“An inexperienced person would be putty in my hands,” declared Penny. “You may as well decide to stay, Mrs. Weems.”
“I don’t know what to do. I’ve planned on this trip for years. Now that it is possible, I feel I can’t give it up.”
Penny and Mr. Parker regarded each other across the table, and immediately changed the subject. Not until that moment had they actually believed that the housekeeper was serious about leaving Riverview. Somehow they had never contemplated a future without Mrs. Weems.
“I happen to have two complimentary tickets to a show at the Rialto,” Mr. Parker said offhand. “I’ll be tied up with a meeting tonight, but you folks might enjoy going.”
“Shall we, Mrs. Weems?” inquired Penny.
“Thank you,” responded the housekeeper, “but I doubt if I could sit still tonight. I thought I would run over to see Mrs. Hodges after dinner. She’ll be pleased to learn about my inheritance, I know.”
“A friend of yours?” asked Mr. Parker.
“Yes, Penny and I have been acquainted with her for years. She lives on Christopher Street.”
“Perhaps this is none of my affair, Mrs. Weems. However, my advice to you is not to tell many persons about your inheritance.”
“Oh, Mrs. Hodges is to be trusted.”