Chapter 49

Audrey, however, was convinced that many other people beside herself would be prepared to pay quite a reasonable price for Penny's sketches. One afternoon, she borrowed Joey's car and took the portfolio to town. When she came back, she went straight to Penny "

"There's an offer for you from a man who runs an art gallery and bookstore" she said. "He's willing to buy your sketches"

"I can hardly believe it" Penny cried incredulously. "Audrey, you are a sly old thing. Where have you been?"

"Penny, listen, you have to take it. It's such a good offer" Audrey said.

"Of course I know that. It's just so good to be true" Penny laughed. "And the pay is good. I'm so grateful, Audrey. I need the money. Especially now that I have Howard"

For the two weeks preceeding her departure, Penny was glad of the distraction her sketching afforded her. Together with Howard's feeds and the bottles, diapers, there was like time to give way to the growing nervousness which attack