“Didn’t you notice his nice clean hands and fingernails? And then when I asked him the name of that bush he hesitated and called it an azalea. I saw another long botanical name attached to it.”
“Maybe he just made a mistake, or said the first thing that came into his head. He wanted to get rid of us.”
“I know he did,” nodded Penny. “Yet, when he found out we were from the Star he didn’t threaten to report us to Mrs. Kippenberg.”
“That’s so.”
“He was afraid to report us,” Penny went on with conviction. “I’ll bet a cent he has no more right here than we have.”
Salt had lost all interest in the gardener. He glanced at his watch and quickened his step.
“Is it two o’clock yet?” Penny asked anxiously.
“Just. After all the trouble we’ve had getting here we can’t afford to miss the big show.”
Emerging from the grove, Salt and Penny were relieved to see that the ceremony had not yet started. The guests were gathered in the garden, the minister stood waiting, musicians were in their places, but the bridal party had not appeared.
“We’re just in time,” Salt remarked.