THE DARK ANGEL The following morning Ralph and Penelope breakfasted alone, the latter having given orders that Nan was on no account to be disturbed.

It was rather a dreary meal.

They were each oppressed by the knowledge which last night had revealed to them--the knowledge of the tragedy of love into which their two friends had been thrust by circumstances.
On their return from the concert at the Albert Hall they had encountered Mallory in the vestibule of the Mansions, and the naked misery stamped upon his face had arrested them at once.
"Peter, what is it ?" The question had sped involuntarily from Penelope's lips as she met his blank, unseeing gaze.

The sound of her voice seemed to bring him back to recognition.
"Go to Nan!" he said in queer, clipped tones.

"She'll need you.