The boys told of England and the life there, and were so full of enthusiasm for their country that it was almost impossible not to catch something of the contagion of their mood.
Both Colin and his sister had seen much to disgust and displease them amongst the French; whilst round their foes there seemed to be a sort of halo of romance and chivalry which appealed to the imaginative strain in both brother and sister.
Their British blood could not fail to be stirred within them.

They saw and heard of corruption, chicanery, and petty jealousy all round them here.

It was hardly to be wondered at that they inclined to the other side.

England and Scotland were uniting together for the conquest of this Western world.

Their mother's countrymen were fighting the battle.