"How good of you to say so," murmured His Lordship.
"Then again," continued Monsignor, with a sly glance at Arthur, "it seems to me inevitable that the English-speaking peoples must come into closer communion, not merely for their own good, or for selfish aims, but to spread among less fortunate nations their fine political principles. There's the force, the strength, of the whole scheme. Put poor Ireland on her feet, and I vote for an alliance."
"Truly, a Daniel come to judgment," murmured Arthur.
"It's a fine view to take of it," the Boss thought.
"Are you afraid to ask Ledwith for an opinion?" Arthur suggested.
"What's he got to do with it?" Everard snapped, unsoftened by the mellow atmosphere of the feast.
"It is no longer a practical question with me," Owen said cheerfully. "I have always said that if the common people of the British Isles got an understanding of each other, and a better liking for each other, the end of oppression would come very soon. They are kept apart by the artificial hindrances raised by the aristocracy of birth and money. The common people easily fraternize, if they are permitted. See them in this country, living, working, intermarrying, side by side."
"How will that sound among the brethren?" said Arthur disappointed.
His mother flashed him a look of triumph, and Lord Constantine looked foolishly happy.
"As the utterance of a maniac, of course. Have they ever regarded me as sane?" he answered easily.