“But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few minutes,” protested Louise. “How long will you be gone?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea. If I’m not back here by the time you are ready to leave don’t wait for me.”
“But how will you get home?”
“Oh, I’ll find a way. The important thing now is to learn everything I can from Miss Kippenberg. She’s in a mood to talk.”
“I’d love to visit the estate,” Louise said wistfully.
“I wish I could take you,” Penny told her sincerely, “but I don’t see how I can this time.”
“Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish of you to try. You might lose your own chance to gain an exclusive news story.”
“Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden disappearance?”
“Yes, she’ll understand,” Louise replied. “We’ll wait here for you at least an hour.”
Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg’s car and then went back to the powder room. The young woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid. However, no one paid attention to them as they crossed the main hall and made their way to the waiting automobile.