"You answered for Charlotte yourself just now. Yes, she is very, very, very good to me; much better than I deserve. I was almost going to quote the collect, and say 'desire or deserve.'"
"Why should you not desire or deserve her goodness?" asked Valentine.
"Because I am not a loveable kind of person. I am not sympathetic. I know that Charlotte is very fascinating, very charming; but sometimes her very fascination repels me. I think the atmosphere of that horrible swampy district between Lambeth and Battersea, where my childhood was spent, must have soured my disposition."
"No, Diana; you have only learnt a bitter way of talking. I know your heart is noble and true. I have seen your suppressed indignation many a time when your father's meannesses have revolted you. Our lives have been very hard, dear; but let us hope for brighter days. I think they must come to us."
"They will never come to me," said Diana.
"You say that with an air of conviction. But why should they not come to you—brighter and better days?"
"I cannot tell you that. I can only tell you that they will not come.
And do you hope that any good will ever come of your love for Charlotte
Halliday—you, who know Mr. Sheldon?"
"I am ready to hope anything."
"You think that Mr. Sheldon would let his stepdaughter marry a penniless man?"
"I may not always be penniless. Besides, Mr. Sheldon has no actual authority over Charlotte."