第76章 CHAPTER XVI HOSPITALITY WITHOUT GRUDGING(5)

"But I need not weary you with quotations. The political literature of Germany for the last fifteen years is saturated with this spirit.

The British people dismiss this with a good-natured smile of contempt. To them it is simply an indication of German bad breeding. If you care I shall have a number of these books sent you. They are somewhat difficult to get. Indeed, some of them cannot be had in English at all. But you read German, do you not?

Kathleen told me about your German prize."

"I do, a little. But I confess I prefer the English," said Jane with a little laugh.

"The chief trouble, however, is that so few English-speaking people care to read them. But I assure you that the one all-absorbing topic of the German people is this one of Germany's manifest destiny to rule and elevate the world. And remember these two things go together. They have no idea of dominating the world intellectually or even commercially--but perhaps you are sick of this.""Not at all. I am very greatly interested," said Jane.

"Then I shall just read you one thing more. The German has no idea that he can benefit a nation until he conquers it. Listen to this:

"'The dominion of German thought can only be extended under the aegis of political power, and unless we act in conformity to this idea we shall be untrue to out great duties toward the human race.'""I shall be very glad to get those books," said Jane, "and I wish you would mark some of these passages. And I promise you I shall do all I can to make all my friends read them. I shall begin with Papa and Larry. They are always making fun of me and my German scare.""I can quite understand that," replied Jack. "That is a very common attitude with a great majority of the people of England to-day. But you see I have been close to these things for years, and I have personal knowledge of many of the plans and purposes in the minds of the German Kaiser and the political and military leaders of Germany, and unhappily I know too the spirit that dominates the whole body of the German people.""You lived in Germany for some years?"

"Yes, for a number of years."

"And did you like the life there?"

"In many ways I did. I met some charming Germans, and then there is always their superb music."And for an hour Jack Romayne gave his listener a series of vivid pictures of his life in Germany and in other lands for the past ten years, mingling with personal reminiscences incidents connected with international politics and personages. He talked well, not only because his subject was a part of himself, but also because Jane possessed that rare ability to listen with intelligence and sympathy. Never had she met with a man who had been in such intimate touch with the world's Great Affairs and who was possessed at the same time of such brilliant powers of description.

Before either of them was aware the party from the mine had returned.

"We have had a perfectly glorious time," cried Nora as she entered the room with her cheeks and eyes glowing.

"So have we, Miss Nora," said Jack. "In fact, I had not the slightest idea of the flight of time.""You may say so," exclaimed Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. "These two have been so utterly absorbed in each other that my presence in the room or absence from it was a matter of perfect indifference. And how Jane managed it I don't know, but she got Jack to do for her what he has never done for me. He has actually been giving her the story of his life."Jane stood by listening with a smile of frank delight on her face.

"How did you do it, Jane?" asked Kathleen shyly. "He has never told me.""Oh, I just listened," said Jane.

"That's a nasty jar for you others," said Nora.

"But he told me something else, Kathleen," said Jane with a bright blush, "and I am awfully glad." As she spoke she went around to Kathleen and, kissing her, said, "It is perfectly lovely for you both.""Oh, you really mean that, do you?" said Jack. "You know she was exceedingly dubious of me this morning.""Well, I am not now," said Jane. "I know you better, you see.""Thank God," said Jack fervently. "The day has not been lost. You will be sure to come again to see me," he added as Jane said good-bye.

"Yes, indeed, you may be quite sure of that," replied Jane, smiling brightly back at him as she left the room with Nora.

"What a pity she is so plain," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt when she had returned from seeing Jane on her way with Nora and Mr. Wakeham.

"My dear Sybil, you waste your pity," said her brother. "That young lady is so attractive that one forgets whether she is plain or not. I can't quite explain her fascination for me. There's perfect sincerity to begin with. She is never posing. And perfect simplicity. And besides that she is so intellectually keen, she keeps one alive.""I just love her," said Kathleen. "She has such a good heart.""You have said it," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt, "and that is why Jane will never lose her charm."