"Fiddlesticks! Don't try to make me think you had a longing for self-communion or any foolishness of that sort! I know you, Azalea Thorpe! You went off to meet somebody--"
"I did not! How you talk, Elise Farrington!"
"Yes, you did! Somebody that you don't want Patty and Bill to know about. Oh, you don't fool me! I'm not a blind bat!"
"Well, you're way off! How could I possibly know anybody they don't know?"
"You do, though. You had some people come to see you, and the Farnsworths didn't meet them at all."
"Tattle-tale! It's none of her business if I did!"
"Now, look here! I won't stand for such talk about Patty! You stop it! She's not only your hostess but she's the best friend you ever had or ever will have! She's making you over,--and goodness knows you needed it!"
"And that's none of _your_ business! I'm as good as you are,--this minute!"
"I didn't say you weren't! It isn't a question of goodness. You may be a saint on earth compared to me, but you don't know how to behave in decent society,--or didn't, till Patty took you in hand."
"She invited me to visit her! I didn't ask her to have me!"
"Yes, because she wanted to be kind to her husband's people, and you seemed to be the only one available."
"Well, I was. And as I'm Cousin William's only relative, I have a right to visit him as long as I please."
"I don't deny that, Azalea," and Elise couldn't help laughing at the defiant air of the speaker. "I'm not disputing your right to be here. But I do deny your right to say anything whatever against Patty, who is trying her best to do all she can for your pleasure and for your good."
"That's so," and Azalea's manner suddenly changed. "Patty is a dear, and I love her. And that baby! Oh!"
"How crazy you are over that child," Elise exclaimed. "She _is_ a dear baby, but I don't see why you idolise her so."
"Oh, I love babies, and Fleurette is so sweet and soft and cuddly! I love to have her all to myself,--but Patty won't let me."
"I don't wonder! Where did you go with her that day, Azalea?"
"Nowhere in particular. Just for a walk in the country. I mean I walked. Baby rode in her coach."
"But you went somewhere. Nurse Winnie insists you gave the child some soothing syrup,--or whatever they call it."