prime minister
[Studying the message, suddenly.
By Heaven! If—
minister of war
What is it? You look as if—
prime minister
If nothing! Bring me some claret out of that inexhaustible cabinet of yours.
[He draws his pen through a section of the message. The minister of war goes to a cabinet in the rear wall and brings forth a decanter of claret and glasses.
minister of war
[Pouring a glassful for the prime minister.