'I really DON'T understand what you're talking about.' 'It's all different in our country,' said Cyril carefully; and I have read it used to be different in London.

Usedn't people to have no homes and beg because they were hungry?
And wasn't London very black and dirty once upon a time?
And the Thames all muddy and filthy?
And narrow streets, and--' 'You must have been reading very old-fashioned books,' said the lady.
'Why, all that was in the dark ages! My husband can tell you more about it than I can.

He took Ancient History as one of his special subjects.' 'I haven't seen any working people,' said Anthea.
'Why, we're all working people,' said the lady; 'at least my husband's a carpenter.' 'Good gracious!' said Anthea; 'but you're a lady!' 'Ah,' said the lady, 'that quaint old word! Well, my husband WILL enjoy a talk with you.

In the dark ages everyone was allowed to have a smoky chimney, and those nasty horses all over the streets, and all sorts of rubbish thrown into the Thames.

And, of course, the sufferings of the people will hardly bear thinking of.