"You are frightfully last-century now and then, Robert," Nevil said, with his air of solemn patience. "No one objects to vivisection nowadays except a few cranks. The protest is against this country's refusal to give shelter to the patriot Kotovich."
"The said patriot is very badly 'wanted' in his own country, I understand."
"By his enemies; yes."
"By the police; for two murders."
"Executions."
"You a disciple of John Knox, Nevil?"
"Good God, no. What has that to do with it?"
" He believed in self-appointed executioners. The idea has a little 'gone out' in this country, I understand. Anyhow, if it's a choice between Rosemary's opinion of Kotovich and the opinion of the Special Branch, I'll take the Special Branch."
"The Special Branch only do what the Foreign Office tells them. Everyone knows that. But if I stay and explain the ramifications of the Kotovich affair to you, I shall be late for the film."
"What film?"