OF THE LUCK OF CAPTAIN SLINGSBY, OF THE GUARDS
"You don't mind if we—drive about a bit, do you, Beverley?"
"Not in the least."
"I—er—I generally go the longest way round when I have to call on—"
"On Gaunt?"
"Yes."
Now as they went, Barnabas noticed that a change had come over his companion, his voice had lost much of its jovial ring, his eye its sparkle, while his ruddy cheeks were paler than their wont; moreover he was very silent, and sat with bent head and with his square shoulders slouched dejectedly. Therefore Barnabas must needs cast about for some means of rousing him from this depression.
"You drive a very handsome turnout," said he at last.
"It is neat, isn't it?" nodded Slingsby, his eye brightening.
"Very!" said Barnabas, "and the horses—"