express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you
haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--"

"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at
once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her
sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole
big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only
to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain
Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read
her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her
untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine
character."

"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty
revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was
Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the
world to help and improve her--"

"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is
nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to
myself."

"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own."

"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility
of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll
accept me, I've no fears for the future."

"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so
mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from
anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!"

"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van
Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that
I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow."

The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in
thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see
Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over
the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil
was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why
should he, Bill, object?

Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on
their sober faces.

"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?"

"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil,
for he really wanted to tell Patty himself.

"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm
bowled o