The walrus, startled by this abruptness, began to bark. “That’s what I mean. That’s exactly what I mean. You’ve got a grudge against the Germans.”
“Not I.”
“You have. It proves itself. The Germans are the best citizens in the State.”
Jeremy laughed not quite pleasantly. “I was betting myself you’d say that next.”
“Say what? I don’t understand you.”
“Every German-American I’ve ever talked with tells me sooner or later that the German-Americans are the solidest or the best or the most representative citizens in the country. If not the most modest,” added he maliciously.
Like most retorts inspired by annoyance it was a tactless speech. The walrus bristled. “You see!” he growled. “There’s your prejudice.”
“No prejudice at all. The Germans considered as people are all very well. I like them and respect them. But there are other people in America, you know,—Americans, for instance.”
“We all know how you feel. We all know why you fought our school bill.”
“I did n’t fight it. I let up on it.”