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