"She's safe, Patty," Azalea said, stopping her. "She's all right,—she's over to Mrs. Gale's."
"Mrs. Gale's!" and Patty flew off like the wind, caring for nothing but the assurance of her own eyes that Fleurette was safe.
"Help me, Bill," said Azalea, going toward Farnsworth, "you said once, you'd defend me."
"I will, dear. What's this all about? Who are you?" He addressed
Merritt quietly, but with a fire in his blue eyes that was disturbing.
"Merritt, of the Flicker Film Company, very much at your service," and the man drew a card from his pocket and presented it.
"Well, Mr. Merritt, leave at once, and never return. I don't care for your explanations or excuses. Simply go."
Merritt went.
"Is that right, Zaly?" Bill said, as the crestfallen visitor left them. "I didn't want any words with him,—for I might have lost my temper. I'd rather have the story from you."
"And I'll tell it to you,—all. But, oh, Bill, I'm so glad Fleurette is all right!"
"She is so!" and Patty came dancing on, with the smilingest child in the world. Van Reypen followed, and then the whole crowd drew together anxious to know what the commotion was all about.