ntly insane," was Mrs. Hungerford's
thought. She spoke, therefore, in a reassuring way, and tried to look as
though she thought Pen's remarks the most natural in the world.

Pen, however, read through her.

"You don't believe me," she said. "Now you listen. I look a pale little
girl, don't I? I am nearly eight years old. I don't see why a girl of
eight is to be trampled on; does you? I wanted to go, and I am going.
It's tum-tum-ache and sore froat and paling cheeks that has done it. If
you want to get what you don't think you will get, remember my words.
It's vinegar does it, but it gives you tum-ache awful."

The old lady could not help laughing.

"Now, I wonder," she said, opening a basket of peaches, "whether these
will give tum-ache."

Penelope grinned; she showed a row of pearly teeth.

"Guess not," she said.

The old lady put the basket between Penelope and herself.

"I have also got sandwiches--very nice ones--and little cakes," she said.
"Shall we two have lunch together, even if my face is like chocolate?"

"It's a beauty face, even if it is, and I love you," said Penelope. "I
think you are quite 'licious. Don't you like to look like chocolate?"

The old lady made no answer. Penelope dived her fat hand into the basket
of peaches and secured the largest and ripest.

"It is the best," she said. "Perhaps you ought to eat it."

"I think I ought, but if you don't agree with me you shall have it."

Penelope hesitated a moment.

"You wouldn't say that if you didn't mean me to eat it," she said. "Thank
you."

She closed her teeth in the delicious fruit and enjoyed herself vastly.
In short, by the time Mrs. Hungerford and her curious charge reached
Easterhaze it seemed to them both that they had known each other all
their days.

Miss Tredgold, Verena, and Pauline met the train. The girls looked rosy
and sunburnt. This was an ideal moment for Penelope. She almost forgot
Mrs. Hungerford in her delight at this meeting with her relatives. But
suddenly at the last moment she remembered.

"How are you, Aunt Sophy? I am scrumptiously glad to see you. How are
you, Verena? How are you, Paulie? Oh! please forgive me; I must say
good-bye to the chocolate old lady."

And the chocolate old lady was hugged and kissed several times, and then
Pen was at liberty to enjoy the delights of the seaside.

The lodgings where Miss Tredgold was staying were quite a mile from the
station. Pen enjoyed her drive immensely. T