Chapter 14

Penny allowed herself to be led into the sitting room where a large log fire burned in the open grate. Coal was rationed but there was plenty of wood here. She spread her hands to the welcome warmth.

"Show Benny to aunt Ann, uncle Charles. How do you like my new baby?"

She smiled as aunt Ann took the puppy and cuddled it in her arms.

"Now this really is a sweet dog" Mrs Gellar said. "Not at all like that poor mongrel you brought back from the lost dog's home"

Penny laughed.

"You were cross, weren't you, aunt Ann. You were so sure he was alive with fleas and that I would catch them"

"Aha. Went after my bulbs too" announced uncle Charles gruffly but with good humor. "Now, a dog like this —better idea —very good retriever"

He shook his shaggy grey head, looking not unlike any kindly sheep dog himself, Penny thought. She loved these two people better than anyone in the world.. Except Jeremy. But of course her love for him was quite different. Sh