He found whist, and gymkhanas, and
things of that kind (meant to amuse one after office) good; but he took them
seriously too, just as he took the "head" that followed after drink. He lost
his money over whist and gymkhanas because they were new to him.
He took his losses seriously, and wasted as much energy and interest over a
two-gold-mohur race for maiden ekka-ponies with their manes hogged, as if it
had been the Derby. One-half of this came from inexperience--much as the puppy
squabbles with the corner of the hearth-rug--and the other half from the
dizziness bred by stumbling out of his quiet life into the glare and
excitement of a livelier one. No one told him about the soap and the blacking
because an average man takes it for granted that an average man is ordinarily
careful in regard to them. It was pitiful to watch The Boy knocking himself to
pieces, as an over-handled colt falls down and cuts himself when he gets away
from the groom.
This unbridled license in amusements not worth the trouble of breaking line
for, much less rioting over, endured for six months--all through one cold
weather--and then we thought that the heat and the knowledge of having lost
his money and health and lamed his horses would sober The Boy down, and he
would stand steady.
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