"Why not? Every revolution has its Philippe Égalité 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. "You were happy to-night?--you enjoyed the dance?" The question, so put, with such a look, from another mouth, would have been an impertinence. Diana shrank, but could not resent it. Yet, against her will, she flushed deeply. "Yes. It was delightful. I did not expect to enjoy it so much, but--" "But you did! That's well. That's good!" Marion Vincent rose feebly. And as she stood, leaning on the chair, she touched the folds of Diana's white dress. "When shall I see you again?--and that dress?" "I shall be in London in May," said Diana, eagerly--May I come then? You must tell me where." "Ah, you won't come to Bethnal Green in that dress. What a pity!" Diana helped her to her room, where they shook hands and parted. Then Diana came back to her own quarters. She had put out the electric light for Miss Vincent's sake. The room was lit only by the fire. In the full-length mirror of the toilet-table Diana saw her own white reflection, and the ivy leaves in her hair. The absence of her mourning was first a pain; then the joy of the evening surged up again. Oh, was it wrong, was it wrong to be happy--in this world "where men sit and hear each other groan"? She clasped her hands to her soft breast, as though defending the warmth, the hope that were springing there, against any dark protesting force that might threaten to take them from her. CHAPTER VI "Henry," said Mrs. Roughsedge to her husband, "I think it would do you good to walk to Beechcote." "No, my dear, no! I have many proofs to get through before dinner. Take Hugh. Only--" Dr. Roughsedge, smiling, held up a beckoning finger. His wife approached. "Don't let him fall in love with that young woman. It's no good." "Well, she must marry somebody, Henry." "Big fishes mate with big fishes--minnows with minnows." "Don't run down your own son, sir. Who, pray, is too good for him?" "The world is divided into wise men, fools, and mothers. The characters of the first two are mingled--disproportionately--in the last," said Dr. Roughsedge, patiently enduring the kiss his wife inflicted on him. "Don't kiss me, Patricia--don't tread on my proofs--go away--and tell Jane not to forget my tea because you have gone out."