“Well, do the best you can.”
DeWitt lingered, fingering a paper weight.
“The society page for the Sunday paper is only half finished,” he explained. “Deadline’s in less than an hour. Not a chance we can pick up anyone in time to meet it.”
Penny spoke unexpectedly. “Mr. DeWitt, perhaps I can help you. I’m a whiz when it comes to writing society. Remember the Kippenberg wedding I covered?”
“Do I?” DeWitt’s face relaxed into a broad grin. “That was a real write-up. Say, maybe you could take over Miss Hilderman’s job until we can replace her.”
“Service is my motto.” Penny eyed her father questioningly. “It might save the Star from going to press minus a society page. How about it, Dad?”
“It certainly would solve our problem,” contributed DeWitt. “Of course the undertaking might be too great a one for your daughter.” He winked at Penny.
“She’ll have no difficulty in taking over,” said Mr. Parker stiffly. “None whatsoever.”
“Then I’ll start her in at once,” DeWitt replied. “Come with me, Miss Parker.”
At the door Penny paused and discreetly allowed the city editor to get beyond hearing. Then, turning to her father she remarked innocently: