"I was just coming to say good-bye to Kitty," began Penelope. "I'd no
idea the time had flown so quickly."

"Charm of my society," murmured Barry.

Peter's face was rather white and set, but he managed to reply in a
voice that sounded fairly normal.

"Kitty's very fagged and she's going to rest for a few minutes before
dressing for dinner. She asked me to say good-bye to you for her,
Penelope."

"Then it falls to my lot to speed the parting guest," said Barry
cheerily. "Peter, old son, can the car take you on anywhere after
dropping Penny at the Mansions?"

Peter was conscious of a sudden panic. He had just come from baring
the rawness of his wound to Kitty, and, gently as her fingers had
probed, even the kind hands of a friend may sometimes hurt
excruciatingly. He felt that at the moment he could not endure the
companionship of any living soul.

"No, thanks," he answered jerkily. "I'll walk."




CHAPTER VIII

THE MIDDLE OF THE STAIRCASE