"It's nothing so very serious," the detective said. "Of course the trick was a contemptible one, but I doubt that she learned anything of interest. The letters all dealt with matters of routine business."
"But if Mrs. Masterbrook reads our letters she'll pry into other things too."
"We could discharge her," the detective said, frowning thoughtfully. "The point is—where would we get another housekeeper on short notice? Especially one who can cook."
"Mrs. Masterbrook does do her work well," Penny admitted grudgingly.
"I'll discharge her if you say the word, Penny."
"No, let her stay," the girl decided. "But we'll have to be very careful about what we do and say around her."
With a telephone installed, the electric lights connected, and the house stocked with groceries, Penny and her father felt that they were fairly well established in the cottage. As was to be expected, Mrs. Masterbrook acted very distant during the remainder of the day. She went about the house with an injured air which was amusing to Penny and Mr. Nichols.
Toward evening the telephone rang.
"Why, that was a long and two short!" exclaimed Penny, springing up from her chair. "That's our ring."
"Must be a mistake," replied Mr. Nichols. "No one would be calling us so soon."