honour and right. It is
only since I have been with good people that I realise what an awful
thing I did. When I read it, I couldn't help thinking what a pity for
that wonderful invitation to her to make a visit in the East, to be
wasted! And the more I thought, the more I was possessed of an idea that
I might personate Azalea Thorpe and have the visit myself. Oh, if you
_knew_ how I hated the place where I lived,--how I hated the home I
had,--how I wanted to get out into the great world, and have my chance!
And, yes, I wanted to be a moving-picture actress. I was _sure_ I could
do better than the pictures I saw in that little town, and--well, the
more I thought about it,--the more it seemed an easy and plausible thing
to do.

"I did it. I answered Patty's letter as if I were really Azalea
Thorpe,--you see, I had known her all my life, until she moved away, and
then I packed up my things and came East, resolved to pretend I _was_
Azalea and see what happened. It didn't seem so dreadful--I thought at
first, it was just a big lark,--but now,--oh, _now_ I know how right and
honourable people look on a thing like that!"

She cast a hopeless glance at Van Reypen, and though he smiled at her
and started toward her she shook her head and waved him back.

"On the trip East, I met the Bixbys, and as we at once arranged for
my entrance into their studios, I was more than ever eager to put the
matter through.

"So I came. Oh, I hate to think how I imposed on the Farnsworths! They
were _so_ kind to me, right from the start. Then they asked me questions
about my father, and I didn't know what to do or say. I tried to fool
you, Bill, with a made-up letter but I didn't succeed. And,--all the way
along, I kept feeling worse and worse,--meaner and meaner--at the life
of deceit I was leading. I made good in the pictures,--and oh, Patty,
will you _ever_ forgive me for taking Baby over there! But I knew she
was safe with me, and, like all the rest, I didn't realise how bad I
was!

"I don't ask or expect forgiveness,--I know you couldn't grant _that_.
But lately I felt I couldn't go on any longer,--and I couldn't bring
myself to confess,--so,--I ran away."

"And you are really Alice Adams?" asked Farnsworth, but Phil
interrupted.

"Wait a minute, everybody. Before Azalea--or Alice,--or whoever she
is, says another word, I want to say that she is my promised wife! I
want you, dear, and whatever your name is, I want it to be changed