"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_!"