Book: Patty and Azalea

C >> Carolyn Wells >> Patty and Azalea




"And gave me something utterly worthless!" scoffed Elise.

"Oh, come now, Elise," said Farnsworth, "it didn't hurt your sales any,
even if it didn't help them. Call it a joke and let it go at that."

"But it _was_ deceitful, Cousin William," said Azalea, "and I do confess
it, and I'm sorry as I can be about it."

Her pretty face was troubled and she looked so disturbed that Phil took
up the cudgels for her.

"Oh, come off, all of you," he said, laughingly, "this isn't a court of
inquiry, and we're not sitting in judgment on Azalea. She has properly
admitted all her escapades, and she's been forgiven by the ones most
interested, now let's call it a day,--and talk about something else."

"All right,--let's talk about the 'Star of the West,'" cried the
irrepressible Ray Gale. "Now the secret's out, there's no harm in
mentioning it. You _must_ see that picture, Farnsworth, and then you'll
be begging Azalea to go back to screen work!"

"Never," said Azalea, her face shining with happiness that she was
forgiven and reinstated in general favour, "I've had my lesson. No more
films for me! From now on, I'm going to be goody-girl,--and behave like
nice ladies,--like Patty and Betty--and Elise."

The slight hesitation before the last name made Elise bite her lip in
chagrin, for she had seen that her attack on Azalea was not approved of
by most of the audience.

Poor Elise was of an unfortunate disposition, and envy and jealousy were
her besetting sins. She had never liked Azalea for the reason that the
Western girl, with her frank, untutored ways, often usurped Elise's
place in the limelight, and Miss Farrington greatly objected to that.

It was with malicious purpose that Elise had brought up the subject of
the sampler, and when she found it passed over as of little moment, she
was angry at herself for having raised the question at all.

"Don't try to be like me," she said, with an acid smile at Azalea; "if
you do, _nobody_ will like you."

"Oh, come, now, Elise," said Farnsworth, laughing at this tempest in a
teapot, "play fair. We all like you, and we all like Azalea, whether she
models herself on you or not; so let's all love one another,--and let it
go at that!"

"Yes," said Patty, "and now, my fellow lovers and loveresses, I must
take my small daughter in and send her to sleepy-by, and the rest of you
have just about half an hour before it's time to dress for dinner. The
two Gales may consider themselves invited,--if they will honour us."

"Delighted," replied Betty, "though not overwhelmingly surprised at the
invitation. Howsumever, we must fly back home for some purple and fine
linen, and then we'll return anon. I'm usually returning here, anon! I
wonder what I ever did, Patty, before you came here to live as our
hospitable neighbours!"

"There's half an hour, Azalea," said Van Reypen, "come for a toddle down
to the brook, and let's talk things over."

The two started off, and for a few moments walked along in silence.

Azalea was in a quiet, chastened mood,--a side of her character that
Phil had never before seen, and he noted with pleasure the gentle
sweetness of her face and the soft tones of her voice.

"It woke me up," she said, reminiscently, "when that man tried to take
Fleurette from my arms. I would have fought him like a tiger if I hadn't
suddenly realised that the way to fix _him_ was by strategy. I just
happened to think that by means of the record I could fool him into
believing we were in the library, when really we were flying to refuge.
I knew he wouldn't come in as long as he felt sure we were there, for he
was watching out for the Farnsworths' return. So, I tried the scheme,
and it worked!"

"Then you went bravely back to face the music!"

"Oh, I wasn't afraid of him,--for myself. He's not at all a ruffian
sort,--and he never would have hurt the baby. Only,--he was bound to get
her!"

"Well, he didn't succeed,--thanks to you, and I don't think he'll ever
try it again."

"Oh, I'm sure he won't! He's afraid of Bill, all right! Any one would
be who had seen the gleam in Cousin William's eyes when he fired Mr.
Merritt!"

Azalea laughed a little at the recollection,--then she sighed.

"Why the sigh?" asked Van Reypen, looking at the expressive face of the
girl, as her smile faded and her sensitive mouth drooped at the corners.

"Oh,--nothing--and everything! Don't ask questions!" She shook her
shoulders as if flinging off a troublesome thought. "I want to forget
the whole subject,--let's talk of other things."

"All right,--let's. Let's talk of my unworthy self, for instance."

"Why do you say your 'unworthy self'? Because you so look on yourself?
or for the sake of being contradicted? or just for nonsense?"

The brown eyes smiled into his, and Azalea looked very roguish and
saucy as she demanded an answer.

"Habit, I daresay. It's considered the thing for one to look upon
himself as unworthy. Of course, I'm not all to the bad!"

"No, I suppose not. I've noticed saving graces now and then."

"You have! What, for instance? You see, I love to talk about myself!"

"Well, for one thing, you've been very kind to me. I was in a sorry
position to-day, and you and Cousin William backed me up so beautifully,
that I pulled through. If you hadn't I'd have collapsed and given up the
game, in sheer fright."

"What do you mean?"

"Yes; Patty was pretty hostile at first,--though she came round all
right, later. Elise was,--oh, well, you know Elise's attitude toward
me."

"Don't mind her,--she's always got a chip on her shoulder!"

"Betty was reserving decision, too; and but for the strong support of
you and Cousin William,--yes, and Ray Gale,--I shouldn't have come off
so well. But I deserved any fate. I _have_ been bad,--and though I am
sorry,--that doesn't wipe it all out."

"It does, as far as I'm concerned. And I'm all that matters--at
least,--I wish I might be all that matters."

"My gracious! There are lots who matter more than you! Patty and Bill,
and Fleurette and--"

"Stop there! That's all! I'll concede those,--but no others. Don't you
dare say that Gale matters more than I do!"

"Ray Gale? Oh, I don't know. And what do you mean by 'matters'?"

"Counts. Makes a difference. Affects you. Means something to you."

"Oh, hold on! I'm floundering beyond my depth! Help! help!"

Azalea put her hands over her ears and shook her head, laughing at Van
Reypen's earnest face as he racked his brain for further explanatory
phrases.

"I won't stop! I'm in earnest. I _want_ to matter--to mean something to
you! I want to count with you--"

"Kipling says, 'let all men count with you, and none too much.'"

"Well, I'd rather count too much than not at all. Oh, Azalea,--you do
understand me, don't you? Let me count, dear,--let me count for
everything in your life--"

Azalea Thorpe couldn't believe her ears. What Van Reypen was saying
seemed as if it could have but one meaning,--yet that was impossible!
Philip Van Reypen, the high-born, aristocratic Philip, couldn't be
seriously interested in a crude, ignorant Western girl!

"Thank you, Phil," she said, resolving to accept his words as a sign of
friendship, "you're awfully good to me, and your friendship counts. I
begin to think friendship is the one thing in life that does count. And
it is the friends I have made--lately,--here,--that have made me
see,--made me realise my own unworthiness,--and when I say that, I mean
it."

"I won't let you mean it!" he cried, "I won't let you call yourself
unworthy. For you count with me,--Azalea, more than the whole world!
More than anything or everything in the world. Can't I count that way
with you,--can't I, Azalea?"

The dark handsome face was very earnest, and as it drew nearer to her
own, and she looked deep in the eloquent eyes, she could no longer fail
to understand.

"What,--what,--" she murmured, drawing back in confusion, "what do you
mean?"

"Don't you know what I mean, Brownie? Listen, and I will tell you, then.
I love you, dear,--I love you." He held her hands in his own and gazed
into her face. "I can't tell you when it came or how,--but suddenly--I
knew it! I knew I loved you, and should always love you. Tell me,--tell
me, Azalea, that you can learn to love me."

"Oh, don't--I can't--"

"Not just at once, dear,--I can't hope for that. But, can't you
learn,--can't you try to learn--If I help you? Brownie,--that's all my
own name for you,--isn't it, you nutbrown maid! Brownie, darling,--you
_must_ love me. I can't bear it if you don't!"

Azalea looked mystified,--then amazed,--and then her face lighted up
with a sudden radiant happiness,--she seemed glorified, exalted.

Van Reypen caught her in his arms.

"You do love me,--you witch! you beauty! Azalea, you look transfigured!
You _do_ love me,--tell me so!"

Then her face changed. She repulsed him,--she sought to leave his
encircling clasp.

"Don't!" she cried, "don't! It is horrible!"

She burst into uncontrollable tears, and her whole frame shook with her
turbulent sorrow.

"Have I been too abrupt?" asked Van Reypen, filled with dismay. "Give me
a little hope, dear, just say you'll let me tell you this some other
time, and I'll not trouble you now."

"Oh, it isn't _that_," Azalea sobbed, "it's--oh, _no_! I _can't_ tell
you,--it's too _dreadful_! Let me go!" and she ran from him and hurried
back to the house and up to her own room.




CHAPTER XVII

PHILIP'S REQUEST


"Give me a few minutes of your valuable time all to myself, will you,
old chap?" Phil said to Farnsworth, as the two men met in the hall just
before the dinner hour.

"Take all you want, I've lots of it," returned the other, cheerily.
"Want to borrow a fiver?"

"No; I'm still able to make both ends meet. But, seriously, Bill," as
the two men entered Farnsworth's den, and closed the door, "I'm hard
hit."

"That sounds as if you were in love,--but I can't think you mean
that,--so I wisely opine you've been hit by the fall in Golconda Mining
Stock."

"Your wise opinings are 'way off,--but your first suspicion was nearer
the mark."

"In love? Good for you, old Phil! Of course it's Elise!"

"Of course it isn't! Had Elise been my fate, I'd have known it long
ago."

"Who then? Betty Gale?"

"Wrong again. And blind, too. It's Azalea."

Farnsworth sank limply into a chair. He pretended to be dazed almost to
insensibility, and as a matter of fact his surprise was nearly as great
as his demonstration of it.

"Azalea!" he gasped. "Our Azalea!"

"Exactly; don't act as if I had suggested the Queen of Sheba! I know
what a superior girl she is,--and I know I've not much to recommend
me--"

"Oh, Phil,--oh, Van Reypen, stop! Have you lost your senses?"

"I think _you_ have!" Phil looked decidedly annoyed. "I must say,
Farnsworth, I don't quite get you."

"I beg your pardon, dear old chap, I--I was a bit astounded. You
see--"

"I see that I've a right to care for the girl if I choose, and as you
are her nearest relative, that I know of, I come to you for sanction of
my suit. Aside from your rather inexplicable astonishment--have you any
real objection to me as a new cousin-in-law?"

"No! You know I haven't!" Farnsworth held out a cordial hand which
the other grasped. "In fact, I think it's fine,--a most admirable
arrangement. What _will_ Patty say?"

"I hope she'll be pleased. It's no secret that I adored Patty and tried
my best to cut you out,--but, not having succeeded in that, I've been
glad to be the friend of both of you, and we've had lots of good times,
all together. But,--well, I never expected to know another real
whole-hearted love,--and then along comes this splendid girl,--this
daughter of your own big, beautiful, breezy West, and before I know it,
she has taken my heart by storm!"

"But, Phil,--you--you don't know Azalea--"

"I know enough. If you mean her escapades with the picture people or her
innocent joke about the patchwork sampler,--I don't care about those
little things. She has a wonderful big, noble nature, that will respond
quickly to loving care and gentle advice. And,--I _think_ she cares for
me, but--"

"Of course she cares for you! What girl wouldn't! Don't underestimate
yourself or your attractions, Phil. But I'll speak plainly; you're a big
man in lots of ways,--beside physically. You're an aristocrat,--of an
old family,--and you're very rich. Now,--Azalea--"

"Please don't talk of my birth or wealth as assets. I offer Azalea
a heart full of love, and a constant care for her happiness and
well-being. If she does care for me, I want your permission to try
to win her. I have broached the subject--"

"What did she say?"

"She--oh, I don't know,--she said--well, she ran away!"

"Surprised and a little shy, probably," Farnsworth looked thoughtful.
"I may as well tell you, Phil, oh hang it! How shall I put it? Well,
there's something queer about Azalea."

"What do you mean,--queer?"

"I don't know. And it may be nothing. But,--her only near relative,
so far as I know, is her father. A man I knew years ago,--a cousin of
mine,--and a decent, hard-working, plain man. Now, Zaly has not had a
single letter from him since she has been here."

"Why? Where is he?"

"I don't know. She won't tell. I've written to him twice,--but I've had
no reply. I'm telling you all I know."

"Thank you for being so straightforward. Do you--do you think there's
anything dishonourable--"

"That he's in jail? That's the idea that haunts my brain. I can't think
of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's
mysterious disinclination to talk about him. Why, Phil, she forged a
letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her
father!"

"Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it. If she cares for me, Bill,
I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders. I'll get her to
tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done. But, in any
case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the
girl herself. My idea of birth and breeding is that it gives one an
opportunity to be tolerant and generous toward others of fewer
advantages. To me, Azalea stands alone,--her family connections,
whatever they may be, I accept gladly, for her dear sake."

"I say, Phil, forgive me if I express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you
haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--"

"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at
once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her
sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole
big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only
to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain
Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read
her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her
untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine
character."

"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty
revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was
Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the
world to help and improve her--"

"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is
nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to
myself."

"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own."

"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility
of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll
accept me, I've no fears for the future."

"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so
mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from
anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!"

"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van
Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that
I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow."

The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in
thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see
Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over
the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil
was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why
should he, Bill, object?

Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on
their sober faces.

"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?"

"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil,
for he really wanted to tell Patty himself.

"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm
bowled over."

"I know! Betty Gale. And I'm _so_ glad, Phil. I know you used to like
me,--and I was and am fond of you,--but you needn't think I resent your
loving another. I'm honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in
the world!"

"Thank you, Patty, but,--wait a minute."

"Oh, I can't! I'm so excited over it! I'm going to announce it at
dinner,--I wonder if I can't get the table re-decorated--with white
flowers! I love an announcement party--"

"Patty,--don't,--let me tell you--"

"Oh, I know _you'd_ hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty'll love it
and--"

"But it _isn't_ Betty!" Van Reypen managed to get in.

"Not Betty!" Patty stopped short and turned to face him.
"Oh,--Phil,--Elise?"

"You've one more guess coming," he smiled.

"Oh, who? Somebody in New York? Where is she? I'll invite her here!"

"You needn't,--she's here already. Why, Patty, it's Azalea."

"Azalea!" Patty's surprise was greater than Bill's had been, and she
stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze.

"Azalea!" she said, again.

"Yes,--and I want you to help me. When I spoke to her, this afternoon,
she--she acted--well, strange--"

"Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as
everybody will be! Imagine Elise!"

Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van
Reypen.

"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that. Bill did, too. Now, it
seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill
ought to have perception enough to see them too."

"It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and
Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!"

"Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her
faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look
to you and Bill for sympathy and approval. And I don't want any of that
King Cophetua talk, either! Just because I happen to be born under a
family tree, and happen to have as much money as I want,--that's no
reason for implying that those are my chief attractions. I can give
Azalea more worth-while things than that! I can give her the love and
adoration that is every woman's desire and right,--I can give her loving
care and help,--I can--"

"Oh, Phil, how splendid you are! You make me 'most wish--" But Patty's
honest blue eyes wouldn't let her say the words. "No, I don't wish
anything of the sort! You are a splendid man, and I do appreciate you,
but I have my Bill, and he's all the world to me. Now, I'm more than
glad you've found a your fate at last,--but--Azalea!"

"Stop it, Patty! I find I've got to forbid these repeated expressions of
amazement. You _must_ get used to the idea, and you may as well begin at
once!"

"You're right, and I will! First of all, honest and hearty
congratulations and may you both be very, _very_ happy,--as happy as we
are,--I can't ask more!"

"Thank you, Patty, and will you say a good word for me to Azalea?"

"Why! haven't you asked her yet?"

"Only partly,--that is, she has only partly answered me."

"What did she say?"

"I don't quite know. She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me."

"Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone
the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner?"

"No; I think not. For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in
her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--"

"What did she say?"

"Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't
say 'yes'."

"Oh, that's nothing,--she will. But I won't make the announcement till
she tells me to. There's the dinner gong,--come on."

It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come
into the dining-room. She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was
very quiet. Her face showed a pathetic, wistful expression, but her eyes
were cast down, and now and then the corners of her scarlet mouth
trembled.

Patty had arranged that she should sit next Van Reypen, and as Azalea
took the place, she found Ray Gale on her other hand.

"'Smatter, Zaly?" he said, merrily, not thinking anything was really
troubling her.

"Shell shock," said Van Reypen, to save Azalea the necessity of
replying. "She's had a hard day of it, and now she's not to be bothered
to talk, if she doesn't want to."

Azalea gave him a grateful look, and under the influence of his gentle
kindliness, and mild raillery, she partly recovered her poise, and
became almost like her own gay self again.

Much later in the evening, Van Reypen drew her away from the rest and
led her to a secluded corner of the great piazza, where he had her alone.

"Now, my princess,--my beloved,--you are to tell me the answer to my
plea. Tell me, Azalea,--may I take you to myself? Will you be my very
own?"

"I can't say yes, Phil," she replied, softly, the tears gathering in her
brown eyes. "I--oh, I thought I could tell you the truth,--but I
can't,--I _can't_! I--I love you too much!"

"You've answered me!" cried Van Reypen, his eyes shining with gladness,
"if you love me,--nothing else matters! And you can't love me 'too
much'! I want all there is of your love,--your dear love! Is it really
mine?"

"It's really yours, as far as it's in my power to give it,--but,"
and Azalea's face grew very sad, "I can't give it to you,--out of
consideration of your rights. I can't love you, Philip, I mustn't
let myself even think of it!"

"Don't talk nonsense, you blessed child,--you've settled it all when you
say you love me! Oh, Azalea, I'm _so_ glad, and proud and happy!"

Azalea gave a start as his arms closed round her. "No!" she cried, "no,
dear, don't! oh, please don't!"

"Why, darling? Why mayn't I caress my own love,--my promised wife?"

"Oh, no,--I'm not! I can never be your wife! I'm--I'm not worthy!"

"Hush!" and Van Reypen closed her lips with a tender kiss. "Hush,
Azalea, never use the words worthy or unworthy between us. Our love
makes us worthy of each other, whatever we may be otherwise."

"Stop,--please stop! Every word you say makes it harder! I can't stand
it! It's too dreadful. Let me go,--oh, _please_, let me go!"

Shuddering as with some great fear, Azalea slipped from his arms and ran
away. He heard her steps as she went upstairs, and heard a door
close,--evidently she had flown to her own room.

Greatly perplexed, Phil went in search of Patty.

"Help me out," he said, in a low tone. "Azalea has gone to her room,
and there is certainly something troubling her. Go to her, Patty,--find
out what it all means,--and if it is any foolishness about 'unworthiness'
or that rubbish, try to make her see that I want her just as she is. I
don't care a hang about her ancestors or her father or anything in the
whole world, but just Azalea Thorpe!"

Patty looked at his earnest face, and honestly rejoiced that he had
found a girl he could care for like that.

"I'll go, Phil," she said, "and I'll bring that young woman to reason!
It isn't only coyness,--that isn't Azalea's way,--but she is honestly
troubled about something."

But though Patty knocked on Azalea's locked door several times, she
heard no response.

"Please let me in, Zaly," she begged, "I just want to talk to you a
little."

Still no reply, and then, after exhausting all other arguments, Patty
said, "Won't you let me in for Phil's sake? He sent me."

That succeeded, and reluctantly Azalea unlocked the door.

"Don't talk to me, Patty," she pleaded. "I'm in the depths of despair,
but you can't help me. Nobody can help me,--and I can't even help
myself."

"Who made all this trouble for you?" inquired Patty, casually, her never
failing tact instructing her that Azalea would answer that better than
protestations of affection.

"I made it myself,--but that doesn't make it any easier to bear."

"Indeed it doesn't," Patty agreed. "But, never mind, Zaly, if you heaped
up a mound of trouble, let me help you to pull it down again."

"No; you can't," and Azalea looked at her dully.

"Oh, come now, let me try. Is it about your father?"

Azalea fairly jumped. "What do you mean?"

"Just what I said," returned Patty, calmly. "You know, dear, you've made
us think there's something queer about your father. Is he--has he done
anything wrong?"

"No, Patty, goodness, gracious no! Mr. Thorpe is a most honoured and
honourable man!"

"Now why does she call him Mr. Thorpe?" Patty wondered, but she only
said;

"Oh, all right, forgive my suggestion. Why doesn't he write to you?"

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