nge of honest
self-contempt. But what should she do without Penelope? It would
create a big blank for her if her best friend left her for a home of
her own. Somehow, the inevitable reaction of Penelope's marriage upon
her own life had not occurred to her before. It hurt rather badly now
that the thought had presented itself, but she determined to ignore
that aspect of the matter firmly.

"Well, I hope they _will_ come back engaged," she declared. "Anyway, I
won't say a word till one or other of them announces the good news."

"Better not," agreed Barry. "I think part of the trouble is this big
American tour Fenton's been offered. It seems to have complicated
matters."

There came a light footstep on the staircase and Kitty swished round
the bend. Barry and Nan started guiltily apart, smiling deprecatingly
at her.

"Nan, you ought to be in bed by now!" protested Kitty severely.
"You're not to be trusted one minute, Barry, keeping her standing about
talking like this."

She shoo'd her big husband away with a single wave of her arm and
marshalled Nan into the bedroom. In her hand she carried a tray on
which was a glass of hot milk.

"There," she continued, addressing Nan. "You've got to drink that
while you're undressing, and then you'll sleep well. And you're not to
come down to-morrow except for dinner. I'll send your meals up--you
shan't be starved! But you must have a thorough rest."

"Oh, Kitty!" Nan's exclamation was a positive wail of dismay.

Kitty cheerfully dismissed any possibility of discussion.

"It's quite settled, my dear. You'll be feeling it all far worse
to-morrow than to-day. So get into bed now as quickly as possible."

"This milk's absolutely boiling," complained Nan irritably. "I can't
drink it."

"Then undress first and drink it when you're in bed. I'll brush your
hair for you."

It goes without saying that Kitty had her way--it was a very
kind-hearted way--and before long Nan was sipping her glass of milk and
gratefully realising the illimitable comfort which a soft bed brings to
weary limbs.

"By the way, I've some news for you," announced Kitty, as she sat
perched on the edge of the bed, smoking one of the tiny gold-tipped
cigarettes she affected.

"News? What news?"

"Well, guess who's coming here?"

Nan named one or two mutual friends, only to be met by a triumphant
negative. Finally Kitty divulged her secret.

"Why, Peter Mallory!"

The glass in Nan