“I have the good fortune to speak English easily,” said Von Edelstein. “Am I addressing myself to Mr. McMunn?”
“Ay,” said McMunn, “you are. And this is Lord Dunseverick, a baron like yourself.”
Von Edelstein bowed, and held out his hand.
“I prefer,” he said, “my military title, Captain von Edelstein. I believe that Lord Dunseverick also has a military title. Should I say colonel?”
“As a matter of fact,” said Lord Dunseverick, “I’m not in the Army.”
“I understand,” said Von Edelstein. “You are in the Volunteers, the Ulster Volunteers. But, perhaps I should say general?”
“I don’t call myself that,” said Lord Dunseverick.
“As a matter of fact, my rank is not officially recognized, in England, I mean.”
“Ah, but here—we recognize it. I assure you, general, we regard the Ulster Volunteers as a properly constituted military force.”
McMunn had been groping in a locker behind him. He interrupted Von Edelstein by setting a basket on the table.