The Secret of the Old Clock - Carolyn Keene [22]
“I guess,” she concluded, “if the Tophams do have the clock, I’ll have to pay them a visit!”
While she did not relish the idea of calling on the unpleasant family, Nancy was determined to pursue every possible clue. “I can just see Ada’s and Isabel’s expressions when I appear at their front door,” Nancy thought wryly. “Well, I’ll think of some excuse to see them.”
She was still mulling over the problem when she pulled into the driveway of her home and heard a familiar voice calling her name.
“Why, Helen Corning!” exclaimed Nancy, as a slim, attractive school friend of hers ran up. “I haven’t seen you for days.”
“I’ve been busy lately,” Helen explained, “trying to sell six tickets for a charity ball. But I haven’t had much luck. Would you like a couple?”
A sudden idea flashed into Nancy’s mind at her friend’s words. “Helen,” she said excitedly, “I’ll buy two of your tickets and sell the rest for you.”
The other girl stared in astonishment. “Why, that’s a wonderful offer, Nance. But—”
Nancy’s eyes danced. “I know you think I’ve lost my mind. I really mean it, though. Please let me take the tickets! I can’t tell you my reasons yet—except my cause is a worthy one.”
Helen, looking relieved but bewildered, handed over the tickets. “This is really a break for me,” she said. “Now I can leave for my aunt’s Camp Avondale this evening as I’d hoped. It’s at Moon Lake. I thought I’d never get off, with those tickets unsold!”
Nancy smiled “Have a grand time, Helen,” she said.
“How about coming along? It’s not expensive and there’s room for lots more girls. We’d have loads of fun.”
“I’d love to,” Nancy replied, “but right now I can’t get away.”
“Maybe you can make it later,” Helen suggested. “If so, just zip on up. I’ll be there for two weeks before the regular summer camp opens.”
The two friends chatted a little longer, then said good-by. Nancy put the car away, then walked slowly toward her house, looking meditatively at the charity tickets in her hand.
“These are to be my passport to the Tophams’ stronghold!”
It was the following afternoon when Nancy approached the large pretentious house belonging to the Tophams.
Bracing herself for what she realized would be a trying interview, Nancy mounted the steps and rang the doorbell. “Here goes,” she thought. “I must be subtle in this maneuver to keep from arousing the Tophams’ suspicions!”
At that moment a maid opened the door, and with a condescending look, waited for Nancy to state her mission.
“Will you please tell Mrs. Topham that Nancy Drew is calling?” she requested. “I’m selling tickets ets for a charity dance. It’s one of the most important functions of the year in River Heights,” Nancy added impressively.
It seemed ages to the young sleuth before the maid returned and said that “Madame” would see her. Nancy was ushered into the living room, which was so bizarre in its decor she was startled.
“Such an expensive hodge-podge!” Nancy observed to herself, sitting down. She glanced at the pink carpet—which to her clashed with the red window draperies—and at an indiscriminate assortment of period furniture mixed with modern.
A haughty voice interrupted her thoughts. “Well, what do you want, Nancy?” Mrs. Topham had sailed grandly into the room and seated herself opposite Nancy.
“I’m selling—” Nancy began pleasantly.
“Oh, if you’re selling things I’m not interested,” the woman broke in rudely. “I can’t be handing out money to every solicitor who comes along.”
With difficulty Nancy suppressed an angry retort to the cutting remark. “Mrs. Topham,” she said evenly, “perhaps your maid didn’t make it clear. I am selling tickets to a charity ball which will be one of the loveliest affairs in River Heights this year.”
“Oh!” A slight change came over Mrs. Topham’s face. Nancy sensed that her words had struck a responsive chord. The woman was well known for her aspirations to be accepted by the best families in River Heights. “Well—”
To Nancy’s dismay Mrs. Topham’s response was cut off by the arrival of Ada and Isabel. The sisters entered the room, but did not at first notice