With an exclamation of dismay, Patty handed hers over to Farnsworth, who read it quickly, and looked at his wife with a serious face.
"Poor little Azalea," he said, "what _can_ it all mean ?" For the note read: DEAR PATTY: I'm a wicked girl, and I can't impose on you any longer.

I am going away.
Don't try to find me,--just forget me.

I love you all,--but I have no right to be among good people.
AZALEA.
"What's in yours, Phil ?" Farnsworth asked, and Van Reypen handed it to him without a word.
MY DEAR MR.

VAN REYPEN: I can't go away without leaving a word for you.

But it is only to say, please forget the girl who calls herself AZALEA.
Then the notes were shown to the other two guests, Elise and Channing, for the departure of Azalea could not be kept secret, and of course they must immediately put forth every possible effort to find her.
"I always thought she was queer," said Elise, "but these notes are the queerest thing yet! Do you suppose she has eloped ?" "Hush, Elise," said Farnsworth, sternly.