She offered it to Penny who inspected the fine workmanship with keen interest.
“Mr. Rhett is a collector?” she inquired.
“Yes, he’s traveled all over the world, but most of his time was spent in the jungles of Africa, Brazil, and other places in South America. That was before he married Mother, of course.”
“Your stepfather was especially interested in ancient religious cults?”
“He made a study of it, and for a year gathered material by living in the jungle.” Lorinda suddenly broke off, aware that she was warming to Penny and telling her entirely too much.
“Then it was your father who built the thatched roof cottage?”
“Please, let’s not talk about it,” Lorinda pleaded. “I don’t like to be unfriendly or impolite, but you must understand there are things I can’t tell you, and which must never be published.”
Taking the ancient bow from Penny’s hand, the girl started up the path, limping a trifle on her twisted ankle.
“Only one more question, Lorinda. Please tell me the truth. Why were you afraid to have me investigate the thatched roof cottage?”
The girl paused on the path, gazing at Penny quite pathetically.