Her idealism came to show as soon as she spoke.

It was a necessity of her nature to be enthusiastic; unfriendly critics said hysterical, but I should prefer to say high-falutin' about everything she enjoyed or admired.

She was at her best in misfortune; her great vanity gave her a certain proud stoicism which was admirable.
The Land League was under discussion as we entered, and Parnell's attitude to it.

Lady Wilde regarded him as the predestined saviour of her country.

"Parnell," she said with a strong accent on the first syllable, "is the man of destiny; he will strike off the fetters and free Ireland, and throne her as Queen among the nations." A murmur of applause came from a thin bird-like woman standing opposite, who floated towards us clad in a sage-green gown, which sheathed her like an umbrella case; had she had any figure the dress would have been indecent.
"How like 'Speranza'!" she cooed, "dear Lady Wilde!" I noticed that her glance went towards Willie, who was standing on the other side of his mother, talking to a tall, handsome girl.