“I’ve been patient with you, but now I’m going to have my say. We can’t keep you any more.”
“You’re telling me to go?” Rhoda gasped, scarcely believing that she had heard correctly.
“I’m asking you to sign whatever it is that Mr. Coaten wants you to.”
Rhoda gazed at Penny, her lips trembling. There seemed but one course open to her, for she had no money and no relatives. Fully aware of her predicament, Mr. Coaten smiled triumphantly. From his pocket he whipped out a fountain pen and a folded, neatly-typed paper.
“Rhoda, don’t sign unless you really wish to,” Penny said quietly.
“But I’ll have no home—”
“You may stay with me. I’ll find a place for you.”
Directing her gaze upon Mr. Coaten, Penny resumed:
“May I ask why you are so eager to obtain a guardianship over Ted and Rhoda? What do you expect to gain by it?”
“My dear young lady—” Mr. Coaten’s voice was soft but his eyes glinted angrily. “I expect to gain nothing.”