Fiction: Colonial life in British India

I remember starting this book, and now cannot fund what it was or where I got it from.

The story is focused around a youngish British administrator during colonial rule in India, late 19th or early 20th century.

The scene I remember is set in a work camp, the protagonist meets up with several other British administrators who all know each other, but don't meet together very often.

They are all in a tent playing cards. One of the groups asks where one of their group is. One of the others gives an indirect answer, but they all understand that he has shot himself. The narrator voice then explains that this is a common fate for the lonely young men running imperial rule in India.

Anyone have any ideas?