Penny stepped inside, softly closing the door. Only then, as she heard someone enter the kitchen, did she realize that in her haste to hide, she had forgotten to close the window.
CHAPTER
16
THE KITCHEN CUPBOARD
Into the kitchen lumbered Old Julia. She picked up the whimpering cat and began to croon endearments.
Penny breathed easier. The next instant she became tense again as she heard another person enter the room.
“What was that noise, Julia?” a man demanded harshly.
Penny recognized Father Benedict’s voice.
“Only the cat, Father.”
“Why is the room so cold? Oh, I see! Against my orders you opened the window again!”
“No, I didn’t!” Old Julia defended herself. “I hain’t been near a door or window since you told me not to talk to nobody nor let ’em in. I don’t talk to nobody—only Patsy, the cat. Nice Patsy!”
“You’re a stupid old woman! What made the cat howl?”