“She’s one of the most interesting characters I’ve met in many a day,” Penny said warmly. “I like her better all the time.”
“How about those apples?” Rhoda suggested, changing the subject. “I’m sure Mrs. Breen could use some of them.”
As the girls started toward the gnarled old tree, a battered automobile drew up in front of the house. A man who was dressed in coat and trousers taken from two separate suits alighted and came briskly up the walk.
“Who is he?” Louise whispered curiously.
“Never saw him before,” Penny admitted. “He looks almost like a tramp.”
“Or an old clothes man,” Rhoda added with a laugh.
Observing the girls, the man doffed his battered derby.
“Is this where Mrs. Marborough lives?” he asked.
“Yes, she is inside,” Louise replied.
Bowing again, the man presented himself at the front door, hammering it loudly with the brass knocker.