Chapter 20

Mine host handed me the book with an air of hurt dignity, and retired once more indoors, whilst I started on my lengthy task. In couples the others came back looking moody and disconsolate, and disinclined for conversation. They took no notice of me, and I, for fear I might raise false hopes, said nothing. Plenty of time to talk if I proved right. Dinner came, and over the steak and kidney pie, I found it. Lady of the Mere, Sole—sitting by the shores of old romance. I stared at the page blankly. Lady…