For years past she had asked nothing more of the world than that she should be comfortable in it, and it really seemed not an unreasonable request, considering at how small an outlay of money all the comfort she wanted could be secured to her.

The thought of war had upset her a good deal already: she had been unable to attend to her book when she awoke from her after-lunch nap; and now, when she hoped to have her tea in peace, and find her attention restored by it, she found the general atmosphere of her two companions vaguely disquieting.

She became a little more loquacious than usual, with the idea of talking herself back into a tranquil frame of mind, and reassuring to herself the promise of a peaceful future.
"Such a blessing we have a good fleet," she said.

"That will make us safe, won't it?
I declare I almost hate the Germans, though my dear husband was one himself, for making such a disturbance.

The papers all say it is Germany's fault, so I suppose it must be.