g now and then at the others.

"On my way East, I met Mr. and Mrs. Bixby on the train. They were
pleasant people and Mrs. Bixby was very kind to me in many ways. Then, I
learned that they were in the moving-picture business, and as I wanted
to act myself, I cultivated their acquaintance all I could. And by the
time we reached New York Mr. Bixby had agreed to give me a trial at his
studio. He said I had the right type of face for the screen and if I
could learn to act, my Western life had fitted me for some certain parts
they were just then in need of. So I went in for it,--and I got along
all right. Then they wanted a little baby in the picture and as I was so
fond of Fleurette and loved her too much to let any harm come to her, I
thought it all right to take her over there once or twice to get the
pictures of her. But one of the films went wrong, somehow, and Mr.
Merritt was determined to take it over again. I wouldn't allow it,
because I found out how Patty felt about Baby being in it,--so I
refused. Now, I don't suppose you know how insistent the picture people
are about any scene they want. They go to any lengths to get them. I've
heard Mr. Bixby say, 'Get the picture if it kills the leading man!' And
though he doesn't mean that literally I think he would do anything short
of murder to get his picture. Well, they thought that the whole reel was
spoiled because one scene with Fleurette in it wasn't right. And they
were bound to have her over there again."

"She shan't go,--so she shouldn't!" Patty crooned, as she held her child
closer in her sheltering arms.

"No; and that's what I told Mr. Merritt," went on Azalea. "But he is
tricky, and I felt pretty sure he'd try underhand means to get the
baby. I've kept watch night and day, and I've always been certain that
Fleurette was either in Winnie's care or Patty's. Patty wouldn't trust
her with _me_ any more."

Azalea spoke the last words wistfully, with a penitent look in her
brown eyes.

"Small wonder!" cried Elise, who was listening interestedly. "After you
took that blessed child to--"

"There, there, Elise," Farnsworth interrupted, "we _do_ trust Azalea.
Let her finish her story."

Azalea gave him a grateful look and went on.

"When I went away from the house to-day, Patty was at home, so, though I
knew it was Winnie's day off, I felt all right about Baby. Then,--while
we were out walking, I saw Winnie go by,--and soon after I felt a--a
sort of presentimen