Chapter 14 Summary

When Penelope arrives, Qwill notes that she looks tired and suggests she take a vacation. As they enjoy idle conversation, he notices that she is getting drunk and, slipping into an investigative role, asks about Alex. Penelope admits that Alex's Washington trips are not all business and he plans to bring a new woman, Miss Smfska, into the firm as a partner. Penelope claims this will happen over her dead body. She also laments Alex's intention to sully the Goodwinter name by marrying Miss Smfska. When Penelope begins to feel ill due to the excessive amount of alcohol she drinks, Qwill drives her home to Alex. Thinking about Mrs. Fulgrove's report, Qwill concludes that Penelope is overreacting to the threat of Miss Smfska as a professional partner and sister-in-law. As he approaches the house, he is relieved to see that Mrs. Cobb has...