“I’m afraid we shan’t be able to meet you this afternoon.”
Dormer forebore to ask the reason, but not knowing what else to do, rose and prepared to take his leave. Possibly he spoke brusquely, he was nervous in the atmosphere of constraint, but whatever may have prompted the Gunner Captain, what he said was a confession:
“Our fellows are airing their views about demob.”
“Really!”
“Yes, perhaps you noticed it, as you came along?”
“Well, I did see a bit of a crowd.”
“You didn’t hear the speeches?” The other smiled.
“I heard nothing definitely objectionable, but it’s rather out of order, isn’t it?”
“Well, I suppose so, but we get no help from up-atop!” The Captain nodded in the direction of the Local Command.
“No, I suppose not,” Dormer sympathized.