“What will the neighbors say?” Mrs. Weems moaned. “I never did a thing like that before. It’s just that I am so excited I can’t think what I am doing.”

“Don’t you mind,” laughed Penny. “I’ll get dinner tonight. You entertain Dad.”

With difficulty she persuaded the housekeeper to abandon the kitchen. Left to herself, she opened a can of cold meat, a can of corn, a can of peaches, and with a salad already prepared, speedily announced the meal.

“Mr. Parker, I truly am ashamed—” Mrs. Weems began.

“Now don’t apologize for my cooking,” broke in Penny. “Quantity before quality is my motto. Anyway, if you are leaving, Dad will have to accustom himself to it.”

“I’ll hide the can opener,” said Mr. Parker.

“That’s a good idea, Dad.”

“Before I go, I’ll try to teach Penny a little more about cooking,” Mrs. Weems said uncomfortably. “Of course, you’ll have no difficulty in getting someone efficient to take my place.”

“No one can take your place,” declared Penny. “If you leave, Dad and I will go to wrack and ruin.”

“You are a pair when you’re left to yourselves,” Mrs. Weems sighed. “That’s the one thing which makes me hesitate. Penny needs someone to keep her in check.”

“An inexperienced person would be putty in my hands,” declared Penny. “You may as well decide to stay, Mrs. Weems.”

“I don’t know what to do. I’ve pl