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.
"Azalea!" she said, again.
"Yes,--and I want you to help me.

When I spoke to her, this afternoon, she--she acted--well, strange--" "Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as everybody will be! Imagine Elise!" Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van Reypen.
"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that.

Bill did, too.

Now, it seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill ought to have perception enough to see them too." "It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!" "Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look to you and Bill for sympathy and approval.