"I believe it's all your fault, Elise," said Van Reypen, angrily, for his alarm and sorrow made him forget his usual courtesy. "You've never liked Azalea, and you said mean things to her!" "Now, Phil," remonstrated Patty, "don't talk like that. Elise and Azalea were not congenial, but Elise wouldn't do anything to make Azalea run away, and Azalea wouldn't run, if she did!" This involved speech brought a laugh, but Philip went on; "I think she would. Azalea is more sensitive than you thought her. None of you understand her,--well, except Patty,--and her poor little heart was broken by your criticisms and continual reproofs. Suppose she isn't quite as well up in the airs and graces of society as you all are,--she has other traits that make up for that--" "Oh, Philip, you're hopelessly in love with her!" and Elise laughed jeeringly. "I am in love with her," he returned, "and I make no secret of it. But not hopelessly, Elise. I shall find her,--I don't know how or where, but I never will give up the quest until I succeed!" "Good for you," cried Patty, "that's the way to talk! I'll help,--and though there's not any apparent way to look just now,--we'll find one." It was about noon when Van Reypen was called to the telephone. A strange but pleasant voice spoke to him, and asked him if he knew Alice Adams. "No, I don't," said Phil, wonderingly. "She knows you, and--well, I may be doing the wrong thing, but I wish you could come here." "Where, please? and why should I come? I don't know Miss Adams,--I'm sure." "She is a dark-haired girl, with big, brown eyes, and a Western way of speaking--" "What? Has _she_ just come to you? Does she wear a tan-coloured cloth suit,--and a hat with coque feathers?" "Yes, she does! _Now_ will you come?" "Where? Who are you?--I mean, may I ask your name?" "I am Miss Grayson,--a motion-picture actress--" "Yes, yes,--where are you? Where shall I come?" "To my home in New York City." She gave him the address. "You see, Miss Adams came here because she knows Miss Frawley,--we live together--but Miss Frawley is out of town,--and I persuaded Miss Adams to stay with me until her return. I can't make out the trouble, but I have learned the address of the Farnsworths and--oh, well, I may as well tell you, Miss Adams talked in her sleep. She arrived here utterly exhausted, and on the verge of nervous prostration. But, it may be, some sleep will set her nerves right, if the cause of the trouble can be removed. And,--I know I am intruding,--but I can't help thinking that it's a lovers' quarrel, and _you_ can set it right!" "You've guessed only part of it, Miss Grayson. It isn't a lovers' quarrel,--exactly,--but I _can_ set it right! Will you promise to keep Miss--Adams there, until I can get there?" "Yes, indeed. She's asleep yet,--but it's a broken slumber, and she murmurs constantly of you,--and of her other friends." "Thank you a thousand times, I'll be there in an hour. Good-bye."