“Home?”
“Yes. I think this is, in some sense, John’s home. Mother always made him welcome to it. Dear Richard, if it is foolish to meet troubles, it is far more foolish to meet quarrels.”
“I do not wish to quarrel, Phyllis; if John does not talk to you as he ought not to talk. He ought to have more modesty than to ask you to share such a home as he can offer you.”
“Richard, dear, you are in a bad way. There is a trustees’ meeting to-night, and they are in trouble about dollars and cents; I would go, if I were you.”
“And have to help the deficiency?”
“Yes; when a man has been feeling unkindly, and talking unkindly, the best of all atonements is to do a good deed.”
“O, Phyllis! Phyllis!”
“Yes, Richard; and you will see the Bishop there, very likely; and you can tell the good old man what is in your heart, and I know what he will say. ‘It is but fair and square, son Richard, to treat a man kindly till he does you some wrong which deserves unkindness.’ He will say, ‘Son Richard, if you have not the proofs upon which to blame a man, don’t blame him upon likelihoods.’”
“My good little sister, what do you want me to do?”
“I want you to meet John, as we were met at Hallam, with trusting courtesy.”