Two country gentlemen in the vicinity also listened in silence.

They were amazed to hear such famous military names, whom they had been led by their favourite newspapers to regard as the hope of the country's salvation, criticised so unmercifully by youngsters.
"And do you think the war will soon be over, Mr.Brimley ?" said a feminine voice, rather loudly, during a lull in the conversation.

The speaker was a near neighbour and friend of Miss Heredith's, Mrs.Spicer, who was not a member of the house party, but had been invited to dinner that night and was going to the Weynes' afterwards.

She was stout and fresh-faced, and looked thoroughly good-natured and kind-hearted.
She addressed her question to a tall young man with prematurely grey hair, prominent eyes, and a crooked nose.

His name was Brimley, and he was well-known in London journalism.