“We’ve been pals for such a long while,” she said wistfully. “If anything ever should come between us—”
“Penny, you’re positively morbid!” her father interrupted. “Of course nothing ever will come between us! Now let’s talk of more cheerful subjects.”
“Such as?”
“I’ve been thinking, Penny. You need a friend, someone to pal around with.”
“You’re the only friend I need, Dad.”
“I mean someone your own age, Penny. Why not send for Louise Sidell? I’ll gladly pay her train fare.”
“It would be fun having Lou here.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll send a wire now.” Mr. Parker turned the car around and drove to the local telegraph office.
Before Penny could change her mind, the message was sent. Not until long after she and her father had returned to the park did it occur to her that unwittingly she might have fashioned her own undoing. Though camping would be far more interesting with Louise to share her experiences, it also would give her father added opportunity to see Mrs. Deline.
“Maybe he didn’t think of that angle,” Penny reflected uneasily. “I’ll keep it to myself.”