“She’s seen us!” Louise gasped.
“We’ll have to go out and meet her,” Penny decided instantly. “Let’s pretend we just happened to be coming this way. But we’ll stick around and see who she’s meeting.”
Mrs. Deline stiffened visibly as the girls sauntered out of the woods toward her.
“Well, this is a surprise meeting you,” she said in a tone none too friendly. “Is your camp located near here?”
“Down the trail a short distance,” Penny replied, thoroughly enjoying the widow’s discomfiture. “Having a picnic?”
“Why, yes. I love the outdoors and thought I’d take a hike this afternoon.”
“It’s rather late for a picnic,” Penny said pointedly.
“It took me longer to get here than I expected.”
In an effort to discourage her young annoyers, Mrs. Deline pushed open the door of the cabin. Before she could pick up the hamper, Penny seized it.
“Let me,” she said quickly. “My how heavy! All this food for one person?”