Part 5 (2/2)
Un.o.bligingly, they began to talk of the weather and politics. Penny finished her sandwich, and sliding down from the stool wandered outdoors.
”I wish I knew who those men are,” she thought. ”Francine could tell me if she weren't so horrid.”
Penny waited until the last possible minute before boarding the plane. As she stepped inside the cabin she was surprised to see that Francine had taken the chair beside Maxine Miller, very coolly moving Penny's belongings to the seat at the back of the airliner.
”Did you two decide to change places?” inquired the stewardess as Penny hesitated beside the empty chair.
”I didn't decide. It just seems to be an accomplished fact.”
The stewardess went down the aisle and touched Francine's arm. ”Usually the pa.s.sengers keep their same seats throughout the journey,” she said with a pleasant smile. ”Would you mind?”
Francine did mind for she had cut her lunch short in the hope of obtaining the coveted chair, but she could not refuse to move. Frowning, she went back to her former place.
Actually, Penny was not particular where she sat. There was no practical advantage in being directly behind the two strangers, for their voices were seldom audible above the roar of the plane. On the other hand, Miss Miller talked loudly and with scarcely a halt for breath. Penny was rather relieved when an early stop for dinner enabled her to gain a slight respite.
With flying conditions still favorable, the second half of the journey was begun. Penny curled up in her clean, comfortable bed, and the gentle rocking of the plane soon lulled her to sleep. She did not awaken until morning when the stewardess came to warn her they soon would be at their destination. Penny dressed speedily, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast brought to her on a tray. She had just finished when Francine staggered down the aisle, eyes bloodshot, her straight black hair looking as if it had never been combed.
”Will I be glad to get off this plane!” she moaned. ”What a night!”
”I didn't notice anything wrong with it,” said Penny. ”I take it you didn't sleep well.”
”Sleep? I never closed my eyes all night, not with this roller-coaster sliding down one mountain and up another. I thought every minute we were going to crash.”
Maxine Miller likewise seemed to have spent an uncomfortable night, for her face was haggard and worn. She looked five years older and her make-up was smeared.
”Tell me, do I look too dreadful?” she asked Penny anxiously. ”I want to appear my best when I meet Mr. Balantine.”
”You'll have time to rest up before you see him,” the girl replied kindly.
”How long before we reach Pine Top?”
”We should be approaching there now.” Penny studied the terrain below with deep interest, noting mountain ranges and beautiful snowy valleys.
At last the plane circled and swept down on a small landing field which had been cleared of snow. Pa.s.sengers began to pour from the cabin, grateful that the long journey was finally at an end.
”I hope I see you again,” said Penny, extending her hand to Miss Miller.
”And the best of luck with Mr. Balantine.”
Eagerly, she gathered together her possessions and stepped out of the plane into blinding sunlight. The air was crisp and cold, but there was a quality to it which made her take long, deep breaths. Beyond the landing field stood a tall row of pine trees, each topped with a layer of snow like the white icing of a cake. From somewhere far away she could hear the merry jingle of sleigh bells.
”So this is Pine Top!” thought Penny. ”It's as pretty as a Christmas card!”
A small group of persons were at the field to meet the plane. Catching sight of a short, sober-looking little woman who was bundled in furs, Penny hastened toward her.
”Mrs. Downey!” she cried.
<script>