"You don't know what fun I'm going to have, and there's a great secret, too," said Flossie. "Oh, by the way, it was good of you to give Nesta that sovereign. She was nearly mad about it. I never saw anybody in such a fix. But when you had given it to her she got into the best of humours. We had a right good time at the pastrycook's, I can tell you. I never ate so many light cakes in the whole course of my life before. And we are going to have more fun, Nesta and I. By the way, I hope you're not jealous." "Jealous!" said Pen. "What about?" "Of me and Nesta." Flossie giggled. "No; I'm not jealous," said Pen. "I don't quite understand." "I should think it was pretty easy to understand. Nesta and me--we've always been the primest friends--no husband and wife could love each other better than we do. But then you stepped in, and for a time I thought there was going to be a rift in the lute,"--Flossie was very fond of mixed metaphors,--"I really thought there was; but when Nesta saw us both in our true lights, she, of course, would never give me up just because you are the richest." "I should hope not," said Pen. "It would be contemptible. But here we are at the Aldworths'. I am going in too." "Are you? You don't want Nesta, I hope?" "No; I don't care who I see. I just want a sheet of paper and a pen and some ink. I have a stamp in my pocket." "Well, come along; I know the way better than you do," said Flossie. They went up to the front entrance, and Flossie rang the bell. Then she pressed her face against the glass of the side window. "Oh, dear," she said, "I see that dreadful, stately old-maidish Miss Aldworth coming downstairs. Don't let her see me. Just let me hide behind you. There, that's better." Pen stood back a little stiffly. Presently the door was opened by Marcia herself. "How do you do, Flossie?" she said. "How do you do, Miss Carter?" "I have come," said Flossie, "to see Nesta. Where is she?" "You cannot see her at present. She is engaged with her mother." "But mayn't I just see her for the shortest of minutes?" "I am sorry you cannot. Have you any message for me to take to her?" "No; yes, that is if you are quite sure I can't see her." "I am certain on the subject. She is very busy with her mother, and cannot possibly be disturbed until after the midday meal." "Well, tell her--tell her--oh, no; don't tell her anything. You may just mention that I called, and, if she is free, I can be in the wood this afternoon." "Very well; I'll remember," said Marcia with a grave smile. Flossie was forced to take her departure, and Penelope, with a sigh of relief, turned to Marcia.