This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... all new to you, Mainwaring, but England has known it always. She will never permit the least infringement upon the balance of power." Mainwaring was silent, but Nathalie nodded knowingly at him, saying wisely: "England will wake up some day and find a sword stuck through that pretty whimsy. I hope it will be ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... all new to you, Mainwaring, but England has known it always. She will never permit the least infringement upon the balance of power." Mainwaring was silent, but Nathalie nodded knowingly at him, saying wisely: "England will wake up some day and find a sword stuck through that pretty whimsy. I hope it will be a Cossack lance that pierces it too." Sir James turned upon her in exasperation. "Don't argue, Nathalie," he said. "I hate argument, as you have heard me say. Nothing is less becoming in a woman. One learns to take things for granted in England. That is what English repose means--taking established things for granted. It is only the ignorant who run about trying to overturn precedents." He made a slightly deprecating gesture, as he turned toward Catherine, adding, "You will pardon me, madame, for saying that though one admits the undisputed size of your country, it can hardly be included in Europe's plans for higher civilisation." Nathalie abruptly stepped out upon the balcony, followed by Serge. Watson, arriving with due punctuality to see Sir James home at a prudent hour, was never a more welcome intruder. "Uncle Jack has gone over to Russia," whispered Nathalie, peeping in a little later from the moonlit balcony at the American, who had lingered to chat with the soft-voiced woman of his summer plans. "He has got the double-eagles in his blood." Later, when they rejoined those inside, Nathalie accused her uncle of his traitorship. He smiled rather wistfully, though his face was unusually grave as he confessed to it. "I see what bewitches you out here, little girl. I do not blame you a bit. I am going to lose myself in this gigantic wonderland for a while, but I shall come back to give the bride away, whether it is to be done in a mosque or...
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