CHAPTER XII
THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES
1
ON returning from their walk on the Leas, Lola had gone straight to her room, and had not entered the dining-room until Beresford was half-way through lunch. The sudden change in her manner had puzzled him; but he was determined that she should have no cause to feel that he was taking advantage of what, after all, was a chance acquaintance.
His own meal finished, he left the dining-room, and a few minutes later the hotel. That afternoon he spent in strolling about the town, taking the opportunity of ordering some red roses for Lola. Returning about six he went to his room, feeling unaccountably tired. Lying down he slept until nearly eight o'clock, and again he was late at dinner. When half-way through his meal Lola had risen and, bowing to him with a friendly little smile, had left the dining-room and he saw her no more that night. He noticed that she was not wearing any flowers.
Later on in the smoking-room a number of men approached, enquiring if he were better. He was
165
