"I did it. I answered Patty's letter as if I were really Azalea Thorpe,--you see, I had known her all my life, until she moved away, and then I packed up my things and came East, resolved to pretend I _was_ Azalea and see what happened. It didn't seem so dreadful--I thought at first, it was just a big lark,--but now,--oh, _now_ I know how right and honourable people look on a thing like that!"
She cast a hopeless glance at Van Reypen, and though he smiled at her and started toward her she shook her head and waved him back.
"On the trip East, I met the Bixbys, and as we at once arranged for my entrance into their studios, I was more than ever eager to put the matter through.
"So I came. Oh, I hate to think how I imposed on the Farnsworths! They were _so_ kind to me, right from the start. Then they asked me questions about my father, and I didn't know what to do or say. I tried to fool you, Bill, with a made-up letter but I didn't succeed. And,--all the way along, I kept feeling worse and worse,--meaner and meaner--at the life of deceit I was leading. I made good in the pictures,--and oh, Patty, will you _ever_ forgive me for taking Baby over there! But I knew she was safe with me, and, like all the rest, I didn't realise how bad I was!
"I don't ask or expect forgiveness,--I know you couldn't grant _that_. But lately I felt I couldn't go on any longer,--and I couldn't bring myself to confess,--so,--I ran away."
"And you are really Alice Adams?" asked Farnsworth, but Phil interrupted.
"Wait a minute, everybody. Before Azalea--or Alice,--or whoever she is, says another word, I want to say that she is my promised wife! I want you, dear, and whatever your name is, I want it to be changed to Van Reypen. Tell me,--tell them all,--that you consent."
A beautiful expression came over the girl's face.
She turned to Philip, her soft, dark eyes shining with utter joy and a tender smile of glad surprise curving her quivering lips.
"You _do_ consent?" he urged, "you must say yes, before you tell us any more!"
"May I, Patty?" and a shy, sweet face looked questioningly at the one she was glad to consider her mentor.
"I think so," Patty smiled back, for she knew how matters stood with Phil, and she had faith in the true heart of the girl beside her.