"But--Nan has paid for it." The telephone hell buzzed suddenly into the middle of the conversation and Penelope flew to answer it.

When she came back her face held a look of mingled apprehension and relief.
"Who rang up ?" asked Ralph.
"It was Kitty.

She's back in town.

I've told her Nan is here, and she's coming round at once.

She said she'd got some bad news for her, but I think it'll have to be kept from her.