The girls gazed at Mrs. Marborough expectantly, waiting for her to continue:
“I shall sell the pearls,” she said quietly. “They represent a small fortune, and by disposing of them I’ll be well-provided for in my old age. It won’t be necessary for me to pinch and skrimp. I’ll be able to hold my head up in society—live like a human being again instead of a recluse.”
Realizing that she was revealing a great deal, Mrs. Marborough snapped shut the jewel case and smiled at the girls.
“I never should have found the pearls by myself. To tell you that I am grateful scarcely expresses my feelings. You’ve saved me from poverty.”
“Rhoda did it,” Penny declared, giving full credit to the trailer-camp girl. “Louise and I never would have thought of searching the roof of the well.”
“Do come inside,” Mrs. Marborough invited gaily. “We’ll have tea in my kitchen. It’s not much to offer, but I did bake a little sponge cake this morning.”
No longer ashamed of the barren condition of the old mansion, the widow led the girls through the great empty rooms. By daylight, notwithstanding the stained condition of the walls, the house seemed more elegant than ever. There was a large fan-shaped window of stained glass which Penny had not noticed before, and dozens of candle holders attached to the walls.
“How gorgeous this place would look if all the candles could be lighted at one time,” she remarked admiringly.
“And if the house had a little furniture in it,” added Mrs. Marborough. “You know, a few days ago I did a very foolish thing.”
Louise glanced quickly at Penny but said nothing.