An Unpleasant Encounter
In spite of Nancy Drew’s firm decision to assist the Horner girls, the days slipped by and, try as she would, she could think of no way to discover whether or not the missing Crowley will had fallen into the hands of the Tophams. Although she seldom discussed the case with her father, he knew that she was troubled.
“You’re worrying about the Horner girls,” he observed one day. “I am afraid you are taking their misfortunes too seriously. There is nothing you can do without the will, and you had best forget about it. Why, you’ve scarcely been out of the house since the Horner girls were here. Go shopping, or anything, to take your mind from the subject.”
“I have been thinking about Allie and Grace,” Nancy admitted, with a rueful smile. “I was so sure I could do something for them.”
“Give your mind a rest and perhaps you’ll have an inspiration,” Mr. Drew encouraged her kindly.
“All right, I’ll take your advice and go shopping, though I really haven’t a thing to buy. The fresh air will do me good, I suppose.”
After luncheon, Nancy left the house and made her way toward the business section of River Heights. The walk was a long one, but she took it at a brisk pace. Nancy naturally was athletic, and as she swung along more than one passerby turned to look after her in admiration.
After “window shopping” for a time, she wandered into a department store more from curiosity than because she had anything to buy. She moved about aimlessly, gazing at whatever struck her fancy.