Patty looked, but it seemed to her that the blue eyes drooped from natural weariness, and assuring herself that no bones were broken or out of place, she drew a long sigh of relief and told Winnie to put Fleurette to bed as usual. The nurse shook her head sagely, but said no more of her fears. Patty returned to the porch where Farnsworth was still talking to Azalea. Apparently he had scolded her sharply, for she was crying, and that with Azalea Thorpe was a most unusual performance. She usually resented reproof and talked back in no mild-mannered way. But now she was subdued and even frightened of demeanour, and Patty knew that Bill had done all that was necessary and further reproaches from her were not needed. "And another thing," Farnsworth was saying, "I want to know why you have had no letters from your father since I asked to see one,--that was two or three weeks ago!" "I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning." "Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and returned with the letter. There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and read: MY DEAR CHILD: I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine child. I am well, and I hope you are, too. With much affection, from your loving FATHER. "Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face to Azalea. "I tore it up." "Why?" "I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one." "Address typewritten?" "Yes." "All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her. CHAPTER IX VANITY FAIR The Farnsworths made no difference in their treatment of Azalea, after her escapade. Bill had scolded her severely for taking the baby away without leave, and sternly forbidden her ever to do so again, and the girl had promised she would not. Patty had said nothing to her on the subject, feeling that she could best keep Azalea's friendliness by ignoring the matter, and she was trying very hard to teach the girl the amenities of social life. And Azalea was improving. She behaved much better at table and in the presence of guests. Patty rejoiced at the improvement and, as she took strict care that Azalea should have no opportunity to see Fleurette alone, she feared no repetition of those anxious hours when the baby was missing. Elise rather liked the Western girl. They became good friends and went for long strolls together. Elise was a good walker, and Azalea was tireless.