“Well, he needn’t have had it to swallow if he hadn’t been so tyrannical and obstinate,” remarked Walter. “I remember that Bancroft says, ‘The American struggle was avowedly a war in defence of the common rights of mankind.’”
“That is very true, Walter,” returned his grandfather. “They—the leading men of the time—were a noble band of patriots and lovers of their kind. We have a right to be proud of them.”
“And I am proud of them, sir,” returned the lad, his cheeks glowing and his eyes sparkling.
“That’s right, my little man; everybody should love his country and feel proud of all its people who resist tyranny and stand up boldly for the principle that ‘all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,’” said a strange voice which seemed to come from their rear.
Every one turned to see the speaker; then finding he was not visible, laughed pleasantly.
“I am glad to learn that you are so well acquainted with our glorious Declaration of Independence, Cousin Ronald, and seem to appreciate it so highly,” remarked Grandma Elsie, with a smiling look into the pleasant face of her kinsman.
“Ah, indeed, cousin! are you entirely sure that I am deserving of that compliment?” queried Mr. Lilburn gravely.
“Quite sure,” she returned. “I could hardly have quoted it so correctly myself.”
“But was that my voice, cousin?” he asked.