le family, Azalea and the baby were each other's sole
companions.

Their conversation was a little one-sided, but Azalea's remarks were
mostly eulogies and compliments and Fleurette's engaging smiles seemed
to betoken appreciation if not acknowledgment.

A footstep approaching made Azalea look up.

Before her stood Mr. Merritt, the assistant director of the film
company.

"Good afternoon, Miss Thorpe," he said, politely; "I see the little one
is in a sunshiny mood."

"Yes;" Azalea returned, but her very soul quaked with fear. Well she
knew what was in this man's mind.

"And so, I'm going to ask you to run over to the studio just a few
minutes and give us one more chance at a good picture of that scene."

"And I'm going to refuse," Azalea returned with spirit. "You know very
well, Mr. Merritt, that I'm not going to let you pose this child again."

"I know you _are_,--and mighty quick, too," he retorted, in a low voice,
but tones of great determination. "I know everybody is out,--you are
practically alone in the house, and I know you're coming with
me,--willing or not! It won't hurt the baby a mite,--I've my little car
out in the road,--and if you _don't_ consent,--I'll--"

He voiced no threat, but Azalea felt pretty sure he meant to take the
baby himself if she refused to go with them.

She thought quickly, but no avenue of escape could she see. It would be
utterly useless to call Janet, for she was a nervous, timid girl, and
would probably run away at sight of this strange man.

The nursery, too, was on the other side of the house, and she couldn't
make Janet hear if she tried.

The Gale house also was on the other side of the Farnsworth house, and
so, indeed, if Azalea chose to call for help, it would do no good.
Doubtless Phil would be along shortly, but there was no telling, for
there was always a merry crowd on the Gale's piazza and he would stay
there talking for a time.

But Merritt was impatient, and he finally broke out with; "Make up your
mind, please, and quickly. Will you bring the baby quietly, or shall I
just--take her along."

He held out his arms to Fleurette, who, always ready to make friends
with strangers, smiled and leaned toward him.

Azalea had wild thoughts of running away,--anywhere,--but she knew the
futility of such a plan. Merritt was a big and strong man, and though
Azalea was a swift runner, she could not get a start without his
intervening.

She tried pleading. She appea