"No; I looked over her mail. Oh, it does seem awful, to look inquisitively at another's letters!"
"It's necessary, dear, in this case. There's a big mystery about Azalea
Thorpe, and we must solve it, or there'll be trouble!"
"I wish you'd tell me all about it."
"I will, soon. Trust me, darling, I'd rather not say what I suspect, until I've a little more reason for my suspicion. It's too incredible! And yet,—it must be so!"
"All right, my True Love. I can wait. Now, listen, and I'll tell you of the marvellous achievement of your daughter to-day!"
And Farnsworth listened with all his heart to the amazing tale of
Fleurette's intelligent observation of a red balloon.
The next day Elise came.
"Here I am!" she cried, as she stepped from the motor, and flew into Patty's embrace. "Where's your eccentric cousin I've heard about? But first, where's my godchild? I've brought her the loveliest presents! Let me at her!"
"All right," said Patty, laughing at her impatience, "come right along to the nursery before you take your hat off."
The two went to the nursery, and Patty softly opened the door. But the room was empty.