"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette."
"Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see you! When did you arrive? This morning?"
"No; this afternoon. But, Bill, this matter is serious. Azalea took the baby away, on the sly."
"That's like her! Azalea has sly ways. And more than that,—she has queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,—very wrong,—about the girl. Did she get a letter to-day?"
"No; not this morning. I forgot to look this afternoon."
"What do you mean?" asked Elise, her curiosity aroused. "Do you keep tab on her letters, Patty?"
"Yes; I'm ordered to by my lord and master. He thinks—"
"Never mind, dear, drop the subject now. I've a good reason, Elise, for watching the letters,—not mere idle curiosity. Now, Patty, for details. What do you mean by taking the baby on the sly!"
So Patty told him how Azalea had ordered the baby's food prepared, saying Patty has asked her to do so.
"H'm, h'm,—looks bad. But don't worry, little mother, I'm sure nothing has happened to our Little Flower,—I mean nothing of an accidental nature. Azalea is exceedingly fond of the baby, and I can easily imagine her wanting to take her for a ride this beautiful afternoon. It's perfectly wonderful out! There's a soft breeze and the air is delightful—"