But one chance remark that Natalie made, on the impulse of the moment, did for the briefest possible time break down that charming self-confidence of hers, and show her—­to the wonderment of the English girls—­the prey of an alarmed embarrassment.  George Brand had been talking of patriotism, and of the scorn that must naturally be felt for the man who would say of his country, “Well, it will last my time.  Let me enjoy myself when I can.  What do I care about the future of other people?” And then he went on to talk of the larger patriotism that concerned itself not merely with one’s fellow-countrymen but with one’s fellow-mortals; and how the stimulus and enthusiasm of that wider patriotism should be proportionately stronger; and how it might seek to break down artificial barriers of political systems and religious creeds.  Patriotism was a beautiful flame—­a star; but here was a sun.  Ordinary, to tell the truth, Brand was but an indifferent speaker—­he had all an Englishman’s self-consciousness; but now he spoke for Natalie alone, and minded the others but little.  Presently Lady Evelyn said, with a smile,

“You, too, Miss Lind, are a reformer, are you not?  Evelyn is very mysterious, and I can’t quite make out what he means; but at all events it is very kind of you to spare us an evening when you must be so deeply engaged.”

“I?” said Natalie.  “Oh no, it is very little that I can do.  The work is too difficult and arduous for women, perhaps.  But there is one thing that women can do—­they can love and honor those who are working for them.”

It was spoken impulsively—­probably the girl was thinking only of her father.  But at the moment she happened to look up, and there were Rosalys D’Agincourt’s calmly observant eyes fixed on her.  Then some vague echo of what she had said rushed in upon her; she was bewildered by the possible interpretation others might put on the words; and the quick, sensitive blood mounted to her forehead.  But fortunately Lady Evelyn, who had missed the whole thing, happened at this very instant to begin talking of orchids, and Natalie struck in with great relief.  So that little episode went by.

And, as dinner went on, Brand became more and more convinced that this family was the most delightful family in England.  Just so much restraint had left their manner as to render those madcap girls exceedingly frank and good-natured in the courtesy they showed to their guest, and to admit her as a confidante into their ways of bantering each other.  And one would herself come round to shift the fire-screen behind Miss Lind to precisely the proper place; and another said that Miss Lind drank water because Evelyn had been so monstrously stupid as not to have any Hungarian wine for her; and another asked if she might call on Miss Lind the following afternoon, to take her to some place where some marvellous Japanese curiosities were on view.  Then, when they left for the drawing-room, the eldest Miss D’Agincourt put her arm within the arm of their guest, and said,