In the upstairs bedroom, Penny moved with velvet tread. Noiselessly she rearranged a vase of flowers and closed the slat of a Venetian blind.
“You needn’t be so quiet,” said Mr. Parker from the bed. “I’ve been awake a long time now.”
Penny went swiftly to his side. “How are you feeling this afternoon, Dad?”
“Afternoon?” Mr. Parker demanded, sitting up. “How long have I been sleeping?”
“Roughly, about two days.”
Mr. Parker threw off the covers.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” said Penny, pressing him back against the pillow. “Doctor Greer says you are to have absolute bed rest for several days. It’s part of the treatment.”
“Treatment for what?” grumbled Mr. Parker. “I feel fine!”
“That’s wonderful,” declared Penny, with a deep sigh of relief. “I’ll have Mrs. Weems bring up something for you to eat.”
She called down the stairway to the housekeeper, and then returned to the bedside. Her father looked more like his former self than at any time since the strange motor accident which had caused him to lose his memory. His voice too, was more natural.