“And have you preserved that by your settlement?” I asked him.
“It depends,” he said gravely, “on the spirit in which it is carried out. If neither party in Ireland can agree, and if they will not be reconciled to us, then we have achieved nothing. But if,” his voice grew in volume, “if there is a purpose in life; and if great trust breeds great trust, as I believe; and if faith and hope are more than words to humanity, and direct our thoughts and inspire our bravest acts; then, surely, this work will endure.”
He raised his hand, solemnly.
“Sir,” I said, “I have travelled much in our Empire. The Dominions are my second home. Are they to be Dominions still? Or, if they claim it, are they to become Free States also?”
“It is a Dominion status,” he replied. “The name does not matter.”
“Are you sure?”
“The real tie,” he answered, “must be one of loyalty and love. It is a small matter how the thing is called: and if those qualities are absent you will not better it by the name of Dominion....
“And now,” he said, “I’ve talked long enough. I’ve a Cabinet Council and an interview with the Foreign Secretary to get through before lunch; and there are three confounded deputations which Hyde insists on my seeing personally. So you must go.”
Wherewith he disappeared through one of the multitude of doors surrounding his breakfast-room.