t Ralph has been offering his hand and heart to
Penelope."

"It seems to be epidemic," murmured Nan _sotto voce_.

"What did you say?"

"Only that it seems an odd proceeding for a newly-engaged young man to
go careering off to London immediately."

"But he isn't engaged--that's just it. Penelope refused him."

"Refused him? But--but why?" asked Nan in amazement.

"You'd better ask her yourself. Perhaps you can get some sense out of
her--since you appear to be the chief stumbling-block."

"I?"

"Yes. I saw Ralph before he went away. He seemed very down on his
luck, poor dear! He's been trying to persuade Penelope to say yes and
to fix an early date for their wedding, as he's got the offer of a very
good short tour in America--really thumping fees--and he won't accept
it unless she'll marry him first and go with him."

"Well, I don't see how that's my fault."

"In a way it is. The only reason Penelope gave him as to why she
wouldn't consent was that she will never marry as long as you need her."

Nan digested this information in silence. Then she said quietly:

"If that's all, you can take off your sackcloth and ashes and phone
Ralph at his hotel to come back here to-morrow. I'll--I'll talk to
Penelope to-night."

Kitty stared at her in surprise.

"You seem very sure of the effect of your persuasions," she answered
dubiously.

"I am. Quite sure. It won't take me five minutes to convince Penelope
that there is no need for her to remain in a state of single
blessedness on my account. And now, I'm going out of doors to have a
smoke all by myself. You were quite right"--smiling briefly--"when you
said I should feel everything more to-day than yesterday. Do keep
people away from me, there's a good soul."

Kitty gave her a searching glance. But for two spots of feverishly
vivid colour in her cheeks, the girl's face was very pale, and her eyes
over-bright, with heavy shadows underlying them.

"Very well," she said kindly. "Tuck yourself up in one of the lounge
chairs and I'll see that no one bothers you."

But Nan was in no mood for a lounge chair. Lighting a cigarette, she
paced restlessly up and down the flagged path of the quadrangular
court, absorbed in her thoughts.

It seemed to her as though Fate had suddenly given her a gentle push in
the direction of marriage with Roger. She knew now that Penny had
refused Ralph solely on her account--so that she might not be left
alone. If sh