“My dear Eileen, must you really leave us?”

“Well, Father seems to have got the wind up rather badly. I think I’d better go home and hold his hand.”

“This little hand will indeed be comforting,” said George, taking it and pressing it playfully. “My dear Eileen, I understand your reasons and I honour you for them. In these days of changed and unsettled conditions⁠—”

“He’s off,” thought Bundle desperately.