“I thought I detected an unsatisfied look on your face as you entered
the room, my friend. I think I know the reason of it. I dare say you
have been accustomed to something which you failed to find on the table
in your room. I am sure of it. I have inquired, and I am very sorry for
the omission. But make your mind easy; look on your table to-night, and
I think you will be satisfied.”
This was not so bad, the visitor thought; though not everything, still a
whisky and soda going to bed was better than nothing.
He had his customary claret at his lunch in the pavilion that day, so
he did not mind the sibilant but unsatisfying syphons at dinner. But he
felt tired that night, he said, and went oft early to bed.
Switching on the light, he hurried to the table for the promised treat.
He found that the table bore nothing except a large Bible, bound in
leather!