Miss Freyne withered him with a look before she inquired icily who had told Mr. Stafford of their intention.
Basil Stafford observed with some confusion that he'd heard of it—er—somehow.
Gheena replied that she did not remember mentioning it until that morning, and then only to two people who took an interest in the war.
At this Basil Stafford shot out "Steady," his voice shaking a little.
"Well, you can't," she replied with firmness.
"I can take an interest in folly," he observed after a pause, speaking with the extreme sweetness which marks distinct ill-humour.
"Keep off those cliffs, Miss Freyne. You see, there really is a war somewhere, a real war, and the German Emperor is not yet at Runnymede."
"You'd like us to keep off the cliffs," said Gheena. "No doubt."
Mr. Stafford suddenly allowed his ill-humour to pass to laughter.
"War includes many things which you have not even dreamt of," he said, grinning. "Keep away from it."