MISSING!
Elise gave one glance at Patty's white, scared face and one glance
At Nurse Winnie's red, frightened face, and then she herself began
To scream.
"Stop that, Elise!" Patty cried, "it's bad enough to have my baby
kidnapped, without your yelling like a Comanche! Hush, I tell you!"
But Elise wouldn't, or couldn't hush. The word "kidnapped" upset any
composure she may have had left, and she burst into hysterical sobbing.
"Of course," she said brokenly, between sobs, "she's kidnapped! You and
Bill are so--so wealthy and grand--she's just the child the kidnappers
would pick out for ransom--and--"
"Don't--don't, Elise," begged Patty, her voice shaking; "I don't believe
she's kidnapped at all. It's far more likely Azalea took her out for a
ride or something. She's crazy over the baby and she always wants to
have her to herself, but, she says, Winnie won't let her."
"And indeed not!" spoke up the nurse. "Miss Thorpe,--she tosses the
child about in a way that'd fair curdle your blood! That she does!"
"That's true," said Patty. "You see, Bill pitches baby around just as he
likes, and so Azalea thinks she may do the same."
"Then she did do that,--and she dropped her,--and maybe killed her!"
Elise voiced her new theory with a fresh burst of grief, and the idea
struck a chill to Patty's heart. She took no stock in the kidnapping
theory, for Winnie had left the child with Azalea, who would have fought
off a horde of marauders before she let them carry off the little one.
No, whatever had happened was doubtless Azalea's doing. But Elise's
notion of an accident to Fleurette might come somewhere near the truth.
"Of course that's it," Elise went on, excitedly. "The idea of a girl
throwing a baby about! What did she do, Winnie? I mean did she let go
of her?"
"Oh, yes, ma'am! She often would throw Fleurette clear up in the air
and catch her as she came down."
"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.
"I'm going to telephone Bill," she said, as if thinking aloud,--"but
first, I'm going to call up the Gales, and see if Zaly could have taken
Fleurette over there. You know Azalea is utterly lawless,--it's
impossible to imagine what she will do. Oh, Elise, you've no idea what
we go through with that girl! She is a terror! And yet,--well, there is
something about her I can't help liking. For one thing, she's so fond of
Fleurette. If she has hurt her,--well, Azalea would just about kill
herself!"
A telephone call to the Gales' produced no information as to the
whereabouts of Azalea or the baby. Betty replied that she hadn't seen
any one from Wistaria Porch that day, and was thinking of coming over to
call.
"Don't come just now," said Patty, half-absently, and then she hung up
the receiver without further words.
"Well, I think I'll have to call up Bill," she said, at last. "You see,
he's fearfully busy today, with a specially important matter, and he
probably won't be in his own office, anyway. And I hate to intrude on
a directors' meeting,--that is, if there's no necessity. And yet,--it
seems as if I must!"
"Oh, do," cried Elise; "you really must, Patty! Why, Bill would reproach
you if you didn't."
So Patty called Farnsworth's office. Bill's business consisted of varied
interests. He was a consulting engineer, he was a mining expert, and he
was still connected with government work. So, frequently, he could not
be found in his office, though he usually left word where Patty could
get in touch with him.
But in this instance it was not so. The confidential secretary gave
Patty the address Farnsworth had left with him, but when she called that
he had already gone from there.
With long-suffering patience, Patty called number after number, hoping
to find Farnsworth at some of the likely places she could think of.
But number after number brought no results,--and Patty turned from the
telephone in despair.
"Well, Elise," she said, forlornly, "you might as well go to your room,
and get your hat off. Come on, I'll go with you,--and I may think of
something else to do about Baby. For the present I seem to be at my
wits' end."
Of course, in the meantime the nurse and the other servants had searched
the house and grounds,--but there was really no chance of finding
Fleurette that way.
It was all too certain that Azalea had taken her away somewhere. And it
might be all right,--it might be that Azalea had merely taken the child
out for a walk. She had been known to do this,--but never before without
Patty's sanction. Of late, though, Patty had objected to it because she
feared that Azalea might not return quickly enough. Twice she had been
gone for two or three hours, and though the baby seemed all right, Patty
didn't approve of the performance.
"That's it," she summed up, after telling Elise of this; "you see, I
haven't approved of such long absences and so Zaly just walked off. Of
course, she sent Winnie down for the food, in order to get a chance to
put on Baby's things, and depart unseen."
"But she told the nurse _you_ ordered the food prepared."
"Yes. I may as well own up, Elise, that Azalea is not strictly
truthful."
"Why do you have her around? I think she's horrid!"
"Well, you see, _I_ got her here. To be sure, she is Little Billee's
cousin,--that is, second or third cousin,--once or twice removed--"
"I wish she was removed from here,--once, twice and all the time!"
declared Elise. "Bill had no business to inflict her on you!"
"He didn't. He fairly begged me not to invite her here. But I insisted
on it. You see, we neither of us had any idea of what she was like. Bill
hadn't seen her since she was a baby, and she was different then!"
"I s'pose so! Well, having found out how 'different' she is now, why
don't you send her home?"
"Oh, I can't. And, to tell you the truth, Elise, I want to help the
girl. She's ignorant and inexperienced, but she has a sort of native
quickness and wit, and I feel sure if I could teach her for a while,
she could learn to be one of us,--and in time become a fine woman."
"Oh, you philanthropist! And meantime she has run off with your baby!"
"The baby carriage is gone, Mrs. Farnsworth," said Winnie, appearing
suddenly. "So I expect Miss Thorpe took baby in that."
"Yes, probably," said Patty, despairingly. "Oh, Elise, this suspense is
driving me crazy! If I knew that Zaly had her,--and if I knew nothing
had happened, I'd feel _so_ relieved. But suppose she did break
Fleurette's little arm or leg--"
"Or back!" put in Elise; "you must _not_ let her pitch the baby around!
It's criminal!"
"But you don't know how deft she is. Why, she's almost a contortionist
herself. She can turn handsprings and--"
"I don't care if she's the greatest acrobat the world ever saw! There's
_always_ chance of an accident! And with a baby, you _never_ know.
Suppose Fleurette squirmed out of her grasp, just as she--"
"Oh, hush! Elise, you drive me distracted! It _can't_ be anything like
that!"
"Yes, it can! I hope it isn't, but do let this be a lesson to you,
Patty! Don't ever allow that girl to see the baby again,--much less
touch her! I think you and Bill must have taken leave of your senses to
give her such freedom! Why, you don't deserve to have that heavenly
baby!"
"That's so, Elise, I don't!" and Patty broke into a flood of tears. "My
little flower! My precious own baby! How could I ever let Azalea touch
her? But, Elise, Zaly loves her as much as we do."
"That may be,--and of course, she wouldn't harm the child wilfully. But,
as I said, accidents will happen,--and if it's Bill's fault, why,--of
course, it's his own child,--and that's different. But Azalea has no
business to take chances with other people's children."
"I know it, and if she only brings her back this time in safety,--I'll
never let her see Fleurette alone again!"
All that afternoon Patty suffered agonies of suspense. Now she would cry
uncontrollably,--and again, she would sit, still and dry-eyed, waiting
for some sound of Azalea's arrival.
But no rolling wheels of the baby coach greeted her ears, nor any little
crowing notes of glee from her baby's lips.
Several times she tried again to reach Farnsworth by telephone,--but
always unsuccessfully.
At last the long hours wore away, and Farnsworth came home.
Patty flew to greet him, and was instantly wrapped in his big embrace.
"Well, Patty-_maman_," he said, as he kissed her, "how's things today?
I had to go over to Philadelphia, on a flying trip,--wish I could have
flown, literally,--and hadn't even time to let you know. Then, Rollins
told me you had called up several times,--so I skittled home to see what
it's all about."
His big, cheery voice comforted Patty, and her trouble suddenly seemed
easier to bear, with his help near.
"Oh, Little Billee," she cried, "Azalea has run off with Fleurette."
"Good gracious, you don't say! But how much better to have Zaly do the
kidnapping than some professional abductors! Hello, Elise, glad to see
you! When did you arrive? This morning?"
"No; this afternoon. But, Bill, this matter is serious. Azalea took the
baby away, on the sly."
"That's like her! Azalea has sly ways. And more than that,--she has
queer ways! It won't do, Patty, there's something wrong,--very
wrong,--about the girl. Did she get a letter to-day?"
"No; not this morning. I forgot to look this afternoon."
"What do you mean?" asked Elise, her curiosity aroused. "Do you keep tab
on her letters, Patty?"
"Yes; I'm ordered to by my lord and master. He thinks--"
"Never mind, dear, drop the subject now. I've a good reason, Elise, for
watching the letters,--not mere idle curiosity. Now, Patty, for details.
What do you mean by taking the baby on the sly!"
So Patty told him how Azalea had ordered the baby's food prepared,
saying Patty has asked her to do so.
"H'm, h'm,--looks bad. But don't worry, little mother, I'm sure nothing
has happened to our Little Flower,--I mean nothing of an accidental
nature. Azalea is exceedingly fond of the baby, and I can easily imagine
her wanting to take her for a ride this beautiful afternoon. It's
perfectly wonderful out! There's a soft breeze and the air is
delightful--"
"But why didn't she ask me?" cried Patty.
"Afraid you'd say no!" and Farnsworth smiled. "You know, you've not been
overly gracious of late about Azalea taking baby out."
"I know it, but I had my own reasons."
"And quite right you should have. But, don't worry, I'm sure the two
wanderers will turn up all right."
Farnsworth's hearty assurance went far to relieve Patty's fears and when
Elise suggested a bad fall, he only laughed, and said,
"No-sir-ee! Zaly is a terror, and a trial in lots of ways, but if she
had let that child fall, she would have called Patty and Winnie and the
whole household for help, and would have run for the doctor herself! She
never would have run away! Not Azalea! She's no coward,--whatever other
unpleasant traits she may possess."
"That's so," agreed Patty; "and she truly loves the baby. 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!"
"Well, I'm glad you both feel that way about it," said Elise; "of course
you know the girl better than I do,--as I've never even seen her! but if
she's such a strong-arm, I think I'm rather afraid of her!"
"Oh, I imagine you can hold your own against her!" laughed Patty, happy
now, since Bill's reassurance of her darling's safety. "All the same, I
wish Zaly would come home! It's after six! Come on, Elise, let's dress
for dinner, and then that will be done."
They went to their rooms, and soon Patty was all dressed and had
returned to her post of vantage on the wistaria porch, to look for the
return of the lost ones. And at last, through the gathering dusk, she
saw a baby carriage being propelled along the roadway.
"Here we are!" cried a voice, which Azalea tried hard to make casual,
but which showed in its quality a trace of apprehension.
"Oh!" Patty cried, and without another word flew down the steps, and
fairly grabbed her baby.
The child was asleep, but Patty lifted her from the pillows and gazed
into the little face. Apparently there was nothing wrong, but the
golden head cuddled down on Patty's shoulder and the baby slept on.
"She's tired," vouchsafed Azalea, "but she's all right."
"Where have you been?" asked Farnsworth sternly, as he came out of the
front door.
"Just for a walk," said Azalea, trying to speak pertly, but quailing
before the accusing blue eyes fixed upon her.
Patty said no word to the girl, but holding Fleurette close, went at
once to the nursery with her.
"She's all right, Winnie, isn't she?" the mother asked, anxiously.
"Yes, ma'am,--I think so,--but she's a little too droopy for mere
sleepiness."
"Droopy! what do you mean?"
"It may be nothing,--Mrs. Farnsworth,--it may be only that she's tired
out and very sleepy,--but she acts a mite as if she'd been--"
"Been what? Speak out, Winnie! What do you mean?"
"Well,--she acts to me like a baby that's had something soothing--some
drops, you know."
"Something to make her sleep?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Oh, nonsense! Miss Thorpe couldn't give her anything like that! And why
would she? Don't you make any mistake, Winnie, Miss Thorpe adores this
baby!"
"I know it, she does, Mrs. Farnsworth, but all the same,--look at those
eyes, now."
Patty looked, but it seemed to her that the blue eyes drooped from
natural weariness, and assuring herself that no bones were broken or
out of place, she drew a long sigh of relief and told Winnie to put
Fleurette to bed as usual.
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. With much affection, from
your loving
FATHER.
"Where's the envelope?" asked Farnsworth, as he raised an unsmiling face
to Azalea.
"I tore it up."
"Why?"
"I always do,--I never save envelopes. It was just a plain one."
"Address typewritten?"
"Yes."
"All right, Zaly. Here's your letter," and he handed it back to her.