There is another--I recommend it to you: _The Shames of
England_."
"You think poverty a disgrace?" murmured Diana, held by the glowing
fanatical look of the speaker.
"_Our_ poverty is a disgrace--the life of our poor is a disgrace. What
does the Empire matter--what do Afghan campaigns matter--while London is
rotten? However" (she smiled again, and caressed Diana's hand), "will
you make friends with me?"
"Is it worth while for you?" said Diana, laughing. "I shall always
prefer my picture-book to yours, I am afraid. And--I am not poor--and I
don't give all my money away."
Miss Vincent surveyed her gayly.
"Well, I come here," (she looked significantly round the luxurious
room), "and I am very good friends with the Marshams. Oliver Marsham is
one of the persons from whom I hope most."
"Not in pulling down wealth--and property!" cried Diana.
"Why not? Every revolution has its Philippe Egalite Oh, it will come
slowly--it will come slowly," said the other, quietly. "And of course
there will be tragedy--there always is--in everything. But not, I hope,
for you--never for you!" And once more her hand dropped softly
on Diana's.
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