CHAPTER XII.
THE DOUBLED BARRIER Except for one of Trenby's frequent telephone calls, enquiring as to Nan's progress, Saturday passed uneventfully enough until the evening.
Then, through the clear summer dusk Kitty discerned the Mallow car returning from the station whither it had been sent to meet Ralph's train.
Hurrying down the drive, she saw Ralph lean forward and speak to the chauffeur who slowed down to a standstill, while he himself sprang out and came eagerly to her side.
"You angelic woman!" he exclaimed fervently.

"How did you manage it?
Will she--will she really--" "I think she will," answered Kitty, smiling.

"So you needn't worry.
But I'm not the _dea ex machina_ to whom you owe the 'happy ending.' Nan managed it--in some incomprehensible way of her own." "Then blessed be Nan!" said Ralph piously, as he opened the door of the car for her to enter.

Two minutes' further driving brought them to the house.
Following his hostess's instructions, Ralph remained outside, and as Kitty entered the great hall, alone, a white-clad figure suddenly made as though to escape by a further door.
"Come back, Penny," called Kitty, a hint of kindly mischief in her voice.

"You'll just get half an hour to yourselves before the dressing-bell rings.