"No," she exclaimed, positively, "I can't do it! I really can't! I'm sorry it didn't go right, but I _can't_ do it again! It's impossible!" A pause, and then, again, "No, I simply can't! Don't ask me--yes, of course,--I know,--but, you see, they said,--oh, I can't tell you now,--I'll write,--well, yes, I'll do _that_!--Oh, of course, _I'll_ be there--but the--the other one--no, no, no!" These remarks were at long intervals and disconnected, but they were clearly heard by the three in the next room, and though no one mentioned it, each thought it a strange conversation for Azalea to take part in. Patty listened thoughtfully, feeling no hesitation in doing so, for she had only Azalea's good at heart and wanted to know anything that might help her understand the mystery that was certainly attached to the girl. In the first place to whom could Azalea possibly be talking in that fashion? Moreover, her voice was troubled, and her tone was one of nervous apprehension and anxiety. At last she returned to the group, and Patty said, pleasantly, "Who's your friend, Zaly?" "Nobody in particular," and Azalea looked as if that were a question she had been dreading. "You mean not a particular friend; but who was it?" Patty was persistent, even at risk of rousing Azalea's wrath, for she felt she must know. "I won't tell you!" Azalea cried, stormily. "It's nobody's business if I answer a telephone call. I don't ask you who it is, every time _you_ telephone!" "All right, Zaly, forgive me,--I _was_ a bit inquisitive." And so the matter was dropped, but that night after Azalea had gone to her room, Patty came tapping at the door. It was only after repeated knocking that Azalea opened the door a little way, and quite evidently resented the intrusion. "I'm just going to bed," she said, ungraciously. "I won't stay but a minute," and Patty insistently pushed her way in. "Now, don't fly into a rage, dear, but you _must_ tell me who called you up on the telephone to-day." "You've no right to ask!" "Yes, I have, and, too, there must be some reason why you are so unwilling to tell me. Why is it?" Azalea hesitated. Then she said, "Oh, I've no reason to make a secret of it. But I think you're very curious. It was somebody I met on the train when I came East." "A man or a woman?" "A--a woman." "Are you telling the truth, Azalea?" and Patty's clear, compelling gaze was direct and accusing. "Well--well--Patty, it's both." "Those people who called here one day, and you saw them on the porch?" "Yes." "What are their names?" "Oh,--oh, I forget." "Rubbish! You _don't_ forget. Be sensible, Azalea. You're making a mystery of something. Now if it's anything wrong, I'm going to know about it,--if it's merely a little secret of your own,--a justifiable one,--tell me so, in a convincing way, and I'll stop questioning." "It _is_ a secret of my own,--and it's nobody's business but mine." "Is it a harmless, innocent matter?"