The experience was as distressing as it was unusual.
The father, as if in dread of silence, was obviously exerting himself to keep a stream of talk flowing.

Barry was listening with a face very grave and very unlike the bright and buoyant face he usually carried.
They avoided each other's eyes, and paid little heed to their food.
At length Barry pushed back his chair.
"Will you excuse me, dad," he said.

"I think I shall step out a moment into the garden." "Do, Barry," said his father, in obvious relief.

"You are fagged out, my boy." "Thanks, dad.

I am a bit played out." "And take it easy this afternoon, Barry.