"The case may shake down in a few days," Mr. Nichols went on. "In the meantime, Mrs. Dillon isn't going to dispose of her picture. She'll not find it as easy to sell as she anticipates."
The detective arose from the bench after glancing at his watch.
"We'll have to go inside now," he said, "or the party will be over."
They entered the house and after wandering about for a few minutes encountered Mrs. Dillon. She greeted the detective cordially and the smile she bestowed upon Penny disclosed that she had not even noticed the girl's long absence from the ballroom.
"How do you like her?" Penny whispered to her father as they sought the refreshment table.
The detective shrugged. "She serves very good punch."
Mr. Nichols knew nearly all of the guests, either personally or by reputation. Penny noticed that as he appeared to talk casually with one person after another, actually he was surveying the throng somewhat critically.
"You were right about the jewelry," he said in an undertone to his daughter. "That necklace Mrs. Dillon is wearing must be worth at least a cool ten thousand dollars."
"I should think she'd be afraid of losing it," Penny commented.
"Oh, it's probably insured for all it's worth," Mr. Nichols returned casually.