Office is no better than any other War Office. I found that
opinion on my observation of the characters of my
brothers-in-law: one of whom, by the way, is on the German
general staff. I am not at all sure that this list of gun
emplacements would receive the smallest attention. You see, there
are always so many more important things to be attended to.
Family matters, and so on, you understand.

THE LADY. Still, if a question were asked in the House of
Commons--

AUGUSTUS. The great advantage of being at war, madam, is that
nobody takes the slightest notice of the House of Commons. No
doubt it is sometimes necessary for a Minister to soothe the more
seditious members of that assembly by giving a pledge or two; but
the War Office takes no notice of such things.

THE LADY [staring at him]. Then you think this list of gun
emplacements doesn't matter!!

AUGUSTUS. By no means, madam. It matters very much indeed. If
this spy were to obtain possession of the list, Blueloo would
tell the story at every dinner-table in London; and--

THE LADY. And you might lose your post. Of course.

AUGUSTUS [amazed and indignant]. I lose my post! What are you
dreaming about, madam? How could I possibly be spared? There are
hardly Highcastles enough at present to fill half the posts
created by this war. No: Blueloo would not go that far. He is at