My father poured out nearly a glass full of the raw spirit, diluted it with a little, a very little, water, and drank it off.
"Your labours, my dear boy," he continued, "I refer, of course, to the labours of the Military Council, are, I believe, concentrated upon a general scheme of defence against any possible invasion on the part of France.

Quite a scare you people seem to be in.

Not that one can wonder at it.

These military manoeuvres of our friends across the water are just a little obvious even to John Bull, eh?
You don't answer.
Quite right, quite right! Never commit yourself uselessly.

It is very good diplomacy.