Victor had expected at least some token resistance from Henry when he had offered to pay for the meals and the drinks. ?He decided that this, perhaps, was the reason that Henry had so suddenly turned considerably less than friendly toward him; he looked at Henry, as if desiring to say something, to make some sort of apology, then quickly decided against it, figuring that too many words, however well intended or good they may be, could be troublesome, especially in a situation such as this one. He ? instead turned his attention to Rena's question about why he had come?there. ?Giving a slight shrug he replied, worked mainly, I suppose; no real reason to stay where I was, so I¡ Came here. ?Is His expression ?became sad and ? distant once more, and his tone conveyed as much, as his eyes meandered ? to Henry, then back to Rena again; did the man even realize how truly fortunate he was, how great he had it, at least in this situation? Victor didn't know, and he certainly could not help but wonder. ?Is intention of coarse, had been merely to be friendly, but perhaps Henry had mistaken it for an act of pridefulness, using his money in buying drinks and meals to impress Rena, and show Henry up as being somewhat of a lesser man by not paying for such. ? He looked at Henry once again, thinking to apologize, and once more decided against it; Henry was already getting the better end of the deal anyway, what of it if his pride were somewhat punctured by not getting to pay for the meals and drinks. ?The man after all, was supposed to be a scientist, well above such petty thoughts, but if he were insecure enough to think that he, Victor, were trying to win Rina's affections by paying for food and drinks, then let the man take his actions as he chose. ? He nodded and chuckled when Rena spoke of the names of members of her family beginning with the letter F; quite fascinating that is, really. He had started to question concerning her father, but was interrupted before having the chance to ask. ? Thank you most kindly, good lady, he told Leti when she gave him his dessert and drink which he had requested. ?And may I sincerely complement you on a most brilliant saving a face moments earlier, he told her. ?I had judged by your actions that the approaching man was, most likely your employer, and had figured there would be trouble, but you averted it quite nicely if I may say so. ?Again he nodded with understanding when she answered his question by saying that Henry had likely had too much to drink. ?Quite understandable that is, he replied; even I, Have had more this evening than is my usual custom. ?He was mildly glad to see that Rena did not seem to be quite so obvious in her desire for Henry as she had been only moments earlier; while he could understand somewhat better the reason, that they had actually known each other before, and that she knew him because of her parents, he was not accustomed to seeing such continually open displays of affection in public, and he ?felt more comfortable, now that her actions bore some restraint. ?He frowned thoughtfully when Leti spoke of the gentleman at the other table looking ill. ?A pity it is, he murmured, but then, what is he doing here? ?He couldn't help feeling glad that the previous threat of?trouble had not escalated into a full-blown physical confrontation, and he thought to himself that¡ Perhaps, the poor fellow was merely a lonely soul, one much like himself.
God loves you.
Kat