Germans destroyed civilization here in Europe and no punishment is too bad for

them. Of course, that looks an impractical kind of position to us in the United

States, but what's always puzzled me is how you English don't seem to share the

view of the French. After all, like you say, Britain lost a lot in that war

too."

 

There was another awkward pause before Sir David said, rather uncertainly:

 

"We English have often had a different way of looking at such things from the

French, Mr Lewis." might say." Mr Lewis's smile seemed to broaden slightly as he

said this. He nodded to himself, as though many things had now become clear to

him, and drew on his cigar. It is possible this is

 

. a case of hindsight colouring my memory, but I have a distinct feeling that it

was at that moment I first sensed something odd, something duplicitous perhaps,

about this apparently charming American gentleman. But if my own suspicions were

aroused at that moment, Lord Darlington evidently did not share them. For after

another second or two of awkward silence, his lordship seemed to come to a

decision.

 

"Mr Lewis," he said, "let me put it frankly.

 

Most of us in England find the present French attitude despicable. You may

indeed call it a temperamental difference, but I venture we are talking about

something rather more. It is unbecoming to go on hating an enemy like this once