Part 31 (1/2)
CHAPTER 21 _MRS. MARBOROUGH'S LOSS_
Mrs. Breen hastily removed her ap.r.o.n and opened the door to admit the caller.
”Good evening,” said Mr. Coaten. His gaze roved from one person to another in the crowded little room, coming to rest upon Rhoda.
”I'm sorry I couldn't keep our appointment this afternoon,” she said stiffly. ”The truth is, I've changed my mind about signing that paper.”
”I've tried to talk sense into her,” Mrs. Breen broke in. ”I don't know what's come over the girl lately.”
Mr. Coaten seated himself on the day bed, smiling at Rhoda in a friendly way.
”I understand how you feel,” he said. ”You are afraid you don't know me well enough to agree to the adoption.”
”I never heard of you until you came to Riverview.”
”Rhoda, that's no way to talk!” Mrs. Breen reprimanded. ”What would we have done without Mr. Coaten? He's given us money, bought groceries, and made everything much easier.”
”I appreciate everything. It's just that--well, I don't care to be adopted. I like things as they are.”
Mrs. Breen's kindly face tightened into hard lines.
”Rhoda,” she said firmly, ”this is an opportunity for you, and you ought to be smart enough to realize it. Mr. Coaten will give you good clothes and schooling. Pop and I can't do it.”
”You've given me too much now,” Rhoda murmured, her gaze on the linoleum rug.
”I've been patient with you, but now I'm going to have my say. We can't keep you any more.”
”You're telling me to go?” Rhoda gasped, scarcely believing that she had heard correctly.
”I'm asking you to sign whatever it is that Mr. Coaten wants you to.”
Rhoda gazed at Penny, her lips trembling. There seemed but one course open to her, for she had no money and no relatives. Fully aware of her predicament, Mr. Coaten smiled triumphantly. From his pocket he whipped out a fountain pen and a folded, neatly-typed paper.
”Rhoda, don't sign unless you really wish to,” Penny said quietly.
”But I'll have no home--”
”You may stay with me. I'll find a place for you.”
Directing her gaze upon Mr. Coaten, Penny resumed:
”May I ask why you are so eager to obtain a guardians.h.i.+p over Ted and Rhoda? What do you expect to gain by it?”
”My dear young lady--” Mr. Coaten's voice was soft but his eyes glinted angrily. ”I expect to gain nothing.”
”I gathered a different impression when I heard you and your friend talking a night or so ago at the Marborough place.”
At first Mr. Coaten did not appear to understand, then as Penny's meaning dawned upon him, he arose from the couch.
”I have no wish to discuss this matter with you--a stranger,” he said coldly. ”For some reason you are prejudiced against me, and have deliberately influenced Rhoda to go against Mrs. Breen's desires.”