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