“I’m Penny Parker. My father publishes the Star.”
“Oh, yes.” Mr. Judson’s voice became spiritless.
“Your home is on Drexel Boulevard, I believe?” Penny inquired.
Matthew Judson nodded and in the same dull, lifeless voice supplied the address. He made no attempt at conversation.
As she stole occasional glimpses at the man, Penny thought that his face bore lines of mental fatigue and discouragement. He stared straight ahead with glazed, unseeing eyes.
Hoping to start a conversation, she presently remarked that she was the managing editor of the Weekly Times. For the first time Matthew Judson displayed interest.
“Oh, are you the girl who has taken over my building?” he asked.
“Yes, Mr. Veeley allows me the use of it rent free. I hope you don’t mind?”
“Mind?” repeated Mr. Judson, laughing mirthlessly. “Why should I?”
“Well, I thought—that is—” Penny began to stammer.