Claudius was silent.
"What on earth is the matter with you, Claudius? Have you got a headache, or are you going to be married?"
Claudius roused himself, and offered Barker a cigar.
"There is nothing the matter," he said; "I suppose my excursion has made me a little gloomy; but I shall soon get over that. There are matches on the mantelpiece."
"Thanks. Why did you not come down town to-day? Oh! of course you were away. It was very good fun. We had a regular bear garden."
"It looked like something of that sort yesterday when I was there."
"Yesterday? Oh! you had never been there before. Yes, it is always like that. I say, come and take a drive in the park before dinner."
"No, thanks. I am very sorry, but I have an appointment in a few minutes. I would like to go very much; you are very kind."
"Business?" asked the inquisitive Mr. Barker.
"Well—yes, if you like, business."