"Keene, Carolyn - Nancy Drew 022 - The Clue in the Crumbling Wall" - читать интересную книгу автора (Keene Carolyn)

"Did you come to take me away?" Joan asked.
"Indeed we didn't. But we will have to send
you to a special school unless you decide to be
good."
"I am good," Joan said, tossing her tangled
blond curls. "Just ask my mother!"
"In many ways you are very good. I know you
work hard to take care of your mother. But why
do you dig up shrubs and plants that don't belong
to you?"
Joan's gaze roved to the telltale rosebushes.
She hung her head and didn't answer.
"I'm sure you don't really mean to be naughty,"
the policewoman continued. "Why do you take
flowers?"
"Because they're pretty," Joan said. "We can
never buy anything nice."
The child sank down on the porch steps and
began to cry. Lieutenant Masters comforted her.
Soon she gained an admission from the little girl
that an older boy, Teddy Hooper, who lived next
door, had suggested that Joan help herself to
some pretty plants.
"I don't know why I did it." Joan began to
sob. "I wish my Aunt Juliana would come home.
I'm sure she'd buy us some nice things."
In an undertone Lieutenant Masters explained
to Nancy that Joan knew about her aunt only
from her mother.
"Mrs. Fenimore wasn't married when her sister
disappeared. Come inside and let her tell you the
story."
Nancy received a distinct shock as Joan led the
way into the living room. Lying on a well-worn
couch was a slender woman with deep lines in
her pallid face. Nancy was sure Mrs. Fenimore
was not more than thirty years old, but she looked
fifty.
Upon seeing the policewoman, a concerned ex-
pression appeared on Mrs. Fenimore's face. "Has
Joan done something wrong again?"
At her mother's question, the child turned her
head away. Neither Lieutenant Masters nor Nancy
spoke immediately. After a brief pause, the police
officer introduced the new visitor.
"I'm glad to meet you," Mrs. Fenimore said
softly.
"I'm sorry you're not feeling well," Nancy re-
plied. "Perhaps it would be better if I came back
some other time."