e the little roadster, Bill, and
whiz over there and bring her back?"

"Go ahead, boy, and good luck to you."

But Farnsworth was not at all sanguine as to the bringing back of
Azalea. He knew her, in some ways, far better than Van Reypen did,
and he felt sure that when Azalea decided to go away, she would not
be easily found.

But Van Reypen started cheerily off and went to the studios.

There he was met by blank disappointment. Mrs. Bixby was greatly
interested in his story, and greatly concerned for Azalea's welfare,
but she declared the girl had not come there.

Van Reypen was not quite sure she was telling him the truth, but his
deep anxiety so stirred the motherly heart of Mrs. Bixby that she
assured him earnestly that her statements were absolutely true, and
that she was as anxious to find the missing girl as her friends were.

But she could offer no suggestion as to any way to look, and poor Philip
went back, disheartened and disappointed.

All the morning they searched the grounds and the neighbourhood; they
ransacked Azalea's belongings in hope of some old letter or clue of some
sort. But nothing gave so much as a hint of anything that could have
happened to her, that made her go away.

"I believe it's all your fault, Elise," said Van Reypen, angrily, for
his alarm and sorrow made him forget his usual courtesy. "You've never
liked Azalea, and you said mean things to her!"

"Now, Phil," remonstrated Patty, "don't talk like that. Elise and Azalea
were not congenial, but Elise wouldn't do anything to make Azalea run
away, and Azalea wouldn't run, if she did!"

This involved speech brought a laugh, but Philip went on; "I think she
would. Azalea is more sensitive than you thought her. None of you
understand her,--well, except Patty,--and her poor little heart was
broken by your criticisms and continual reproofs. Suppose she isn't
quite as well up in the airs and graces of society as you all are,--she
has other traits that make up for that--"

"Oh, Philip, you're hopelessly in love with her!" and Elise laughed
jeeringly.

"I am in love with her," he returned, "and I make no secret of it. But
not hopelessly, Elise. I shall find her,--I don't know how or where, but
I never will give up the quest until I succeed!"

"Good for you," cried Patty, "that's the way to talk! I'll help,--and
though there's not any apparent way to look just now,--we'll find one."

It was about noon when Van Reypen was called to