United States or Central African Republic ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !


"That's nothing to do with it," Azalea said, trying to speak calmly and not show how frightened she was. But Merritt discerned it. "All right," he said, "sorry you won't listen to reason, but since you won't, guess I'll have to use force." He took hold of Fleurette's little arm, to lift her from Azalea's lap, and the touch roused the girl's wrath to boiling point.

"Come for a ride, Patty Maman?" asked her husband, as they left the little Fleurette's presence. "No; let's go for a walk. I want to look over the west glade, and see if it will stand a Japanese tea-house there." "All right, come ahead. You've not forgotten your dinky tea-porch?" "No; but this is different. A tea-house is lovely, and " "All right, Madame Butterfly, have one if you like.

To be sure she couldn't really recognise Fleurette's face, but she was certain that Patty's mother heart could make no mistake, and it was small wonder that she was overcome at seeing her child in such scenes. "Hush, Patty," said Mona, as Patty's sobs began to sound hysterical, "hush, this is only a picture, you know, this isn't really Fleurette, she is safe at home "

No, Elise, nothing like that happened, I'm sure. I see it as Bill does, now. It is a heavenly day, and Zaly felt pretty sure I wouldn't let her take Baby out by herself, without the nurse, and she does love to do that, and so she sneaked off, and made up that yarn about the food in order to get Fleurette's hat and coat on! Oh, she's a manoeuvrer!"

The baby laughter that followed proved Fleurette's delight in this performance, and she mutely insisted on its repetition. "Azalea does that," said Patty, in a troubled tone, "she is strong and very athletic, I know, but I can't bear to see anybody toss baby around but you." "No; Azalea oughtn't to do it, she is strong, but she isn't careful enough. Don't allow it, Patty."

And, incidentally that little flower of loveliness that's going to sleep against your breast." "So she is! Pretty thing!" Patty gazed adoringly at the baby and then handed her over to the nurse, who returned for her charge. "Tell me more about Horner's Corners," Patty resumed, as they remained seated on the porch, after Fleurette's departure. "Not much to tell.

"All right, my True Love. I can wait. Now, listen, and I'll tell you of the marvellous achievement of your daughter to-day!" And Farnsworth listened with all his heart to the amazing tale of Fleurette's intelligent observation of a red balloon. The next day Elise came. "Here I am!" she cried, as she stepped from the motor, and flew into Patty's embrace.

When Bill appeared, Patty began at once, and launched forth a full description of the picture play, and of Azalea's and Fleurette's parts in it. Farnsworth sat looking at her, his blue eyes full of a contented admiration. To this simple-minded, big-hearted man, his wife and child represented the whole world. All he had, all he owned, he valued only for the pleasure it might mean to them.

On the vine-shaded porch they sat, and as Van Reypen stayed chatting with some of the Gale family, Azalea and the baby were each other's sole companions. Their conversation was a little one-sided, but Azalea's remarks were mostly eulogies and compliments and Fleurette's engaging smiles seemed to betoken appreciation if not acknowledgment. A footstep approaching made Azalea look up.

Why Fleurette's nursery wardrobe looks like a Vanity Fair itself!" "Hold on," cried Betty, laughing, "don't go too far. Not everybody is interested in baby togs!" "I s'pose not," said Patty, smiling. "All right, cut out the Baby booth." "No," spoke up Azalea, "let's have it. Everybody knows a baby to give presents to. And the little caps and things are so pretty."