"Well—if you will—" Azalea looked at him beseechingly. "I'll explain later."
So Gale walked off by himself and Azalea turned a troubled face to the man.
"Mr. Merritt," she said, "I can't have anything more to do with the whole affair. I'm quite sure my relatives here wouldn't approve of it, and I can't keep the matter secret any longer."
"But you must come, Miss Thorpe. By a strange coincidence you are greatly needed. Miss Frawley has broken her ankle—"
"She has!" Azalea's eyes sparkled, "Oh,—I don't mean I'm not sorry for her,—I am, indeed! But—"
"But it gives you a chance! A wonderful chance,—and if you can make good—"
"Oh, I can! I will! Shall I come now?"
"No; but you must come to-morrow morning at nine, sharp. Will you?"
"Indeed I will! I'll be there on time."
"And tell your people about it,—don't you think you'd better?"