“Certainly,” Mrs. Deline answered. “Who else?”
Penny set the hamper on the table. Deliberately she raised the lid. The basket was filled with food, enough for a dozen persons, and in the bottom she saw a folded wool blanket. Beneath the blanket were several bulky garments which she took to be men’s clothing. Before she could see plainly, Mrs. Deline jerked the lid of the hamper into place.
“Please!” she said with emphasis.
“I was only trying to be helpful,” Penny said, pretending to look injured. “Don’t you want Lou and me to dust off the table and spread out the picnic things?”
“I do not. If you’ll excuse me for saying so, I came on this picnic to be alone. I enjoy solitude.”
“But it’s getting dark,” Penny argued. “We wouldn’t think of deserting you. The cabin has no light.”
“I don’t mind the dark. Anyway, I brought candles. I really prefer to be alone.”
Thus dismissed, Louise started to leave. Penny lingered, trying to think of some excuse. Just then, from somewhere in the woods, she heard a shrill whistle unlike any bird call.
“What was that?” she asked alertly.
“I heard nothing,” said Mrs. Deline.