“Why, Mrs. Weems!” Penny observed innocently. “Don’t you approve of skiing?”
“Skiing is only an excuse and you know it, Penelope Parker! Oh, dear, I try so hard to raise you properly.”
“And you’re doing a magnificent job, if I do say so myself,” chuckled Penny. “Don’t give the matter any further thought!”
“Penny always has proven she uses her head and knows how to take care of herself,” added Mr. Parker. “An inquisitive mind is an asset—especially in the newspaper business.”
With an injured sniff, Mrs. Weems retreated to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Alone with her father, Penny grinned at him affectionately. His defense of her conduct meant only one thing! He did not disapprove of her interest in the monastery at Knob Hill.
“He’s giving me the ‘go’ signal!” she thought jubilantly. Aloud she said. “Dad, don’t you think Jay Highland and the monastery might be worth a feature story in the Riverview Star?”
“Possibly,” he agreed, getting up from the table. “Well, I must move along to the office.”
A little disappointed because her father had brushed the subject aside so lightly, Penny spent the morning helping Mrs. Weems with household tasks. However, directly after luncheon she packed her skis and prepared to set off for Knob Hill.
Unwilling to go alone, Penny stopped at the Sidell home. To her disappointment, Louise had gone shopping and was not expected back for several hours.