Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace.
"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today? I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know. Then, Rollins told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what it's all about."
His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed easier to bear, with his help near.
"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--"
"But why didn't she ask me?" cried Patty.
"Afraid you'd say no!" and Farnsworth smiled. "You know, you've not been overly gracious of late about Azalea taking baby out."
"And quite right you should have. But, don't worry, I'm sure the two wanderers will turn up all right."
Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said,