"Well, I've never understood the affair at all. Rooke was in love if ever a man was."
"Yes," agreed Penelope slowly. "But I think Maryon Rooke is what I should describe as—a born bachelor."
"Then he's no business philandering round with women who aren't born spinsters," retorted Kitty promptly.
Penelope's brown eyes twinkled.
"You're rather limiting his horizon," she observed.
Kitty laughed.
"Possibly. But I'm furious with him for hashing up Nan's life. . . .
As he has done," she added.
"Not necessarily," suggested Penelope. "I think Nan's rather like a little hard, unopened bud. He's bruised the bud, perhaps, but I don't think he's injured the flower."
"Good gracious, Penny, you're not trying to find excuses for the man!"
"Not a bit of it. But I believe that Nan has such a tremendous fascination for him that he simply can't resist her. In fact, I think if the question of finance didn't enter into the matter he'd be ready to shoulder the matrimonial yoke. . . But I don't see Maryon Rooke settling down to matrimony on a limited income! And of course Nan's own income ceases if she marries."