‘You are determined to accompany the expedition, Hastings?’ ‘Oh, yes. I shouldn’t be happy staying here inactive.’ ‘There is activity of mind as well as body, Hastings.’ ‘Well, you’re better at it than I am,’ I said. ‘You are incontestably right, Hastings. Am I correct in supposing that you intend to be a cavalier to one of the ladies?’ ‘That was the idea.’
