“All right, Phil, go in and win!  You have my blessing,—­and when Patty revives from her first shock of surprise, she’ll bless you, too.  It was Patty’s work, getting Azalea here,—­and Patty has tried every way in the world to help and improve her—­”

“Patty has done wonders.  And has paved the way, I admit.  But it is nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to myself.”

“She’s not so very tractable—­Zaly has a will of her own.”

“She’d not be herself, if she hadn’t.  That’s part of her big nobility of soul.  But I’ll take care of her manners and customs.  If only she’ll accept me, I’ve no fears for the future.”

“But you must find out about her father.  It’s queer that she acts so mysterious about him.  And, so far as I know, she’s had no letters from anybody back home,—­her home is at Horner’s Corners.  Awful place!”

“If we don’t like the place, we’ll buy it and make it over,” said Van Reypen, serenely.  “All right, Farnsworth, you’ve made me satisfied that I may try to win my prize,—­and the rest will follow.”

The two men went out to join the others on the porch.  Both were in thoughtful mood.  Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over the whole matter.  He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,—­why should he, Bill, object?

Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on their sober faces.

“What’s the matter?” she cried, gaily.  “You two been quarrelling?”

“Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I’ll tell you, Patty,” said Phil, for he really wanted to tell Patty himself.

“You see,” he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, “I’m bowled over.”

“I know!  Betty Gale.  And I’m so glad, Phil.  I know you used to like me,—­and I was and am fond of you,—­but you needn’t think I resent your loving another.  I’m honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in the world!”

“Thank you, Patty, but,—­wait a minute.”

“Oh, I can’t!  I’m so excited over it!  I’m going to announce it at dinner,—­I wonder if I can’t get the table re-decorated—­with white flowers!  I love an announcement party—­”

“Patty,—­don’t,—­let me tell you—­”

“Oh, I know you’d hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty’ll love it and—­”

“But it isn’t Betty!” Van Reypen managed to get in.

“Not Betty!” Patty stopped short and turned to face him. 
“Oh,—­Phil,—­Elise?”

“You’ve one more guess coming,” he smiled.

“Oh, who?  Somebody in New York?  Where is she?  I’ll invite her here!”

“You needn’t,—­she’s here already.  Why, Patty, it’s Azalea.”

“Azalea!” Patty’s surprise was greater than Bill’s had been, and she stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze.