"Good enough programme," agreed Van Reypen. "For one half-hour, then, each may do as he or she wishes!"
"Yes, if you all promise to be back here in half an hour."
"Make it an hour, Patty," laughed Elise, who had her own plans.
"All right," said Patty, carelessly, who cared only that her guests should enjoy themselves.
"I want to tell you something," Mona said, as she and Patty at last were alone on the porch. "Who _is_ Azalea?"
"I call that asking, not telling," laughed Patty; "however, I'll reply. She is Bill's cousin,--not first cousin, but the daughter of his father's cousin. So you see,--a distant cousin. Why?"
"I'll tell you why. Roger and I go to the 'movies' sometimes,--and in a picture, the other night, we saw Azalea."
"Saw Azalea! You mean some one who looked like her."
"No; Azalea Thorpe herself! Roger and I both knew her at once. And it was quite a new picture,--taken recently, I mean. Did you know she did such things?"
"No, and I can't think she does. It must have been only a remarkable resemblance, Mona."
"No, Patty. We're positive. And, too, she was doing Wild West stunts,--riding bareback, shooting, throwing a lariat,--all those things,--and Azalea can, you know."
"Yes, I know; and there _is_ something queer going on. It may be that when Azalea goes off for a day or part of a day, that's where she goes. But I can hardly believe it. And why does she keep it so secret?"
"I suppose she thinks you and Bill wouldn't approve."
"And we certainly would _not_! I don't think it can be possible, Mona. But don't say anything to anybody,--not even to Little Billee,--until I can talk to Azalea, myself. I can do lots with her, alone, but not if anybody else is present."
"Gone for a moonlight stroll with Phil. He's decidedly taken with her."
"Yes, I know it. He said so on the way up here. He thinks she's a fine girl--and he admires those careless, unconventional ways of hers."
"Well, I don't," Patty sighed. "I like Azalea for lots of things,--she's good company and kind-hearted,--and she's devoted to Baby,--but I _can't_ like those free and easy manners! But she's a whole lot better than when she first came! Then she was _really_ a wild Indian! I've been able to tone her down a little."