There is not the slightest doubt," he added, looking belligerently over the top of his _pince nez_ at Seaman, who was seated at the opposite side of the table, "that before long we shall find ourselves--and in a shocking state of unpreparedness, mind you--at war with Germany." Lady Maddeley, the wife of the Lord Lieutenant, who sat at his side, seemed a little startled.

She was probably one of the only people present who was not aware of the Duke's foible.
"Do you really think so ?" she asked.

"The Germans seem such civilised people, so peaceful and domestic in their home life, and that sort of thing." The Duke groaned.

He glanced down the table to be sure that Prince Terniloff was out of hearing.
"My dear Lady Maddeley," he declared, "Germany is not governed like England.

When the war comes, the people will have had nothing to do with it.