"Of what, madam?" said Lord Peterborough.
"That I will not always keep a rag of the stars and stripes flying somewhere."
But that little speech had almost been too much for her equanimity.
"Like Queen Elizabeth who retained the crucifix when she gave up the profession of popery."
"Very unlike indeed!" said Fleda, endeavouring to understand what Mr. Carleton was saying to her about wood strawberries and hautbois.
"Will you allow that, Carleton?"
"What, my lord?"
"A rival banner to float alongside of St. George's?"
'"The flags are friendly, my lord."
"Hum--just now,--they may seem so.--Has your little standard-bearer anything of a rebellious disposition?"