“If I can re-purchase my furniture, I’ll be glad to open the house to the public,” Mrs. Marborough said, her eyes twinkling as she gazed directly at Penny. “That was the wish you made at the well, I believe?”
“Oh, it was! And you’ll make it come true!”
“It’s little enough to do in return for the favor you have bestowed upon me.”
“Nothing will please me more than to see this old house in all its glory!” Penny declared enthusiastically. “May we light all the candles at one time?”
“If you like.”
“And wouldn’t it be fun to hold a grand ball here with everyone dressed in colonial costume!” Penny went on. “Can’t you just see the place with beaux and their ladies dancing a quadrille?”
“I’ll talk to the members of the Festival Committee tomorrow,” Mrs. Marborough promised. “My first call, however, will be upon Mr. Butterworth.”
Long shadows were falling, and the girls soon arose to depart. During the walk into Riverview, Rhoda became rather sober and Penny shrewdly guessed that she had forgotten about the Marborough pearls and was thinking of the dreaded interview with Mr. Coaten.
“You’re really afraid to meet that man aren’t you?” she asked curiously.
“Not exactly afraid,” Rhoda responded. “He’ll be waiting though, I’m sure. I just don’t know what to tell him.”