"As a preliminary to a pleasant chat, may I suggest a cup of tea for each of us ?" The ladies were manifestly astonished.

Tea! When broken hearts were scattered around! The suggestion was pure bathos.
Margaret, with a touch of severity, permitted Brett to ring, and coldly agreed with Helen's declaration that she could not think of touching any species of refreshment at such a moment.
"Then," said Brett, advancing and holding out his hand, "I will save your servants from needless trouble, Mrs.Capella.I am equally emphatic in my insistence on food and drink as primary necessities.

For instance, a cup of good tea just now is much more important in my eyes than your husband's vagaries." "Surely you will not desert me ?" appealed Margaret.
"Mr.Brett, how can you be so heartless ?" cried Helen.
"Your words cut me to the bone," he answered, with an easy smile, "but in this matter I must be adamant.

My dear ladies, pray consider.

What a world we should live in if people went without their meals because they were worried.