Penelope looked at Briar with a sigh of disappointment. Then she whispered to herself:
“It’s ’cos of Adelaide. Course they don’t want to say anything when Addy’s there.”
She strolled away.
“What was the child talking about?” asked Adelaide.
“I’m sure I don’t know,” replied Briar. “She’s the rummiest little thing that ever walked. But there’s no good in taking any notice of what she says.”
“Of course no one does,” answered Adelaide. “But I do wonder if ghosts ever walk across the lawn. Do you believe in ghosts, Briar?”
“Certainly not,” said Briar. “No girl in her senses does.”
“I don’t know at all as to that,” replied Adelaide. “There was a girl that came to stay with Nancy King last year; her name was Freda Noell. She believed in ghosts. She said she had once been in a haunted house. What is it, Briar? Why do you shrug your shoulders?”
“I don’t know,” said Briar. “I don’t want to talk about ghosts. I don’t believe in them.”
She got up and crossed the lawn. The next moment Pen had tucked her hand inside her arm.