“Well—” Penny hesitated, “could we enter the hotel by the back way?”
“I suppose so,” replied the actress in surprise. “You’re sensitive about being crippled?”
“That’s right. I don’t care to meet anyone I know.”
“We can slip into the hotel the back way, then. Very few persons use the rear corridors.”
Penny and Miss Miller approached the building without being observed. They entered at the back, meeting neither Ralph Fergus or Harvey Maxwell.
“Can you climb a flight of stairs?” the actress asked doubtfully.
“Oh, yes, easily. I much prefer it to the elevator.”
“You really walk with only a slight limp,” declared Miss Miller. “I see no reason why you should feel so sensitive.”
“It’s just my nature,” laughed Penny. “Lend me your arm, and up we go.”
They ascended to the second floor. Miss Miller motioned for the girl to sit down on a sofa not far from the elevator.