Now she would cry uncontrollably,--and again, she would sit, still and dry-eyed, waiting for some sound of Azalea's arrival.
But no rolling wheels of the baby coach greeted her ears, nor any little crowing notes of glee from her baby's lips.
Several times she tried again to reach Farnsworth by telephone,--but always unsuccessfully.
At last the long hours wore away, and Farnsworth came home.
Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace.
"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today?
I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know.

Then, Rollins told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what it's all about." His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed easier to bear, with his help near.
"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette." "Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see you! When did you arrive?
This morning ?" "No; this afternoon.

But, Bill, this matter is serious.

Azalea took the baby away, on the sly." "That's like her! Azalea has sly ways.

And more than that,--she has queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,--very wrong,--about the girl.