"
"I don't seek his mercy," said Barnabas.
"Why, then, my dear Beverley--ha! there's Jenk come up to say the
curricle's at the door."
Sure enough, at the moment, the Viscount's gentleman presented
himself to announce the fact, albeit mournfully and with a sigh. He
was about to bow himself out again when the Viscount stayed him with
an upraised finger.
"Jenkins," said he, "my very good Jenk!"
"Yes, m'lud?" said Jenkins.
"Is the person with the--ah--bristles--still downstairs?"
"He is, m'lud," said Jenkins, with another sigh.
"Then tell him to possess his soul in patience, Jenk,--for I fear he
will remain there a long, long time."
CHAPTER XXXIV
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.
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