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,