PHILIP'S REQUEST
"Give me a few minutes of your valuable time all to myself, will you,
old chap?" Phil said to Farnsworth, as the two men met in the hall just
before the dinner hour.
"Take all you want, I've lots of it," returned the other, cheerily.
"Want to borrow a fiver?"
"No; I'm still able to make both ends meet. But, seriously, Bill," as
the two men entered Farnsworth's den, and closed the door, "I'm hard
hit."
"That sounds as if you were in love,--but I can't think you mean
that,--so I wisely opine you've been hit by the fall in Golconda Mining
Stock."
"Your wise opinings are 'way off,--but your first suspicion was nearer
the mark."
"In love? Good for you, old Phil! Of course it's Elise!"
"Of course it isn't! Had Elise been my fate, I'd have known it long
ago."
"Who then? Betty Gale?"
"Wrong again. And blind, too. It's Azalea."
Farnsworth sank limply into a chair. He pretended to be dazed almost to
insensibility, and as a matter of fact his surprise was nearly as great
as his demonstration of it.
"Azalea!" he gasped. "Our Azalea!"
"Exactly; don't act as if I had suggested the Queen of Sheba! I know
what a superior girl she is,--and I know I've not much to recommend
me--"
"Oh, Phil,--oh, Van Reypen, stop! Have you lost your senses?"
"I think _you_ have!" Phil looked decidedly annoyed. "I must say,
Farnsworth, I don't quite get you."
"I beg your pardon, dear old chap, I--I was a bit astounded. You
see--"
"I see that I've a right to care for the girl if I choose, and as you
are her nearest relative, that I know of, I come to you for sanction of
my suit. Aside from your rather inexplicable astonishment--have you any
real objection to me as a new cousin-in-law?"
"No! You know I haven't!" Farnsworth held out a cordial hand which
the other grasped. "In fact, I think it's fine,--a most admirable
arrangement. What _will_ Patty say?"
"I hope she'll be pleased. It's no secret that I adored Patty and tried
my best to cut you out,--but, not having succeeded in that, I've been
glad to be the friend of both of you, and we've had lots of good times,
all together. But,--well, I never expected to know another real
whole-hearted love,--and then along comes this splendid girl,--this
daughter of your own big, beautiful, breezy West, and before I know it,
she has taken my heart by storm!"
"But, Phil,--you--you don't know Azalea--"
"I know enough. If you mean her escapades with the picture people or her
innocent joke about the patchwork sampler,--I don't care about those
little things. She has a wonderful big, noble nature, that will respond
quickly to loving care and gentle advice. And,--I _think_ she cares for
me, but--"
"Of course she cares for you! What girl wouldn't! Don't underestimate
yourself or your attractions, Phil. But I'll speak plainly; you're a big
man in lots of ways,--beside physically. You're an aristocrat,--of an
old family,--and you're very rich. Now,--Azalea--"
"Please don't talk of my birth or wealth as assets. I offer Azalea
a heart full of love, and a constant care for her happiness and
well-being. If she does care for me, I want your permission to try
to win her. I have broached the subject--"
"What did she say?"
"She--oh, I don't know,--she said--well, she ran away!"
"Surprised and a little shy, probably," Farnsworth looked thoughtful.
"I may as well tell you, Phil, oh hang it! How shall I put it? Well,
there's something queer about Azalea."
"What do you mean,--queer?"
"I don't know. And it may be nothing. But,--her only near relative,
so far as I know, is her father. A man I knew years ago,--a cousin of
mine,--and a decent, hard-working, plain man. Now, Zaly has not had a
single letter from him since she has been here."
"Why? Where is he?"
"I don't know. She won't tell. I've written to him twice,--but I've had
no reply. I'm telling you all I know."
"Thank you for being so straightforward. Do you--do you think there's
anything dishonourable--"
"That he's in jail? That's the idea that haunts my brain. I can't think
of any other explanation for his continued silence,--and for Azalea's
mysterious disinclination to talk about him. Why, Phil, she forged a
letter,--wrote one to herself,--and pretended to me that it was from her
father!"
"Poor child! How unhappy she must be over it. If she cares for me, Bill,
I'll take all that load off her poor little shoulders. I'll get her to
tell me the truth, and then we'll see what can be done. But, in any
case, or whatever her father may be, it won't affect my love for the
girl herself. My idea of birth and breeding is that it gives one an
opportunity to be tolerant and generous toward others of fewer
advantages. To me, Azalea stands alone,--her family connections,
whatever they may be, I accept gladly, for her dear sake."
"I say, Phil, forgive me if I express unwelcome surprise, but--why, you
haven't _seemed_ to be so deeply interested in Azalea--"
"I know; it _is_ pretty sudden. But, she somehow bowled me over all at
once. Her brave attitude to-day, when she told her little story, her
sweet acceptance of Elise's remarks, made in petty spite, and her whole
big spirit of fearless determination to go into the picture work,--only
to have it spoiled entirely by the wicked acts of that villain
Merritt,--I tell you, Farnsworth, she's a girl of a thousand! I read
her, I understand her better than you do, and I see far beneath her
untaught, outward manner the real girl,--the sterling traits of a fine
character."
"All right, Phil, go in and win! You have my blessing,--and when Patty
revives from her first shock of surprise, she'll bless you, too. It was
Patty's work, getting Azalea here,--and Patty has tried every way in the
world to help and improve her--"
"Patty has done wonders. And has paved the way, I admit. But it is
nothing to what I shall do with and for Azalea, when I have her all to
myself."
"She's not so very tractable--Zaly has a will of her own."
"She'd not be herself, if she hadn't. That's part of her big nobility
of soul. But I'll take care of her manners and customs. If only she'll
accept me, I've no fears for the future."
"But you must find out about her father. It's queer that she acts so
mysterious about him. And, so far as I know, she's had no letters from
anybody back home,--her home is at Horner's Corners. Awful place!"
"If we don't like the place, we'll buy it and make it over," said Van
Reypen, serenely. "All right, Farnsworth, you've made me satisfied that
I may try to win my prize,--and the rest will follow."
The two men went out to join the others on the porch. Both were in
thoughtful mood. Van Reypen full of his new happiness, and eager to see
Azalea again, Farnsworth still amazed, and a little uncomfortable over
the whole matter. He felt a responsibility for Azalea, and yet, if Phil
was willing to take her without further knowledge of her family,--why
should he, Bill, object?
Azalea had not yet come downstairs, and Patty chaffed the two men on
their sober faces.
"What's the matter?" she cried, gaily. "You two been quarrelling?"
"Come for a stroll on the terrace, and I'll tell you, Patty," said Phil,
for he really wanted to tell Patty himself.
"You see," he said, as they passed out of earshot of the others, "I'm
bowled over."
"I know! Betty Gale. And I'm _so_ glad, Phil. I know you used to like
me,--and I was and am fond of you,--but you needn't think I resent your
loving another. I'm honestly glad, and I wish you all the happiness in
the world!"
"Thank you, Patty, but,--wait a minute."
"Oh, I can't! I'm so excited over it! I'm going to announce it at
dinner,--I wonder if I can't get the table re-decorated--with white
flowers! I love an announcement party--"
"Patty,--don't,--let me tell you--"
"Oh, I know _you'd_ hate the fuss and feathers, but Betty'll love it
and--"
"But it _isn't_ Betty!" Van Reypen managed to get in.
"Not Betty!" Patty stopped short and turned to face him.
"Oh,--Phil,--Elise?"
"You've one more guess coming," he smiled.
"Oh, who? Somebody in New York? Where is she? I'll invite her here!"
"You needn't,--she's here already. Why, Patty, it's Azalea."
"Azalea!" Patty's surprise was greater than Bill's had been, and she
stood looking at Van Reypen with an absolutely incredulous gaze.
"Azalea!" she said, again.
"Yes,--and I want you to help me. When I spoke to her, this afternoon,
she--she acted--well, strange--"
"Oh, Phil, it was only because she was so surprised,--as I am,--as
everybody will be! Imagine Elise!"
Patty's face of horror, that changed to a mischievous smile, annoyed Van
Reypen.
"I don't see, Patty, why you take it like that. Bill did, too. Now, it
seems to me, if I see noble traits and qualities in Azalea, you and Bill
ought to have perception enough to see them too."
"It isn't that,--she has noble traits,--some,--but--oh, Phil,--you and
Azalea! King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid!"
"Patty, stop! I won't let you talk like that! I admit I'm blind to her
faults,--if she has any,--for I'm desperately in love,--but I do look
to you and Bill for sympathy and approval. And I don't want any of that
King Cophetua talk, either! Just because I happen to be born under a
family tree, and happen to have as much money as I want,--that's no
reason for implying that those are my chief attractions. I can give
Azalea more worth-while things than that! I can give her the love and
adoration that is every woman's desire and right,--I can give her loving
care and help,--I can--"
"Oh, Phil, how splendid you are! You make me 'most wish--" But Patty's
honest blue eyes wouldn't let her say the words. "No, I don't wish
anything of the sort! You are a splendid man, and I do appreciate you,
but I have my Bill, and he's all the world to me. Now, I'm more than
glad you've found a your fate at last,--but--Azalea!"
"Stop it, Patty! I find I've got to forbid these repeated expressions of
amazement. You _must_ get used to the idea, and you may as well begin at
once!"
"You're right, and I will! First of all, honest and hearty
congratulations and may you both be very, _very_ happy,--as happy as we
are,--I can't ask more!"
"Thank you, Patty, and will you say a good word for me to Azalea?"
"Why! haven't you asked her yet?"
"Only partly,--that is, she has only partly answered me."
"What did she say?"
"I don't quite know. She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me."
"Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone
the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner?"
"No; I think not. For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in
her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--"
"What did she say?"
"Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't
say 'yes'."
"Oh, that's nothing,--she will. But I won't make the announcement till
she tells me to. There's the dinner gong,--come on."
It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come
into the dining-room. She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was
very quiet. Her face showed a pathetic, wistful expression, but her eyes
were cast down, and now and then the corners of her scarlet mouth
trembled.
Patty had arranged that she should sit next Van Reypen, and as Azalea
took the place, she found Ray Gale on her other hand.
"'Smatter, Zaly?" he said, merrily, not thinking anything was really
troubling her.
"Shell shock," said Van Reypen, to save Azalea the necessity of
replying. "She's had a hard day of it, and now she's not to be bothered
to talk, if she doesn't want to."
Azalea gave him a grateful look, and under the influence of his gentle
kindliness, and mild raillery, she partly recovered her poise, and
became almost like her own gay self again.
Much later in the evening, Van Reypen drew her away from the rest and
led her to a secluded corner of the great piazza, where he had her alone.
"Now, my princess,--my beloved,--you are to tell me the answer to my
plea. Tell me, Azalea,--may I take you to myself? Will you be my very
own?"
"I can't say yes, Phil," she replied, softly, the tears gathering in her
brown eyes. "I--oh, I thought I could tell you the truth,--but I
can't,--I _can't_! I--I love you too much!"
"You've answered me!" cried Van Reypen, his eyes shining with gladness,
"if you love me,--nothing else matters! And you can't love me 'too
much'! I want all there is of your love,--your dear love! Is it really
mine?"
"It's really yours, as far as it's in my power to give it,--but,"
and Azalea's face grew very sad, "I can't give it to you,--out of
consideration of your rights. I can't love you, Philip, I mustn't
let myself even think of it!"
"Don't talk nonsense, you blessed child,--you've settled it all when you
say you love me! Oh, Azalea, I'm _so_ glad, and proud and happy!"
Azalea gave a start as his arms closed round her. "No!" she cried, "no,
dear, don't! oh, please don't!"
"Why, darling? Why mayn't I caress my own love,--my promised wife?"
"Oh, no,--I'm not! I can never be your wife! I'm--I'm not worthy!"
"Hush!" and Van Reypen closed her lips with a tender kiss. "Hush,
Azalea, never use the words worthy or unworthy between us. Our love
makes us worthy of each other, whatever we may be otherwise."
"Stop,--please stop! Every word you say makes it harder! I can't stand
it! It's too dreadful. Let me go,--oh, _please_, let me go!"
Shuddering as with some great fear, Azalea slipped from his arms and ran
away. He heard her steps as she went upstairs, and heard a door
close,--evidently she had flown to her own room.
Greatly perplexed, Phil went in search of Patty.
"Help me out," he said, in a low tone. "Azalea has gone to her room,
and there is certainly something troubling her. Go to her, Patty,--find
out what it all means,--and if it is any foolishness about 'unworthiness'
or that rubbish, try to make her see that I want her just as she is. I
don't care a hang about her ancestors or her father or anything in the
whole world, but just Azalea Thorpe!"
Patty looked at his earnest face, and honestly rejoiced that he had
found a girl he could care for like that.
"I'll go, Phil," she said, "and I'll bring that young woman to reason!
It isn't only coyness,--that isn't Azalea's way,--but she is honestly
troubled about something."
But though Patty knocked on Azalea's locked door several times, she
heard no response.
"Please let me in, Zaly," she begged, "I just want to talk to you a
little."
Still no reply, and then, after exhausting all other arguments, Patty
said, "Won't you let me in for Phil's sake? He sent me."
That succeeded, and reluctantly Azalea unlocked the door.
"Don't talk to me, Patty," she pleaded. "I'm in the depths of despair,
but you can't help me. Nobody can help me,--and I can't even help
myself."
"Who made all this trouble for you?" inquired Patty, casually, her never
failing tact instructing her that Azalea would answer that better than
protestations of affection.
"I made it myself,--but that doesn't make it any easier to bear."
"Indeed it doesn't," Patty agreed. "But, never mind, Zaly, if you heaped
up a mound of trouble, let me help you to pull it down again."
"No; you can't," and Azalea looked at her dully.
"Oh, come now, let me try. Is it about your father?"
Azalea fairly jumped. "What do you mean?"
"Just what I said," returned Patty, calmly. "You know, dear, you've made
us think there's something queer about your father. Is he--has he done
anything wrong?"
"No, Patty, goodness, gracious no! Mr. Thorpe is a most honoured and
honourable man!"
"Now why does she call him Mr. Thorpe?" Patty wondered, but she only
said;
"Oh, all right, forgive my suggestion. Why doesn't he write to you?"
"He--he?--oh, Patty, that's the trouble."
"Good! Now we're getting at it. How is that the trouble?"
"Shall I tell you everything?" and poor Azalea looked doubtful as to
what to do.
"Yes, dear," Patty said, gently, fearing even yet that an ill-advised
word would interrupt or prevent this long-deferred explanation.
"Well, you see,--oh, Patty,--I'm a wicked, deceitful girl--"
"Out with it," urged Patty, not greatly scared by this tragic
beginning,--for Azalea was prone to exaggerate.
"I was home, you know, at Horner's Corners--"
A knock on the door was a most unwelcome interruption.
"Don't answer," Patty whispered, "it's Elise,--I heard her step."
But Elise was not so easily rebuffed. "Let me in," she called, "I know
you're in there, Azalea,--you and Patty."
Patty went to the door, and opened it slightly. "Go away now, Elise,
please," she said, "Azalea and I are having a little confidential chat."
"Not so confidential that I can't be in it too, is it?" and speaking
lightly, Elise brushed past Patty and into the room.
"Why, Azalea," she exclaimed, "what _is_ the matter? You look like a
tragedy queen!"
For Azalea, annoyed at the intrusion, stood, hands clenched, and eyes
scowling, and she said angrily, "I don't think people ought to come into
other people's rooms, uninvited! I don't call _that_ good manners!"
"You're not supposed to know what good manners are," said Elise, giving
her a condescending look. "And even if you think you do,--don't try to
teach _me_!"
"Oh, Elise," said Patty, reproachfully, "_don't_ talk like that! It
reflects on you even more than on Zaly."
"Oh, yes, stand up for her,--every one has gone mad over our 'heroine'!
I call it disgraceful to be mixed up with that movie concern, and let
me tell you, Azalea Thorpe, if you think Mr. Van Reypen is going to
overlook or forget that, you're greatly mistaken! You know, Patty,--our
Western friend here, is already aspiring toward Philip--"
"Hush, Elise," Patty returned, "better stop before you make a goose of
yourself! Phil is aspiring to Azalea's favour, is the truer way to put
it!"
"Oh, no, I can't believe that," laughed Elise, "Phil has too much
self-respect!"