George Winter.

Yes. Etchingham, d’you mind ...?

Etchingham.

Of course not.

[He goes up to Catherine, who is standing at the window, and begins talking to her. The conversation between George Winter and Bennett proceeds in a lower tone, sinking almost to a whisper as it goes on.

George Winter.

What the devil’s the matter, Fred? You’re looking like a dying duck in a thunderstorm.

Bennett.

There’s been a cable from Macdonald, Governor.