'Turkey,' he replied guardedly, 'will probably win. I do not imagine that there will be much for me to do. It all depends upon how soon Turkey gets to work. What is wanting in strategical skill will be made up in bloodthirstiness, I should imagine.'
She shuddered, but made no reply.
'I may be back in a fortnight,' he added coolly, 'and if Russia gets dragged into it, I may not get home for a year or two.'
'At all events, it will be a horrible war.'
'Probably.'
She laughed in a short, sarcastic way.
'You have already assumed the first coat of your mental and moral war-paint.'
'It is my trade, Brenda.'
'Then do not let us talk shop,' she said sharply. At times this learned little person was intensely womanly. As soon as the words were spoken she seemed to repent of them, for she added in a softer tone, 'Though I am afraid I began it.'
He looked down at her with meek, questioning eyes.