– Their faith means everything to them. It helps these poor people to endure the hardships of life. Sir, you have not been in the village beyond the church, so you have no idea how supportive their faith is, since they have not yet left their homes. I think in their case religion is an indispensable thing, it is a cure, for if the Walsinghamese had not such a strong faith as they have, they would die of black ennui and hopelessness, or voluntarily give up their lives. But, notwithstanding, these poor people are content with their lot.
Mr. Morris's reflections made the Viscount feel uneasy: why did the Government and the King make no effort to rid England of such "rotten places"? Perhaps, thought the Viscount, it is convenient for the rich lords to be "ignorant" of such terrible poverty, "impossible" in the prosperous kingdom of England. In "rotten places" people are born, suffer all their lives, leave offspring and die, and their offspring experience what their parents and ancestors experienced. It's a regression. Civilisation has stagnated there or has not reached there at all. Meanwhile, London is prospering, the king and nobles are getting richer, the sciences and the economy are advancing. But the people who remained there, in the wilderness, out of sight, were completely forgotten, as if they were a heavy load, a burden, rubbish, unpleasant for the great England.
– But why didn't the former owner take care of them? – Mr. Morris asked the Viscount in a disapproving tone.
– I think he was uninformed about Walsingham. The late lord acquired the estate at a very young age, but he was seldom there, so I suppose he had no idea that there was a village near Rivershold," replied the Viscount. – But I have no doubt that my friend the Count of Draymore will rectify this unpleasant situation and bring happiness and prosperity to the Walsingham people.
Here the Viscount was being a bit deceitful: after his morning conversation with his friend, he suspected that he had no intention of returning to the village and keeping the promises he had made to its inhabitants. But Lord Wilworth hoped that he could persuade the Count of Draymore and set him on the path of honour.
– I share your hope, sir, because Miss Cassandra's fate touches and worries me deeply. If I had the opportunity, I would adopt that lovely girl at once," said Mr. Morris gravely.