Penny scarcely heard the discouraging information for she was staring at the man as if his appearance fascinated her. For a moment she could not think where she had seen him before. And then suddenly she remembered.
“Why, I saw you at Mrs. Marborough’s place!” she exclaimed. “You’re the one person who has been inside the house! I want you to tell me all about it.”
CHAPTER
16
INSIDE THE MANSION
Mr. Butterworth, the second-hand dealer, scarcely knew what to make of Penny’s abrupt request.
“Tell me how the house looks inside,” she requested as he remained mute. “Is it as handsome as folks say?”
“You are a friend of Mrs. Marborough?” the man inquired, cocking his head sideways as he regarded the girl.
“Of course.”
“Then why do you not ask Mrs. Marborough that question?”
“Because she never invites anyone into her house,” Penny explained patiently. “You’re the only person to get in so far as I know. I’ll venture she sold you something. Am I right?”
“Maybe so,” Mr. Butterworth grinned. “My lips, they are sealed.”