Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/283

 the loveliest person in the world and has the most beautiful character. He racks his brain sometimes and twists all his theories of God inside out trying to explain to himself why she should have been given to a man like James.

When presently the Reverend Mr. Eaton came in, he too fell in love with Mrs. James, and his brains too were well racked and his theories about God were twisted and tousled in trying to explain to himself how she happened to have been allowed to cast herself away upon that desert island of a son of his—where all that was deserving in her of happiness must come to grief.

But perhaps that great goodness of hers, the which there was no mistaking, would prove contagious. Perhaps James would come down with it in time—if only with a mild case. He didn't.

Finally Dear Mother carried the new daughter off to the upper regions of the house, the Reverend Mr. Eaton retreated into his workroom, and the two brothers were left together.

"Charming—isn't she?" said James.

"I think she is wonderful," said Edward. "She has the sweetest expression I ever saw."

"She is like her expression through and through," said James. "I don't deserve her."

"Right you are!" exclaimed Edward cheerfully.

But James frowned. It was all right for him