Page 79 - English Class 07

KENELM JERTON entered the dining-hall of the Golden Galleon Hotel in the full crush of

the luncheon hour. Nearly every seat was occupied and small additional tables had been
brought in, where floor space permitted to accommodate latecomers with the result that
many of the tables were almost touching one another. Jerton was beckoned by a waiter to
the only vacant table that was visible and took his seat with the uncomfortable and wholly

groundless idea that nearly every one in the room was staring at him. He was a youngish
man of ordinary appearance, quiet of dress and he could never wholly rid himself of the
idea that a fierce light of public scrutiny beat on
beckoned : to give a signal using hands
him. After he had ordered his lunch, there came the
scrutiny : inspection
unavoidable interval of waiting with nothing to do,
but to stare at the flower vase on his table.

“What is the name of these roses, do you know?” he asked the waiter. The waiter was
shocked and showed his ignorance.

AMY SYLVESTER PARTINGLON, said a voice at Jerton’s elbow.
The voice came from a pleasant-faced, well-dressed young woman who was sitting at a

table that almost touched Jerton’s. He thanked her hurriedly and nervously for the
information and made some silly remark about the flowers. “It is a curious thing,” said the
young woman, “That, I should be able to tell you the name of those roses without an effort of

memory, because if you were to ask me my name, I should be utterly unable to give it to you.”
Jerton was shocked at her comment. “What?” he asked awkwardly.

“Yes,” answered the lady, “I suppose it is a case of partial loss of memory. I was in the
train coming down here; my
ticket told me that I had come

from Victoria and was bound for
this place. I had a couple of five-
pound notes and a sovereign on
me, no visiting cards or any other

means of identification and no
idea as to who I am. I can only
hazily recollect that I have a title;
I am Lady Somebody – beyond

that my mind is a blank.”
“Hadn’t you any luggage with

you?” asked Jerton.

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