The nurse shook her head sagely, but said no more of her fears.
Patty returned to the porch where Farnsworth was still talking to
Azalea. Apparently he had scolded her sharply, for she was crying, and
that with Azalea Thorpe was a most unusual performance. She usually
resented reproof and talked back in no mild-mannered way. But now she
was subdued and even frightened of demeanour, and Patty knew that Bill
had done all that was necessary and further reproaches from her were not
needed.
"And another thing," Farnsworth was saying, "I want to know why you have
had no letters from your father since I asked to see one,--that was two
or three weeks ago!"
"I have had one," Azalea answered, sullenly, "I had one this morning."
"Let me see it," demanded Bill, and Azalea went up to her own room and
returned with the letter.
There was no envelope on it, and Farnsworth opened the folded sheet and
read:
MY DEAR CHILD:
I received your last letter and I am very glad you are having such a
nice time. It must be very pleasant at the grand house where you are
staying,--and I suppose you are getting grand too. I am very lonesome
without you, but I am willing, for I want you to have a good time and
get improvement and all that. Remember me kindly to Cousin William and
his wife. I like to hear you tell about the baby. She must be a fine
child. I am well, and I hope you are, too.
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