read of a theory by observed changes in the atmosphere and
corresponding changes in the nerves."

"Yes," said Pash, his dark face lighting up rather impishly, "there is
the idea of nationalities; I dare say the wild asses are snuffing it,
and getting more gregarious."

"You don't share that idea?" said Deronda, finding a piquant
incongruity between Pash's sarcasm and the strong stamp of race on his
features.

"Say, rather, he does not share that spirit," said Mordecai, who had
turned a melancholy glance on Pash. "Unless nationality is a feeling,
what force can it have as an idea?"

"Granted, Mordecai," said Pash, quite good-humoredly. "And as the
feeling of nationality is dying, I take the idea to be no better than a
ghost, already walking to announce the death."

"A sentiment may seem to be dying and yet revive into strong life,"
said Deronda. "Nations have revived. We may live to see a great
outburst of force in the Arabs, who are being inspired with a new zeal."

"Amen, amen," said Mordecai, looking at Deronda with a delight which
was the beginning of recovered energy: his attitude was more upright,
his face was less worn.

"That may hold with backward nations," said Pash, "but with us in
Europe the sentiment of nationality is destined to die out. It will
last a little longer in the quarters where oppression lasts, but
nowhere else. The whole current of progress is setting against it."

"Ay," said Buchan, in a rapid thin Scotch tone which was like the
letting in of a little cool air on the conversation, "ye've done well
to bring us round to the point. Ye're all agreed that societies
change--not always and everywhere--but on the whole and in the long
run. Now, with all deference, I would beg t' observe that we have got
to examine the nature of changes before we have a warrant to call them
progress, which word is supposed to include a bettering, though I
apprehend it to be ill-chosen for that purpose, since mere motion
onward may carry us to a bog or a precipice. And the questions I would
put are three: Is all change in the direction of progress? if not, how
shall we discern which change is progress and which not? and thirdly,
how far and in what way can we act upon the course of change so as to
promote it where it is beneficial, and divert it where it is injurious?"

But Buchan's attempt to impose his method on the talk was a failure.
Lily immediately said--

"Change and progress are merged in the idea of