Part 16 (1/2)
”Oh, Penny, I saw you go off with Miss Kippenberg,” she began. ”Would she talk with you?”
”She did,” answered Penny, ”and now I'm going with her to the estate.”
”But Aunt Lucinda expects to start home in a few minutes,” protested Louise. ”How long will you be gone?”
”I haven't the slightest idea. If I'm not back here by the time you are ready to leave don't wait for me.”
”But how will you get home?”
”Oh, I'll find a way. The important thing now is to learn everything I can from Miss Kippenberg. She's in a mood to talk.”
”I'd love to visit the estate,” Louise said wistfully.
”I wish I could take you,” Penny told her sincerely, ”but I don't see how I can this time.”
”Of course not, Penny. It would be very foolish of you to try. You might lose your own chance to gain an exclusive news story.”
”Will you explain to your aunt about my sudden disappearance?”
”Yes, she'll understand,” Louise replied. ”We'll wait here for you at least an hour.”
Penny left a call for Miss Kippenberg's car and then went back to the powder room. The young woman walked a bit unsteadily even with aid.
However, no one paid attention to them as they crossed the main hall and made their way to the waiting automobile.
With Penny and Miss Kippenberg as pa.s.sengers the big limousine rolled away from the clubhouse and sped toward Corbin. During the ride the young woman scarcely spoke. She sat with her head against the cus.h.i.+on, eyes half closed. As they came within view of the drawbridge she made an effort to arouse herself.
”I see you have visitors at the estate,” Penny commented, noticing a number of cars parked near the river's edge.
”Reporters, always reporters,” returned Miss Kippenberg impatiently.
”They may try to board as we pa.s.s.”
Penny wondered how the limousine would be taken across the river. The old watchman had noted their approach. Before the car reached the end of the road he had lowered the creaking drawbridge into position.
”Is the bridge really safe?” Penny inquired of her companion.
”For light traffic only,” Miss Kippenberg answered briefly.
The arrival of the car had created a stir of interest among the group of men gathered near the bridge. Penny caught sight of Jerry Livingston and could not resist rolling down the side window so he would be sure to obtain a clear view of her. It gave her a very pleasant feeling to see him stare as if he could not believe his own eyes.
Several of the reporters attempted to stop the limousine but without success. The car clattered over the drawbridge which was pulled up again before anyone could follow.
Penny and Miss Kippenberg alighted at the front door of the great house.
”Now show me where you found the ring,” requested the young woman.
Penny led her down the winding path into the grove.
”I hope we don't meet your head gardener,” she said significantly. ”He seems to be such an unpleasant individual.”
Miss Kippenberg glanced at her queerly.