A somewhat awkward pause ensued, then everybody rushed into conversation at once, so that Nan could only guess that some contretemps must have occurred between Penelope and the singer of which she was in ignorance. As soon as dinner was at an end she manoeuvred Kitty into a corner and demanded an explanation.
"Why has Ralph gone away?" she asked. "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.