Of course the discussion of the American project was merely opened at that time.  English people, even at this day, move only after slow and prudent deliberation; and then emigration was almost an irrevocable action.  Katherine was predisposed to it, but yet she dearly loved the home she had made so beautiful.  During Hyde’s convalescence, also, other plans had been made and talked over until they had become very hopeful and pleasant; and they could not be cast aside without some reluctance.  In fact, the purpose grew slowly, but surely, all through the following winter; being mainly fed by Katherine’s loving desire to be near to her parents, and by Hyde’s unconfessed desire to take part in the struggle which he foresaw, and which had his warmest sympathy.  Every American letter strengthened these feelings; but the question was finally settled—­as many an important event in every life is settled—­by a person totally unknown to both Katherine and Hyde.

It was on a cold, stormy afternoon in February, when the fens were white with snow.  Hyde sat by the big wood-fire, re-reading a letter from Joris Van Heemskirk, which also enclosed a copy of Josiah Quincy’s speech on the Boston Port Bill.  Katherine had a piece of worsted work in her hands.  Little Joris was curled up in a big chair with his book, seeing nothing of the present, only conscious of the gray, bleak waves of the English Channel, and the passionate Blake bearing down upon Tromp and De Ruyter.

“What a battle that would be!” he said, jumping to his feet.  “Father, I wish that I had lived a hundred years ago.”

“What are you talking about, George?”

“Listen, then:  ’Eighty sail put to sea under Blake.  Tromp and De Ruyter, with seventy-six sail, were seen, upon the 18th of February, escorting three hundred merchant-ships up the channel.  Three days of desperate fighting ensued, and Tromp acquired prodigious honour by this battle; for, though defeated, he saved nearly the whole of his immense convoy.’  I wish I had been with Tromp, father.”

“But an English boy should wish to have been with Blake.”

“Tromp had the fewer vessels.  One should always help the weaker side, father.  And, besides, you know I am half Dutch.”

Katherine looked proudly at the boy, but Hyde had a long fit of musing.  “Yes,” he answered at length, “a brave man always helps those who need it most.  Your father’s letter, Katherine, stirs me wonderfully.  Those Americans show the old Saxon love of liberty.  Hear how one of them speaks for his people:  ’Blandishments will not fascinate us, nor will threats of a halter intimidate.  For, under God, we are determined that wheresoever, whensoever, or howsoever we shall be called to make our exit, we will die free men.’  Such men ought to be free, Katherine, and they will be free.”

It was at this moment that Lettice came in with a bundle of newspapers:  “They be brought by Sir Thomas Swaffham’s man, sir, with Sir Thomas’s compliments; there being news he thinks you would like to read, sir.”