"Most sorry, my dear Captain Bartram.

The unexpected return of a connection of my wife must be my apology for this lapse of manners.
Let me present you to the Duchess.

Captain Bartram is just back from Germany, my dear, and is an enthusiastic supporter of our cause .-- Sir Everard Dominey." Caroline shook hands kindly with her husband's protege, and Dominey exchanged a solemn handshake with him.
"You, too, are one of those, then, Captain Bartram, who are convinced that Germany has evil designs upon us ?" the former said, smiling.
"I have just returned from Germany after twelve months' stay there," the young soldier replied.

"I went with an open mind.

I have come back convinced that we shall be at war with Germany within a couple of years." The Duke nodded vigorously.
"Our young friend is right," he declared.