Voices of the two men died away, informing Penny that they had gone. As she huddled in the cramped quarters, she could hear Julia moving about the kitchen. The woman sighed heavily and once muttered: “Woe is me! Wisht I was dead, I do!”
Minutes elapsed and the girl became increasingly uncomfortable and impatient. Old Julia showed no inclination to leave the kitchen.
“I’ve got to get out of here or I’ll miss the entire ceremony!” Penny told herself. “Well, here goes! If Julia screams, I’m a cooked goose!”
Opening the cupboard door a tiny crack, she peered out.
Old Julia had lighted candles. In their flickering light she could be seen with her back to Penny, stirring the soup. On the table beside her were ten wooden bowls.
“It’s now or never!” the girl thought. “Julia may give me away, but I’ll have to chance it!”
Opening the door wider, she moved noiselessly out and glided across the floor. A board creaked. But as Julia turned her head, Penny reached out and covered her mouth with her hand.
Seeing her, the old woman’s eyes dilated with fear, but she could not speak.
“Don’t try to scream! Don’t say a word!” Penny warned. “I won’t hurt you! I’m here to help you.”
The old woman tried to break from the girl’s grasp. Penny kept talking to her in a soothing tone until gradually she relaxed.