“Of course we are not prepared; we would not listen to Lord Roberts; and, on the other hand, you have been arming and drilling and shipbuilding for the last forty years!”
“Ah, well, meine liebe fräulein, we must spread our borders! Who could expect the greatest nation in the world to remain cooped up in the North Sea? We demand and we will have space, power, and the sun. We understand patriotism and the love of country.”
“The love of other people’s countries,” interposed Sophy sharply. “You Germans are everywhere—like the sparrows.”
“To other nations we bring valuable lessons in industry and Kulture, prudence, thrift, and energy; other countries are only too fortunate to receive us. We have brains, bold hearts, and discipline—and know how to use them. Old Blücher, who won Waterloo, may yet find his aspirations fulfilled.”
“Ah, you mean the sack and plunder of London?”
He nodded an impressive assent, and then said:
“When I am there I shall call on you, and show you my loot!” As he spoke he lent towards her, his eyes exultant, his breath heavy with champagne. Sophy instinctively recoiled and said:
“Pray do not trouble.”
Bernhard gave a loud, boisterous laugh.
“It will be ‘Missy can’t see.’ By the way, talking of loot, do you know that Herr Krauss is dead?”