“Oh, Cousin William,” the girl looked genuinely distressed, “I wish I could tell you all,—­I believe I will,—­but—­no,—­I can’t—­”

Then she shrugged her shoulders, and tossed her head, and her defiant manner returned.

Farnsworth gave up in despair.  “Very well, Azalea,” he concluded, “I shall write to-day to Uncle Thorpe.  I tell you this frankly, for I do not do things on the sly.  I’m sorry you take the attitude you do, but while I’m waiting to hear from your father, I shall continue to treat you as a guest and a trusted friend.  That is all.”

Farnsworth stood aside, and let Azalea pass.  The girl went back to the house, in deep thought.

She did not go to her room, or write any letters.  She dawdled about, started the phonograph going, read a little in a magazine, and seemed generally distraught.

As she sat in the big, pleasant hall, she saw Farnsworth come in, go to the library and sit at his desk writing.  Apparently this was one of the days when he did not go to New York.  Patty came by—­spoke cheerily to Azalea as she passed her, and then went on to speak to Bill.

The two went out of doors together.  Azalea jumped at the chance, and running into the library, glanced over the letters Farnsworth had written.  As she had surmised, there was one addressed to Samuel Thorpe, Horner’s Corners, Arizona.

Azalea didn’t touch it.  She merely glanced at her wrist-watch and hurried up to her own room.

Sitting there at the pretty desk, she wrote two or three letters, and sealed and addressed them.

Then, sitting on her window-seat, she looked out over the beautiful lawns and gardens.  She saw Bill and Patty walking about, pausing here and there.  She knew they were selecting places for the booths and stands to be used at the forthcoming Fair.

How happy they were!  And how miserable she was!  She looked at them enviously, and then again she tossed her hand, in her defiant way, and turned from the window.

At luncheon Azalea was very sweet and pleasant.  She talked with Farnsworth gaily, and discussed the Fair with Patty and Elise.

“I’m going to donate some lovely things for the sale,” she said.  “I’ve written home for some Indian baskets and Navajo blankets, and some beadwork.”

“Good gracious, Azalea,” cried Elise, “you’ll outshine us all in generosity!  I’m making some lace pillows and boudoir caps, but they won’t sell as well as your gifts.”

“It’s very kind of you, dear,” and Patty smiled at the Western girl with real gratitude.  “I wonder what booth you’d rather serve in, Azalea,” she went on.  “Of course, you may take your choice.”

“When is the Fair?” Azalea asked.

“We’re planning it for the middle of July.  I think we can get ready by that time.”

“I won’t be here then,” and Azalea looked thoughtful.

“Won’t be here!  Of course you will!  What nonsense!” and Patty’s blue eyes opened wide in astonishment.