“One of the best in the city,” Penny said proudly.
“Your father sent you here, perhaps?”
“Oh, no! I was just passing by and noticed the buildings were occupied.”
“To be sure,” murmured the monk. “I trust you will use discretion in mentioning our work here. Should we become too well known, a path will be beaten to our door, and the privacy of our order will be no more.”
“I’ll scarcely mention it,” Penny half-heartedly promised. “Good night.”
Retreating through the gate, she closed it behind her.
A few paces away, Louise, who had heard only part of the conversation, waited in the darkness.
“Who were those men?” she demanded, falling into step with her chum. “What did you learn?”
Penny repeated everything Jay Highland had told her.
“He seemed rather nice,” she added. “But when you sum it up, he didn’t tell much about the order he is founding here.”