Hours later the picnic came to an end. Riding home with her father after taking Horney to the Times building, Penny was startled to observe a light in an upstairs window of the Parker house.
“Why, that’s in Mrs. Weems’ room!” she exclaimed. “She can’t be home!”
Penny was mistaken. Upon hastening upstairs to investigate, she was met at the bedroom door by the housekeeper.
“Why, Mrs. Weems! I thought you intended to stay on the farm until tomorrow!”
“I decided a few hours would make no difference. Penny, the place was unbearable.”
“How did you get home?”
“By taxicab.”
“Oh, I wish you had stayed one day longer,” sighed Penny. “Did you learn anything since I saw you last?”
“Nothing of value. Fenestra came home a short time before I left. He was in a dreadful temper.”
“Had he been in a fight?” Penny asked quickly.