"And tell 'em the truth?"
Penelope started.
"I can't, I can't, because we've quarrelled. But I will see them; I must."
She went red and white and red again, and once more as pale as dawn. She kissed the sleeping, adopted, illegitimate, normal-coloured infant as he sprawled upon an historic bed, and went to the door.
"Come with me, Bob."
"I'll hold your hand, Pen. I say, you shake!"
"Squeeze my hand till you hurt me," said Pen. "Now come!"
She swept down the big staircase, with Bob in tow, and found herself in the presence of the entire "gang," as Bob had called them.
"Penelope!" said Titania, recoiling.
"Oh, Pen," said Bradstock, advancing.