Only when Daphne fell on her knees by my side did I realise that I was the speaker.
Berry and Piers were at the telephone.
I heard them.
"Ask for the Bordeaux Exchange. Burn it, why can't I talk French? Do as I say, lad. Don't argue. Ask for the Bordeaux Exchange. Insist that it's urgent—a matter of life and death."
Piers began to speak—shakily.
"Yes. The Bordeaux Exchange…. It's most urgent, Mademoiselle….
A matter of life and death…. Yes, yes. The Exchange itself….
What? My God! But, Mademoiselle——"
A sudden rude thresh of the bell announced that his call was over.
Berry fell upon the instrument with an oath.
"It's no good!" cried Piers. "It's no good. She says the line to
Bordeaux is out of order."
My sister lifted her head and looked into my face.