f not, she could
easily be moved to the pink guest room.

This yellow room, however, was so well adapted for a young girl. There
was a long French window that opened on the dearest little balcony, where
the wistaria clambered and made a delightful shade. There was an alcove,
where stood a Chippendale writing desk, and a revolving book rack. There
was a sewing corner, with a fully furnished work-stand; and there was a
soft puffy couch, with a pile of down pillows and a fluffy yellow afghan.
And yet there was ample room for the bed, with its dimity draperies, and
the fascinating toilet table, with its bewildering array of ivory
fittings.

Uncertain of her guest's tastes, Patty put out few books, only a story or
two of general interest and a couple of new magazines. All such matters
could be attended to after she had sized up the newcomer.

On the day she was expected, Patty arranged the flowers in the yellow
room herself.

Naturally, she chose azaleas, and some of a lovely soft tint of buff
harmonised with pale pink ones. White ones too, with a bit of green
foliage, until the room was a bower of beauty. Not overdone, though.
Patty never made the mistake of too many flowers,--fond as she was
of them.

A last affectionate survey of the room convinced her that all was exactly
as it should be, and with a happy little sigh of contentment she went
down to the porch to await the arrival of the guest, for Farnsworth had
gone to the station to meet her, and they were due now at any minute.

CHAPTER V

THAT AWFUL AZALEA

The car came along the driveway and stopped in front of the porch where
Patty sat.

Farnsworth stepped out, with a cheery "Here we are!" and Patty rose to
greet the visitor.

Up the steps toward her flew a figure which, as Patty afterward described
it, seemed like a wild Indian! A slight, wiry figure, rather tall and
very awkward, and possessed of a nervous force that expressed itself in
muscular activity.

"Oh, how do you do?" the girl cried, explosively. "You're Cousin
Patty,--aren't you?" But even as she spoke, she stumbled on the steps,
pitched forward, falling on Patty, and but for Farnsworth's quick action
would have knocked her down.

"Jiminy crickets! Ain't I the tangle-foot! Guess I'm getting in bad at
the very start. Hope I didn't hurt you."

"Not at all," said Patty, recovering her poise, both mental and physical.
"You are very welcome, Azalea. Will you sit here a few minutes be