"
"She _is_ athletic," conceded Patty. "Over at the Gales' gymnasium she
does all sorts of stunts. But I don't want her doing them with my baby!"
she broke down, and cried piteously.
"Sometimes," vouchsafed Winnie, "Miss Azalea would toss the baby into
the bassinette, instead of laying her down. She always pitched her
straight in,--and baby liked it! You see, Miss Thorpe was very gentle
with the child, and never missed her aim. But I was fair frightened to
watch her."
"You ought not to have allowed it, Winnie," Patty said, severely. "Why
didn't you tell me, if you couldn't make Miss Thorpe stop it?"
"Miss Thorpe told me you wanted her to do it, ma'am. She said it
was good exercise for the child, and,--you know her father does
it,--and,--begging your pardon,--Miss Thorpe is even more skilful
than Mr. Farnsworth."
"Well,--it's his baby!" defended Patty. "Oh, Winnie, suppose an accident
did happen,--and Miss Thorpe hurt Fleurette in some dreadful way,--and--"
"And ran away, in sheer fright!" suggested Elise.
"No: she'd be more likely to run to the doctor's. Our doctor lives near
here. I'm going to telephone him--I'm 'most sure Azalea would do that."
Doctor Marsh was not in, but his office boy said he had not had any call
from Azalea by telephone or in person.
Patty was quite calm now. Her efficient self had risen to the emergency
and she was quickly considering what was best to do.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93