Echo

Pennyweather asks Mike and Frankie to play a song on the piano for two men, Mr. Golding and Mr. Howard, whom she believes are potential buyers. Together, they play “America the Beautiful.” Mr. Howard asks them how they learned to play. Then, Mr. Howard announces that the two men wish to adopt a child on behalf of Eunice Dow Sturbridge, the daughter of a famous businessman who has recently died. They asked about the piano because they are looking to adopt a child who is musical, and they hope to start the adoption proceedings immediately.

Pennyweather recommends that Mrs. Sturbridge adopt Frankie. Mr. Howard talks to the boys in private, and Mike tells Mr. Howard that he wants what’s best for Frankie, even if they can’t stay together. After the emotional conversation, Mr. Howard tells Pennyweather that Eunice will adopt both boys.

Mr. Golding heads to the courthouse, and Frankie and Mike come upon the large Queen-Anne-style house where they will live. There is a two-story tower on one side of the house. Mike learned from his grandmother that “if something [seems] too good to be too true, it [is] probably a swindle,” so he begins looking for the catch (258).