The Wishing Well Part 30

The girls gazed at Mrs. Marborough expectantly, waiting for her to continue:

"I shall sell the pearls," she said quietly. "They represent a small fortune, and by disposing of them I'll be well-provided for in my old age. It won't be necessary for me to pinch and skrimp. I'll be able to hold my head up in society--live like a human being again instead of a recluse."

Realizing that she was revealing a great deal, Mrs. Marborough snapped shut the jewel case and smiled at the girls.

"I never should have found the pearls by myself. To tell you that I am grateful scarcely expresses my feelings. You've saved me from poverty."

"Rhoda did it," Penny declared, giving full credit to the trailer-camp girl. "Louise and I never would have thought of searching the roof of the well."

"Do come inside," Mrs. Marborough invited gaily. "We'll have tea in my kitchen. It's not much to offer, but I did bake a little sponge cake this morning."

No longer ashamed of the barren condition of the old mansion, the widow led the girls through the great empty rooms. By daylight, notwithstanding the stained condition of the walls, the house seemed more elegant than ever. There was a large fan-shaped window of stained gla.s.s which Penny had not noticed before, and dozens of candle holders attached to the walls.

"How gorgeous this place would look if all the candles could be lighted at one time," she remarked admiringly.

"And if the house had a little furniture in it," added Mrs. Marborough.

"You know, a few days ago I did a very foolish thing."

Louise glanced quickly at Penny but said nothing.

"I was a bit hard pressed for money," the widow resumed. "On an impulse I sold all my furniture to Mr. b.u.t.terworth. Do you suppose he will sell it back to me?"

"He should," declared Penny.

"I like Riverview for I was born here," Mrs. Marborough went on, talking as if to herself. "By selling the pearls I can refurnish the house, have the grounds restored to their original beauty, and live as I formerly did!"

"Oh, I do hope you decide to stay here," Penny said eagerly.

Mrs. Marborough started a fire in the kitchen stove and put a kettle of water on to boil. Soon the tea was ready, and was served with generous slices of yellow sponge cake.

"I suppose everyone in Riverview considers me a crotchety old woman,"

Mrs. Marborough remarked presently. "I haven't been very friendly because I didn't want folks to know I had sold my furniture. Some days ago a group of women came to see me about opening the house for some sort of Festival--"

"Pilgrimage Week," Penny supplied.

"I turned them down, not because I wasn't eager to help, but because I couldn't let folks know all my furniture was gone. I wonder if they would still care to include Rose Acres in the tour of houses?"

"Oh, Mrs. Marborough, it would practically save the Festival!" Penny cried. "A cheap Indian show is coming to town the same week. I know for a fact that the Festival tickets aren't selling very well."

"Everyone wants to see Rose Acres," Louise added enthusiastically.

"If I can re-purchase my furniture, I'll be glad to open the house to the public," Mrs. Marborough said, her eyes twinkling as she gazed directly at Penny. "That was the wish you made at the well, I believe?"

"Oh, it was! And you'll make it come true!"

"It's little enough to do in return for the favor you have bestowed upon me."

"Nothing will please me more than to see this old house in all its glory!" Penny declared enthusiastically. "May we light all the candles at one time?"

"If you like."

"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.