Every detail of that hour impressed itself upon him as had the events of the day, for his mind was strung up to see the inner meaning of things clearly.
They began with the usual ritual of the selection of chairs and cigars, and Mr.Lessing had a glass of port with his coffee, because, as he explained, his nerves were all on edge.

Comfortably stretched out in an armchair, blowing smoke thoughtfully towards the empty grate, his fat face and body did not seem capable of nerves, still less to be suffering from them, but then one can never tell from appearances.

At any rate he chose his words with care, and Graham, opposite but sitting rather upright, could not but sense his meaning.
"Well, well, well," he said, "to think we should come to this! A European war in this century, and we in it! Not that I'll believe it till I hear it officially.

While there's life there's hope, eh, Graham ?" Peter nodded, for he did not know what to say.
"The question is," went on the other, "that if we are carried into war, what is the best policy?
Some fools will lose their heads, of course, and chuck everything to run into it.

But I've no use for fools, Graham." "No, sir," said Peter.
"No use for fools," repeated Mr.Lessing.