“Yes, you imply that my son deliberately jilted Sylvia Kippenberg!”
“And actually he didn’t?” Mr. Parker inquired evenly.
“Certainly not. My son is a man of honor and had a very deep regard for Sylvia. Under no circumstance would he have jilted her.”
“Still, the wedding did not take place.”
“That is true,” Mr. Atherwald admitted.
“Perhaps you can explain why it was postponed?”
“I don’t know what happened to Grant,” Mr. Atherwald said reluctantly. “He left our home in ample time for the ceremony, and I might add, was in excellent spirits. I believe he must have been the victim of a stupid, practical joke.”
“Well, that suggests a new angle,” Mr. Parker remarked thoughtfully. “Did your son have friends who might be apt to play such a joke on him?”
“No one of my acquaintance,” Mr. Atherwald answered unwillingly. “Of course, he had many young friends who were not in my circle.”
Penny had listened quietly to the conversation. She now arose and came over to the desk. From her pocket she took the white gold wedding ring.