Why not look on me as a friend, and let me know all you're about?
There can be _no_ reason why I shouldn't." "You might not approve," and Azalea looked at him uncertainly.
"Why?
Are you up to anything wrong ?" "No," but she spoke hesitatingly, "not wrong, Cousin, but--all the same, you might not approve." "Tell me, and let me see.

If it isn't wrong, I'll promise not to censure you, even if I don't entirely approve." Azalea's attention was attracted by the man who had lately left her.

He stood behind Farnsworth and made gestures that informed Azalea she was not to let his presence be known.

So she continued to talk to Bill, but also kept the other man in view.
His procedure was somewhat strange.

He pretended to be holding a baby, cuddling an imaginary child in his arms.