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they do already. I began life as the black sheep of the
neighborhood, and it is easier for the Ethiopian to change his skin
than for a man to live down the past in public opinion. I shall
be, at any rate, the dusky gray sheep of the place to the end of my
life.
There was no bitterness, no shade of complaint in his tone; he
merely stated a fact. Erica was amazed; she knew that he was about
the only man who attempted to grapple with the evil and degradation
and poverty of Greyshot.
You see, he continued, with a bright look which seemed to raise
Erica into purer atmosphere, it is not the public estimation which
makes a man's character. There is one question, which I think we
ought never to ask ourselves, and that is 'What will people think
of me?' It should be instead: 'How can I serve?'
But if they take away your power, how can you serve?
They can't take it away; they may check and hinder for a time,
that is all. I believe one may serve always and everywhere.
You don't mean that I can serve that roomful of enemies in there?
That is exactly what I do mean, he answered, smiling a little.
In the meantime, Lady Caroline was apologizing to Mr. Cuthbert.
I don't know when I have been so vexed! she exclaimed. It is
really too bad of Mrs. FaneSmith. I had no idea that the
BurneJones angel I promised you was the daughter of that
disgraceful man. What a horrible satire, is it not?
Pray, don't apologize, said Mr. Cuthbert. It was really rather
amusing than otherwise, and I fancy the young lady will be in no
great hurry to force her way into society again.
He laughed a soft, malicious, chuckling laugh.
I should hope not, indeed, said Lady Caroline, indignantly.
Where has she disappeared to?
Need you ask? said Mr. Cuthbert, smiling. Our revered member
secured her at once, and has been talking to her in the
conservatory for at least half an hour, hatching radical plots, I
dare say, and vowing vengeance on all aristocrats.
Really it is too shocking! said Lady Caroline. Mr. Farrant has
no sense of what is fitting; it is a trait which I have always
noticed in Radicals. He ought, at least to have some respect for
his position.
Birds of a feather flock together, suggested Mr. Cuthbert, with
his malicious smile.
Well, I don't often defend Mr. Farrant, said Lady Caroline. But
he comes of a good old family, and, though a Radical, he is at
least respectable.
Lady Caroline knew absolutely nothing about Erica, but uttered the
last sentence, with its vague, farreaching, and most damaging
hint, without even a pricking of conscience.

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