"I thought that was your car standing here in the lane," replied Mr. Crocker gruffly. "Did I see you coming from the barn?"
"I had started that way," said Penny. "Then I heard your car coming."
Mr. Crocker seemed to relax.
"What's wrong down at the cottage now?" he asked in the tone of one who had deeply suffered.
"Nothing at all, Mr. Crocker. I came to ask if I might buy some fresh eggs."
"I don't make a practice of selling them," the man frowned.
"Then I suppose I'll have to drive in to town."
"Maybe I can let you have a dozen this time."
Mr. Crocker started toward the house but as Penny followed he turned and said pointedly:
"I'll bring them out to the car."