FOREWORD

This book was finished in April 1918, and represents
the mood of a supremely critical moment in the war.

M. A. W.




ELIZABETH'S CAMPAIGN




CHAPTER I


'Remember, Slater, if I am detained, that I am expecting the two
gentlemen from the War Agricultural Committee at six, and Captain
Mills of the Red Cross is coming to dine and sleep. Ask Lady
Chicksands to look after him in case I am late--and put those
Tribunal papers in order for me, by the way. I really must go
properly into that Quaker man's case--horrid nuisance! I hope to be
back in a couple of hours, but I can't be sure. Hullo, Beryl! I
thought you were out.'

The speaker, Sir Henry Chicksands, already mounted on his cob