"It sounds delightful."
"I've got a paper to read to the Naval and Military Institute in six weeks' time. I could just fit it in—and write the thing out there, you know."
"We'd all help you," said Winnie.
The Major detected raillery. "I should have a go at it before you were up in the morning."
"Oh, well, then I must be content with the humble function of helping to relax your mind afterwards."
"But you wouldn't mind our coming?"
"You don't appreciate how fond I am of the General."
"Well, he half-worships you, Miss Wilson. And you'll put up with my company for his sake?"
"He's too distinguished a man to carry the rugs and cushions."
"You can fag me as much as you like on board. The difficulty is to get enough moving about."