“We don’t hate the English,” said Augusta. “What nonsense. The Irish do, and the politicians toady to the Irish and control certain of the newspapers. That is all there is in it; but they make the most noise.”
“And we grovel,” said Mrs. Burr. “It is a pity we can’t strike a happy medium.”
“I think the greater part of the nation is indifferent,” said Miss Maitland, “or at all events recognises the bond of blood and gratitude.”
The Duke was making his peace with Mabel.
“I was afraid I bored you this morning,” he said, “it is good of you not to tell me that you don’t want to talk to me again for a week.”
“You only stayed an hour. Did it seem so long?”
“I never paid a call of twenty minutes before,” he said unblushingly.
“Oh, how sweet of you!”
“Not at all. Can I walk home with you? Is that proper?”
“Oh, there will be a lot of us together; and they will all want to talk to you.”