"How are they all at home?"
"I think,--the strong self-respect which springs from the security and importance that republican institutions give every man. But," she added colouring, "I have seen very little of the world and ought not to judge."
"I have no doubt you are quite right," said Mr. Carleton smiling. "But don't you think an equal degree of self-respect may consist with giving honour where honour is due?"
"Yes--" said Fleda a little doubtfully,--"where religion and not republicanism is the spring of it."
"Humility and not pride," said he. "Yes--you are right."
"My countrymen do yield honour where they think it is due," said Fleda; "especially where it is not claimed. They must give it to reality, not to pretension. And I confess I would rather see them a little rude in their independence than cringing before mere advantages of external position;--even for my own personal pleasure."
"I agree with you, Elfie,--putting perhaps the last clause out of the question."
"Now that man," said Fleda, smiling at his look,--"I suppose his address must have struck you as very strange; and yet there was no want of respect under it. I am sure he has a true thorough respect and even regard for me, and would prove it on any occasion."
"I have no doubt of that."
"But it does not satisfy you?"