“I’ll look for you at twelve-thirty, then.” Mr. Drew pushed back his chair and glanced at his watch. “I must hurry now or I’ll be late getting downtown.”
After her father had left, Nancy Drew finished her breakfast and then went to the kitchen to consult with Hannah, the maid, concerning the work of the day. Although only sixteen, Nancy was unusually capable, and under her skillful direction everything ran smoothly in the Drew household.
On the death of her mother six years before, she had taken over the entire management of the establishment. The Drews employed one servant, Hannah Gruen, an elderly maid of all work who had been with them for many years.
The responsibility of the household might have weighed heavily upon Nancy, but she was the type of girl who is capable of accomplishing a great many things in a comparatively short length of time. She enjoyed sports of all kinds and she found time for clubs and parties.
In school Nancy had been very popular and she boasted many friends. People declared that she had a way of taking life very seriously without impressing one as being the least bit serious herself.
While at school Nancy had made one particular chum, Helen Corning, of whom we shall hear more later. She had also made two enemies, the Topham sisters. Once she had caught Ada in wrongdoing in class and both sisters had placed the blame on Nancy. But Helen and two others had come to Nancy’s rescue. Since that time Ada and Isabel had been more hateful to Nancy than ever.
“I’ll not be back for luncheon today,” Nancy told Hannah, as she prepared to leave the house. “I have made out the dinner menu and ordered the groceries, so I guess you won’t need me for a few hours.”