You had some people come to see you, and the
Farnsworths didn't meet them at all."
"How do you know?"
"Patty told me."
"Tattle-tale! It's none of her business if I did!"
"Now, look here! I won't stand for such talk about Patty! You stop it!
She's not only your hostess but she's the best friend you ever had or
ever will have! She's making you over,--and goodness knows you needed
it!"
"And that's none of _your_ business! I'm as good as you are,--this
minute!"
"I didn't say you weren't! It isn't a question of goodness. You may
be a saint on earth compared to me, but you don't know how to behave
in decent society,--or didn't, till Patty took you in hand."
"She invited me to visit her! I didn't ask her to have me!"
"Yes, because she wanted to be kind to her husband's people, and you
seemed to be the only one available."
"Well, I was. And as I'm Cousin William's only relative, I have a right
to visit him as long as I please."
"I don't deny that, Azalea," and Elise couldn't help laughing at the
defiant air of the speaker. "I'm not disputing your right to be here.
But I do deny your right to say anything whatever against Patty, who is
trying her best to do all she can for your pleasure and for your good."
"That's so," and Azalea's manner suddenly changed. "Patty is a dear,
and I love her. And that baby! Oh!"
"How crazy you are over that child," Elise exclaimed.
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