“Simply that it might have taught the explanation. Is it truth, or am I deceived in believing that your nation is neither well received nor kindly met by the prouder country with which you are united; and that, save when you stoop to blush at your nationality, you are never recognized as claimant for either office or advancement?” “This may have been the case once to some extent,” said Frank, doubtingly, “but I scarcely think such differences exist now.” “Then you are more fortunate than we,” said Ravitzky. “But I see men of your nation the very highest in military rank,--the very nearest to the Sovereign?” “Their's be the shame, then,” said Ravitzky. “There are false hearts in every land.” “This is a puzzle to me I cannot comprehend.” “I 'll tell you how to understand it all, and easily, too, Herr Lieutenant. Take this letter and forward it to the Council of War; declare that Cadet Ravitzky acknowledged to yourself that he was a Hungarian, heart and soul, and, save the eagle on his chako, had nothing of Austria about him. Add, that a hundred thousand of his countrymen are ready to assert the same; and see if they will not make _you_ an Ober-lieutenant, and send me to Moncacs for life.” He held out the letter, as he spoke, for Frank to take, and looked as proudly defiant as if daring him to the act. “You cannot suppose I would do this?” “And yet it is exactly your duty, and what you took a solemn oath to perform not a week back.” “And if there be such disaffection in the troops, how will they behave before an enemy?” asked Frank, eagerly. “As they have always done; ay, even in this very campaign that now threatens us, where men are about to strike a blow for liberty, you 'll see our fellows as foremost in the charge as though the cause at stake was not their own.” “Ravitzky, I wish you had told me nothing of all this.” “And yet you forced the confession from me. I told Walstein, over and over, that you were not suited for our plans. You rich men have too much to lose to venture on so bold a game; he thought otherwise, and all because you were an Irishman!” “But I have scarcely ever seen Ireland. I know nothing of its grievances or wrongs.” “I believe they are like our own,” said Ravitzky. “They tell me that your people, like ours, are warm, passionate, and impatient; generous in their attachments, and terrible in their hatred. If it be so, and if England be like Austria, there will be the same game to play out there as here.” Frank grew thoughtful at these words. He recalled all that the Abbé D'Esmonde had said to him about the rights of a free people and the duties of citizenship, and canvassed within his own mind the devoirs of his position; meanwhile Ravitzky had fallen back to the men and taken his place in the ranks.