But, don't worry, I'm sure the two wanderers will turn up all right." Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said, "No-sir-ee! Zaly is a terror, and a trial in lots of ways, but if she had let that child fall, she would have called Patty and Winnie and the whole household for help, and would have run for the doctor herself! She never would have run away! Not Azalea! She's no coward,--whatever other unpleasant traits she may possess." "That's so," agreed Patty; "and she truly loves the baby.

No, Elise, nothing like that happened,--I'm sure.

I see it as Bill does, now.

It _is_ a heavenly day,--and Zaly felt pretty sure I wouldn't let her take Baby out by herself, without the nurse,--and she does love to do that,--and so she sneaked off, and made up that yarn about the food in order to get Fleurette's hat and coat on! Oh, she's a manoeuvrer!" "Well, I'm glad you both feel that way about it," said Elise; "of course you know the girl better than I do,--as I've never even seen her! but if she's such a strong-arm, I think I'm rather afraid of her!" "Oh, I imagine you can hold your own against her!" laughed Patty, happy now, since Bill's reassurance of her darling's safety.

"All the same, I wish Zaly would come home! It's after six! Come on, Elise, let's dress for dinner, and then that will be done." They went to their rooms, and soon Patty was all dressed and had returned to her post of vantage on the wistaria porch, to look for the return of the lost ones.