Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/276

 that this was the most ridiculous dream that had ever descended upon him.

"Then I shall take no refusal," said Drewitt evenly, giving no outward sign of the chaotic state of his brain under these repeated hammer-blows of surprise. "I have to go round and see my tailor, and on the way I'll engage a table at the Ritz-Carlton. If I'm a little late, don't wait. You understand, Richard? I shall withhold my congratulations till then."

As he turned towards the door Lola looked up.

"You—you are the first we've told," she said a little tremulously.

With a smile in which there was nothing of cynicism he held out his hand.

"You'll be very happy," he said. Then after a pause added, "when you've educated Richard; but he has excellent taste," allowing his eyes to wander on the table, "in flowers," and with that he left the room.

For fully a minute the two stood looking at each other. It was Beresford who broke the silence.

"Lola, what have you done?"

"I" she looked about her a little wildly. "I suppose I—I've proposed to you." Then she laughed, a strange, mirthless laugh.

Beresford stepped across to her and led her to the chair just vacated by Drewitt. "Sit down, Rain-Girl," he said gently; "I don't understand."

He had once more gained control over himself.

"You—you don't seem at all pleased," she