby--" + +"Oh, hush, Mona! you don't know what I'm suffering! I guess if your baby +had been taken off and put through such awful doings, you'd know what I +feel! My baby,--my little flower baby! In that awful crashing, tumbling +down old shanty! Oh, I _can't_ stand it!" + +"Let's go out, Patty, there's no reason for us to stay longer." + +"Yes, let's," and gathering up her wraps, Patty rose to go. + +They made their way out of the dark, crowded place, and finding the +motor-car, they went straight home. + +Once there, Patty flew to the nursery, and fairly snatching the baby +from Nurse Winnie's arms, she held it close, and crooned loving little +broken songs. + +"You're all right," Mona said, laughing at her. "You've got your baby, +safe and sound,--now just sit down there and enjoy her for a while." + +This Patty gladly did, and Mona went in search of Farnsworth. + +She finally found him, down in a distant garden, where he was looking +after some planting matters. + +"Come along o' me," she said, smiling at him. + +Wonderingly Farnsworth looked up. + +"Thought you girls went to the city," he said. + +"We did,--also, we returned. Patty is in the nursery, and I want a few +minutes' talk with you." + +"O.K.," and the big man gave some parting instructions to a gardener and +then went off with Mona. She led him to a nearby arbour, and commenced +at once. + +"You and I are old friends," she said, "and so I'm going to take an +old friend's privilege and give you some advice, and also ask a few +questions. First, who is Azalea?" + +"My two or three times removed cousin." + +"Are you sure?" + +Farnsworth looked at her. "What do you mean, Mona?" + +"What I say; are you _sure_?" + +"Funny thing to ask. Well,--I am and--I'm not." + +"Now, what do _you_ mean?" + +"I'll tell you." And then he told her how queer he thought it that +Azalea had had no letters from her father since her arrival,--nor any +letters at all from Horner's Corners. + +"And she's so sly about it," he wound up; "why once she wrote a letter +to herself, and pretended it was from her father!" + +"I can't make it out," Mona mused. "If her father were dead, she'd have +no reason to conceal the fact. Nor if he had remarried. And if he has +done anything disgraceful--maybe that's it, Bill! Maybe he's in jail!" + +"I've thought of that, Mona, and, of course, it's a possibility. That +would explain her not getting letters, and her unwillingness to tell +the reason. But,--somehow, it isn't very plausible. Why shouldn't she +confide in me? I've begged her to,--and no matter what Uncle Thorpe may +have done, it's no real reflection on Azalea." + +"No; but now _I've_ something to tell you about the girl." + +Mona gave him a full account of the moving-picture play that she and +Patty had visited, and told him, too, of Patty's distress over the +pictures of Fleurette. + +Farnsworth was greatly amazed, but, like Mona, he knew Patty could not +be mistaken as to the identity of Fleurette. + +"And I just thought," Mona went on, "that I'd tell you before Patty +did,--for,--oh, well, this is my real reason,--Patty is so wrought up +and so wild over the Fleurette matter that she can't judge Azalea +fairly,--and I don't want to have injustice done to her at this stage of +the game. For, Bill, Azalea has real talent,--real dramatic genius, _I_ +think, and if there's no reason against it,--except conventional +ones,--I think she ought to be allowed to become a motion-picture +actress. She's bound to make good,--she has the right sort of a face for +the screen,--beautiful, mobile, expressive, and really, a speaking +countenance. Why, she'd make fame and fortune, I'm positive." + +"Oh, Mona! what utter rubbish! One of _our_ people in the 'movies'! +Impossible!" + +"I knew you'd say that! And I know Patty will say--oh, good Heavens, I +don't know _what_ Patty will say! But I do know this; she would have +been sensible and would have felt just as I do about it, if it hadn't +been for the Fleurette part of it. Before the baby appeared on the +screen Patty was really delighted with Azalea. She was enthusiastic +about her talent and her beauty,--really, Bill, she looked very +beautiful in the pictures." + +"Oh, Zaly is good-looking enough. But her taking our baby is--why, +there's no term suitable! Where is Azalea!" + +"I hope nowhere near, while you look like that!" and Mona laughed. "Your +expression is positively murderous!" + +"I feel almost that way! Just think, Mona, Azalea is _my_ relative! I +inflicted her on Patty, poor little Patty--" + +"Oh, come now, Bill, don't overdo it! Azalea was most daring and even +foolish, but not criminal. You know how she loves that child, and you +know she wouldn't let harm come near her." + +"But accidents might happen, for all Azalea's care and watchfulness--" + +"I know that, but an accident might happen to Winnie when she takes Baby +out in her coach!" + +"Are you standing up for Azalea?" + +"That's just what I'm doing! I'm glad you've got it through your head +at last. And I ask this of you, old friend. Whatever you do or say to +Azalea, think it well over beforehand. If you talk to Patty, as she is +feeling now you'll both be ready to tar and feather poor Zaly; and, +truly, she doesn't deserve it! Please, Bill, go slow,--and be just. Be +generous if you can,--but at any rate, be just. That's all I ask. And +you can't be just if you act on impulse,--so, go slow. Will you?" + +"Yes, Mona,--there's my hand on it We're not often over-impulsive,--Patty +and I,--but in this case we may be,--might have been,--if you hadn't +warned me. You're a good girl, Mona, and I thank you for your foresight +and real kindness," + +And so Farnsworth went in search of Patty with a resolve to try to +reason out the matter with a fair consideration of all sides of it. + +He found his wife and daughter in the nursery. + +Patty had sent Winnie off, feeling that she must hold Fleurette in her +arms for some time, in order to realise that she was safe from the +whirling winds of that awful cyclone! + +When Bill appeared, Patty began at once, and launched forth a full +description of the picture play, and of Azalea's and Fleurette's parts +in it. + +Farnsworth sat looking at her, his blue eyes full of a contented +admiration. To this simple-minded, big-hearted man, his wife and child +represented the whole world. All he had, all he owned, he valued only +for the pleasure it might mean to them. + +"Darling," he said, as she finished the tale, "what do _you_ think about +it all?" + +"Mona's been talking to you!" Patty cried, with sudden intuition. + +"What! How do you know? You clair-voyant!" + +"Of course I know," and Patty wagged a wise head at him. "First, +because you're not sufficiently surprised,--she told you all about it! +And second, because you're not furious at Azalea! Mona has talked you +around to her way of thinking,--which is, that Azalea is a genius,--and +that--" + +"That Fleurette is another! Think of being on the screen at the tender +age of six months!" + +"You're a wretch! you're a monster! you're a--a--dromedary!" + +Patty was feeling decidedly better about the whole matter. Having sat +for nearly an hour, holding and fondling her idolised child, she +realised that whatever Fleurette had gone through, she was safe +now,--and that whatever was to be done to Azalea by way of punishment, +was more Bill's affair than hers. + +"You don't care two cents for your wonder-child! Your own little +buttercup,--your daffy-downdilly baby!" she cried, in pretended +reproof, and then Farnsworth took Fleurette and tossed her about until +she squealed with glee. + +"Oh, I guess we'll keep her," he said, as he handed her back to her +mother's arms. "She's the paragon baby of the whole world, even if I +don't appreciate her." + +"Oh, you do! you _do_!" exclaimed Patty, remorseful now at having teased +him. "And now, Sweet William, what's _your_ idea of a right and proper +punishment for Cousin Azalea?" + +"That's a matter for some thought," he responded, mindful of Mona's +words. "Look here, Patty, quite aside from Fleurette's connection with +this case,--what's your opinion of Zaly as a 'movie' star?" + +"She's great, dear,--she really is. And--if she weren't our relative--" + +"_My_ relative--" + +"_Our_ relative, I should advise her to go in for the thing seriously; +but,--I may be over-conservative,--even snobbish, but I do hate to have +our cousin's portrait all over the fences and ashbarrels, and in all the +Sunday papers, and--" + +"I don't mind that publicity so much as I do the possible effects on +Azalea's life. I don't know that the career of a 'movie' star is as full +of dangerous pitfalls as the theatrical line, but--I hate to see Azalea +subjected to them,--for her own sake." + +"I'm not sure we'll have anything to say in the matter," Patty observed, +thoughtfully. + +"She may take the bit in her own teeth. After seeing her break that +bucking broncho to-day,--I don't think her as tractable and easily +influenced as I did!" + +"How's this plan, dearest? Suppose we don't tell Azalea, for the +moment, that you saw the picture to-day, and see what she'll do next." + +"All right, I'd be glad to think it over a little. We'll warn Mona not +to give it away,--and nobody else knows we went there." + +"Of course, I'll take up the matter of Fleurette with Azalea, +separately," Farnsworth went on. "But even if she's determined on her +career, I feel sure we can persuade her to leave her little assistant +out of it!" + +"I rather just guess we can!" and Patty cuddled the baby to her breast. +"Well, the crowd will gather on the porch soon. I'll make a fresh +toilette and play the serene hostess, once again." + +Fleurette was given over to Winnie, and Patty, calm and happy now, ran +off to dress. + +"You're such a darling,--Big Billee," she whispered turning back to her +husband, and she went into his embracing arms; "you always know just +what is right to do." + +"Especially when Mona coaches me beforehand," he laughed, unwilling to +deceive her in the slightest degree. + +"Pooh," said Patty, "you're so right, even Mona can't make you any +righter!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +SOME RECORDS + + + "_Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait, on y dansait, + Sur le pont + D'Avignon, +On y dansait tout le rond_!" + +Patty's sweet, clear soprano notes rang out gaily as she trilled the +little song she had picked up in France. + +"What a pretty thing," cried Elise, "teach it to me, do, Patty." + +"All right, I will. But there's a record of it,--my singing,--for the +phonograph. You'll learn it better from that." + +"All right; Chick, come and find the record for me." + +The two went into the library, leaving the others on the porch. + +It was Sunday afternoon, and everybody was idle and happy. Patty was a +good hostess and did not bother her guests by over-entertaining them. + +But at Wistaria Porch there was always enough to do, if any one wanted +to do it,--and delightful lounging places, if one were indolently +inclined. + +Searching among the catalogued records, Chick easily found the one Elise +wanted. + +"What a lot of records they have of the baby's voice!" he exclaimed. + +"Yes," Elise assented, "they make them on all occasions. Patty's keeping +them for her, when she grows up. Clever idea." + +"Yes, but she'll have to build a town hall to keep them in! The child +hasn't begun to talk yet, but here are dozens--" + +"Oh, well, they'll weed them out. Some of them are awful cunning,--and +one is a first-class crying spell! They never could get but one of +Fleurette crying, she's such a good-natured kiddy. All right, +Chick,--start it off." + +They listened to the pretty little _chanson_, and repeated it until +Elise felt satisfied she had added it to her repertory. + +Just as she finished Betty Gale came flying in. + +"Skip into your togs, Elise, and come for a drive with us," she said. +"I've corralled Bill and Patty,--and Ray wants you,--and I," she looked +saucily at Channing, "I want Mr. Chick." + +"We're with you to the last ditch!" Channing replied and Elise went off +for her hat. + +"Shall I put away these records?" Chick asked looking at several they +had been using. + +"No," said Betty, carelessly, "Patty has hordes of minions who do such +things. Leave them, and get your duster on. We're off,--_pronto_!" + +"Where's Azalea?" Raymond Gale inquired, as, a few moments later, he had +his merry party in his car, and took hold of the wheel. + +"She and Van Reypen went for a long walk," Farnsworth replied. "And the +married Farringtons have gone back to town, so this is all our +party--for the moment." + +"All right; here we go, then." And the big car rolled down the driveway. + +"I hesitated about going," Patty demurred, "for it's Winnie's Sunday +out, and I had to leave baby with Janet. I've never done it before." + +"Oh, well," Betty laughed, "she'll probably sleep till you get back. +Don't babies always sleep all the afternoon?" + +"Not always, but Fleurette often does. Oh, of course, she'll be all +right" + +"And Azalea isn't there," she added, in a low tone to her husband. + +And indeed, just then, Azalea was far away from there. + +She and Phil had gone for the sort of walk they both loved,--along +woodland paths, cross-lots, now and then back on the highroad, and if +they got too far to walk back, prepared to return by train or trolley. + +The two were congenial spirits, which fact had rather surprised Van +Reypen's friends. For he was a conservative, fastidious aristocrat, and +though Azalea's rough edges had been rubbed down a bit by Patty's +training, she was still of a very different type from the Van Reypen +stock. + +But they both loved the open, and they strode along, chatting or silent +as fitted their mood. + +"What's in your mind just now, Brownie?" he asked, as Azalea looked +thoughtful. + +"Why,--a queer sort of a notion. Did you ever have a premonition,--a +sort of feeling that you ought to do something--" + +"A hunch?" + +"Yes; a presentiment that unless you do what you're told to do, there'll +be trouble--" + +"Who told you?" + +"That's just it. Nobody,--except a--oh, a mysterious force, a--just +an impulse, you know." + +"Obey it if you like. May I go, too?" + +"Well, it's this. Just before we turned that last corner a motor passed +us, you know." + +"Yes, I saw it. One of Farnsworth's,--with some of the servants in it." + +"It was. Patty gives them rides in turn. Now, Winnie the nurse was in, +and so it must be her Sunday out. And, of course, Patty is home there +with the baby,--she never leaves her if Winnie's away, but still--I feel +as if I must go home to look after that child!" + +"Is that all? Let's go, then. We can walk back as well as to go on." + +"But,--don't laugh, now,--I feel we ought to hurry. Let's take the +trolley-car,--it isn't far to the line." + +"You sure have got a hunch! But your will is my law. Wish we were near a +garage,--I'm not a bit fond of Sunday trolley riding!" + +"I'm not either,--but, Phil, you're awful good not to laugh at me." + +"Bless your soul, I've no notion of laughing at you! Your presentiment +may be the real thing,--for all I know. Anyway, if you want to go home, +you're going." + +So go they did, and, by the trolley-car route, arrived at the house in +half an hour. + +As they passed the Gales' place, on their way from the car-line to the +house, Van Reypen said, "Guess I'll stop here a minute if you don't +mind. I left my pet pipe here yesterday. Skip along home, and I'll +follow." + +Azalea went on and was surprised to find the house deserted. + +She went straight to the nursery, and found Fleurette in the care of +Janet, who was substitute nurse in Winnie's absence. + +"Everything all right, Janet?" said Azalea. + +"Yes, Miss Thorpe. Baby's had her milk, and I think she'll soon go to +sleep." + +"She doesn't look much like it now," and Azalea smiled at the gurgling, +laughing child, who was wide awake and in frolicsome mood. + +"Where's Mrs. Farnsworth?" Azalea asked. + +"She went motoring with Miss Gale. They all went,--and all the help have +gone too. I'm alone in the house with the baby." + +"Glad I came home, then. Mr. Van Reypen is here too, and I think I'll +take Fleurette down on the porch for half an hour. When she gets sleepy +I'll bring her up here." + +"Very well, Miss Thorpe. I'll be here." + +Janet busied herself about the nursery and Azalea went downstairs with +the baby in her arms. + +On the vine-shaded porch they sat, and as Van Reypen stayed chatting +with some of the Gale family, Azalea and the baby were each other's sole +companions. + +Their conversation was a little one-sided, but Azalea's remarks were +mostly eulogies and compliments and Fleurette's engaging smiles seemed +to betoken appreciation if not acknowledgment. + +A footstep approaching made Azalea look up. + +Before her stood Mr. Merritt, the assistant director of the film +company. + +"Good afternoon, Miss Thorpe," he said, politely; "I see the little one +is in a sunshiny mood." + +"Yes;" Azalea returned, but her very soul quaked with fear. Well she +knew what was in this man's mind. + +"And so, I'm going to ask you to run over to the studio just a few +minutes and give us one more chance at a good picture of that scene." + +"And I'm going to refuse," Azalea returned with spirit. "You know very +well, Mr. Merritt, that I'm not going to let you pose this child again." + +"I know you _are_,--and mighty quick, too," he retorted, in a low voice, +but tones of great determination. "I know everybody is out,--you are +practically alone in the house, and I know you're coming with +me,--willing or not! It won't hurt the baby a mite,--I've my little car +out in the road,--and if you _don't_ consent,--I'll--" + +He voiced no threat, but Azalea felt pretty sure he meant to take the +baby himself if she refused to go with them. + +She thought quickly, but no avenue of escape could she see. It would be +utterly useless to call Janet, for she was a nervous, timid girl, and +would probably run away at sight of this strange man. + +The nursery, too, was on the other side of the house, and she couldn't +make Janet hear if she tried. + +The Gale house also was on the other side of the Farnsworth house, and +so, indeed, if Azalea chose to call for help, it would do no good. +Doubtless Phil would be along shortly, but there was no telling, for +there was always a merry crowd on the Gale's piazza and he would stay +there talking for a time. + +But Merritt was impatient, and he finally broke out with; "Make up your +mind, please, and quickly. Will you bring the baby quietly, or shall I +just--take her along." + +He held out his arms to Fleurette, who, always ready to make friends +with strangers, smiled and leaned toward him. + +Azalea had wild thoughts of running away,--anywhere,--but she knew the +futility of such a plan. Merritt was a big and strong man, and though +Azalea was a swift runner, she could not get a start without his +intervening. + +She tried pleading. She appealed to his manliness, his kindness, his +generosity,--all with no success. + +"Don't talk rubbish," he said, shortly; "you know as well as I do, it +won't hurt the child. In fact, I came to get her to-day, myself, because +I knew her nurse was out,--and I saw you go off,--and later, all the +rest of the bunch. If _you_ hadn't come back,--confound you! I'd have +had that child over there by this time!" + +Azalea gasped. So her premonition had been a true one after all! Had +she not returned, Merritt would have easily overcome Janet and taken the +baby off with him. She knew they would not harm Fleurette,--indeed, +would be most careful of her. Unless, perhaps, they should give her +soothing-sirup again. Well they'd get no chance, for Azalea was +determined the baby should not be taken from her, and she most certainly +was not going herself. + +"You know what it will mean to you," Merritt threatened; "if I so advise +Bixby, he'll throw you over. How'd you like to lose your job now that +you've just begun to make good?" + +"That's nothing to do with it," Azalea said, trying to speak calmly and +not show how frightened she was. + +But Merritt discerned it. + +"All right," he said, "sorry you won't listen to reason,--but since you +won't,--guess I'll have to use force." + +He took hold of Fleurette's little arm, to lift her from Azalea's lap, +and the touch roused the girl's wrath to boiling point. + +"Don't you dare!" she cried, holding the baby tightly. "Leave,--leave at +once! or I'll call for help!" + +She rose, as if to make good her threat, though she knew there was no +help within call. + +Merritt knew it too, and he laughed at her. + +"Stop this nonsense, now," he commanded roughly. "I'm going to +accomplish what I came here for, so you may as well take it quietly. I +can take the child without a whimper from her,--and you know it! So, why +not be sensible and come along too, and look out for her yourself?" + +"You shall not take her!" Azalea looked like an angry tigress. + +"Gee! Wish I had you on the screen like that! You're some picture!" + +"Please, Mr. Merritt," Azalea tried coaxing again, "please believe +me,--I can't take Fleurette again. Her mother--why, Mr. Merritt, you +have children of your own--" + +"Sure I have! That's how I know how to treat 'em so well. If mine were +only small enough, I wouldn't need this little cutie. Well, here goes, +then!" + +This time he laid such a definite hold on the baby, that Azalea could +scarcely keep the child in her own arms. + +In her utter desperation, a new idea struck her. She would try strategy. + +"Oh, don't!" she cried, "rather than have you touch her, I'll go--I'll +take her. Let me get her cap and coat." + +"Where are they?" he asked, suspiciously. + +"Right here, in the library,--just across the hall." + +"Go on, then,--I trust you, 'cause I think you're sensible. I'd go along +and keep you in sight, but I want to keep watch if anybody comes. But +you sing, or whistle or something, so's I'll know you're right there." + +"All right," and Azalea's heart beat fast, for she had a splendid +scheme. + +Into the library she carried Fleurette, singing as she went, and once in +the room, she put the baby on a chair and flew for the record rack. + +Quickly she found the record of the baby's crying spell and put it in +place in the phonograph. + +Then, picking up Fleurette, she set the needle going and hurried from +the room. + +Merritt, hearing the cries, screams and sobs, scowled with anger at the +baby's fit of ill temper, but never dreamed that it was not really the +child crying at all. + +So Azalea had ample chance to escape by a back door from the library, +and crossing the dining-room went out on a side porch that faced the +Gale place. + +Looking carefully to see that Merritt had not followed her, and +listening a moment to learn how much longer the record,--of which she +knew every familiar sound,--would last, she ran with all the speed of +which she was capable over to the Gales'. + +Van Reypen was just taking leave, and he, as well as the others present, +looked in amazement at the flying figure coming nearer and nearer until +Azalea reached the group. + +"Take her," she said to Mrs. Gale, as she gave her the baby, "keep her +safe--_safe_!" + +And then Azalea went flying back. + +The record was finished,--and with the sudden stop of the child's crying +Merritt had started into the library to see what it meant. + +There Azalea found him, and she faced him bravely. + +"That baby is safe," she said, "where you can't get at her! And now I +will tell you what I think of _you_! You are a thief and a scoundrel! +You don't deserve to be allowed to carry on a reputable business! I +don't want any further connection with you or your company. I am proud +to be fired from such a lot of bandits as you people are!" + +So angry was she, and so unguarded as to what she was saying that she +fairly flung the words at him. + +For a moment he was stunned at her wild tirade, and then his artist +instinct was stirred,--for the picture she made was beautiful and +dramatic. She had no thought of this, for she was in earnest, and her +whole soul was up in arms at thought of the threatened abduction of +Fleurette. And, so, knowing that the child was safe with Mrs. Gale, she +let the vials of her wrath pour forth on the villain who had so aroused +it, and her voice was raised in scathing obloquy. + +"All right!" Merritt said, as she paused from sheer want of breath, +"I'll take my beating, if you'll go over to the studio with me and +repeat this scene. Let me pose you while you're in this humour,--you'll +never reach such heights again!" + +"Nor will I ever pose for you again! I'm through with you,--all of +you, and all the moving-picture business! I was warned to keep out of +it,--but I didn't know what wretches I would find in it! Go! Go at once! +and never let me see your face again!" + +It was at this moment that the Gale motor party returned. + +Patty and Bill, hearing Azalea's loud tones, rushed to the library and +found her there with Merritt. + +"Where's Baby?" Patty cried, starting for the stairs. + +"She's safe, Patty," Azalea said, stopping her. "She's all right,--she's +over to Mrs. Gale's." + +"Mrs. Gale's!" and Patty flew off like the wind, caring for nothing but +the assurance of her own eyes that Fleurette was safe. + +"Help me, Bill," said Azalea, going toward Farnsworth, "you said once, +you'd defend me." + +"I will, dear. What's this all about? Who are _you_?" He addressed +Merritt quietly, but with a fire in his blue eyes that was disturbing. + +"Merritt, of the Flicker Film Company, very much at your service," and +the man drew a card from his pocket and presented it. + +"Well, Mr. Merritt, leave at once, and never return. I don't care for +your explanations or excuses. Simply _go_." + +Merritt went. + +"Is that right, Zaly?" Bill said, as the crestfallen visitor left them. +"I didn't want any words with him,--for I might have lost my temper. I'd +rather have the story from you." + +"And I'll tell it to you,--all. But, oh, Bill, I'm so _glad_ Fleurette +is all right!" + +"She is _so_!" and Patty came dancing on, with the smilingest child in +the world. Van Reypen followed, and then the whole crowd drew together +anxious to know what the commotion was all about. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AZALEA'S STORY + + +"Yes, I'll tell you the whole story," Azalea repeated, addressing +herself to Farnsworth, but glancing now and then at the others. + +"On my way East, I met Mr. and Mrs. Bixby on the train. They were +pleasant people and Mrs. Bixby was very kind to me in many ways. Then, I +learned that they were in the moving-picture business, and as I wanted +to act myself, I cultivated their acquaintance all I could. And by the +time we reached New York Mr. Bixby had agreed to give me a trial at his +studio. He said I had the right type of face for the screen and if I +could learn to act, my Western life had fitted me for some certain parts +they were just then in need of. So I went in for it,--and I got along +all right. Then they wanted a little baby in the picture and as I was so +fond of Fleurette and loved her too much to let any harm come to her, I +thought it all right to take her over there once or twice to get the +pictures of her. But one of the films went wrong, somehow, and Mr. +Merritt was determined to take it over again. I wouldn't allow it, +because I found out how Patty felt about Baby being in it,--so I +refused. Now, I don't suppose you know how insistent the picture people +are about any scene they want. They go to any lengths to get them. I've +heard Mr. Bixby say, 'Get the picture if it kills the leading man!' And +though he doesn't mean that literally I think he would do anything short +of murder to get his picture. Well, they thought that the whole reel was +spoiled because one scene with Fleurette in it wasn't right. And they +were bound to have her over there again." + +"She shan't go,--so she shouldn't!" Patty crooned, as she held her child +closer in her sheltering arms. + +"No; and that's what I told Mr. Merritt," went on Azalea. "But he is +tricky, and I felt pretty sure he'd try underhand means to get the +baby. I've kept watch night and day, and I've always been certain that +Fleurette was either in Winnie's care or Patty's. Patty wouldn't trust +her with _me_ any more." + +Azalea spoke the last words wistfully, with a penitent look in her +brown eyes. + +"Small wonder!" cried Elise, who was listening interestedly. "After you +took that blessed child to--" + +"There, there, Elise," Farnsworth interrupted, "we _do_ trust Azalea. +Let her finish her story." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look and went on. + +"When I went away from the house to-day, Patty was at home, so, though I +knew it was Winnie's day off, I felt all right about Baby. Then,--while +we were out walking, I saw Winnie go by,--and soon after I felt a--a +sort of presentiment that I _must_ go home. I couldn't tell why,--only +I felt I must come back to the house at once. So I did,--and everything +seemed to be all right. I decided I had been foolishly nervous about +it,--and I took Fleurette down on the porch for a little while. + +"Then that man came and demanded her! I was alone, except for +Janet,--who is no good in an emergency,--and Mr. Merritt was very +determined. If I hadn't thought of the phonograph I don't know what I +should have done, for that man is quite capable of taking Baby away from +my arms by main force. But I happened to think I could fool him,--as I +couldn't combat him,--so I put on the crying record to make him think we +were still in the library,--and I scooted over to Gales' with the baby +as fast as I could run. Then I came back--" + +"Weren't you afraid of him?" asked Patty, shuddering at the thought of +Azalea at the mercy of the infuriated man. + +"No; I know him, and he isn't a brute or a ruffian. He was just +bent on getting Fleurette for that picture,--it would take only +a few minutes,--and I was just as bent that he shouldn't. + +"So, when he found I had outwitted him, he accepted the situation,--why, +he even wanted to take _my_ picture in my angry mood! He is a man who +thinks of nothing but a good pose for his pictures." + +"He seemed a decent chap," Farnsworth said, "but I was so angry, I just +fired him, for I feared otherwise I'd lose control of my own temper and +give him his just deserts!" + +"He'll never come again," observed Van Reypen, "I saw you, Bill, when +you invited him to leave! I'm no craven, but I shouldn't care to return +to any one who had looked at me like that!" + +"I _was_ a bit positive," laughed Farnsworth. "But, Azalea, I must admit +I'm rather bowled over by this idea of you in the moving pictures! It--it +isn't done much in our crowd, you know." + +"I know it,--and I'm never going to do it again! I've had enough! I +wanted to make it my career,--but," she hesitated, "that was before I +knew you--you nice people. I--I never knew _really_ nice people +before,--my Western friends are--are different. But I want to be like +you," her troubled glance took in Patty and Bill and then drifted to the +others; and her face was wistful and only lighted up as she looked at +Van Reypen. He smiled encouragingly at her, and she continued. + +"I'm quite ready to give up all connection with the Bixby people and +I'll promise never to go near them again,--even if they try to get me +to." + +"You bet you won't!" exclaimed Farnsworth. "I'm glad you've given it +up of your own accord, Zaly, for if you hadn't I'd have to forbid it, +anyway! I can't allow you to do such things." + +"And I don't want to. It wasn't as nice as I thought it would be, and +yet,--it _was_ fun!" She smiled as thoughts of her daredevil stunts +passed through her mind. + +"Tell us all about it!" cried Ray Gale. "I'm awfully interested, and +_I'm_ sorry you're going to quit! By George, Farnsworth! if you'd seen +our Azalea in that picture of the cyclone!" + +"Never mind!" Azalea interrupted him, "I'm all over that foolish idea." + +"I should hope so!" exclaimed Elise, with a withering glance. "The idea +of anybody being in such company as you must have been--" + +"Not at all," Azalea declared; "I wasn't mixed up with anybody +unpleasant at all. In fact, I talked to no one but the Bixbys and Mr. +Merritt. Mrs. Bixby was most kind and looked after me as a mother might +have done,--though I never knew a mother's care." + +The pretty face grew sad, and the whole attitude of Azalea was so +penitent and full of resolve to be more like the people she admired that +all of Patty's lingering resentment fled away. She put the baby in her +father's arms, and she flew over to Azalea and gave her an embrace of +full and free forgiveness and affection. + +"It's all right, Zaly," she said, smiling at her, "you _did_ cut up +jinks with my baby,--but when you came home to look after her,--even +when you thought I was here,--and when you put up such a great game to +rescue her from the enemy's clutches,--and succeeded,--well,--_I'm_ for +_you_!" + +Patty spoke so whole-heartedly there was no doubt of her sincerity, and +Azalea looked grateful and pleased,--yet, she looked troubled too. + +"Oh, Patty, you're too good to me," she said, "you don't know--I don't +deserve your faith and loyalty." + +"Oh, I 'spect you do," and Patty caressed the shining brown hair. + +"No,--I'm all unworthy--" + +"I suppose you mean about that sampler business," put in Elise, with an +unkind look on her face. "I think you ought to confess that,--while +you're confessing." + +Farnsworth gave a reproving glance at Elise, but he said, "Out with +it, Zaly,--let's clean off the slate while we're about it. What's the +sampler business that sticks in Elise's throat?" + +He sounded so sympathetic and helpful that Azalea spoke up bravely. + +"I did do wrong, Bill, but I didn't realise _how_ wrong when I was doing +it. I had an old sampler and it was dated 1836 and I picked out some +stitches so it looked like 1636." + +"You didn't deceive anybody!" exclaimed Elise. + +"I'm glad of it," returned Azalea, simply. "I was too ignorant to know +that there were no samplers made at that earlier date,--and to tell the +truth, I didn't think much about it,--I just did it hastily,--on a +sudden impulse,--because I wanted to give Elise something worth-while +for her booth at the fair." + +"And gave me something utterly worthless!" scoffed Elise. + +"Oh, come now, Elise," said Farnsworth, "it didn't hurt your sales any, +even if it didn't help them. Call it a joke and let it go at that." + +"But it _was_ deceitful, Cousin William," said Azalea, "and I do confess +it, and I'm sorry as I can be about it." + +Her pretty face was troubled and she looked so disturbed that Phil took +up the cudgels for her. + +"Oh, come off, all of you," he said, laughingly, "this isn't a court of +inquiry, and we're not sitting in judgment on Azalea. She has properly +admitted all her escapades, and she's been forgiven by the ones most +interested, now let's call it a day,--and talk about something else." + +"All right,--let's talk about the 'Star of the West,'" cried the +irrepressible Ray Gale. "Now the secret's out, there's no harm in +mentioning it. You _must_ see that picture, Farnsworth, and then you'll +be begging Azalea to go back to screen work!" + +"Never," said Azalea, her face shining with happiness that she was +forgiven and reinstated in general favour, "I've had my lesson. No more +films for me! From now on, I'm going to be goody-girl,--and behave like +nice ladies,--like Patty and Betty--and Elise." + +The slight hesitation before the last name made Elise bite her lip in +chagrin, for she had seen that her attack on Azalea was not approved of +by most of the audience. + +Poor Elise was of an unfortunate disposition, and envy and jealousy were +her besetting sins. She had never liked Azalea for the reason that the +Western girl, with her frank, untutored ways, often usurped Elise's +place in the limelight, and Miss Farrington greatly objected to that. + +It was with malicious purpose that Elise had brought up the subject of +the sampler, and when she found it passed over as of little moment, she +was angry at herself for having raised the question at all. + +"Don't try to be like me," she said, with an acid smile at Azalea; "if +you do, _nobody_ will like you." + +"Oh, come, now, Elise," said Farnsworth, laughing at this tempest in a +teapot, "play fair. We all like you, and we all like Azalea, whether she +models herself on you or not; so let's all love one another,--and let it +go at that!" + +"Yes," said Patty, "and now, my fellow lovers and loveresses, I must +take my small daughter in and send her to sleepy-by, and the rest of you +have just about half an hour before it's time to dress for dinner. The +two Gales may consider themselves invited,--if they will honour us." + +"Delighted," replied Betty, "though not overwhelmingly surprised at the +invitation. Howsumever, we must fly back home for some purple and fine +linen, and then we'll return anon. I'm usually returning here, anon! I +wonder what I ever did, Patty, before you came here to live as our +hospitable neighbours!" + +"There's half an hour, Azalea," said Van Reypen, "come for a toddle down +to the brook, and let's talk things over." + +The two started off, and for a few moments walked along in silence. + +Azalea was in a quiet, chastened mood,--a side of her character that +Phil had never before seen, and he noted with pleasure the gentle +sweetness of her face and the soft tones of her voice. + +"It woke me up," she said, reminiscently, "when that man tried to take +Fleurette from my arms. I would have fought him like a tiger if I hadn't +suddenly realised that the way to fix _him_ was by strategy. I just +happened to think that by means of the record I could fool him into +believing we were in the library, when really we were flying to refuge. +I knew he wouldn't come in as long as he felt sure we were there, for he +was watching out for the Farnsworths' return. So, I tried the scheme, +and it worked!" + +"Then you went bravely back to face the music!" + +"Oh, I wasn't afraid of him,--for myself. He's not at all a ruffian +sort,--and he never would have hurt the baby. Only,--he was bound to get +her!" + +"Well, he didn't succeed,--thanks to you, and I don't think he'll ever +try it again." + +"Oh, I'm sure he won't! He's afraid of Bill, all right! Any one would +be who had seen the gleam in Cousin William's eyes when he fired Mr. +Merritt!" + +Azalea laughed a little at the recollection,--then she sighed. + +"Why the sigh?" asked Van Reypen, looking at the expressive face of the +girl, as her smile faded and her sensitive mouth drooped at the corners. + +"Oh,--nothing--and everything! Don't ask questions!" She shook her +shoulders as if flinging off a troublesome thought. "I want to forget +the whole subject,--let's talk of other things." + +"All right,--let's. Let's talk of my unworthy self, for instance." + +"Why do you say your 'unworthy self'? Because you so look on yourself? +or for the sake of being contradicted? or just for nonsense?" + +The brown eyes smiled into his, and Azalea looked very roguish and +saucy as she demanded an answer. + +"Habit, I daresay. It's considered the thing for one to look upon +himself as unworthy. Of course, I'm not all to the bad!" + +"No, I suppose not. I've noticed saving graces now and then." + +"You have! What, for instance? You see, I love to talk about myself!" + +"Well, for one thing, you've been very kind to me. I was in a sorry +position to-day, and you and Cousin William backed me up so beautifully, +that I pulled through. If you hadn't I'd have collapsed and given up the +game, in sheer fright." + +"What do you mean?" + +"Yes; Patty was pretty hostile at first,--though she came round all +right, later. Elise was,--oh, well, you know Elise's attitude toward +me." + +"Don't mind her,--she's always got a chip on her shoulder!" + +"Betty was reserving decision, too; and but for the strong support of +you and Cousin William,--yes, and Ray Gale,--I shouldn't have come off +so well. But I deserved any fate. I _have_ been bad,--and though I am +sorry,--that doesn't wipe it all out." + +"It does, as far as I'm concerned. And I'm all that matters--at +least,--I wish I might be all that matters." + +"My gracious! There are lots who matter more than you! Patty and Bill, +and Fleurette and--" + +"Stop there! That's all! I'll concede those,--but no others. Don't you +dare say that Gale matters more than I do!" + +"Ray Gale? Oh, I don't know. And what do you mean by 'matters'?" + +"Counts. Makes a difference. Affects you. Means something to you." + +"Oh, hold on! I'm floundering beyond my depth! Help! help!" + +Azalea put her hands over her ears and shook her head, laughing at Van +Reypen's earnest face as he racked his brain for further explanatory +phrases. + +"I won't stop! I'm in earnest. I _want_ to matter--to mean something to +you! I want to count with you--" + +"Kipling says, 'let all men count with you, and none too much.'" + +"Well, I'd rather count too much than not at all. Oh, Azalea,--you do +understand me, don't you? Let me count, dear,--let me count for +everything in your life--" + +Azalea Thorpe couldn't believe her ears. What Van Reypen was saying +seemed as if it could have but one meaning,--yet that was impossible! +Philip Van Reypen, the high-born, aristocratic Philip, couldn't be +seriously interested in a crude, ignorant Western girl! + +"Thank you, Phil," she said, resolving to accept his words as a sign of +friendship, "you're awfully good to me, and your friendship counts. I +begin to think friendship is the one thing in life that does count. And +it is the friends I have made--lately,--here,--that have made me +see,--made me realise my own unworthiness,--and when I say that, I mean +it." + +"I won't let you mean it!" he cried, "I won't let you call yourself +unworthy. For you count with me,--Azalea, more than the whole world! +More than anything or everything in the world. Can't I count that way +with you,--can't I, Azalea?" + +The dark handsome face was very earnest, and as it drew nearer to her +own, and she looked deep in the eloquent eyes, she could no longer fail +to understand. + +"What,--what,--" she murmured, drawing back in confusion, "what do you +mean?" + +"Don't you know what I mean, Brownie? Listen, and I will tell you, then. +I love you, dear,--I love you." He held her hands in his own and gazed +into her face. "I can't tell you when it came or how,--but suddenly--I +knew it! I knew I loved you, and should always love you. Tell me,--tell +me, Azalea, that you can learn to love me." + +"Oh, don't--I can't--" + +"Not just at once, dear,--I can't hope for that. But, can't you +learn,--can't you try to learn--If I help you? Brownie,--that's all my +own name for you,--isn't it, you nutbrown maid! Brownie, darling,--you +_must_ love me. I can't bear it if you don't!" + +Azalea looked mystified,--then amazed,--and then her face lighted up +with a sudden radiant happiness,--she seemed glorified, exalted. + +Van Reypen caught her in his arms. + +"You do love me,--you witch! you beauty! Azalea, you look transfigured! +You _do_ love me,--tell me so!" + +Then her face changed. She repulsed him,--she sought to leave his +encircling clasp. + +"Don't!" she cried, "don't! It is horrible!" + +She burst into uncontrollable tears, and her whole frame shook with her +turbulent sorrow. + +"Have I been too abrupt?" asked Van Reypen, filled with dismay. "Give me +a little hope, dear, just say you'll let me tell you this some other +time, and I'll not trouble you now." + +"Oh, it isn't _that_," Azalea sobbed, "it's--oh, _no_! I _can't_ tell +you,--it's too _dreadful_! Let me go!" and she ran from him and hurried +back to the house and up to her own room. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +PHILIP'S REQUEST + + +"Give me a few minutes of your valuable time all to myself, will you, +old chap?" Phil said to Farnsworth, as the two men met in the hall just +before the dinner hour. + +"Take all you want, I've lots of it," returned the other, cheerily. +"Want to borrow a fiver?" + +"No; I'm still able to make both ends meet. But, seriously, Bill," as +the two men entered Farnsworth's den, and closed the door, "I'm hard +hit." + +"That sounds as if you were in love,--but I can't think you mean +that,--so I wisely opine you've been hit by the fall in Golconda Mining +Stock." + +"Your wise opinings are 'way off,--but your first suspicion was nearer +the mark." + +"In love? Good for you, old Phil! Of course it's Elise!" + +"Of course it isn't! Had Elise been my fate, I'd have known it long +ago." + +"Who then? Betty Gale?" + +"Wrong again. And blind, too. It's Azalea." + +Farnsworth sank limply into a chair. He pretended to be dazed almost to +insensibility, and as a matter of fact his surprise was nearly as great +as his demonstration of it. + +"Azalea!" he gasped. "Our Azalea!" + +"Exactly; don't act as if I had suggested the Queen of Sheba! I know +what a superior girl she is,--and I know I've not much to recommend +me--" + +"Oh, Phil,--oh, Van Reypen, stop! Have you lost your senses?" + +"I think _you_ have!" Phil looked decidedly annoyed. "I must say, +Farnsworth, I don't quite get you." + +"I beg your pardon, dear old chap, I--I was a bit astounded. You +see--" + +"I see that I've a right to care for the girl if I choose, and as you +are her nearest relative, that I know of, I come to you for sanction of +my suit. Aside from your rather inexplicable astonishment--have you any +real objection to me as a new cousin-in-law?" + +"No! You know I haven't!" Farnsworth held out a cordial hand which +the other grasped. "In fact, I think it's fine,--a most admirable +arrangement. What _will_ Patty say?" + +"I hope she'll be pleased. It's no secret that I adored Patty and tried +my best to cut you out,--but, not having succeeded in that, I've been +glad to be the friend of both of you, and we've had lots of good times, +all together. But,--well, I never expected to know another real +whole-hearted love,--and then along comes this splendid girl,--this +daughter of your own big, beautiful, breezy West, and before I know it, +she has taken my heart by storm!" + +"But, Phil,--you--you don't know Azalea--" + +"I know enough. If you mean her escapades with the picture people or her +innocent joke about the patchwork sampler,--I don't care about those +little things. She has a wonderful big, noble nature, that will respond +quickly to loving care and gentle advice. And,--I _think_ she cares for +me, but--" + +"Of course she cares for you! What girl wouldn't! Don't underestimate +yourself or your attractions, Phil. But I'll speak plainly; you're a big +man in lots of ways,--beside physically. You're an aristocrat,--of an +old family,--and you're very rich. Now,--Azalea--" + +"Please don't talk of my birth or wealth as assets. I offer Azalea +a heart full of love, and a constant care for her happiness and +well-being. If she does care for me, I want your permission to try +to win her. I have broached the subject--" + +"What did she say?" + +"She--oh, I don't know,--she said--well, she ran away!" + +"Surprised and a little shy, probably," Farnsworth looked thoughtful. +"I may as well tell you, Phil, oh hang it! How shall I put it? Well, +there's something queer about Azalea." + +"What do you mean,--queer?" + +"I don't know. And it may be nothing. But,--her only near relative, +so far as I know, is her father. A man I knew years ago,--a cousin of +mine,--and a decent, hard-working, plain man. Now, Zaly has not had a +single letter from him since she has been here." + +"Why? Where is he?" + +"I don't know. She won't tell. I've written to him twice,--but I've had +no reply. I'm telling you all I know." + +"Thank you for being so straightforward. Do you--do you think there's +anything dishonourable--" + +"That he's in jail? That's the idea that haunts my brain. I can't think +of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's +mysterious disinclination to talk about him. Why, Phil, she forged a +letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her +father!" + +"Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it. If she cares for me, Bill, +I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders. I'll get her to +tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done. But, in any +case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the +girl herself. My idea of birth and breeding is that it gives one an +opportunity to be tolerant and generous toward others of fewer +advantages. To me, Azalea stands alone,--her family connections, +whatever they may be, I accept gladly, for her dear sake." + +"I say, Phil, forgive me if I express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you +haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--" + +"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at +once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her +sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole +big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only +to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain +Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read +her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her +untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine +character." + +"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty +revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was +Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the +world to help and improve her--" + +"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is +nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to +myself." + +"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own." + +"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility +of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll +accept me, I've no fears for the future." + +"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so +mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from +anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!" + +"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van +Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that +I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow." + +The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in +thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see +Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over +the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil +was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why +should he, Bill, object? + +Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on +their sober faces. + +"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?" + +"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil, +for he really wanted to tell Patty himself. + +"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm +bowled over." + +"I know! Betty Gale. And I'm _so_ glad, Phil. I know you used to like +me,--and I was and am fond of you,--but you needn't think I resent your +loving another. I'm honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in +the world!" + +"Thank you, Patty, but,--wait a minute." + +"Oh, I can't! I'm so excited over it! I'm going to announce it at +dinner,--I wonder if I can't get the table re-decorated--with white +flowers! I love an announcement party--" + +"Patty,--don't,--let me tell you--" + +"Oh, I know _you'd_ hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty'll love it +and--" + +"But it _isn't_ Betty!" Van Reypen managed to get in. + +"Not Betty!" Patty stopped short and turned to face him. +"Oh,--Phil,--Elise?" + +"You've one more guess coming," he smiled. + +"Oh, who? Somebody in New York? Where is she? I'll invite her here!" + +"You needn't,--she's here already. Why, Patty, it's Azalea." + +"Azalea!" Patty's surprise was greater than Bill's had been, and she +stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze. + +"Azalea!" she said, again. + +"Yes,--and I want you to help me. When I spoke to her, this afternoon, +she--she acted--well, strange--" + +"Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as +everybody will be! Imagine Elise!" + +Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van +Reypen. + +"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that. Bill did, too. Now, it +seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill +ought to have perception enough to see them too." + +"It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and +Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!" + +"Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her +faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look +to you and Bill for sympathy and approval. And I don't want any of that +King Cophetua talk, either! Just because I happen to be born under a +family tree, and happen to have as much money as I want,--that's no +reason for implying that those are my chief attractions. I can give +Azalea more worth-while things than that! I can give her the love and +adoration that is every woman's desire and right,--I can give her loving +care and help,--I can--" + +"Oh, Phil, how splendid you are! You make me 'most wish--" But Patty's +honest blue eyes wouldn't let her say the words. "No, I don't wish +anything of the sort! You are a splendid man, and I do appreciate you, +but I have my Bill, and he's all the world to me. Now, I'm more than +glad you've found a your fate at last,--but--Azalea!" + +"Stop it, Patty! I find I've got to forbid these repeated expressions of +amazement. You _must_ get used to the idea, and you may as well begin at +once!" + +"You're right, and I will! First of all, honest and hearty +congratulations and may you both be very, _very_ happy,--as happy as we +are,--I can't ask more!" + +"Thank you, Patty, and will you say a good word for me to Azalea?" + +"Why! haven't you asked her yet?" + +"Only partly,--that is, she has only partly answered me." + +"What did she say?" + +"I don't quite know. She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me." + +"Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone +the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner?" + +"No; I think not. For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in +her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--" + +"What did she say?" + +"Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't +say 'yes'." + +"Oh, that's nothing,--she will. But I won't make the announcement till +she tells me to. There's the dinner gong,--come on." + +It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come +into the dining-room. She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was +very quiet. Her face showed a pathetic, wistful expression, but her eyes +were cast down, and now and then the corners of her scarlet mouth +trembled. + +Patty had arranged that she should sit next Van Reypen, and as Azalea +took the place, she found Ray Gale on her other hand. + +"'Smatter, Zaly?" he said, merrily, not thinking anything was really +troubling her. + +"Shell shock," said Van Reypen, to save Azalea the necessity of +replying. "She's had a hard day of it, and now she's not to be bothered +to talk, if she doesn't want to." + +Azalea gave him a grateful look, and under the influence of his gentle +kindliness, and mild raillery, she partly recovered her poise, and +became almost like her own gay self again. + +Much later in the evening, Van Reypen drew her away from the rest and +led her to a secluded corner of the great piazza, where he had her alone. + +"Now, my princess,--my beloved,--you are to tell me the answer to my +plea. Tell me, Azalea,--may I take you to myself? Will you be my very +own?" + +"I can't say yes, Phil," she replied, softly, the tears gathering in her +brown eyes. "I--oh, I thought I could tell you the truth,--but I +can't,--I _can't_! I--I love you too much!" + +"You've answered me!" cried Van Reypen, his eyes shining with gladness, +"if you love me,--nothing else matters! And you can't love me 'too +much'! I want all there is of your love,--your dear love! Is it really +mine?" + +"It's really yours, as far as it's in my power to give it,--but," +and Azalea's face grew very sad, "I can't give it to you,--out of +consideration of your rights. I can't love you, Philip, I mustn't +let myself even think of it!" + +"Don't talk nonsense, you blessed child,--you've settled it all when you +say you love me! Oh, Azalea, I'm _so_ glad, and proud and happy!" + +Azalea gave a start as his arms closed round her. "No!" she cried, "no, +dear, don't! oh, please don't!" + +"Why, darling? Why mayn't I caress my own love,--my promised wife?" + +"Oh, no,--I'm not! I can never be your wife! I'm--I'm not worthy!" + +"Hush!" and Van Reypen closed her lips with a tender kiss. "Hush, +Azalea, never use the words worthy or unworthy between us. Our love +makes us worthy of each other, whatever we may be otherwise." + +"Stop,--please stop! Every word you say makes it harder! I can't stand +it! It's too dreadful. Let me go,--oh, _please_, let me go!" + +Shuddering as with some great fear, Azalea slipped from his arms and ran +away. He heard her steps as she went upstairs, and heard a door +close,--evidently she had flown to her own room. + +Greatly perplexed, Phil went in search of Patty. + +"Help me out," he said, in a low tone. "Azalea has gone to her room, +and there is certainly something troubling her. Go to her, Patty,--find +out what it all means,--and if it is any foolishness about 'unworthiness' +or that rubbish, try to make her see that I want her just as she is. I +don't care a hang about her ancestors or her father or anything in the +whole world, but just Azalea Thorpe!" + +Patty looked at his earnest face, and honestly rejoiced that he had +found a girl he could care for like that. + +"I'll go, Phil," she said, "and I'll bring that young woman to reason! +It isn't only coyness,--that isn't Azalea's way,--but she is honestly +troubled about something." + +But though Patty knocked on Azalea's locked door several times, she +heard no response. + +"Please let me in, Zaly," she begged, "I just want to talk to you a +little." + +Still no reply, and then, after exhausting all other arguments, Patty +said, "Won't you let me in for Phil's sake? He sent me." + +That succeeded, and reluctantly Azalea unlocked the door. + +"Don't talk to me, Patty," she pleaded. "I'm in the depths of despair, +but you can't help me. Nobody can help me,--and I can't even help +myself." + +"Who made all this trouble for you?" inquired Patty, casually, her never +failing tact instructing her that Azalea would answer that better than +protestations of affection. + +"I made it myself,--but that doesn't make it any easier to bear." + +"Indeed it doesn't," Patty agreed. "But, never mind, Zaly, if you heaped +up a mound of trouble, let me help you to pull it down again." + +"No; you can't," and Azalea looked at her dully. + +"Oh, come now, let me try. Is it about your father?" + +Azalea fairly jumped. "What do you mean?" + +"Just what I said," returned Patty, calmly. "You know, dear, you've made +us think there's something queer about your father. Is he--has he done +anything wrong?" + +"No, Patty, goodness, gracious no! Mr. Thorpe is a most honoured and +honourable man!" + +"Now why does she call him Mr. Thorpe?" Patty wondered, but she only +said; + +"Oh, all right, forgive my suggestion. Why doesn't he write to you?" + +"He--he?--oh, Patty, that's the trouble." + +"Good! Now we're getting at it. How is that the trouble?" + +"Shall I tell you everything?" and poor Azalea looked doubtful as to +what to do. + +"Yes, dear," Patty said, gently, fearing even yet that an ill-advised +word would interrupt or prevent this long-deferred explanation. + +"Well, you see,--oh, Patty,--I'm a wicked, deceitful girl--" + +"Out with it," urged Patty, not greatly scared by this tragic +beginning,--for Azalea was prone to exaggerate. + +"I was home, you know, at Horner's Corners--" + +A knock on the door was a most unwelcome interruption. + +"Don't answer," Patty whispered, "it's Elise,--I heard her step." + +But Elise was not so easily rebuffed. "Let me in," she called, "I know +you're in there, Azalea,--you and Patty." + +Patty went to the door, and opened it slightly. "Go away now, Elise, +please," she said, "Azalea and I are having a little confidential chat." + +"Not so confidential that I can't be in it too, is it?" and speaking +lightly, Elise brushed past Patty and into the room. + +"Why, Azalea," she exclaimed, "what _is_ the matter? You look like a +tragedy queen!" + +For Azalea, annoyed at the intrusion, stood, hands clenched, and eyes +scowling, and she said angrily, "I don't think people ought to come into +other people's rooms, uninvited! I don't call _that_ good manners!" + +"You're not supposed to know what good manners are," said Elise, giving +her a condescending look. "And even if you think you do,--don't try to +teach _me_!" + +"Oh, Elise," said Patty, reproachfully, "_don't_ talk like that! It +reflects on you even more than on Zaly." + +"Oh, yes, stand up for her,--every one has gone mad over our 'heroine'! +I call it disgraceful to be mixed up with that movie concern, and let +me tell you, Azalea Thorpe, if you think Mr. Van Reypen is going to +overlook or forget that, you're greatly mistaken! You know, Patty,--our +Western friend here, is already aspiring toward Philip--" + +"Hush, Elise," Patty returned, "better stop before you make a goose of +yourself! Phil is aspiring to Azalea's favour, is the truer way to put +it!" + +"Oh, no, I can't believe that," laughed Elise, "Phil has too much +self-respect!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +PHILIP'S BROWNIE + + +At breakfast next morning Azalea's place was vacant. + +"I didn't disturb her," said Patty, "for I want her to sleep late, if +she can. She is such an active young person, she gets tired,--though she +rarely admits it." + +And then Janet came in. "Mrs. Farnsworth," she said, "Miss Thorpe is not +in her room. Perhaps she has gone for one of her early morning walks. +But on her dressing-table I found these two notes." + +The maid handed Patty one of the letters and gave the other to Van +Reypen. Both were addressed in Azalea's handwriting and the two who took +them felt a sudden foreboding as to the contents. + +Nor were their fears ill-founded. With an exclamation of dismay, Patty +handed hers over to Farnsworth, who read it quickly, and looked at his +wife with a serious face. + +"Poor little Azalea," he said, "what _can_ it all mean?" + +For the note read: + +DEAR PATTY: + +I'm a wicked girl, and I can't impose on you any longer. I am going away. +Don't try to find me,--just forget me. I love you all,--but I have no +right to be among good people. + +AZALEA. + +"What's in yours, Phil?" Farnsworth asked, and Van Reypen handed it to +him without a word. + +MY DEAR MR. VAN REYPEN: + +I can't go away without leaving a word for you. But it is only to say, +please forget the girl who calls herself + +AZALEA. + +Then the notes were shown to the other two guests, Elise and Channing, +for the departure of Azalea could not be kept secret, and of course they +must immediately put forth every possible effort to find her. + +"I always thought she was queer," said Elise, "but these notes are the +queerest thing yet! Do you suppose she has eloped?" + +"Hush, Elise," said Farnsworth, sternly. "I know you don't like Azalea, +but I must ask you not to talk against her while you are under my roof. +Whatever she is, she is my kin,--and I shall start at once in search of +her, and learn the secret,--the mystery of her life. She _has_ acted +'queer,' I freely admit it, but I, for one, believe she is all right and +whatever is troubling her is not her fault or wrong-doing." + +"Good for you, old man!" cried Philip, "I'm with you in your search. +We'll find her, of course. First, we must find out where she went." + +This statement was so obvious and uttered so earnestly that Patty +laughed. + +"True, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," she said. "And just how shall we set about +it?" + +But Phil didn't laugh,--he answered her question seriously. + +"First, Patty, you must question the servants, and see if any one saw +her go. You know, she must have gone early this morning,--she couldn't +have gone off in the night." + +The result of the inquiry was that the cook, who was around early, had +seen Azalea start away from the house at about six o'clock. She had not +thought it strange at all, for Azalea often went for a long walk before +breakfast. Cook said that Azalea wore a travelling suit and carried a +fair-sized bag. + +"So far, so good," said Phil; "next, Patty, will you go and look round +her room? See what she took with her,--and see if she left any more +notes." + +"No notes," Patty said, on her return from this errand. "But she took +all her jewellery and money, a house dress and a few toilet things. +Janet and I could easily tell what was missing." + +"Now," said Farnsworth, "first, _why_ did she go, and second, _where_ +would she be likely to go?" + +"Never mind the why and wherefore," returned Phil, "but, as you say, +where would she probably go? Not over to the Gales', of course, that's +too near home. I am ready to declare that she went to the moving-picture +studios." + +"Of course she did!" agreed Elise; "I think she's in love with that +Merritt person--" + +"Nonsense, Elise," laughed Channing; "she loves that man like a cat +loves hot soap! I know better than that. But I think she may have gone +over there to see Mrs. Bixby. That woman has been kind to Azalea, and I +feel sure that's where she'd go." + +"Then that's where _I_ go," stated Van Reypen, rising from the table. "I +daresay you're right, Chick. May I take the little roadster, Bill, and +whiz over there and bring her back?" + +"Go ahead, boy, and good luck to you." + +But Farnsworth was not at all sanguine as to the bringing back of +Azalea. He knew her, in some ways, far better than Van Reypen did, +and he felt sure that when Azalea decided to go away, she would not +be easily found. + +But Van Reypen started cheerily off and went to the studios. + +There he was met by blank disappointment. Mrs. Bixby was greatly +interested in his story, and greatly concerned for Azalea's welfare, +but she declared the girl had not come there. + +Van Reypen was not quite sure she was telling him the truth, but his +deep anxiety so stirred the motherly heart of Mrs. Bixby that she +assured him earnestly that her statements were absolutely true, and +that she was as anxious to find the missing girl as her friends were. + +But she could offer no suggestion as to any way to look, and poor Philip +went back, disheartened and disappointed. + +All the morning they searched the grounds and the neighbourhood; they +ransacked Azalea's belongings in hope of some old letter or clue of some +sort. But nothing gave so much as a hint of anything that could have +happened to her, that made her go away. + +"I believe it's all your fault, Elise," said Van Reypen, angrily, for +his alarm and sorrow made him forget his usual courtesy. "You've never +liked Azalea, and you said mean things to her!" + +"Now, Phil," remonstrated Patty, "don't talk like that. Elise and Azalea +were not congenial, but Elise wouldn't do anything to make Azalea run +away, and Azalea wouldn't run, if she did!" + +This involved speech brought a laugh, but Philip went on; "I think she +would. Azalea is more sensitive than you thought her. None of you +understand her,--well, except Patty,--and her poor little heart was +broken by your criticisms and continual reproofs. Suppose she isn't +quite as well up in the airs and graces of society as you all are,--she +has other traits that make up for that--" + +"Oh, Philip, you're hopelessly in love with her!" and Elise laughed +jeeringly. + +"I am in love with her," he returned, "and I make no secret of it. But +not hopelessly, Elise. I shall find her,--I don't know how or where, but +I never will give up the quest until I succeed!" + +"Good for you," cried Patty, "that's the way to talk! I'll help,--and +though there's not any apparent way to look just now,--we'll find one." + +It was about noon when Van Reypen was called to the telephone. + +A strange but pleasant voice spoke to him, and asked him if he knew +Alice Adams. + +"No, I don't," said Phil, wonderingly. + +"She knows you, and--well, I may be doing the wrong thing, but I wish +you could come here." + +"Where, please? and why should I come? I don't know Miss Adams,--I'm +sure." + +"She is a dark-haired girl, with big, brown eyes, and a Western way of +speaking--" + +"What? Has _she_ just come to you? Does she wear a tan-coloured cloth +suit,--and a hat with coque feathers?" + +"Yes, she does! _Now_ will you come?" + +"Where? Who are you?--I mean, may I ask your name?" + +"I am Miss Grayson,--a motion-picture actress--" + +"Yes, yes,--where are you? Where shall I come?" + +"To my home in New York City." She gave him the address. "You see, Miss +Adams came here because she knows Miss Frawley,--we live together--but +Miss Frawley is out of town,--and I persuaded Miss Adams to stay with me +until her return. I can't make out the trouble, but I have learned the +address of the Farnsworths and--oh, well, I may as well tell you, Miss +Adams talked in her sleep. She arrived here utterly exhausted, and on +the verge of nervous prostration. But, it may be, some sleep will set +her nerves right, if the cause of the trouble can be removed. And,--I +know I am intruding,--but I can't help thinking that it's a lovers' +quarrel, and _you_ can set it right!" + +"You've guessed only part of it, Miss Grayson. It isn't a lovers' +quarrel,--exactly,--but I _can_ set it right! Will you promise to keep +Miss--Adams there, until I can get there?" + +"Yes, indeed. She's asleep yet,--but it's a broken slumber, and she +murmurs constantly of you,--and of her other friends." + +"Thank you a thousand times, I'll be there in an hour. Good-bye." + +"Come along, Patty," Van Reypen cried, as he hung up the receiver, "come +on, Bill! I've found her! She's assumed the name of Alice Adams,--and +she's with a sweet-voiced lady named Grayson. Come on,--I'll tell you +the rest as we go." + +They didn't break the speed laws, as their car flew down to New York, +but it was only because that would have meant delay in reaching their +goal. About mid-afternoon they arrived at Miss Grayson's apartment and +surprised Azalea by entering the room where she sat. + +"You naughty girl!" cried Patty,--but as she noted Azalea's pale face +and worried, harassed eyes, she just clasped her in her arms, with a +little crooning murmur of affection. + +"It's all right, whatever it is," she reassured, for Azalea turned big, +frightened eyes on Farnsworth. + +"You bet it's all right!" Philip cried, as he stepped eagerly forward. + +With a tired little sigh, Azalea put her hand in his. "How did you find +me?" she began, but Van Reypen said, "Never mind that, now. You just +come back home with us,--and first thank Miss Grayson prettily for her +kindness to you." + +Miss Grayson, a pretty, round-faced girl, was greatly interested in the +dramatic situation, and though she disclaimed any occasion for thanks, +yet she very much wanted to know what it was all about. + +"I already like Miss Adams too well to let her go entirely out of my +life," she said, with spirit. "I claim my right to know a little about +it." + +"It _is_ your right," said Farnsworth, "and first of all this runaway of +ours is not Miss Adams, but Miss Thorpe." + +"No," said Azalea, with an air of decision, "I'm _not_ Miss Thorpe,--and +I _am_ Alice Adams." + +"Flighty," said Farnsworth, "and no wonder. She's been under a good deal +of nervous strain lately." + +"No; I'm not flighty," persisted Azalea, who was entirely composed now, +and who spoke firmly, though she was evidently controlling herself with +an effort. + +"And I'm going to confess now," she went on. "Now and here. Miss Grayson +is so kind and dear I don't mind her knowing, and the rest of you +_must_ know. I must tell you,--I can't _live_ if I don't." + +"All right, Zaly, dear, tell us," and Patty sat beside her, and put a +caressing hand on her arm. + +"I am Alice Adams," Azalea said, "and I am not Azalea Thorpe at +all,--and I never was." + +"Oh!" said Farnsworth, beginning to see light. + +"I am a wicked girl," the pathetic little voice went on. "I lived in +Homer's Corners,--and I lived with the woman who keeps the post-office +there. I've been an orphan since I was four, and this woman brought me +up,--though it scarcely could be called that, for she only looked on me +as her assistant in the office and in her house. + +"Well, one day a letter came for Azalea Thorpe. Now, the Thorpes moved +away from Horner's Corners two years ago, and we never knew their new +address. The few letters that came for them were sent to the Dead Letter +Office. This one would have been, but for the fact that it was unsealed. + +"It had been sealed, but the envelope was all unstuck, and--I read the +letter. I own up to it,--I know it was wrong,--but I didn't know then +_how_ wrong. You see, I wasn't taught much about honour and right. It is +only since I have been with good people that I realise what an awful +thing I did. When I read it, I couldn't help thinking what a pity for +that wonderful invitation to her to make a visit in the East, to be +wasted! And the more I thought, the more I was possessed of an idea that +I might personate Azalea Thorpe and have the visit myself. Oh, if you +_knew_ how I hated the place where I lived,--how I hated the home I +had,--how I wanted to get out into the great world, and have my chance! +And, yes, I wanted to be a moving-picture actress. I was _sure_ I could +do better than the pictures I saw in that little town, and--well, the +more I thought about it,--the more it seemed an easy and plausible thing +to do. + +"I did it. I answered Patty's letter as if I were really Azalea +Thorpe,--you see, I had known her all my life, until she moved away, and +then I packed up my things and came East, resolved to pretend I _was_ +Azalea and see what happened. It didn't seem so dreadful--I thought at +first, it was just a big lark,--but now,--oh, _now_ I know how right and +honourable people look on a thing like that!" + +She cast a hopeless glance at Van Reypen, and though he smiled at her +and started toward her she shook her head and waved him back. + +"On the trip East, I met the Bixbys, and as we at once arranged for +my entrance into their studios, I was more than ever eager to put the +matter through. + +"So I came. Oh, I hate to think how I imposed on the Farnsworths! They +were _so_ kind to me, right from the start. Then they asked me questions +about my father, and I didn't know what to do or say. I tried to fool +you, Bill, with a made-up letter but I didn't succeed. And,--all the way +along, I kept feeling worse and worse,--meaner and meaner--at the life +of deceit I was leading. I made good in the pictures,--and oh, Patty, +will you _ever_ forgive me for taking Baby over there! But I knew she +was safe with me, and, like all the rest, I didn't realise how bad I +was! + +"I don't ask or expect forgiveness,--I know you couldn't grant _that_. +But lately I felt I couldn't go on any longer,--and I couldn't bring +myself to confess,--so,--I ran away." + +"And you are really Alice Adams?" asked Farnsworth, but Phil +interrupted. + +"Wait a minute, everybody. Before Azalea--or Alice,--or whoever she +is, says another word, I want to say that she is my promised wife! I +want you, dear, and whatever your name is, I want it to be changed to +Van Reypen. Tell me,--tell them all,--that you consent." + +A beautiful expression came over the girl's face. + +She turned to Philip, her soft, dark eyes shining with utter joy and a +tender smile of glad surprise curving her quivering lips. + +"Oh," she breathed, "oh, _Phil_!" + +"You _do_ consent?" he urged, "you must say yes, before you tell us any +more!" + +"May I, Patty?" and a shy, sweet face looked questioningly at the one +she was glad to consider her mentor. + +"I think so," Patty smiled back, for she knew how matters stood with +Phil, and she had faith in the true heart of the girl beside her. + +"Yes, then," she said, softly, looking at Philip,--and that was their +troth-plight. + +"Go on, dear," he said, briefly, and with a glad smile in his eyes. + +"There's little more to tell; I am Alice Adams, and my father was born +in Boston--" + +"Good gracious, Phil!" Patty cried. "Why, this child is a real Adams!" + +"Of course she is," said Farnsworth, "I knew the Adamses that lived in +Horner's Corners. You see, I was there some years myself. Why, your +mother was a sweet little woman, with a face like Dresden china." + +"Yes; I've a miniature of her. She was beautiful. I'm like my father--" + +"And _you're_ beautiful!" cried Patty, kissing her. "Oh, Zaly,--I can't +call you anything else! what a story you _have_ told us!" + +"And now, let's proceed to forget it," said Farnsworth, in his big, +genial way. "You and I'll talk it over a little when we're alone,--but +just now, I adopt you as my cousin,--I'm proud to have an Adams in my +family, even if only by adoption! Your escapade was a wild +one,--er--Alice,--but it was an _escapade_,--not a crime. And for my +part, you are fully and freely forgiven, and--here's where Patty takes +up the theme." + +"I do," said Patty; "and I add my full and free forgiveness to Little +Billee's and I invite you to come right back to Wistaria Porch and make +us a long visit,--as Alice Adams." + +"And we thank _you_, Miss Grayson," Farnsworth said, "for restoring our +lost cousin, and at the same time giving us a new one!" + +Miss Grayson laughed. "It's been a perfect show for me," she said; "I +think it's all more dramatic than any play I ever acted in." + +"Come, Alice, dear," Van Reypen said, with an air of proprietorship, +"where's your coat?" + +Shyly, Alice looked up at him. + +"Are you sure you want me?" she said. + +"Sure I want an Adams? Well, rather! I never aspired to such a renowned +name for my _fiancee_! My own family pride is humbled to the dust." + +"Nonsense!" laughed Patty, "the Van Reypen stock can hold its own!" + +And then they quickly got ready and started for home. + +Farnsworth took the wheel, and invited Patty to sit beside him. + +This left Van Reypen and Alice together in the tonneau, and neither +objected to the arrangement. + +They conversed softly as the car sped swiftly along, and Phil realised +how beautiful was the dear face beside him, now that worry and care had +been replaced by happiness and love. + +"But I don't see how you _can_ forgive me," Alice said, "I did such a +_dreadful_ thing." + +"I forgive you for two reasons," Van Reypen returned, "first, because +you didn't appreciate the real _wrong_ you were doing, and second, +because I _love_ you. Love you enough to forgive far more than that!" + +"You'll never have to forgive me for anything again, for I'm never going +to do anything you'll disapprove of. I'm among nice people forever +now,--and I'm going to learn to be like them." + +"You're one of the 'nice people' yourself, by birth, and your name is +among the best. But I doubt if I can learn to call you 'Alice.' To me, +you will always be 'Brownie',--my own Brownie girl." + +"I like that best," she said, contentedly, and smiled happily at Philip +as his hand clasped hers, and his eyes carried a message of love that +needed no spoken word to tell of its depth and sincerity. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Patty and Azalea, by Carolyn Wells + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PATTY AND AZALEA *** + +***** This file should be named 14352.txt or 14352.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/3/5/14352/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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