“No, Miss. And there’s a message for him. As soon as he comes in he’s to call Major Gregg.”
Penny repeated the name thoughtfully. “That’s a new one on me,” she remarked. “Dad seems to have friends I know nothing about.”
“Oh, the Major comes to the hotel frequently,” the clerk returned, smiling. “He and your father are well acquainted.”
As the girls crossed the lobby to a drinking fountain, Louise said teasingly:
“I’m afraid you’ve lost track of your father lately, Penny. You’ve been so upset about Mrs. Deline that you’ve scarcely noticed anything or anyone else.”
“Dad’s been holding out on me, that’s evident. Wonder what he’s to call Major Gregg about?”
“Why not wait up and see?”
“Not a bad idea,” Penny approved instantly. “He and Mrs. Deline should be getting in anytime now.”
“I’m not waiting up,” announced Louise with a sleepy yawn. “In fact, I’m on my way to bed this minute.”
To prove her words she started for the elevator. Penny debated whether or not to follow and finally decided to remain in the lobby.