Page:Eliot - Daniel Deronda, vol. I, 1876.djvu/138

 father; who, however, never treated him with any partiality—rather, with an extra rigour. Mr Gascoigne having inquired of Anna, knew that Rex had gone with Gwendolen to the meet at the Three Barns.

"What's the matter?" he said, hastily, not laying down his pen.

"I'm very sorry, sir; Primrose has fallen down and broken his knees."

"Where have you been with him?" said Mr Gascoigne, with a touch of severity. He rarely gave way to temper.

"To the Three Barns to see the hounds throw off."

"And you were fool enough to follow?"

"Yes, sir. I didn't go at any fences, but the horse got his leg into a hole."

"And you got hurt yourself, I hope, eh?"

"I got my shoulder put out, but a young black-smith put it in again for me. I'm just a little battered, that's all."

"Well, sit down."

"I'm very sorry about the horse, sir. I knew it would be a vexation to you."

"And what has become of Gwendolen?" said Mr Gascoigne, abruptly. Rex, who did not imagine that his father had made any inquiries about him, answered at first with a blush which