“Will it be easier for you if I go with you to the camp?”
“Oh, I wish you would, Penny!” Rhoda said gratefully.
Louise soon parted with her friends, and the two girls went on to the trailer camp. Mrs. Breen immediately informed them that Mr. Coaten had called earlier in the afternoon and expected to return again.
“I hope you didn’t make trouble about signing the papers,” she said severely. “He acted quite upset.”
“I broke our appointment,” Rhoda responded briefly. “So far I’ve not made up my mind what to do.”
There followed a lengthy argument in which Mrs. Breen assured the girl that she was making a serious mistake by antagonizing such a kind, generous man as Mr. Coaten. Penny took no part in the conversation, although she readily could see how difficult had become Rhoda’s position.
“You’ll have to stay to dinner now,” Rhoda whispered to her. “Mr. Coaten is certain to come, and I can’t stand against them all.”
Penny had no desire to remain for a meal, but feeling that she should support her friend, accepted the invitation. Ted soon came home from working at Judge Harlan’s office, and he too expressed displeasure because his sister had broken the appointment with Mr. Coaten.
During dinner the subject was studiously avoided. Somewhat to Penny’s disapproval, Rhoda began to tell the Breens about everything that had occurred at Rose Acres. At mention of the pearl necklace, Ted’s fork clattered against his plate and he forgot to eat.
“You actually found a string of pearls?” he asked incredulously. “Real ones?”