“I was afraid of it,” groaned the publisher. “Haven’t you any school work to do?”
“Nary a bit. Besides, it’s Saturday night and I haven’t had any dinner. You can buy me a great big steak with all the trimmings. And perhaps you will dance with me.”
Mr. Parker gazed helplessly at Mrs. Weems, but the housekeeper did not come to his rescue. Her shrug indicated that the problem was entirely his.
“Well, all right,” he gave in. “But I’ll warn you now, this is no party. We’ll drop in for an hour or so, then come straight home.”
Penny was off like a shot, bounding upstairs to her room. There was no time to change her dress, but she freshened up, and was ready by the time her father had backed the car from the garage.
The Gay Nineties on Euclid Avenue twinkled with lights, and many persons in evening dress were entering beneath the bright red street canopy.
“Looks like all the socialites of the city are here,” Penny observed. “Maybe I should have worn my pearls.”
“Or washed behind your ears,” Mr. Parker chuckled, escorting her inside.
Penny and her father were given one of the best tables in the night club. Studying the menu, the girl was a trifle alarmed to note the prices.
“I’m dreadfully hungry too,” she declared. “Dad, I hope you’re not intending to charge this outing against my allowance.”