“You’ve seen another light in the yard perhaps?” the old lady inquired, her voice slightly mocking.
Penny glanced at Louise, uncertain what to say in reply.
“There has been no one in my yard either last night or this evening,” Mrs. Marborough resumed tartly. “I appreciate your interest in my welfare, but I can only repeat that I am quite capable of looking after myself.”
“We came to tell you about that big rock which we discovered on the hillside,” Penny interposed. “Do you care to hear what Jay Franklin did?”
Despite herself, Mrs. Marborough was interested. She hesitated, and then came outside, carefully closing the door behind her. The peculiar action was not lost upon the girls.
“It’s quite chilly out tonight,” Penny said significantly. “Perhaps it would be better to step inside.”
“I don’t mind a little fresh air,” Mrs. Marborough replied. “Now what is it that you wish to tell me?”
Feeling far from comfortable, Penny explained how Jay Franklin had kept the big rock as his own property and was endeavoring to sell it to the museum at a handsome profit.
“But he told me he would give the stone to the institution!” Mrs. Marborough exclaimed indignantly. “Will you see Mr. Franklin tomorrow?”
“I can,” Penny nodded.