salutes, and is mechanically answered. LORD WILLIAM has
"charm." His hair and moustache are crisp and just beginning to
grizzle. His bearing is free, easy, and only faintly armoured.
He will go far to meet you any day. He is in full evening
dress.]

LORD W. [Cheerfully] I say, Poulder, what have you and James been
doing to the Press? Liberty of the Press--it isn't what it was, but
there is a limit. Where is he?

[He turns to Jams between whom and himself there is still the
freemasonry of the trenches.]

JAMES. [Pointing to POULDER] Be'ind the parapet, me Lord.

[THE PRESS mopes out from where he has involuntarily been.
screened by POULDER, who looks at JAMES severely. LORD WILLIAM
hides a smile.]

PRESS. Very glad to meet you, Lord William. My presence down here
is quite involuntary.

LORD W. [With a charming smile] I know. The Press has to put its--
er--to go to the bottom of everything. Where's this bomb, Poulder?
Ah!

[He looks into the wine cooler.]

PRESS. [Taking out his note-book] Could I have a word with you on
the crisis, before dinner, Lord William?