Part 19 (1/2)
”I might stop a little while,” Penny agreed.
Despite Betty's somewhat queer actions, she had liked the girl from the very first, and was eager to become better acquainted.
The Davis home was modestly furnished, yet with excellent taste. Penny could not refrain from referring to the clever color scheme which had been carried out so successfully in the living room.
”I'm glad you like it,” Betty smiled. ”You see, I'm studying to be an interior decorator.”
”Why, how interesting.”
”I attend night school,” Betty explained. ”Or rather I did. Just now Father is a little pressed for money so I've given it up for a few months.”
”I hope you'll be able to go on with it again.”
”Yes, so do I, for it's the one ambition of my life. I think after Jimmie is a little older it will be easier. Just now he's at the age where he feels he must have fine clothes and plenty of spending money.”
”Perhaps you're too indulgent a sister,” Penny smiled.
”Jimmie is only a year younger than I,” Betty explained, ”but since Mother died five years ago, I've always felt responsible for him.
Lately I've been terribly worried.”
”On account of the company he keeps?”
”Yes, that and other things.” Betty arose and nervously crossed over to the fireplace. ”I don't mean to unburden myself upon you, but lately Jimmie has been doing wild things. Father doesn't half suspect the truth. I'm half sick with trying to decide if I should tell him or not.”
”Probably it would relieve your mind if you did,” Penny advised kindly.
”Yes, but Father has always taken such pride in Jimmie. I can't bear to hurt him.”
”Perhaps he could bring your brother to his senses.”
”I'm afraid it may be almost too late. Jimmie is so headstrong. He won't listen to anyone. He's changed so much the last few months.”
”It seems to me that your father should know the truth,” Penny said quietly.
Betty Davis' face had grown slightly pale.
”I realize I should tell him,” she acknowledged, ”but I can't. There's a special reason why--don't ask me to explain.” Abruptly, she tried to change the subject, saying lightly: ”My brother is very handsome, I think. Would you care to see his photograph?”
”Indeed I would,” Penny returned politely.
She waited while Betty went into an adjoining room after it. As the girl returned, a car was driving slowly past the house.
”That must be Father,” Betty declared, moving toward the window.
Penny heard the automobile halt at the curbing. The next instant a hard object crashed through the windowpane, dropping with a thud at Betty's feet. Almost by a miracle she had escaped being struck by the flying splinters of gla.s.s.
Penny sprang to her feet, rus.h.i.+ng to the door. She caught only a fleeting glimpse of the retreating car.
Betty was staring at a piece of paper which lay upon the carpet. It had been wrapped around a small stone.