“Housecleaning?” inquired Penny, pausing to chat with the old man.
“Yes, Jenny’s got me hard at it,” he grinned. “She’s been tearin’ the house upside down gettin’ ready for the new roomer.”
“Oh, have you taken one?”
Penny was surprised, knowing that in past years the Hodges had been too proud to rent rooms.
“There’s a young feller moving in today,” Mr. Hodges said, picking up the carpet beater. “Go on inside. Jenny’ll tell you about it.”
Penny and Mrs. Weems entered the cottage where the seamstress was running a dust mop over the floors. She was somewhat dismayed to see the housekeeper.
“Oh, Maud, I’ve been so busy I didn’t get your dresses ready to be tried on.”
“It doesn’t matter,” replied Mrs. Weems. “What’s this about a new roomer?”
“I always said I wouldn’t have one cluttering up the place. But this young man is different. His coming here—well, I interpret it as another sign.”
“A sign of what?” inquired Penny with her usual directness.