It rescued him from a request which he could not possibly grant, and reassured Lady Tozer.

To the non-nautical mind it is the unknown that is fearful.
A storm classed as "periodic," whose velocity can be measured, whose duration and direction can be determined beforehand by hours and distances, ceases to be terrifying.

It becomes an accepted fact, akin to the steam-engine and the electric telegraph, marvelous yet commonplace.
So her ladyship dismissed the topic as of no present interest, and focused Miss Deane through her eye-glasses.
"Sir Arthur proposes to come home in June, I understand ?" she inquired.
Iris was a remarkably healthy young woman.

A large banana momentarily engaged her attention.

She nodded affably.
"You will stay with relatives until he arrives ?" pursued Lady Tozer.
The banana is a fruit of simple characteristics.