as 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."

"W