First she opened the windows to let in the air, then closed them to shut out the heat, only to fling them open once again, exclaiming impatiently: "Phew! I really don't know which is the cooler!" "Neither!" responded a gay voice from the doorway.

"The bottomless pit would probably be refreshingly draughty in comparison with town just now." Penelope whirled round to find Kitty, immaculate in white from head to foot and looking perfectly cool and composed, standing on the threshold.
"How do you manage it ?" she said admiringly.

"Even in this sweltering heat, when the rest of us look as though we had run in the wash, you give the impression that you've just stepped out of a refrigerated bandbox." "Appearances are as deceitful as usual, then," replied Kitty, sinking down into an arm-chair and unfurling a small fan.

"I'm simply melted! Am I the first arrival ?" she continued.

"Where's Nan ?" "She and Peter are decorating the tea-table--smiles and things, you know"-- Penelope waved an explanatory hand.
Kitty nodded.
"I think my plan was a good one, don't you?
Peter's been an excellent antidote to Maryon Rooke," she observed complacently.
"I'm not so sure," returned Penelope with characteristic caution.