So if she talks about 'my dear son's army,' don't let her down, like a good chap--for she'll think either me a fraud or you a liar." He rose suddenly, with a change of expression.
"You're the only man in the world I could talk to like this about my mother.

You know the sterling goodness and loyalty that lies beneath her funny little ways." He strode to the window which looks out on to the garden, his back turned on me.

And there he stood silent for a considerable time.

I helped myself to marmalade and poured out a second cup of tea.

There was no call for me to speak.