Part 30 (2/2)

”And wouldn't it be fun to hold a grand ball here with everyone dressed in colonial costume!” Penny went on. ”Can't you just see the place with beaux and their ladies dancing a quadrille?”

”I'll talk to the members of the Festival Committee tomorrow,” Mrs.

Marborough promised. ”My first call, however, will be upon Mr.

b.u.t.terworth.”

Long shadows were falling, and the girls soon arose to depart. During the walk into Riverview, Rhoda became rather sober and Penny shrewdly guessed that she had forgotten about the Marborough pearls and was thinking of the dreaded interview with Mr. Coaten.

”You're really afraid to meet that man aren't you?” she asked curiously.

”Not exactly afraid,” Rhoda responded. ”He'll be waiting though, I'm sure. I just don't know what to tell him.”

”Will it be easier for you if I go with you to the camp?”

”Oh, I wish you would, Penny!” Rhoda said gratefully.

Louise soon parted with her friends, and the two girls went on to the trailer camp. Mrs. Breen immediately informed them that Mr. Coaten had called earlier in the afternoon and expected to return again.

”I hope you didn't make trouble about signing the papers,” she said severely. ”He acted quite upset.”

”I broke our appointment,” Rhoda responded briefly. ”So far I've not made up my mind what to do.”

There followed a lengthy argument in which Mrs. Breen a.s.sured the girl that she was making a serious mistake by antagonizing such a kind, generous man as Mr. Coaten. Penny took no part in the conversation, although she readily could see how difficult had become Rhoda's position.

”You'll have to stay to dinner now,” Rhoda whispered to her. ”Mr. Coaten is certain to come, and I can't stand against them all.”

Penny had no desire to remain for a meal, but feeling that she should support her friend, accepted the invitation. Ted soon came home from working at Judge Harlan's office, and he too expressed displeasure because his sister had broken the appointment with Mr. Coaten.

During dinner the subject was studiously avoided. Somewhat to Penny's disapproval, Rhoda began to tell the Breens about everything that had occurred at Rose Acres. At mention of the pearl necklace, Ted's fork clattered against his plate and he forgot to eat.

”You actually found a string of pearls?” he asked incredulously. ”Real ones?”

”They must be worth many thousand dollars,” Rhoda a.s.sured him. ”Mrs.

Marborough intends to sell them and use the money to remodel her place.”

Ted was about to ask another question, then seemed to reconsider.

”More stew?” Mrs. Breen asked as an awkward silence fell.

”No thanks, Mom,” he answered. ”If you'll excuse me, I'll skip out. I have a date uptown with a fellow.”

Mrs. Breen made no reply and the boy left the trailer. Penny thought that she too should be leaving, but before she could speak, there came a light tap on the door. Mr. Breen thrust his head out the open window.

”It's Mr. Coaten,” he announced in a hoa.r.s.e whisper. ”What are you going to tell him Rhoda?”

”I don't know,” she answered, gazing helplessly at Penny.

<script>