asked to see one,--that was two
or three weeks ago!"

"I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning."

"Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and
returned with the letter.

There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and
read:

MY DEAR CHILD:

I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a
nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are
staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome
without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and
get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and
his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine
child. I am well, and I hope you are, too. With much affection, from
your loving

FATHER.

"Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face
to Azalea.

"I tore it up."

"Why?"

"I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one."

"Address typewritten?"

"Yes."

"All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her.

CHAPTER IX

VANITY FAIR

The Farnsworths made no difference in their treatment of Azalea, after
her escapade. Bill had scolded her severely for taking the baby away
without leave, and sternly forbidden her ever to do so again, and the
girl had promised she would not.

Patty had said nothing to her on the subject, feeling that she could
best keep Azalea's friendliness by ignoring the matter, and she was
trying very hard to teach the girl the amenities of social life.

And Azalea was improving. She behaved much better at table and in the
presence of guests. Patty rejoiced at the improvement and, as she took
strict care that Azalea should have no opportunity to see Fleurette
alone, she feared no repetition of those anxious hours when the baby was
missing.

Elise rather liked the Western girl. They became good friends and went
for long strolls together. Elise was a good walker, and Azalea was
tireless.

One day they had gone a long distance from home, when suddenly Azalea
said, "I wish you'd stay here a few minutes, Elise, and wait for me."

"Why, where are you going?" asked the other, in astonishment.

"Never mind, it's a little secret,--for the present. You just sit here
on the grass and wait,--there's a duck. Here's a book you can read."

Azalea offered Elise a small volume--it was a new hum