Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/190

 "I decline to discuss anatomy so soon after breakfast," she laughed as she rose. "I shall be about ten minutes," she threw at him over her shoulder as she walked towards the door.

Beresford sauntered through the vestibule, and stood smoking on the hotel steps watching the sparkle of the sea.

Presently Lola joined him and they set out in the direction of Hythe. For some time they walked in silence; Beresford sucking moodily at his pipe.

"Is anything the matter?" she enquired at length.

"Everything's the matter," he grumbled. "What right has Nature to produce anything so appalling as that poor girl?"

"Oh, I see," she said.

"Thick ankles, no taste in dress, sandy hair, sand-coloured eyelashes, spectacles. Shapeless, hopeless and alone."

"But" began Lola.

"If you want a more comprehensive list of feminine disabilities," he continued, "you are insatiable. Such people are a challenge to religious belief." There was a note of gloomy indignation in his voice.

"But perhaps she's happy," suggested Lola.

"Happy!" cried Beresford. "Would you be happy if you were in her place?"

She shuddered slightly.

"What right has Nature to give you all that she has given you, and deny that girl all she has denied her. How can she have a good time?"