Azalea didn't touch it. She merely glanced at her wrist-watch and hurried up to her own room.
Sitting there at the pretty desk, she wrote two or three letters, and sealed and addressed them.
Then, sitting on her window-seat, she looked out over the beautiful lawns and gardens. She saw Bill and Patty walking about, pausing here and there. She knew they were selecting places for the booths and stands to be used at the forthcoming Fair.
How happy they were! And how miserable she was! She looked at them enviously, and then again she tossed her hand, in her defiant way, and turned from the window.
At luncheon Azalea was very sweet and pleasant. She talked with Farnsworth gaily, and discussed the Fair with Patty and Elise.
"I'm going to donate some lovely things for the sale," she said. "I've written home for some Indian baskets and Navajo blankets, and some beadwork."
"Good gracious, Azalea," cried Elise, "you'll outshine us all in generosity! I'm making some lace pillows and boudoir caps, but they won't sell as well as your gifts."
"It's very kind of you, dear," and Patty smiled at the Western girl with real gratitude. "I wonder what booth you'd rather serve in, Azalea," she went on. "Of course, you may take your choice."
"We're planning it for the middle of July. I think we can get ready by that time."
"I won't be here then," and Azalea looked thoughtful.
"Won't be here! Of course you will! What nonsense!" and Patty's blue eyes opened wide in astonishment.
"I thought I might outstay my welcome," Azalea said, seeming a little confused.
"Nay, nay, Pauline," and Patty smiled at her, "stay as long as you like. As long as you can be happy with us."
But there was an uncomfortable pause, for Farnsworth didn't second Patty's invitation or make any comment on it.
"I'm going down to New York in the car this afternoon," said Elise. "Want to go, Azalea?"
"All right, be ready about three. You going, Pattibelle?"
"No; not to-day. My lord and master is at home, and I can't give up a precious hour of his companionship."
"Oh, you turtle-doves! All right, then, Zaly and I will sally forth to the great metropolis."
Elise was spending a month with Patty, and was going later to the mountains with her own family. They were all anxious, therefore, to get the Fair under way, and to hold it while Elise was still there.