Part 33 (1/2)
”The girl seems sensible and efficient,” Doctor Hamilton replied. ”But would she be willing to stay?”
”I think she might for she has no home of her own.”
Relieved to have the problem solved so easily, the doctor declared that the plan could be tried for a few days at least.
”I'll drop in again late tonight,” he promised, picking up his bag.
Consulted by Penny, Rhoda said at once that she would be happy indeed to remain with Mrs. Marborough as long as her services were required. The widow too seemed pleased by the arrangement.
”It's very good of you,” she murmured to Rhoda. ”I can't pay you though.
Not unless my pearls are recovered.”
”Your pearls?” the girl echoed in astonishment.
Penny drew her friend aside, explaining what had occurred. Rhoda was shocked to learn that the necklace had been stolen.
”How dreadful!” she gasped. ”Who could have taken the pearls?”
Apparently it did not occur to her that her own brother Ted might be regarded with suspicion. Penny was much too kind to drop such a hint, and kept her thoughts strictly to herself.
However, later in the day, with Mrs. Marborough's permission, she made a full report of the theft to local police. An officer visited Rose Acres, but aside from establis.h.i.+ng exactly how the house had been entered, obtained few useful clues. Questioned at considerable length, Penny disclosed that so far as she knew only Louise Sidell, the trailer camp family, Ted, Rhoda and herself had known that the pearls were in the mansion.
”We'll keep that Breen family under surveillance,” the officer promised.
”I'll let you know if anything develops.”
Another problem immediately confronted Penny. An inspection of the cupboards of the Marborough home had revealed that there was barely enough food to last a day.
”Buy whatever you need,” the widow instructed. ”You'll find money in the top bureau drawer.”
By diligent search, the girls found four dollars and twenty-four cents which they felt certain was all the money the old lady possessed.
”Why, the medicines Doctor Hamilton ordered will take almost this much!”
Penny said in dismay. ”Something must be done.”
Both girls respected Mrs. Marborough's desire for secrecy, but they knew it would not be possible to help her and, at the same time, prevent the townspeople from learning of her dire poverty. Deeply troubled, Penny placed the problem in Mrs. Weems' hands.
”Why, that poor woman!” the housekeeper explained. ”To think that she is sick and hasn't the things that she needs. I'll send a basket of food at once. I am sure many people will be eager to help.”
Mrs. Weems busied herself at the telephone, and within a few hours, all manner of useful gifts began to arrive at Rose Acres. Neighbors came to help Rhoda with the housework and to care for the widow.
As was inevitable, the entire story of Mrs. Marborough's poverty, including the loss of the pearl necklace, circulated throughout Riverview. Since there no longer was any excuse for secrecy, Penny disclosed to members of the Pilgrimage Committee what had become of the old lady's furniture and why she had refused to open her house during Festival Week. To her delight, a fund immediately was raised for the purpose of re-purchasing the valuable antiques. Mr. b.u.t.terworth, pleased to cooperate, agreed to sell the furniture for exactly the price he had paid.
The days drifted slowly along. Under Rhoda's faithful care, Mrs.
Marborough soon was able to sit up in a wheel chair. Much subdued since the heart attack, she had little to say even when a moving van arrived with her household furnis.h.i.+ngs. But one afternoon while Penny was inserting new candles in the gla.s.s candelabrum she so much admired, the old lady watched her from her chair by the window.
”You and Rhoda have fixed the house up so nicely,” she said. ”You've been very kind to me, and so have all the folks in Riverview.”
”You have a great many friends, Mrs. Marborough,” Penny replied, smiling.