"Ah!--I like consistency," said Mr. Stackpole. "America shouldn't dress up poles with liberty caps till all who walk under are free to wear them. She cannot boast that the breath of her air and the breath of freedom are one."
"Can England?" said Fleda gently,--"when her own citizens are not free from the horrors of impressment?"
"Pshaw!" said Mr. Stackpole, half in a pet and half laughing,--"why, where did you get such a fury against England?--you are the first fair antagonist I have met on this side of the water."
"I wish I was a better one, sir," said Fleda laughing.
"Miss Ringgan has been prejudiced by an acquaintance with one or two unfortunate specimens," said Mrs. Evelyn.
"Ay!" said Mr. Stackpole a little bitterly,--"America is the natural birthplace of prejudice,--always was."
"Displayed, first, in maintaining the rights against the swords of Englishmen;--latterly, how, Mr. Stackpole?"
"It isn't necessary to enlighten you on any part of the subject," said he a little pointedly.
"Fleda, my dear, you are answered!" said Mrs. Evelyn, apparently with great internal amusement.
"Yet you will indulge me so far as to indicate what part of the subject you are upon?" said Fleda quietly.