With mingled relief and indignation, Penny recognized Jack. He tiptoed to the bed.
“Now don’t let out a yip,” he cautioned. “I don’t want Mom or my father to hear.”
“Well, of all the nerve!” Penny exclaimed indignantly. “Is this my room or is it your private runway?”
“Don’t go off the deep end. All the doors are locked and the servants have orders not to let me in if I am late.”
“It’s nearly morning,” said Penny, hiding a yawn. “Where in the world did you go?”
“Town,” Jack answered briefly.
Penny began to understand the cause of Mr. Gandiss’ worry about his son.
“Now don’t give me that ‘holier than Thou’ line,” Jack said, anticipating a lecture. “I’m not going to the dogs nearly as fast as the old man believes. He’s an old fossil.”
“You shouldn’t speak of your father that way,” Penny replied. “After all, hasn’t he given you everything?”
“He tries to keep me tied to his apron strings.” Jack sat down on the bed, stretching luxuriously. “Mom isn’t quite so unreasonable.”