Captain Ware returned from parade twenty minutes later, and learned from Wragby that his father was awaiting him. He grimaced, but said nothing. His batman made haste to unbuckle his brass cuirass, and his sword-belt; Captain Ware handed his great, crested helmet to Wragby, and lifted an enquiring eyebrow. Wragby cast up both his eyes in a very speaking way, at which the Captain nodded. He stripped off his white gauntlets, tossed them on to the table, flicked the dust from his black-jacked boots, and walked into his sitting-room.
An impartial observer might have thought him a vision to gladden any father’s heart, for his big frame and his dark good looks were admirably suited to the magnificent uniform he wore. But when Lord Lionel, who was standing staring out of the window at the opposite row of chambers, turned to confront him gladness was an emotion conspicuously lacking in his countenance. He was looking appallingly grim, and his eyes held an expression Gideon had never before seen in them.
“I am extremely happy to see you, father,” Gideon said, closing the door. “I hope you have not waited long for me? One of our curst parades! How do you do?”
Lord Lionel ignored both the speech and the outstretched hand. He said, as though the words were wrenched out of him: “For God’s sake, Gideon, where is Gilly?”
“I have not the remotest conjecture,” replied Gideon. “To own the truth, I am a trifle weary of being asked that question.”
“You have not the remotest conjecture?” repeated his father. “Do you expect me to believe that?”
Gideon’s face stiffened; the resemblance between them seemed to grow more marked. “I do, yes,” he said in a level tone.
Lord Lionel held out a hand that shook slightly, “What, Gideon, is this?” he demanded, his hard eyes never wavering from Gideon’s face.
Gideon glanced down at his hand, and saw what lay in the palm of it. “That,” he said, still in that level voice, “is Gilly’s ring, sir. You found it in my desk. I am surprised you do not recognize it.”
“Not recognize it!” exclaimed Lord Lionel. “Do you take me for a fool, Gideon?”