You know, there are so many stupid people around here who have never understood anything at all about the war, and he was very anxious to get Colonel Ray to talk to them.

He had no idea, however, that it was the night fixed for your lecture, and he hopes that you will accept the loan of the village hall from him any night you like, and we should so much like all of us to come." "His Grace is very kind," I murmured.

"I fear, however, that the people are not very much interested in lectures, even about their own neighbourhood." "I am, at any rate," Lady Angela answered, smiling, "and I think we can promise you an audience." Colonel Ray, who had been standing at the window, came back to us.
"If I may be permitted to make a suggestion, Lady Angela," he said, "I think it would be well if you returned home now, and I will follow shortly on foot." "Indeed," I said, "there is no need for you, Colonel Ray, to remain.

I am absolutely recovered now, and the old woman who looks after me will be here in the morning." He seemed scarcely to have heard me.

Afterwards, when I knew him better, I understood his apparent unconcern of any suggestion counter to his own.