Mrs.
Colwood only said: "I suppose she would not have come over--if things had not been _very_ bad." "Why didn't she give me some warning ?" cried Diana--"instead of talking about French lessons! But am I bound--do _you_ think I am bound ?--to give the Mertons a thousand pounds?
I know papa got tired of giving them money.

I wonder if it's _right_!" She frowned.

Her voice was a little stern.

Her eyes flashed.
Mrs.Colwood again touched her hair with a hand that trembled.
"They are your only relations, aren't they ?" she said, pleadingly.
"Yes," said Diana, still with the same roused look.
"Perhaps it would set them on their feet altogether." The girl gave a puzzled laugh.
"Did she--Muriel, did she ask you to tell me ?" "I think she wanted me to break it to you," said Mrs.Colwood, after a moment.

"And I thought it--it might save you pain." "Just like you!" Diana stooped to kiss her hand.