She had done so well and had shown such promise that Mr. Bixby urged her to become a regular actress in his company.
But Azalea was so uncertain as to how Patty and Bill would regard such a move on her part, that she had so far kept the matter to herself.
Then, when the star actress had met with an accident, and the management had concluded to offer Azalea her place, it was a great chance for the girl.
She had come over this morning to give it a trial, entirely at sea as to her subsequent attitude toward the Farnsworths.
She thought she would be guided by circumstances as to whether she would confide all to them, or whether she would continue her secrecy as to her movements.
Mrs. Bixby attended to her in the dressing-room. All of Miss Frawley's costumes, it was found, could be altered to fit Azalea.
As one in a dream, the girl stood to be fitted, while seamstresses and modistes hovered about her.
Then she was informed that the work that day would be only rehearsing and the pictures would not actually be taken until her costumes were ready.
Submissively she did exactly as she was told, and so well did she act the parts assigned her, that Mr. Bixby expressed hearty approval.
Azalea was there nearly all day, and when at last she turned her face homeward, a great dismay seized her.