“Penny, we can’t allow you to assume our debts,” Rhoda protested. “Please don’t—”
“Now Rhoda, it’s only a loan to tide us over for a few days,” Mrs. Breen interposed. “Ted will get a job and then we’ll be able to pay it back.”
Penny wrote out the cheque, and cutting short the profuse thanks of the Breens, declared that she and Louise must return home at once.
“Driving into Riverview?” Mr. Franklin inquired. “My car is in the garage, and I’ll appreciate a lift to town.”
“We’ll be glad to take you, Mr. Franklin,” Penny responded, but without enthusiasm.
Enroute to Riverview he endeavored to make himself an agreeable conversationalist.
“So the Breens are friends of yours?” he remarked casually.
“Well, not exactly,” Penny corrected. “I met Rhoda at school and visited her for the first time today. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the family.”
“They’re a no-good lot. The old man never works, and the boy either can’t or won’t get a job.”
“Do you have many such families, Mr. Franklin?”