“They must be worth many thousand dollars,” Rhoda assured him. “Mrs. Marborough intends to sell them and use the money to remodel her place.”
Ted was about to ask another question, then seemed to reconsider.
“More stew?” Mrs. Breen asked as an awkward silence fell.
“No thanks, Mom,” he answered. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll skip out. I have a date uptown with a fellow.”
Mrs. Breen made no reply and the boy left the trailer. Penny thought that she too should be leaving, but before she could speak, there came a light tap on the door. Mr. Breen thrust his head out the open window.
“It’s Mr. Coaten,” he announced in a hoarse whisper. “What are you going to tell him Rhoda?”
“I don’t know,” she answered, gazing helplessly at Penny.
CHAPTER
21
MRS. MARBOROUGH’S LOSS
Mrs. Breen hastily removed her apron and opened the door to admit the caller.
“Good evening,” said Mr. Coaten. His gaze roved from one person to another in the crowded little room, coming to rest upon Rhoda.