His own smiled in response, and he resumed:
"I suppose you don't know many of these people here?"
"Not any."
"I'm sure you'll like Mr. Ferrier. He is our very old friend--almost my
guardian. Of course--on politics--you won't agree!"
"I didn't expect to agree with anybody here," said Diana, slyly.
He laughed.
"I might offer you Lady Niton--but I refrain. To-morrow I have reason to
believe that two Tories are coming to dinner."
"Which am I to admire?--your liberality, or their courage?"
"I have matched them by two socialists. Which will you sit next?"
"Oh, I am proof!" said Diana. "'Come one, come all.'"
He looked at her smilingly.
"Is it always the same? Are you still in love with all the dear old
abuses?"
"And do you still hate everything that wasn't made last week?"
"Oh no! We only hate what cheats or oppresses the people."
"The people?" echoed Diana, with an involuntary lift of the eyebrows,
and she looked round the immense hall, with its costly furniture, its
glaring electric lights, and the band of bad fresco which ran round its
lower walls.
Oliver Marsham reddened a little; then said:
"I see my cousin Miss Drake.
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