He had the vaguest notion where people like the Prime Minister and Sir Edward Grey would be that night.

He thought possibly with the King, or in Downing Street.

And then he heard his name being called, and turned to see Sir Robert Doyle coming towards him.
The other's face arrested him.

"Is there any news, Sir Robert ?" he asked.
Sir Robert glanced up in his turn at the great shining dial above them.
"Our ultimatum has gone or is just going to Germany, and in twenty-four hours we shall be at war," he said tersely.

"I'm just going home; I've been promised a job.".