“Oh, that’s too bad. I suppose you’ll be going soon, then?”
The actress shook her head, and laughed in a mysterious way.
“No, I’ve decided to stay here for awhile. I like Pine Top.”
Penny was puzzled by Miss Miller’s sudden change in manner and appearance. The woman acted as if she were the possessor of an important secret which she longed to reveal.
“You must have fallen heiress to a vast fortune,” Penny ventured lightly.
“Better than that,” beamed Miss Miller. “I’ve acquired a new job. Take dinner with me and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Well—” Penny deliberated and said honestly, “I didn’t bring very much money with me, and I’m not dressed up.”
Miss Miller brushed aside both objections as if they were of no consequence.
“You’ll be my guest, dearie. And your clothes don’t matter.”
She caught Penny’s hand and pulled her to her feet. Her curiosity aroused, the girl allowed herself to be escorted to the dining room.