She wished he would stop a minute.

Someone was trying to talk to her, telling her she ought to be tremendously shocked and grieved.

He--or she, or whatever it was that was trying to talk to her, appeared concerned about Reason and Pity and Universal Brotherhood and Civilization's clock--things like that.

But the little impish drummer was making such a din, she couldn't properly hear.

Later on, perhaps, he would get tired; and then she would be able to listen to this humane and sensible person, whoever it might be.
Mary argued that England could and should keep out of it; but Greyson was convinced it would be impossible, not to say dishonourable: a sentiment that won the enthusiastic approval of the little drummer in Joan's brain.
He played "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the King," the "Marseillaise" and the Russian National hymn, all at the same time.