“I gathered a different impression when I heard you and your friend talking a night or so ago at the Marborough place.”
At first Mr. Coaten did not appear to understand, then as Penny’s meaning dawned upon him, he arose from the couch.
“I have no wish to discuss this matter with you—a stranger,” he said coldly. “For some reason you are prejudiced against me, and have deliberately influenced Rhoda to go against Mrs. Breen’s desires.”
“It’s a question for our own family to settle,” Mrs. Breen added.
“I’ll go at once,” said Penny. She gazed questioningly at Rhoda.
“Do you really think you could take me in at your place?” the girl asked.
“Of course. My offer holds.”
“Then I’ll come with you!” Darting to a wardrobe closet, Rhoda began to toss garments into a suitcase.
“Rhoda, you can’t go like this!” Mrs. Breen cried in protest. “Why won’t you listen to reason?”
“Let her go!” Mr. Coaten said harshly. “She’ll come back in a day or two glad to accept my offer.”