"Just my luck to miss her," she muttered irritably.

"No, it isn't 'just your luck,' my dear. It's anyone's luck. You make
such a grievance of trifles."

In an instant Nan's charming smile flashed out.

"I _am_ a _beast_," she said in a tone of acquiescence. "What on earth
should I do without you, Penny, to bully me and generally lick me into
shape?" She dropped a light kiss on the top of Penelope's bent head.
"But, truly, I hate to miss Kit Seymour. She's as good as a tonic--and
just now I feel like a bottle of champagne that's been uncorked for a
week."

"You're overtired," replied Penelope prosaically. "You're so--so
_excessive_ in all you do."

Nan laughed.

"The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," she
acknowledged. "Well, what's the Kitten's news? What colour is her hair
this season?"

"Red. It suits her remarkably well."

Nan rippled with mirth.

"I never knew a painted Jezebel so perfectly delightful as Kitty. Even
Aunt Eliza can't resist her."