"And why did you look so uncomfortable when I asked about him?
And why did Penelope blush ?" "Could I have them one at a time ?" suggested Kitty mildly.
"You can have them combined into one.

Tell me, what's been happening to-day ?" "Well, I gather that 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.