Penny was glad that she elected to remain, for a short time after her father left, Herman Crocker drove into the yard. He greeted her in a more cordial tone than usual.
"Is everything all right here?" he asked.
"Oh, yes, we're getting along very well," Penny answered, glancing shrewdly at the old man. She felt certain that his real purpose in coming to the cottage was not to inquire for their comfort.
"Mrs. Masterbrook at home?" Mr. Crocker questioned casually.
"I saw her walking down toward the road a few minutes ago. Shall I call her?"
"No, I didn't want to see her anyway," he answered quickly. "Just thought I'd take a look around. I have some things stored up in the attic that I'd like to get."
"Just go right in," said Penny. She fell into step with him. "Oh, by the way, do you know Michael Haymond, our new hired man?"
"Never heard of him."
"I thought he might have been to see you."
"Why should he?" Herman Crocker demanded, looking at Penny suspiciously.