There is one thing which will always be noted, and
that is the intense dislike which you, perhaps I, certainly the
majority of neutrals, feel towards England."
"It is true," the young man assented solemnly. "One finds it
everywhere."
"Before the war," Catherine went on, "it was Germany who was hated
everywhere. She pushed her way into the best places at hotels,
watering places--Monte Carlo, for instance and the famous spas.
Today, all that accumulated dislike seems to be turned upon
England. I am not myself a great admirer of this country, and yet
I ask myself why?"
"England is smug," the young man pronounced; "She is callous; she
is, without meaning to be, hypocritical. She works herself into a
terrible state of indignation about the misdeeds of her
neighbours, and she does not realise her own faults. The Germans
are overbearing, but one realises that and expects it. Englishmen
are irritating. It is certainly true that amongst us remaining
neutrals," he added, dropping his voice a little and looking
around to be sure of their isolation, "the sympathy remains with
the Central Powers."
"I have some dear friends in this country, too," Catherine sighed.
"Naturally--amongst those of your own order. But then there is
very little difference between the aristocracies of every race in
the world. It is the bourgeoisie which tells, which sets its
stamp upon a nation's character."
Their tea had arrived, and for a few moments the conversation
travelled in lighter channels.
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